At this point in my life, I expect any publication that isn't explicitly in line with the right politically to have a profound anti-gun bias. It shouldn't be that way. The right to keep and bear arms should, at least in theory, be a non-partisan issue, something we should all agree on because we value the fundamental freedoms--as opposed to "fundamental freedoms" as mentioned elsewhere--that are enshrined and protected in the Bill of Rights.

But the reality is that most publications that we consider "mainstream media" are really not that different from Vox, the Huffington Post, Salon, etc.

So when I saw the Kansas City Star had published a report about Missouri's gun laws, I cringed. 

Then I read it and, well...

Missourians can carry a gun openly or concealed in the majority of the state without any special permits. But there are some restrictions in federal, state and local laws that rein in exactly who can carry them and where. 

Missouri is well known as a pro-gun state, with many of its legislators earning “A” grades from the National Rifle Association on their firearm-friendly stances. The state places very few restrictions on the sale, possession and carry of guns — but the limits that do exist impact Kansas City. 

Here’s a closer look at the firearms laws that guide where guns can go in Missouri. 

WHAT DO MISSOURI’S LAWS SAY ABOUT CARRYING GUNS? 

Missouri places very few restrictions on firearm possession and takes pains to override all local laws regarding firearms that aren’t explicitly laid out in state law already. “The general assembly hereby occupies and preempts the entire field of legislation touching in any way firearms, components, ammunition and supplies to the complete exclusion of any order, ordinance or regulation by any political subdivision of this state,” a 2014 law reads. 

The state only bans the possession of machine guns, short barreled rifles and shotguns if that possession is “in violation of federal law.”

And, well, it continues on like that for a bit. 

Don't see the problem? That's just it. I don't either.

What I see is pretty decent reporting on just the facts, with little effort to try and color it with commentary, digs at the right to keep and bear arms, or any of the stuff I'm used to seeing from the media.

I'm not familiar enough with Missouri's laws to fact-check it, but I don't see any of the bias that seems to be normal among the media. What the heck is going on here? I'm confused and befuddled at the complete lack of spin here.

I...I think...yeah, I think I'd like to see a bit more of this.

The Star isn't a pro-gun publication. I've seen and addressed a lot of their anti-gun nonsense over the years, so I'm not about to give them a pass, but I also want to give credit where it's due. Simply outlining exactly what the carry laws are in Missouri is pretty much inside a newspaper's wheelhouse and doing so in a factual way, without a bunch of propaganda inserted is kind of refreshing.

Let's hope this is the start of a trend, though I'm not holding my breath.