We Still Need Zoning Reform in Missouri
Two recent stories out of St. Louis County have demonstrated why we need zoning reform in Missouri. In my most...
Why Missouri Needs Early Literacy Reform with Cory Koedel and Avery Frank
Susan Pendergrass is joined by Cory Koedel, director of education policy at the Show-Me Institute, and Avery Frank, policy analyst...
Webster Groves Should Not Institute an Economic Development Sales Tax
There is a long list of really dumb taxes in Missouri. The St. Louis and Kansas City earnings taxes are...
The Data Center Debate Continues in Festus
Amidst great debate, a city commission in Festus recently moved forward with plans for a new data center development. Festus...
Missouri’s Reading Crisis: 42% of Fourth-Graders Can Barely Read
Missouri is in a reading crisis. Forty-two percent of the state’s fourth-graders can barely read, the worst results in twenty...
New Observations Confirm Skepticism of Creative Class Urbanism
In a recent Vox column, Rachel Cohen Booth argues that many American cities pursued a “creative‑class” strategy in the 2000s...
Kansas City Homicide Rate May Be National Leader for 2025
A story in the November 20 issue of The Washington Post examines homicide rates in large cities across the United...
Watch: Help Build Missouri’s Legacy of Liberty
As 2025 comes to an end, we reflect on the progress made this year, from expanding MOScholars and strengthening property...
This Giving Tuesday, Support Liberty
On this Giving Tuesday, we hope you will stand with us as we work to build a more prosperous future for all...
It’s Time to Hold DESE Accountable
A version of the following commentary appeared in the Columbia Missourian. For years, the Show-Me Institute has scrutinized the Missouri Department...
What Should St. Louis County Do about Its Budget Shortfall?
The two largest counties in Missouri are both having difficulties. Over in Jackson County, the assessment system is still a...
Eliminating Missouri’s Income Tax, Subsidies for Gas Stations, and Early Literacy Reform
David Stokes, Elias Tsapelas, and Avery Frank join host Zach Lawhorn to outline what a responsible plan to eliminate Missouri’s...
New National Debt Analysis Offers Fresh Lens for Missouri’s Fiscal Picture
Earlier this year, I wrote about the annual rating by Truth in Accounting (TIA), which found that Missouri earned a...
What the Government Shutdown Was Really About with Elias Tsapelas
Susan Pendergrass is joined by Elias Tsapelas, director of state budget and fiscal policy at the Show-Me Institute, to explain...
In Memory of Joseph Forshaw IV
Joseph Forshaw IVJanuary 10, 1952 – November 11, 2025 It is with deep sadness that I share the news of...
We’re Destroying Meritocracy
A report released earlier this month by the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) gives some startling numbers. UCSD...
The 4-Day School Week Doesn’t Improve Teacher Recruitment or Retention
This is the headline finding from a recent study I conducted with researchers from several universities. The four-day school week...
Checking Medicaid’s Pulse
Are dead people on Missouri’s Medicaid program? Shockingly, the answer appears to be yes. Last month, the Missouri State Auditor’s...
Two Missouri Public School Districts Opt into MOScholars
Two public school districts—Hallsville R-IV and Atlanta C-3—are the first districts in Missouri to participate in MOScholars. MOScholars is Missouri’s...
The Long Fight for Educational Freedom with Neal McCluskey and James Shuls
Learn more about the book here: www.cato.org/books/fighting-freedom-learn Susan Pendergrass speaks with James Shuls, fellow at the Show-Me Institute and head of...
