Show Me Today - The Voice of Missouri

Boone Health has opened a new cardiology clinic in Columbia, but the legal battle with the Missouri Heart Center isn’t over yet. Matt Pilger spoke with Boone Health communications director Christian Basi about the transition for patients and the status of the ongoing lawsuit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Heavy rains this spring have swollen many Missouri creeks and rivers, flooding dozens of roads. Gale Blomenkamp of Missouri Task Force One says teams know this can be a busy time of the year for water rescue calls. He spoke with Sue Danielson about the hidden dangers of road flooding and shared some of the excuses drivers give when they’re pulled out of danger. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After severe storms and a fire damaged an elementary school in southeast Missouri, district leaders are now focused on what comes next. Matt Pilger spoke with Pemiscot County School District Superintendent Glenn Carter about the road ahead.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many are anticipating the release of “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” in June.  What does our comic expert say to look out for? Mike O’Leary, owner of Crissroads Comics and Art, joins Cameron Conner to discuss what storylines the movie is based on and his thoughts so far on James Gunn’s DCU. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kansas City is set to appear on the big screen, even if the cameras weren’t here. Matt Pilger talked with Kansas City Film Office Director Rachel Kephart about a new Steven Spielberg film that features the city. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What started as social media posts is now getting mainstream news attention. Roughly a dozen people connected to UFO research have either died or disappeared since 2022. Southwest Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison tells Missourinet’s Marshall Griffin he wants to get to the bottom of it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Springfield-Branson National Airport has unveiled a new welcome center for its regional travelers. Mark Hecquet, President and CEO of Visit Springfield, joins Cameron Conner to discuss how local demand and needed renovations are keeping Missourinas, and the surrounding areas, flying local. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

That feature that shuts your car off at stoplights may be saving a little gas, but it could be setting you up for costly repairs down the road.On Show Me Today, car expert David Finkelstein explains how stop-start systems can increase engine wear, strain batteries, and even lead to premature engine failure, while also sharing tips for car buyers looking to take advantage of deep discounts on older inventory sitting on dealer lots.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Goldfish are popular family pets, especially for parents teaching their children how to take care of a pet. A University of Missouri study says if you want to rehome them, a lake, pond, or stream is not the place to go.  Alisa Nelson talks to MU professor Rick Relyea, who says goldfish have a significant impact on the health of other fish, water quality, and all the way to the value of homes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Columbia Regional Airport is expanding its reach with new nonstop flights to Charlotte and Florida, increased service from major airlines, and major upgrades designed to make flying easier for mid-Missouri travelers this summer. Mike Parks, Airport Director, joins Show Me Today to explain the advantages of skipping the big city airports and choosing to fly out of mid-Missouri.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Missouri Real Estate Agents have noticed an uptick in business this spring over last year.  Missouri Realtors President Brian Jared says home sales are up about 10% over a year ago. He tells Sue Danielson that the median sales price is higher than last year, too.  He shares his number tip for buyers looking for a place to call home.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you turn on the tap, you might not think much about where your water comes from or how much work goes into making sure it’s clean, safe, and even good‑tasting. One Missouri water system is getting statewide recognition for doing just that. Matt Pilger spoke with Howard Baker, executive director of the Missouri Rural Water Association, about what it means for Jefferson County to have the best‑tasting water in Missouri.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some residents near Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster are concerned about the proximity of a group of neighbors who are raising national security questions. The U.S. Congress is working to pass a federal budget that includes an effort by west-central Missouri Congressman Mark Alford to protect U.S. military bases, including Whiteman. He joins Alisa Nelson to explain more about his bill.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Minors in Missouri could be barred from using social media under a bill in the state House. It’s named for Megan Meier, a 13-year-old girl who committed suicide 20 years ago after being bullied online. Marshall Griffin spoke with the bill’s sponsor, Republican State Representative Don Mayhew of Crocker.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For Missouri veterans seeking disability benefits, help can sometimes come with a high — and illegal — price tag. Lawmakers call them ‘claim sharks,’ and they say these companies are taking thousands of dollars meant for veterans and their families. Matt Pilger spoke with State Representative Jim Schulte about why Missouri is moving to ban those practices and protect veterans’ claims money.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Property taxes have gone through the roof in Jackson County in recent years – leading to lawsuits, a recall of local leaders, and many residents appealing their property assessment – many times unsuccessfully. So, the county asked State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick to jump in to see what went wrong.  Alisa Nelson talks to Fitzpatrick, who says his audit found several red flags. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Guadalupe Centers of Kansas City are hosting the 100th Cinco de Mayo celebration this weekend.  Organizer Leo Prieto gives Sue Danielson the details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When people talk about health care access in Missouri, the challenges go far beyond just having insurance. Matt Pilger sat down with Joe Kingsbury from the University of Missouri to talk about why getting care can be complicated and what’s being done to improve it statewide.