Missouri Press Association

08/26/2026

This is the best news coming out of Branson in a long time!

07/12/2026

The editor is absent no more! Check this out — "The Editor is Absent: Tribulation & Triumph in Missouri’s Pioneer Press" is available for watching on Missouri Press Association’s website. Find a link to the video on our website, www.mopress.com.

An enjoyable jaunt through Missouri’s early pioneer history, The Editor is Absent combines music with historical education to give a glimpse of the printed publications that helped shape early westward expansion.

One more neat thing? The Editor is Absent was recorded on July 12, 2008, the bicentennial anniversary of Joseph Charless pulling from his Ramage press the first issue of the Missouri Gazette, which has the distinction of being the first newspaper published west of the Mississippi River.

https://mopress.com/stories/the-editor-is-absent,39806

07/06/2026

Join Missouri Press Association in celebrating our state's free press and the journalists who work every day to keep their communities informed.

Also, a very special thank you to Jeremy Patton, Missouri Press' graphic designer (among many other things!), for the hard work he did on these pages!

07/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who supports Missouri's newspapers and the journalists who put in the work every day to keep us informed.

06/22/2026

The Missouri Newspaper Hall of Fame is growing by five this year as the 36th class of honorees will be inducted during Missouri Press Association’s (MPA) 160th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Columbia.

Inductees for 2026 are Linda Geist, founding owner of The Lake Gazette in Monroe City and current communications consultant for University of Missouri (MU) Extension; Mark Maassen, former advertising director for The Kansas City Star and former executive director of MPA; Jean Maneke, First Amendment lawyer and the first attorney for MPA’s legal hotline; Ken Newton, longtime newspaper reporter, editor and columnist at several Missouri newspapers, including the St. Joseph News-Press; and Mará Rose Williams, a reporter, editor and current senior opinion columnist for The Kansas City Star.

The Missouri Newspaper Hall of Fame was established in 1991, and inductees or their families receive Pinnacle Awards in honor of the inductees’ service to the newspaper industry and their communities. Inductees’ plaques will join the permanent display of inductees in the MPA office in Columbia and in the student lounge in Lee Hills Hall at the Missouri School of Journalism.

Learn more about each inductee at https://mopress.com/stories/missouri-newspaper-hall-of-fame-inducting-five-for-2026,39783

06/19/2026

It’s almost Independence Day, and with the pre- and post-July 4 holiday comes the search for patriotic content in the midst of staff and story shortages.

Don’t forget to check out free content from the Newspapers In Education program that will provide timeless stories, inform readers and fill in those holes! These creative and informative pieces will keep your readers entertained and can be used to supplement local connections.

Learn more and see some examples of what's available at https://mopress.com/stories/check-out-all-the-nie-content-for-independence-day,39784

06/11/2026

Whether you call him Dr. Stebbins or Missouri Press Association Executive Director Chad Stebbins, you should definitely call him today to congratulate him on another revolution around the sun. Or send a text. He’d probably appreciate an email too.
The important thing is that we wish Chad the happiest of birthdays today.
You could probably respond to this post with a well wish of some kind also … he’ll see it!
Happy Birthday, Chad!

06/01/2026

In recognition of their professional excellence, four journalists have been selected by Missouri Press Association to receive this year’s William E. James Outstanding Young Journalist award.
MPA President Bryan Chester announced Miranda Jamison of Richmond, Marta Mieze of Springfield, Christopher Parker of Richmond Heights and Abby Stetina of Imperial will each receive a plaque and a check for $500 during Missouri Press’ Annual Convention and Trade Show awards brunch, Saturday, Sept. 26, in Columbia.
Chester said it is important Missouri Press’ member newspapers celebrate the industry’s young talent and show appreciation for the next generation of journalists in what is an increasingly demanding profession. This marks the 18th year for Missouri Press to recognize young journalists with this award, as well as the 14th being named in honor of the late William E. James.
Find out more about each awardee in this month's Missouri Press News, available online at www.mopress.com.

05/14/2026

MPA Legislative Director Doug Crews and others worked really hard on this bill, which still must be signed by Gov. Kehoe. It finally made its way through all the legislative hurdles, thanks to Doug and Rep. Peggy McGaugh's perseverance.

House Bill 1940, sponsored by Rep. Peggy McGaugh was Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed.

In the Senate, language regarding the bond election was added to this bill to address issues found by the State Auditor. This addition allows the county clerks and election authorities the option to mail or email this notice.