How Not to Win Media Friends and Influence the Press

• Brian R. Hook
• May 18, 2012

If the goal is to make it look like the state is hiding something every month regarding the latest jobs data, the press office at the Missouri Department of Economic Development is doing great work.

Politics

GOP Spending Spree May Help Nixon

• Brian R. Hook
• May 11, 2012

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

Politics

Republicans Set to Ramp Up State Spending

• Brian R. Hook
• May 3, 2012

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?

• Brian R. Hook
• Apr 26, 2012

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?

• Brian R. Hook
• Apr 20, 2012

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

• Brian R. Hook
• Apr 12, 2012

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

• Brian R. Hook
• Apr 5, 2012

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?

• Brian R. Hook
• Mar 29, 2012

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

• Brian R. Hook
• Mar 22, 2012

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?

• Brian R. Hook
• Mar 9, 2012

Quiz your freedom of information and sunshine knowledge online.