Missouri Press Association

Advancing the Missouri Press Foundation Posted Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:00 am News literacy can be learned. But you need good teachers who can relate to their audience, not talk down to them. Luckily, Missouri has many enthusiastic, talented editors and reporters who demonstrate the tools of news literacy every week.” The 160th annual Missouri Press Association convention convenes in Columbia in a few short weeks. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the future of reading the news.

At least one Missouri publisher has turned to direct digital printing after experiencing ongoing problems with his web press printer. Jimmy Sexton, owner and publisher of the Neosho Daily News and Aurora Advertiser, switched both papers to a magazine format in July after considering it for several months. “No more sleepless nights wondering if the press will break down, or worrying about possible delivery issues,” he told readers in announcing the change.

Missouri News Network: Statehouse News for MPA Members This report is written by Missouri School of Journalism students for publication by MPA member newspapers in print and online. ----------------------------------------------------- Missouri News Network this week has stories around the state Supreme Court’s decision on November ballot initiatives, issues surrounding rural energy issues and the potential impact of new restrictions on youth access to the online content.

I have always preferred the broadsheet newspaper format. Early in my career, I never had much use for tabloids, thinking they weren’t “real” newspapers. Blame the National Enquirer, if you will. When I became managing editor of the Muleskinner as a graduate student at the University of Central Missouri, one of the first things I did was convert the paper to a broadsheet. I was unsuccessful, however, in changing its name. My stance on broadsheets vs. tabloids has certainly evolved.

In the spring of 1995, I signed up for something I wasn't quite prepared for. Such is the way of a Gen Xer with nothing to lose and all the confidence in the world. I had been working for a few years on my college newspaper at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and decided to run for an office within our college newspaper sphere — the Missouri College Media Association. It was an offshoot of the legendary Missouri Press Association — a driving force in journalism in this state. I ran.

MPA Hotline Attorney's column Posted Wednesday, September 2, 2026 10:00 am We should recognize the efforts of members pushing state agencies to do the right thing. It helps show the extent of the records access problem and the importance of fixing it.” KRAKOW, Poland — My son and I spent two weeks in this wonderful city, hosted by an editor of one of Poland’s leading papers.

Steve Jennings, 70, of Kirkwood died July 25, 2026, at his home. A Crystal City native, Jennings was a longtime journalist and advocate for those with disabilities. He worked for several local newspapers, including Jefferson County Publications, the Courier-Journal and Leader Publications, covering a wide variety of local sports and doing many human-interest stories.

Read the latest edition of MPA's member magazine. Posted Tuesday, September 1, 2026 10:00 am Having trouble viewing this document? Click here to download the PDF. Having trouble viewing this document? Click here to download the PDF. You can’t learn if you skip class 29 minutes ago I’ve spent a good part of this year telling you to show up. Show up for your newspaper. Show up for your community. Show up for MPA.

MPA President's column Posted Tuesday, September 1, 2026 10:00 am MPA’s 160th Annual Convention and Trade Show will have something for everyone, including lots of learning opportunities. But you have to show up.” I’ve spent a good part of this year telling you to show up. Show up for your newspaper. Show up for your community. Show up for MPA. I’ve asked that you bring new ideas, that you not hesitate to ask questions, and that you get involved.

ISWNE 2026 Golden Dozen Awards Posted Tuesday, September 1, 2026 9:00 am The elected officials of Odessa must have had a sinking feeling when they read Hannah Spaar’s account of a workshop setting priorities for a five-year plan. One alderman said he did not serve out of love for his community; in fact, he wasn’t sure why he did it. Others scoffed at the idea of community involvement in the strategic plan. Thanks to Hannah they may well be re-thinking how they operate to win back community trust.