Show Me Today - The Voice of Missouri

A year ago, we talked with Lincoln University leaders about plans for a new training center designed to address Missouri's growing health care and public safety workforce needs. Now the doors are open.Matt Pilger catches up with Lincoln University President Dr. John Moseley.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Silver Dollar City is getting a new family coaster in 2027, and this one is taking riders back to the Ozarks of more than a century ago. Miner’s Mountain Express will send families racing through the history and mystery surrounding Marvel Cave, with mine cars, two lift hills, 15 airtime moments and more than a half-mile of track. Brandei Clifton with Silver Dollar City joins us to tell us what riders can expect when the new coaster opens next spring.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meaningful engagement with young people and families takes more than simply giving them a seat at the table. JJ Gossrau, the director of Missouri's Early Psychosis Care Center and Young Adult Services at Missouri's Department of Mental Health, says organizations need to truly listen to their experiences, value their time, and create ongoing partnerships that turn their input into meaningful change.Click here to access the guide.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Buying a car right now can be an expensive proposition. New and used vehicle prices remain high, so finding a good deal may require consumers to think a little differently about what they're buying and how they're buying it.Our car expert David Finkelstein joins Show Me Today to tell us some strategies that could save you money, from looking for vehicles that have been sitting on a dealer's lot for a long time, to considering different body styles, financing options, or even fixing up the car you already own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

15-year-old Mason Hirtz worked for two years to create a memorial addition for the Veterans Memorial Park in Rolla; specifically for working military dogs.With the project, he became an Eagle Scout – and with him for the dedication were the governor, state and city officials, Ft. Leonard Wood Soldiers and their military dogs. Ashley Byrd was there and spoke with Mason.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Back-to-school shopping can put a strain on family budgets, and scammers know it.Matt Pilger talked with Khesha Duncan of the Better Business Bureau in Columbia about finding real deals and avoiding costly scams.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Forget what you think you know about the Mafia from The Godfather and The Sopranos. A new course at Truman State University is taking a deeper look at the real history of organized crime, while also exploring the Sicilian and Italian customs and culture behind it. Retired professor Sal Costa is bringing back one of his popular community courses you can take online this fall, and this time the subject is the history of the Mafia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s time for the cosmic fireworks show known as the Perseid Meteor Showers. Our astronomy expert, Paul Temple, tells Ashley Byrd what to watch for.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Human trafficking remains a serious problem in Missouri, and lawmakers are taking new steps to address it. State Representative Ed Lewis of Moberly recently joined a new statewide council focused on combating trafficking and child exploitation.He talked with Matt Pilger on Show Me Today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Researchers at Missouri S&T are developing everything from technology that could speed lifesaving organ transplants to systems designed to mine the moon. We'll find out how these ideas move from a university lab to the real world with Dr. Christine Karslake on Show Me Today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Missouri continues to see interest from data center developers, some lawmakers are raising questions about how those projects could affect communities across the state. Matt Pilger talks with 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.

Missouri voters have spoken, and now the focus shifts from election night results to what they mean for the state going forward. From the defeat of two high-profile constitutional amendments to key congressional primaries and the road to November, there are plenty of takeaways from Tuesday's election. Missourinet reporter Matt Pilger covered the races and ballot issues from start to finish, and he joins Show Me Today to break down what Missourians should be watching next.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

National Farmers Market Week is shining a spotlight on one of Missouri's biggest and most successful producer-only markets. The Columbia Farmers Market is celebrating with family activities, live music, contests, and special events while also highlighting the important role local farmers and artisans play in feeding and strengthening mid-Missouri communities. Corrina Smith, Executive Director of the Columbia Farmers Market, joins us to talk about this year's celebration and the market's continued growth.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

