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…

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….

In a series of stories in the Post-Dispatch, we write about the practice of midwifery, in which trained lay people attend to the delivery of a child. This is typical in low-risk pregnancies and deliveries, where mothers are interested in delivering in a familiar and non-medical environment.

In Missouri, non-nurse midwives cannot practice without a doctor in attendance, though midwives are trying to have that law changed. Surrounding states allow non-nurse midwives to practice. According to one of our stories:

Many birth centers are staffed with non-nurse midwives … They are direct-entry midwives, those who learn midwifery through apprenticeship or…