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by Mark Abbott (Editor), Andrew J. Theising (Editor)
St. Louis Currents: The Fifth Edition carries the series into its 30th year. The publication started in 1986 as a way to disseminate critical essays from local leaders on issues facing the entire region. Thirty years later, Currents is still shaping the St. Louis region's thinking. The fifth edition addresses a wide variety of topics. It has strong essays on the region's historical experience and economic outlook, which are common themes in all editions. New topics include historical perspectives on adult entertainment in Metro East, a demographic study of the region's immigrant population, plus a scholarly look at "The High School Question" (Yes, it matters ). It is a thought- provoking volume that is a must-read for regional leaders-public, private, and nonprofit. As the editors note, St. Louis is rather typical of most urban centers across the country and faces the same issues others do. What is unique is St. Louis's particular mix of leaders and the specific decisions that we the people choose to make for ourselves. As the region climbs out of the Great Recession and processes the lessons of Ferguson, the decisions made by the people ultimately will define the region's successes and struggles. The essays in this volume will help prepare citizens and leaders alike for action on some of those matters, and hopefully start some important discussions that will carry the region forward.
