5 Shocking Transformations And Must-Know Updates At The St. Joseph News-Press (News-Press NOW)
The St. Joseph News-Press, now operating under the digital umbrella of News-Press NOW, is far more than just a daily morning newspaper; it is the cornerstone of media in Northwest Missouri’s Heartland. As of December 19, 2025, the publication has undergone significant structural and strategic transformations, solidifying its place in the modern media landscape.
The biggest news involves a major partnership that has reshaped local reporting, ensuring that the flagship publication of the News-Press & Gazette Company (NPG) remains a vital source for breaking news, investigative journalism, and community updates across St. Joseph, Missouri, and the surrounding Buchanan County region.
The Bradley Family Dynasty and Key Leadership Profiles
The longevity and stability of the St. Joseph News-Press are directly tied to the enduring ownership of the Bradley family. The newspaper is the flagship publication of the News-Press & Gazette Company (NPG), a media conglomerate that has been wholly owned and operated by the Bradleys since 1951. This deep, multi-generational commitment to local journalism is a defining characteristic of the organization.
Key Figures in the News-Press & Gazette Company (NPG)
- Henry D. Bradley: The patriarch and first member of the Bradley family to control the media company, establishing the foundation for its long history in St. Joseph.
- David Bradley: Currently serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NPG, overseeing the company’s extensive portfolio of print, broadcast, and digital assets.
- Brian Bradley: Holds the position of President, helping to steer the company’s strategic direction and day-to-day operations.
- Henry H. Bradley: Serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), managing the financial health and expansion of the media company.
Key Local Media Partner Leadership
The recent, pivotal partnership with KQTV (often branded as KQ2) has brought new leadership into the St. Joseph media ecosystem, strengthening the local news delivery model.
- Dirk Allsbury: The current Vice President and General Manager of KQTV (KQ2), a central figure in the new partnership designed to integrate print and broadcast news resources for the St. Joseph region.
This structure ensures that the newspaper, while selling off some regional papers, maintains a robust, locally focused operation, combining the heritage of the St. Joseph News-Press with the immediate reach of broadcast media like NBC 21 (KNPG), FOX 26 (KNPN), and CBS 30 (KCJO).
The 5 Biggest Changes Transforming St. Joe Media
The media landscape is constantly shifting, and the St. Joseph News-Press has made several strategic moves in the last few years to adapt. These changes are crucial for understanding the current state of local news in the Heartland.
1. The Groundbreaking KQTV/KQ2 Partnership
The most significant recent development is the formal partnership agreement between the News-Press & Gazette Company and KQTV (KQ2). This strategic alliance is designed to create a unified front for news and information delivery in St. Joseph, Missouri. By combining the resources of the traditional newspaper with the broadcast capabilities of the television station, the organization aims to strengthen its coverage, offer more comprehensive reporting, and enhance its digital presence through the newspressnow.com platform.
2. Strategic Sale of Regional Newspapers
In a move that reinforced its focus on the St. Joseph flagship, NPG announced the sale of its newspapers located *outside* of St. Joseph to CherryRoad Media. This decision allowed the Bradley family-owned company to streamline operations and dedicate more resources to its core market, including the St. Joseph News-Press and its associated broadcast stations.
3. The Rise of the 'News-Press NOW' Digital Brand
While the print edition remains the St. Joseph News-Press, the digital and mobile presence has been consolidated under the "News-Press NOW" brand. This unified digital platform serves as the central hub for local news updates, breaking news alerts, and contests and promotions. It represents the company’s commitment to providing 24/7 access to information via dedicated apps and the main website.
4. Increased Focus on Local Government and Civic Issues
Recent coverage highlights a deep engagement with local government and civic life. The News-Press NOW has been a primary source for updates on the St. Joseph City Council, including the appointment of Deputy Clerk Kaycee Garton, and the upcoming primaries for mayor and council seats. This focus on accountability and local politics is essential for an informed community.
5. Pivotal Coverage of the Fentanyl Crisis and Public Health
In a clear example of impactful local journalism, the News-Press NOW has provided extensive coverage of the local fight against fentanyl trafficking in Buchanan County. Reporting on the Drug Strike Force’s efforts and the notable progress in reducing the quantity of fentanyl seized demonstrates the newspaper’s role in public safety and health reporting, a critical service for St. Joseph residents.
Topical Authority: St. Joseph, Missouri’s Historical & Modern Pulse
The St. Joseph News-Press has been documenting the history of its community since the 19th century, with the roots of NPG stretching back to 1845. Its pages have chronicled everything from the days of the Wild West to modern civic developments, establishing a deep historical archive.
Chronicling Historical Milestones
The city of St. Joseph is famously tied to several pivotal moments in American history, all of which the News-Press has covered extensively over its long existence:
- Pony Express: St. Joseph was the Eastern Headquarters for the legendary Pony Express, a fact commemorated by the National Historic Landmark Patee House Museum.
- Jesse James: The infamous outlaw was shot in his St. Joe home in 1882, a major historical event that continues to draw interest.
- Civil War Era: The paper documented the turbulent times of the Civil War on the Western Border, including when the city was sacked by Missouri bushwhackers.
Reporting on Modern Community Life
Today, the St. Joseph News-Press (News-Press NOW) continues its mission by focusing on the immediate needs and events of the community. Recent coverage highlights the economic and social fabric of the city:
- Economic Development: Reporting on new businesses, such as the opening of Ollie's Bargain Outlet in a former Big Lots building, provides vital economic context for the community.
- Education: The paper closely follows the St. Joseph School District, including ongoing discussions and alternatives regarding the consolidation of high schools.
- Civic Events: Coverage of major local gatherings, such as high school basketball matchups hosted at the Civic Arena, ensures the community remains connected to its sports and cultural life.
- Public Health: Important public notices regarding the Health Department and patient notifications are regularly published, maintaining a crucial link between government and residents.
By integrating its historical significance with current, hyper-local reporting on crime, government, and community events, the St. Joseph News-Press, through its News-Press NOW platform, remains an indispensable source of topical authority for everyone in the St. Joseph, Missouri region.
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