Missouri’s local news is under pressure — and still essential

By: Jason Hancock

Outlets: Missouri Independent

Published: March 2, 2026

Words: 621

Last Updated: 1 week, 2 days ago

In rapid succession this year, the Washington Post laid off half its newsroom, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution cut 15% of its staff and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announced it would close in May.

What’s perhaps most alarming is that the collapse of major newspapers no longer arrives as a civic emergency. It’s become routine.

Journalism is the immune system of democracy. When it weakens, corruption lasts longer. Abuse of power goes unchecked. Public money …

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