Illinois became the first state to ban the removal of books from school and public libraries this summer. But in Missouri, school officials are taking titles off of the shelves now more than ever. The actions from the neighboring states illustrate the increasing power of organized activists and politicians to implement broad legislation. In some cases, it takes only a lone, … [Read more...] about News Analysis: Illinois protects library books; Missouri removes them
Missouri
Exclusive: Hearing scheduled in Gateway Pundit defamation case
A hearing that could either strengthen or upend the defamation case by two Georgia poll workers against The Gateway Pundit, the far-right website operated by St. Louisan Jim Hoft, is scheduled for July 13 in St. Louis Circuit Court. St. Louis Circuit Judge Michael Stelzer is set to hear the plaintiffs’ request to dismiss a motion that The Gateway Pundit’s lawyers … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Hearing scheduled in Gateway Pundit defamation case
Can the First Amendment keep up with the brave new world of machine manufactured misinformation?
The point of the First Amendment is to protect expression people hate – Nazi protesters in Skokie, anti-war protesters burning the American flag, KKK hooligans in an Ohio farmfield, Christian fundamentalists protesting the burial of American soldiers. Tolerance for the speech we despise is the lesson of 232 years of the First Amendment. Yet the nation is awash today in … [Read more...] about Can the First Amendment keep up with the brave new world of machine manufactured misinformation?
Missouri legislature has history of ignoring people’s laws
For decades the Missouri legislature has been at odds with the will of the people on a host of major issues. Legislators are unfazed. In this year’s session in Jefferson City, lawmakers seem determined to codify their disdain for grassroots democracy. Legislators have introduced a slew of proposals to effectively end state voters’ use of the initiative petition process. They … [Read more...] about Missouri legislature has history of ignoring people’s laws
Missouri legislature targets Sunshine Act
Even as some in the Missouri legislature try to unravel the initiative process, they also are trying to undo “the will of the people” on previously passed voter initiatives on government transparency. A bill to undo some of the government transparency requirements passed by voters five years ago in the Clean Missouri initiative is advancing in the legislature. The bill would … [Read more...] about Missouri legislature targets Sunshine Act