Opinion

Dear Editor, More than 300,000 Missourians have spoken clearly: we want fair maps, not political power grabs paid for with our tax dollars. That’s nearly three times the number of signatures required by law to place a redistricting referendum on the ballot. Volunteers with the People Not Politicians Coalition, made up of everyday Missourians like me, gathered those signatures to demand an end to partisan gerrymandering and to suspend Republicandrawn maps ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

The Ray County Sheriff’s Office has announced substantial improvements to the Ray County Jail following a comprehensive evaluation conducted in early 2025. These upgrades address safety, security and operational concerns identified by outside auditors and detention experts.

As Missouri farmers and farm families look to 2026, planning and budgeting for health insurance and child care is essential. A free twopart webinar series from University of Missouri Extension, “Whole Farm Family Planning for the 21st Century,” helps farmers make choices tailored to their farm and family needs.