News

A new report says low commodity prices and weak farm incomes are continuing to hamper the rural economy in parts of 10 Plains and Midwestern states.

The Rural Mainstreet Index for the region fell to its lowest level of the year at 39.6 from August's 42.2. The index released Thursday ranges between 0 and 100, with any number under 50 indicating a shrinking economy.

There have been more fatal police shootings in St. Louis in 2017 than for a decade — with three months still left until year's end.

The new data comes as the city's police department struggles to contain daily protests following the acquittal of white former police officer in the killing of a black suspect.

A group of stylists and their allies spoke out in the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday morning about whether Missouri’s requirements for a cosmetology license should apply to African hair braiders.

To obtain a cosmetology license, stylists must complete 1,500 hours of training, which can cost around $16,000. The case against the licensing is built on the argument that the cosmetology schools require irrelevant learning for braiders. Missouri is one of 13 states that require braiders to be licensed cosmetologists.

Today Paul Pepper visits with JOSH REID about the University Concert Series' 110th season! Josh tells us that this year will feature a "tremendous amount of diversity and a lot of different cultures." Among the 26 scheduled performances is Tango Buenos Aries, The Beach Boys, the Missouri Contemporary Ballet and a whole lot more! At [3:29] JOE GEIST and artist GARY CADWALLADER invite everyone to the Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art in Fayette to experience "Passion vs. Reality: Three for the Fall." Get a taste of what you'll see when you visit thanks to examples provided by Gary and ceramic artist Geoff Graham! September 21, 2017

More freshmen than expected arrived at MU this year, but overall numbers were still lower than last year’s freshman class.

  In 2017, 4,134 freshmen were enrolled, for a total of 30,870, according to official numbers released Wednesday by MU.

Columbia has joined a long list of cities around the country that are supporting Standing Rock Souix Tribe. City Council voted unanimously at Monday’s meeting to approve a resolution expressing support for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Carolyn Mathews, member of the Native American Support Group, said at the meeting that because of Columbia’s geographical location this resolution is especially important for the city to adopt.

Today Paul Pepper visits with STEVE SCHNARR, Program Manager, Missouri River Relief, about the 8th annual Race to the Dome! This canoe and kayak adventure for any age and any experience level is a fundraiser for Missouri River Relief, and a great way to experience the Missouri River first-hand. At [4:18] TIFFANY BOHON, MU Health Care, invites all injured youth athletes to a free clinic at the Missouri Orthopedic Institute from 9:30 p.m.-11 p.m. each Friday through October. Watch for details! September 20, 2017

A third person appointed by Gov. Eric Greitens to the state board of education won't serve on the board.

Two current board members criticized the governor after Springfield resident Heidi Crane's declined to accept the appointment. They say the governor has been incompetent in his efforts to remake the board with his own people in an effort to replace current Education Commission Margie Vandeven.

The MKT Nature and Fitness trail will undergo work this winter that will result in a section of the trail being closed for several months. At least two of the bridges along the trail will be replaced in a $380,000 overhaul, creating detours.

A meeting has been called this Thursday for park planners to discuss the project with residents. The meeting will be taking place at the Martin Luther King memorial section of the trail, just off Stadium Boulevard between 4 and 6 p.m.

Rock Bridge Christian Church announced Sunday that it is the second sanctuary church in Columbia. The Universalist Unitarian Church became Columbia’s first sanctuary church in April. Sanctuary churches provide shelter and support for immigrants facing deportation. Rock Bridge Christian Church has been considering becoming a sanctuary church since May of this year.

Rev. Sarah Klaassen, the pastor at Rock Bridge Christian Church, says the congregation wants to stand in solidarity with those affected by immigration policies.

Today Paul Pepper visits with MARILYN McLEOD, League of Women Voters, about National Voter Registration Day. Marilyn tells us that while most people are registered, if you're not, September 26th is a good day "to just get it done." If you are looking to 'get it done', the League will be registering people that day at the Columbia Public Library! At [4:14] GAIL HUMPHRIES MARDIROSIAN tells us about Stephens College School of Performing Arts' 70th season, now underway with "Intimate Apparel." Still to come: Blithe Spirit, Anything Goes, Into the Woods and a whole lot more! Watch for details. September 19, 2017