College athletics has changed dramatically in just the past few years, but a bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt, has the backing of the SEC and Big Ten conferences for the Protect College Sports Act, legislation aimed at bringing more stability to college sports while preserving opportunities for student-athletes. Senator Schmitt joins Show Me Today to explain what the bill would do and why he believes Congress needs to step in.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A powerful piece of American history is making its way across the country as part of the Tunnels to Towers Foundation's Steel Across America tour. An authentic steel beam from the World Trade Center is in Kansas City today (Aug 5) and later this week at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, serving as a tribute to the lives lost on September 11th and a way to teach a new generation about the courage and sacrifice of that day. Joining Show Me Today is Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, whose extraordinary act of heroism inspired the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Missouri Congressman Mark Alford is touting progress on several fronts, including a potential F-15E mission for Whiteman Air Force Base, a bipartisan military construction measure, and a proposal designed to protect federal employees from financial fraud. He recently spoke with Show Me Today reporter Matt Pilger.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Missourians buying a vehicle next year will be among the first in the state to try out the new FUSION system. The Department of Revenue says it will eliminate the customary “temp (license) tag” process. Director Trish Vincent say it’s designed to close a loophole that resulted in millions of vehicle sales tax dollars going uncollected. She provides a status report on the new system.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

University of Missouri Extension Climatologist Zach Leasor says the wild weather in July is surprising on a couple of fronts. Oppressive heat and torrential rains dominated the headlines, but he says overall, the month was pretty “average.” He’s also talking about the impact of “Super El Nino.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Missouri primary is Tuesday, August 4th, and voters across the state are preparing to make important decisions that could shape Missouri for years to come. Missourinet reporter Matt Pilger and Missouri Independent Deputy Editor Rudi Keller join Show Me Today to break down the issues, races, and ballot measures voters should know before heading to the polls.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is one of the year's biggest movies, but does it live up to the enormous hype?Our movie expert Patrick McDonald has some thoughts, and they're not exactly in line with the glowing reviews. We'll also look at two of his favorite films from July and hear what he's hoping to see when Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into theaters. Patrick joins us next on Show Me Today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bobby Marshall’s goal is to be the first survivor of Early Onset Alzheimer's. He was diagnosed 11 years ago, and now he and his wife, Sandy, in Poplar Bluff have helped pass a state law to help more people like him.Sandy explains the brand new law to Ashley Byrd – and she and Bobby share their story.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A historic Missouri institution is getting statewide recognition.Matt Pilger spoke with Missouri Military Academy President General Richard Geraci about what it means for the academy in Mexico to be named the Official Military Academy of the State of Missouri.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You may be familiar with Missouri Electric Cooperatives, but are you familiar with how a cooperative impacts economic development?Jana Rosier with Osage Valley Electric Cooperative joins Cameron Conner to share how each county’s cooperative makes a big difference.Missouri Electric Cooperatives sponsors this article and podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new book from the University of Missouri Press introduces readers to one man who lived MANY lives in early Missouri.Ashley Byrd interviews writer and historian Greg Olson, who introduces us to this character. Show Me Today dives into The Amazing Life of JefferyDeroine.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mizzou football opens the season with high expectations, but also plenty of questions. Can transfer quarterback Austin Simmons provide the explosive passing game Eli Drinkwitz has been searching for? Will star running back Ahmad Hardy be ready after his remarkable recovery? And with one of the toughest schedules in the SEC, what should Tigers fans consider a successful season? Nathalie Jones, Sports Director at KMIZ-TV in Columbia, joins Show Me Today with her insight on Mizzou's new-look offense, the team's biggest challenges, and why this season could be one of Drinkwitz's toughest coaching tests yet.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A mother and daughter from Harrisburg recently had the chance to represent Missouri on a big stage. Kensley Murphy played, and her mom, Kendra Murphy, coached the Daniel Boone Little League All-Stars during a memorable run through the Central Region Tournament, with games airing on ESPN.Matt Pilger sat down with both of them to talk about the experience.