Opinion

What is the point of an indoors smoking ban if nonsmokers have to walk through a cloud of it to enter a building?

Missourian reporters asked folks around Columbia what changes they would like to see happen in 2009. These are their responses.

For this recent graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, the transition from college to the working world has given her a set of nine goals for 2009. First up: Get a job.

The insults toward President George Bush continue until his final days. Here's to a pledge to treat the new president with more honor and integrity.

Post-colonial theorists make a great argument for why words like "Oriential" are hurtful, even if the intent is not to be.

MODOT should take an in-depth look into ready-to-go projects and ensure each is fiscally sound.

Now that the economy is forcing us to review our excesses, more of us should realize the importance of sharing our good fortunes.

In a new year change starts with small steps, such as campaigning for the Humane Society and renovating houses rather than tearing them down.

Eliminating smoking and fast food on campus would go a long way toward promoting healthier lifestyles.

This week, we ask you to weigh in on the new year, the popularity of the "Twilight" series, why Columbia residents blog, helping families in need and granting rights and benefits to LGBT couples.

Some people called the MU-Northwestern game on Monday the "Journalism Bowl" because of the long-standing rivalry between the universities' journalism schools. Journalists and fans alike love to expose weaknesses and challenge authority, always asking pointed questions.

Changes are guaranteed both nationally and locally as we see transition in government leadership. But not all changes in 2009 are going to be positive: The economic picture continues to worsen.

Community members discuss what they believe needs to be improved in police regulations, snow removal policy and power supply laws.

Economic news in 2008 and rumors of the Columbia Mall closing don't bode well for 2009. But Boone County governments could resolve to cooperate and create a more industrial-friendly environment.

The American government's 2009 resolutions should be to limit out-of-control spending and increase accountability to the people. As citizens we should strive to get along and create a more diverse transportation community.

A study published by the MacArthur Foundation concluded that social network sites like Facebook and MySpace actually don't waste kids' time. Hadn't you heard?

In 1946, almost 36 percent of Americans read a daily newspaper. Now only 18 percent read either a daily or Sunday edition.

Prehistoric parenting was as much about passing on genes as it was about survival.

Creative solutions are needed to make sure Missouri's economy continues to grow and evolve, especially in tough times.