Opinion

In a significant development, Speaker Kevin McCarthy made a momentous announcement on Tuesday, directing the U.S. House of Representatives to initiate an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, focusing on allegations surrounding his family’s business dealings. This dramatic turn of events has cast a long shadow over the political landscape, setting the stage for historic proceedings leading up to the highly anticipated 2024 presidential election...

Across the country, quality journalism is critical for sharing important news affecting our society. Through their timely reporting, journalists play a uniquely critical role in informing, engaging, and empowering citizens. Without the dedicated work of journalists, corruption would remain undiscovered and unchecked. As crucial watchdogs, journalists are often the only stewards keeping a close eye on local institutions, governments, and businesses...

To the Editor: Suicide deaths are on the rise in Missouri. Suicide is a complex public health issue that requires action. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to share resources and information to shed light on this highly stigmatized topic. ...

Life has a funny way of reminding us of what truly matters. A simple phone call can swiftly shift our perspective, making us recognize the core values that anchor us. For me, that awakening came when news arrived that my sister had been diagnosed with brain cancer. Suddenly, the noise of everyday life dimmed, leaving space for the resounding importance of faith and family...

We’re proud to be able to help support Boys & Girls Club of the Heartland as our Difference Makers charity this year. We want to thank everyone who supported the Difference Makers campaign this year to make the donation possible. While the $7,600 raised is a fraction of the $4 million already designated for the new regional teen center the club plans to open in 2026, it is donations like this which will help get the project across the finish line...

It is becoming increasingly evident that our standing as one of the most pro-life states in the nation is facing a serious challenge. A group of abortion advocates is circulating petitions with the aim of placing a question on the ballot, seeking to restore abortion rights in Missouri. This proposed ballot measure would establish the right to abortion in our state’s constitution, even permitting the practice throughout all nine months of pregnancy, including “partial-birth” abortion procedures...

Two very concerning actions were taken this week by officials with the city of Poplar Bluff. The council is attempting to fill an open at-large seat until the next election, in April 2024. The first action we’re concerned with was a move Tuesday to take the discussion of a public position into a closed session, in this case, the council chose to weigh the merits of seven candidates for the position and vote on their choice outside of the public eye...

As you might recall, earlier this year the Biden administration proposed a ban on indoor gas stoves, claiming that they contribute to respiratory problems like asthma among children. However, I believe this assertion is unfounded and is being used as a pretext by environmentalists to push for a complete ban on natural gas...

Many of the communities in our area have senior and nutrition centers that touch a lot of lives every day. We recently featured the Broseley center, which dishes up as many as 250 meals on the popular fish Fridays. The group is in the midst of purchasing property for the much-needed parking area expansion...

I and my fellow legislators have crafted a state operating budget for the coming year that reaches far beyond the grasp of previous budgets, as we have worked to ensure the continued funding of invaluable services and programs while making the hard decisions on how to best serve the state while remaining fiscally sound. ...

We want to congratulate Myrtle’s in Downtown Poplar Bluff on their recognition as a Game Changer. We also want to thank Downtown Poplar Bluff, Inc., for recognizing so many of the people who are helping revive Downtown, and who have been here all along...

We want to thank everyone who helped Poplar Bluff celebrate July 4th this week. Hundreds turned out to enjoy the annual parade and fireworks, and it feels like almost that many helped make those events happen. It was the Daily American Republic’s first year acting as coordinator for the parade, and helping more closely with the fundraising for the fireworks...

Butler County needs two people to step up and serve as officials for our cities, deciding on important matters like how our tax dollars will be spent. Poplar Bluff needs to fill an at-large seat after Robert Duckett stepped down due to family matters...