Even as the federal number-crunchers are telling us that the recession is over, more bad economic news is coming to Missouri.

As my colleague Virginia Young reports today, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon will be making more budget cuts today — probably at least $300 million and maybe more.

A comment from one state lawmaker in the story really struck me. Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, said: “The big places you go to get money are higher education and (elementary and secondary) education, but those are the untouchables.”

That’s because of Nixon’s pledge to keep funding for colleges stable.

I have a…

Like so many other states, Missouri will begin budget cuts.

While the budget cuts will start at some of the state’s social services programs, the Tour of Missouri, a bike tour that starts Sept. 7,  will be safe. According to the Post-Dispatch the bike tour costs $1.5 million, a fraction of the $60 million in cuts that Nixon is studying.

The Post-Dispatch also reported that $475,000 will be cut from domestic violence programs and $2.25 million from Health Care centers for low income families.

The Missouri Water Patrol, for instance, faces the possibility of scaling back patrols on some of the state’s rivers and…

Sunday’s Post-Dispatch story profiling five St. Louisans from among the NAACP’s list of 100 Most Inspiring St. Louisans is quite a unique and daunting compilation.  Of the 100-plus people, it includes folks from all walks of life, some who are in the news often, and others that rarely, if ever make headlines.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and the St. Louis chapter is honoring more than 100 area people Sunday evening. These folks,  in their own ways, have inspired others through their leadership, tenacity, energy or good will.

St. Louis University president, Rev….

A state lawmaker wants to give the “King of Beers” its own kingdom by making Budweiser the official beer of Missouri.

In today’s story by the Associated Press, a bill sponsored by state rep. Rep. Curt Dougherty would make Budweiser Missouri’s official beer. Dougherty claims that since Budweiser is a Missouri-based international icon that — if officially recognized — might even persuade more people to visit the state.

The brand is already the “Official International Beer” sponsor of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and will be the “Official Beer” of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Plus, it’s an official sponsor for 26 professional…

With last week’s announcement by Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt that he would not seek re-election, the field of potential candidates has widened with several state officer holders either throwing their hat in the ring, or they’re seriously considering a run.

U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Treasurer Sarah Steelman, have all taken the leap to declare their intentions. But other high-profile names are also considering a run.

Names like U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway of St. Louis, Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields of St. Joseph and House Speaker Rod Jetton of Marble Hill — are also considering a run.

Monday’s story by…