May is an exciting time of year. Students and teachers are wrapping up the school year, and summer vacation is approaching. more

A good buddy of mine, Bob McCosh, spends his weekends screaming down a dragstrip going 200 mph. I asked him once what it takes to compete. He said dedication, a great team and a reliable car. If any of these are missing you won't be taking home that checkered flag. more

Among my varied duties as a judge of the Supreme Court of Missouri, I frequently speak with groups — from elementary students to senior citizens — explaining how our courts function. It’s my favorite part of my job, and one I share with judges from throughout the state who participate in our civic education committee’s work to help connect Missourians with their courts! more

The Oxford Dictionary defines a dream as “a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal.” Six simple words, yet they hold the potential to ignite innovation, progress and personal growth. It’s the belief in possibilities beyond the realm of the ordinary, the courage to envision the future, and the relentless pursuit of those aspirations. In a world where innovation thrives on bold ideas, embracing the power of dreaming big is not just a luxury but rather a necessity for achieving the extraordinary.  more

If humming is a sure sign of happiness, we have some very happy children creating Lego masterpieces as I write my column this Saturday morning. The lovely harmony created by one family reminds me of bees buzzing in a flowerbed! more

It was one of those random conversations spurred by a bit on the news about population growth: Benton County, Arkansas, has experienced phenomenal growth. more

This week, I’d like to feature a book called “2 Good 2 Be 4Gotten” by Dr. Max Decker. Written in 2012, the author of this book, Max, was my Cousin Twice Removed (my Grandpa’s first cousin.) His mother, Gladys Martin Decker, was a sister to Katie Martin Patillo (my great grandmother.) My second great-grandparents were Richard Cowden Martin and Tennessee James Martin. more

Last weekend, as the pulsing beats and eclectic vibes of Coachella's second weekend filled the air of Palm Desert, many of us found ourselves far from the action, yet deeply connected thanks to the wonders of technology. There I was, sprawled on my couch, streaming the festival live on YouTube, a makeshift festival-goer in the digital age. more

It’s time to be honest with you. more

Benjamin Franklin once said, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” But for Missouri farmers, taxes are about to become a lot more uncertain. Barring action from Congress, many key tax provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will expire at the end of 2025, leading to a significant tax increase for our state’s agricultural industry. more

Missourians have an incredible opportunity and responsibility to impact how broadband deployment funds will be distributed across our state. For the first time, Missourians can provide on-the-ground feedback about which homes and businesses still lack access to reliable, high-speed broadband.  more

President Joe Biden frequently says, “Don't tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value.” Well, as Biden’s recently released budget proposal for next year makes clear, he is once again doubling down on the very same failed policies that are bankrupting America, waging war on U.S. energy, and fueling the most painful economic crisis in decades. There’s no question that his budget plan is the wrong recipe for America. more