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Route 66 turns, and the national celebration is kicking off right in Springfield, Missouri. AAA Missouri spokesman Nick Chabarria joins us from the birthplace of the Mother Road, where travelers from across the country are gearing up for a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. With new centennial maps, big crowds expected, and plenty of nostalgia in the air, this is shaping up to be one of the biggest travel stories of 2026.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Invasive Jumping Worms have been spreading into more than a dozen states in the U-S, including Missouri.  Angela Sokolowski tells Sue Danielson that while most species of worms are good for the soil, the jumping worm (also known as the Alabama jumper or snake worm) is not a welcome sight.  She says she gets a few phone calls each year about them. She also says that, according to one source, there have been 60 confirmed reports of jumping worms in the state. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What makes a small-town business stand out in a big way? Sara Schafer, editor of Rural Missouri magazine, joins Show Me Today to break down the “Best Of Rural Missouri” put together by Missouri Electric Cooperative. Now in its 23rd year, the annual contest conducted by Rural Missouri, a monthly magazine serving Missouri’s rural electric cooperative members, drew nearly 40,000 votes across 14 categories. You'll also hear from Michelle Gray of Bourbon Café and Coffee Saloon, a multi-year winner that’s turning community support into lasting success.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Getting a high school diploma in Missouri could soon mean more time in the classroom learning about Black history. A bill moving through the Missouri House would require students to complete two units focused on Black history and Black literacy before they graduate. Matt Pilger sat down with the bill’s sponsor, Missouri State Representative LaKesha Bosley of St. Louis, to talk about what the proposal would do.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Megan Johnston, a golf instructor at Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, grew up in Northern Ireland and remembers Rory McIlroy from their junior years. She shares her thoughts on him winning back-to-back Masters Green Jackets. The former Missouri State golfer shares some good tips if you’ve ever wanted to sharpen your golf game or feel more confident stepping onto the course. Help might be closer than you think. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the United States gets ready to celebrate its 250th birthday, a unique exhibit is giving people a chance to come face-to-face with the documents that helped define the nation. “The Story of US” at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum brings together rare artifacts from the National Archives—many of which have rarely left Washington, D.C.—to tell the story of America’s ideals, conflicts, and turning points over nearly two and a half centuries. Mark Adams is the Director of the Truman Library and joins Show Me Today to explain more about the exhibit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For decades, the story of Route 66 has been told through road trips, roadside diners, and Americana nostalgia. But a new book by Cheryl Eichar Jett takes a different turn, uncovering the women who didn’t just travel the Mother Road, they ran it, shaped it, and kept it alive through some of the most transformative moments in American history. From the Great Depression to wartime industry and the rise of car culture, these are the stories that have been hiding in plain sight. The name of the book is “Aprons Away: Women’s Work on Route 66”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April is Financial Literacy Month, and if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by paying for college, managing debt, or just trying to make smarter money decisions, there’s help available right here in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development is offering free, hands-on support through job centers and college planning programs, helping families, students, and job seekers build confidence with their finances and their future.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A bright orange, gooey substance has been seen oozing from certain trees in the state.  State tree expert Sara Lalk tells joins Show Me Today to explain it’s cedar rust fungus and it results in some trees, redcedar and junipers looking like an alien sneezed all over them.  Sara explains this fungus dies back in May, but despite its complicated life cycle, it’s sure to be back again next year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A bill that could significantly reshape the market for hemp‑derived THC products in Missouri is now headed to the governor’s desk. The legislation would cap THC levels, place new restrictions on where products can be sold, and apply marijuana‑style regulations to the hemp industry. Matt Pilger spoke with the bill’s sponsor, Republican State Representative Dave Hinman of St. Charles, about what the measure would do and why lawmakers advanced it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Missouri lawmakers are debating major changes to how our electric system works — and what that could mean for your power bill. Matt Pilger spoke with Abby Foster, senior vice president of the Retail Energy Advancement League, about why supporters say competition could reshape Missouri’s energy future.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Missouri continues to work on upgrading its nutrition standards within SNAP, the program that replaced food stamps several years ago. Marshall Griffin sat down with Department of Social Services Director Jessica Bax and DSS Welfare Fraud Chief Dana Carrington, as well as USDA Undersecretary Patrick PennSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James says he wasn’t sure what to expect when the anti-crime effort “Operation Relentless Pursuit” was launched a year ago. He describes the results of the first year as “phenomenal.” James tells Sue Danielson that among the 15-hundred arrests, there were more than two dozen homicide suspects.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With April marking Distracted Driving Awareness Month, AAA Missouri is reminding drivers that even a few seconds of inattention can change lives forever. Nick Chabarria joins Show Me Today to report progress is being made when it comes to distracted driving.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A bill nearing the finish line in the Missouri Legislature aims to protect small business owners from predatory trial attorneys who say their websites are not compliant with federal law. Alisa Nelson talks to Brad Jones, State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, who says these attorneys make a mockery of the Americans with Disabilities Act. He says they demand thousands of dollars from businesses to settle out of court…equating it to what he calls “nothing more than a shakedown.”  