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Missouri railroading buffs turned out in droves to see Union Pacific’s historic “Big Boy” engine. The engine is just part of a rich railroading history in the Show Me State.State Historical Society of Missouri’s Executive Director Joel Rhodes, author of the book “A Missouri Railroad Pioneer,” explains how transformational the railroad was for the state.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever wonder why a Twix might be allowed under Missouri's new SNAP rules, but a Snickers might not? The answer has to do with ingredients under the state's upcoming Healthy SNAP program.Matt Pilger sat down with Jeremy Bowman of the Missouri Department of Social Services to talk about the planned food purchase restrictions, what's changing, and what SNAP recipients and retailers needto know before the changes take effect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a big deal: The University of Missouri campuses and 240 partners have gotten a federal grant of $160 million to create a Midwest hub for Mining, researching, logistics, and shipping rare minerals needed now forhigh tech.Ashley Byrd drills down on what this all means for Missouri with UM President Mun Choi.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 comic conventions are a modern phenomenon, think again. Long before Comic-Con became a household name, thousands of Star Trek fans were making pilgrimages to St. Louis for one of the nation's premier fan conventions. The State Historical Society of Missouri has preserved the papers of Linda Lakin, the woman who helped turn Star Trek into a nationally recognized event during the 1980s. The collection offers a fascinating look at fan culture, celebrity guests like Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley, and how one Missouri woman helped build a community that still exists today. Joining Show Me Today is A.J. Medlock, Regional Director of the State Historical Society of Missouri's St. Louis Research Center.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most of us have dropped a pair of sunglasses or a set of keys into the lake and figured they were gone forever. But for one Missouri diver, finding the impossible is all in a day's work. From recovering wedding rings and family heirlooms to making terrifying zero-visibility dives in the Missouri River, Booker DeRousse, better known as the Aquatic Cowboy, has built a one-of-a-kind business at the Lake of the Ozarks. He joins Show Me Today to share some unbelievable stories from beneath the surface.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We've all seen the headlines about Cyclospora, the parasite behind what's being called "explosive diarrhea." While that certainly grabs your attention, there's a lot more to this story than an uncomfortable illness. Where does this parasite come from? Why does it seem to pop up every summer? And are there things we're doing in our own kitchens that could reduce the risk? Nathan Koffarnus is one of Missouri's state epidemiologists with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to separate the facts from the fear and help us understand what every Missourian should know.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New synthetic opioids are popping up faster than they can be regulated. For parents and partiers: Be careful. Ashley Byrd talks with Dr. Alex Krotulski, a leading national researcher tracking the rise of cychlorphine, about what we need to know. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many Missouri employers depend on young workers, but a new report shows that pool is getting smaller. At the same time, more Missouri students are going straight to work after high school. Show Me Today reporter Matt Pilger visits with University of Missouri assistant extension professor Alan Spell.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you've spent much time around Missouri's rivers, you've probably heard someone say there's nothing quite like being on the water after dark. For many families, frog gigging has been a summertime tradition for generations. It's part hunting, part adventure, and part excuse to make memories with family and friends. Barbara Baird, better known as the Accidental Ozarkian, has written about her frog gigging adventures, from canoe mishaps and muddy swims to discovering why this uniquely Missouri tradition keeps people coming back year after year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you're looking to buy your first home, thinking about selling, or just wondering if now is the right time to make a move, the housing market is one of the biggest financial conversations for Missouri families. Joining Show Me Today is Brian Toohey, CEO of the Mid-Missouri Board of REALTORS®, to help us make sense of what's happening in today's market and what buyers and sellers should know as we head toward the end of the summer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Missouri is looking to expand apprenticeships as a pathway to good-paying careers, setting an ambitious goal of reaching 100,000 apprentices by September 2027. Ashley Byrd talks with Donna Sheets, apprenticeship manager for the Missouri Office of Workforce, about what that goal means and how apprenticeship programs are helping workers and employers 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.

