patching...
Update: Seen anything interesting around town? Post your photos in our Neighborhood Gallery. »
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Brian R. Hook

Brian R. Hook
See More

Blog Posts

Politics

GOP Spending Spree May Help Nixon

State lawmakers may have unwittingly helped the re-election campaign for Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon

Politics

Republicans Set to Ramp Up State Spending

Despite plenty of talk about budget cuts once again during this session, state lawmakers are on track to approve an increase in total spending.

Politics

Jumping Job Numbers or Lagging Labor Force?

The state is starting to get creative when it comes to promoting new job creation numbers, despite a dropping number of workers in the labor force.

Politics

Where Did All the Workers Go?

The labor force across Missouri dropped by nearly 40,000 workers during the first quarter of this year, yet nearly 30,000 jobs were created.

Show-Me State Incentives: Big Bucks, Job Cuts

The state has handed out millions of dollars in incentives to at least two large corporations for job training before the companies announced mass layoffs.

Politics

Covering Missouri with Show-Me State Skepticism

Whether it is battling big business or policing politicians, a good dose of skepticism is needed to report on the state's economy.

Politics

Jobs: Political Spin or Positive Outlook?

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon never mentions the drop in the state's labor force when he is talking about the number of new jobs.

Politics

Labor Force Drops, Layoffs Increase

Even though the unemployment rate is lower, layoffs across Missouri are on the rise and the number of workers in the labor force is down.

Politics

Let the Sunshine In: How Much Do You Know About the Sunshine Act?

Quiz your freedom of information and sunshine knowledge online.

Politics

Labor Force Dwindles in Missouri

The unemployment rate may be at its lowest level since 2008 in Missouri. However, the number of people within the labor force has also dropped.

Recently