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The next phase of the massive $2.8 billion project to expand I-70 to six lanes across Missouri is officially underway. Marshall Griffin talked about it with Eric Kopinski, Program Director for the Improve I-70 projectSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Missouri community’s effort to support fire victims, has been touched by a national Venmo payment app scam. Smithville Chamber of Commerce Director Ericka Winston tells Sue Danielson on Show Me Today what happened.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month, coin collectors from the Midwest will gather in Missouri.   April is also the month the mint releases a NEW nickel in honor of Thomas Jefferson’s birthday- there’s more to that story, so Ashley Byrd asks our coin specialist, Dave Sorrick, to tell us more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A long‑standing student organization at the University of Missouri is facing an uncertain future, and it’s raising questions about how students are represented in state government. Matt Pilger talks with former Missouri State Representative Ted Farnen about the Associated Students of the University of Missouri and why he says its possible elimination could silence student voices across the state.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another high school athletic season is nearing completion.  Here to talk about the biggest stories, successes, and challenges is MSHSAA Communications Director Andrew Kauffman. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spring in Missouri isn’t just something you see, it’s something you go looking for. Somewhere out there, hidden in the leaves, are morel mushrooms.For Barbara Baird, the Accidental Ozarkian, this isn’t just a hobby. It’s a seasonal ritual that turns an ordinary walk in the woods into a slow, careful treasure hunt where the reward at the end might be the best bite of the year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At North Town Tavern and Pizza, it starts like a dare and ends like a spectacle. A massive 35-pound stein filled with beer sits on the bar, waiting for the next brave customer to try lifting it with one hand and taking a drink. It sounds simple enough until you see it in person. What follows are laughs, near misses, and moments that are now racking up views on TikTok, turning a small-town bar challenge into something people can’t stop watching.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While severe wildfires have not affected Missouri yet, the nation’s fires surrounding the state may be a sign of things to come. Cameron Conner sits down with State Climatologist Zack Leasor to discuss how these national fires may already be hindering Missouri and what the state’s fire chances are. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the war against Iran continues, a 30-year-old woman from Iran now living in Missouri hopes to see the fundamentalist Islamic regime ousted from power. Negin Nezamipour Azari now lives in Cape Girardeau with her husband, who also escaped from Iran. She talked with Marshall Griffin about how she eluded the authorities and made her way to America.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we head into spring and summer, more of us are spending time outdoors, tackling home projects, and firing up grills, but it’s also a time when natural gas safety can be overlooked. From digging in the yard to storm season and outdoor equipment, small missteps can lead to big problems. Mark Brandt with the Missouri Association of Natural Gas Operators joins us to share simple, practical steps you can take right now to keep your home and family safe.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At the State Historical Society of Missouri in Columbia, there will be a public reception and panel discussion about a free exhibition featuring U-S military war uniforms and art created from and about them. Curator Nicole Johnson walks Ashley Byrd through the exhibition called "W[A]RN AND TRANSFORMED."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you think fentanyl is the most dangerous drug Missouri is dealing with right now, health leaders say there’s something even stronger showing up across the state. Nitazenes: a powerful synthetic opioid now being detected statewide, often without users realizing it. Matt Pilger spoke with Dr. Heidi Miller, chief medical officer for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, about what Missouri officials are seeing and why they’re concerned.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens to a family when a mother is suddenly gone for decades? And how do you hold that family together from the inside of a prison? For one Missouri family, that question became reality when Patty Prewitt was convicted in the 1980s of killing her husband and sentenced to decades behind bars. After nearly 40 years, her sentence was commuted, allowing her release but not clearing her name, and what followed wasn’t just time served, but a relationship held together one letter at a time.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Christopher Windom, a high-class choreographer who has worked with the likes of Academy Award winner Aretha Franklin, is taking his talents to the Tony Award-winning Children’s Theatre Company in Minnesota. He joins Cameron Conner to share why passing century-old acting techniques to the next generation is so critical. They also discuss his involvement with the CTC’s upcoming iteration of “The Wizard of Oz.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While the spotlight often shines on Route 66, there’s another road that quietly tells the story of Missouri’s past. Highway 60 stretches across the state, connecting small towns, scenic views, and pieces of history you might otherwise miss. Joining Show Me Today is Barbara Baird, known as the Accidental Ozarkian, who’s mapped out a unique driving tour that takes you to five historic mills across Missouri, turning a simple road trip into a journey through time.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bookworms from all over the state mark their calendars for the annual Missouri Book Festival in Washington. Cameron Conner talks with Missouri children’s author Kate Klise to find what hidden gems await and shares her books on display. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Natural gas powers thousands of Missouri homes every day, but safety experts say many of the most dangerous situations happen inside the home, from carbon monoxide poisoning to undetected gas leaks. Mark Brandt, the chair of the Missouri Association of Natural Gas Operators, says knowing the warning signs and reacting quickly can save lives.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.