Show Me Today - The Voice of Missouri

Russellville native Cole Payne is the producer for a new movie being filmed in Jefferson City: "Trivia Night Mysteries: A Question of Murder." He joins Alisa Nelson to share the selection process for the state's capital and how the Missouri Film Tax Credit is turning heads across the film industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/p...

We’re joined by someone whose voice is rooted in both faith and community. Dr. Reverend Susan Presley from Mexico, Missouri, has written a powerful new book titled Shooting for Hope. It’s not political—it’s personal. The book dives into the heartbreaking realities of school and church shootings, and more importantly, how we can recognize warning signs before tragedy strikes. Show Me Today reporter...

From fresh frights to family favorites, movie critic Patrick McDonald joins  Show Me Today  with his top Halloween picks for 2025. He runs down the best new horror releases that have haunted theaters this year, and shares a few kid-friendly movies perfect for a lighter Halloween night at home. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19....

The U.S. News and World Report recently released a list of its “best value” universities across the nation. The University of Missouri lands at No. 4 on the list.  MU President Mun Choi joins Cameron Conner to share how “focusing on the fundamentals” landed Mizzou a ranking that sits atop the SEC. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.c...

Missouri is navigating through a mix of economic conditions. Missouri State University Business Professor Jeffrey Jones says parts of the ag economy are struggling, but others are not. He says while the stock market has been strong, what goes up often eventually comes down. Professor Jones joins Show Me Today. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https:/...

An estimated half a million Missourians are dealing with an eating disorder.  Annie Seal of the Missouri Eating Disorders Council says it’s one of the most complex and difficult mental health issues to treat. She says that research has uncovered critical information over the years, breaking down stereotypes and leading to more effective treatments. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priv...

The St. Louis Chess Club wants to become the “EPICENTER OF THE CHESS WORLD” with a new tournament hall and broadcast studios - and a month-long celebration with famous grandmasters.   Ashley Byrd talks with Grandmaster and tournament commentator Maurice Ashley. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

The increase in utility demand and drought problems could drive up utility rates even more in the future. Alisa Nelson talks to Rich Germinder, a policy advisor for the Public Service Commission, who says the commission has launched a study on the current utility assistance programs available to customers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https:...

It’s been a staple of mid-Missouri shopping and social life for four decades. This October, the Columbia Mall turns 40, but in an era where malls across the country are struggling, Columbia’s has found ways to stay relevant. From retail trends to roller skating, and even video games and bowling, the mall has evolved into more than just a place to shop. Show Me Today reporter Matt Pilger, sat down...

Democrats and Republicans in Washington continue to blame each other for the ongoing federal government shutdown. Marshall Griffin talked with Columbia College political science professor Terry Smith about whether either side is winning the shutdown argument. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

When you climb into a Utility Terrain Vehicle at Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch near Seymour, it doesn’t take long for adrenaline to take over. For Missouri Life Magazine writer Matt Crossman, the combination of roaring engines, rocky trails, and Ozark scenery added up to an experience that was equal parts thrilling and unforgettable. He joined Seymour Off-Road Rentals for a ride that, in his wo...

Some of Missouri’s spookiest attractions will welcome visitors this month. State Tourism officials have a long list of recommendations for those who want to take a haunted road trip.  State Tourism Director Stephen Foutes says there are plenty of other less-scary travel options, including endless historical sites as well as Missouri’s annual fall color show.  See Privacy Policy at h...

Governor Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Department of Social Services have submitted a request to the USDA to change Missouri's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP. Alisa Nelson talks to Missouri Dept. of Social Services Director Jess Bax, who explains what participants need to know about the proposed changes.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Calif...

Justin Hamm is the school librarian at Eugene Field Elementary, and he says the creativity of his students often fuels his poetry.  Matt Pilger sat down with Hamm for Show Me Today to talk about the inspiration behind his work—and how he plans to bring poetry to life across Missouri.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/priva...

The Missouri River Runner passenger train route is busier than usual, now that Oktoberfest has arrived in Hermann. MoDOT’s Bryan Ross spoke with Marshall Griffin about the only Amtrak line that’s exclusive to Missouri. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Missouri’s 57th Teacher of the Year goes to a social studies teacher at Hickman Mills School District in Kansas City. Alisa Nelson talks to Kimberly Sixta, who went to school in the district and has spent her entire teaching career there.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Missouri is taking a big step forward in its entrepreneurial community. Jim Malle is the Missouri Coalition Manager for Right to Start, and he’s helping lead the charge behind a new statewide effort— the Missouri Starters Coalition . SMT reporter Matt Pilger talked to Jim about the new launch.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/...

As temperatures dip and fall colors break out, many outdoor lovers start plotting their next weekend escape. But choosing the right vehicle can make or break a great camping trip. We talked with “our new car expert” David Finkelstein about which SUVs and crossovers are best suited for fall camping, what features really matter, and how to pick a rig that handles both highways and rugged backroads....

2025's severe weather in Missouri has taken a serious toll on trees. The May 16th tornado in St. Louis damaged or destroyed thousands of trees. Efforts are underway to replace trees in St. Louis and in other Missouri cities with tree damage.  The non-profit ReLeaf of Missouri aims to help residents and cities put down new roots this fall, tree-planting season. See Privacy Policy at https...

Suicide prevention among veterans and service members remains a critical priority across the country. In Missouri, the Governor’s Challenge is bringing together leaders from multiple agencies to strengthen support for service members, veterans, and their families. Jon Sabala joins us to explain how the program works and the steps being taken to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who h...

Today, we’re heading to Fulton, Missouri, a historic town nestled between Jefferson City and Columbia, to meet Seth Winegar, co-founder of a new coworking space called Untethered . In a time when remote work and entrepreneurship are reshaping communities across the state, Untethered is bringing fresh energy to Fulton’s downtown Brick District. Show Me Today reporter Matt Pilger sat down with Seth...

The proposed tariffs on prescription drugs manufactured overseas are currently on hold after President Trump and Pfizer struck a deal.  Terms of the deal include a 3-year grace period for the pharmaceutical giant in exchange for investing in drug manufacturing in the U.S. If they do take effect, they may not have a huge impact, as Ron Fitzwater of the Missouri Pharmacy Association tells Misso...

Amazon Prime Days are back October 7 and 8, and millions of shoppers will be looking to score big discounts on everything from electronics to household essentials. But are those deals worth it? And how can consumers make smart financial decisions during the frenzy? Our financial expert from NerdWallet, Kimberly Palmer, joins us with advice on how to get the most out of Prime Days without overspend...

Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum isn’t just a place of rest, it’s a place of life, history, and breathtaking beauty. Spanning 314 acres with more than 9,000 trees, shrubs, and flowers, the cemetery is one of only 50 level-three accredited arboretums in the world. Sydney Jones of Missouri Life Magazine takes us through the winding trails, streams, and centuries-old trees, and tells the stories...

Amid the golden hues of autumn, Hermann comes alive every weekend in October with its annual Oktoberfest, a celebration steeped in German tradition, local flavor, and community spirit. From the Tapping of the Keg to lederhosen contests, live music, wine, beer, and festive food, the town transforms into a seasonal playground. Bill Pollock spoke with Tammy Bruckerhoff to dive into what makes Hermann...