For four days and three nights, the Missouri River becomes home to one of the most unique endurance events anywhere in the world. The MR340 challenges paddlers to travel 340 miles from Kansas City to St. Charles without the race ever stopping. More than 600 competitors, backed by family, friends, and volunteers, will test their physical and mental limits while showcasing the Missouri River as one of the state's greatest natural resources. Race Director Steve Schnarr with Missouri River Relief shares the grueling details on Show Me Today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Few stories have captured the imaginations of generations of readers and television viewers quite like Little House on the Prairie. With Netflix developing a new adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved books, interest in Laura's life is growing once again.Missouri has a unique connection to that story through the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, where Laura spent the final decades of her life and wrote the famous Little House books. Joining us on Show Me Today is Tana Melton, curator of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Missouri River Renaissance: A documentary showcasing the Missouri River's transformation back into the "it" spot to be. Producer Jim Karpowicz tells Ashley Byrd it’s a story about how the Missouri River has again become a cool place to hang out – thanks to music and locals dedicated to keeping it clean.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Electric vehicles are becoming more common on Missouri roads, but repairing them after a crash isn't always as simple as fixing a traditional gas-powered car. At the same time, many drivers don't realize their brakes are wearing out because the warning signs can develop so gradually. Auto expert David Finkelstein joins Show Me Today to explain why EV and hybrid repairs are creating new challenges for body shops and what every driver should know before brake problems become a safety issue.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Looking for an affordable family adventure this summer? From feeding exotic animals in Wright City and discovering dinosaur fossils in Springfield to riding a historic-style carousel in Appleton City and exploring a family orchard in Brighton, Missouri offers plenty of memorable day trips for kids and parents alike. Rural Missouri magazine is highlighting some of the state's best family-friendly destinations that combine fun, education and a chance to experience the Show-Me State together.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Missouri's transportation future is starting to take shape. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has approved a new five-year transportation plan that includes billions of dollars for roads, bridges, airports and other infrastructure projects across the state. Matt Pilger talks with MoDOT Assistant Chief Engineer Mark Croarkin about what's in the plan and what it means for Missourians.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Missouri State Fair is coming up from August 13 to 23rd. Mat Pilger gets a special preview from State Agriculture Director Chris Chinn and State Fair Director Jason Moore.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Missouri football fans will notice more than just a new look at Faurot Field this season. Mizzou Athletics Director Laird Veatch says the nearly completed north end zone project is more than 90 percent sold and will create a louder, more intimidating atmosphere while enhancing the game-day experience for everyone in the stadium.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congressman Mark Alford represents Northwest Missouri and has been busy between the Armed Services Committee and helping to pass the bipartisan-supported federal housing bill that became law this month. He is also pushing to protect Ft. Leonard Wood. He explains his positions to Ashley Byrd on Show Me Today. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Kansas City Royals entered the season with playoff expectations but head into the second half well below .500.Royals insider David Lesky of Inside the Crown says injuries derailed any chance of a turnaround after a slow start and believes the trade deadline and the club's long-term roster decisions will now be the primary focus for the remainder of the season.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jordan Walker's Home Run Derby title is more than a memorable All-Star moment. Cardinals host Matt Pauley says it highlights the young slugger's resilience after early career setbacks and reflects the confidence surrounding a St. Louis team that has exceeded expectations and remains in the National League playoff race heading into the second half of the season.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Four Missouri prisons are trying out a prison reform technique aimed at creating a calmer, safer environment. University of Missouri Social Work Professor Kelli Canada says they’re using methods that worked well in Scandinavian prisons. She says some of the changes are physical- things like softening the paint color in a wing of the prison.  She notes a second, and very powerful aspect, involves adjusting the way prison staff and inmates communicate with each other.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the power goes out, the first question most of us ask is, “When will it come back on?” A lot of the work that prevents those outages happens long before the storm clouds roll in.Missouri Electric Cooperatives spend a lot of time maintaining the areas around power lines, including managing trees and vegetation through right-of-way maintenance. It’s a topic that can sometimes create questions for homeowners.Chris Gaines from Ralls County Electric Cooperative answers those questions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.