Missouri U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt is proposing a bill to crack down on the trafficking of nitazenes. Schmitt, a Republican, said the goal is to stop nitazenes before they become the next fentanyl crisis. “Nitazenes are powerful synthetic opioids that are stronger than fentanyl, cheaper to produce, and devastatingly lethal. Their high potency and increased […]

A national survey led by Washington University in St. Louis shows most Missourians are happy with their personal health care but deeply concerned about the system overall. Dr. Margaret Kruk is professor of Health Systems and Medicine at WashU’s School of Medicine and the School of Public Health. She told Missourinet that a vast majority […]

Missouri retailers and grocers are facing a new challenge after President Trump halted penny production in June. Dan Shaul, President of the Missouri Grocers Association told Missourinet that experts thought the penny wouldn’t be missed until the second quarter of 2026. “They missed it by a couple of quarters because there is now a shortage […]

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has issued an advisory regarding 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-hydroxy and 7-OH. It’s an extract of the kratom plant and it’s being marketed as a “natural remedy” for pain relief and brain stimulation. But 164 people in Missouri have died from using Kratom products since 2019, […]

The Missouri men’s basketball team opened the 2025-26 season with an impressive 88-67 road win over Howard on Monday night — the program’s largest road victory in a season opener in 84 years. The Tigers built an early lead and never looked back, shooting 56 percent from the field and dominating the paint 46-16 while […]

The Missouri women’s basketball team opened the Kellie Harper era with a 78-71 win over Central Arkansas on Monday night at Mizzou Arena. Junior guard Shannon Dowell powered the Tigers with 21 points and 12 rebounds in her debut, becoming the first player to lead Mizzou in scoring in their first game since Sophie Cunningham […]

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins told Missourinet that there’s a wide range of issues on the ballot during Tuesday’s election. “There’s not elections everywhere in the state of Missouri, but there are some important elections that will be taking place on a lot of local levels,” said Hoskins. In Jefferson City, voters will decide […]

Over the next 15 to 20 years, Missouri’s energy demands are expected to increase about 3% annually. “That’s an incredible amount of additional electricity that’s needed,” Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Kurt Schaefer told Missourinet. He said there’s not much extra power capacity to go around. Everyday items like electric cars, cell phones, data […]

Winter is right around the corner, and the National Weather Service is reminding Missourians how to prepare. NWS Forecaster Kevin Deitsch joins Bill Pollock on Show Me Today. For more information, click here.

November has arrived, meaning that many of Missouri’s utilities cannot disconnect service for non-payment whenever temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing. It’s known as the Cold Weather Rule. Forrest Gossett, Communications Director and Chief Public Information Officer with the Public Service Commission, told Missourinet the rule does not apply to every utility in Missouri. […]

(Columbia, MO)  —   A multi-million-dollar effort is underway to recruit and train future early childhood caregivers and educators in Missouri.  University of Missouri’s Department of Human Development and Family Science Chair Brenda Lohman says the shortage of early childhood workers is far-reaching.  “Out of our 115 counties, 78 of those counties are designated as what we […]

The Kansas City Chiefs fell to the Buffalo Bills 28-21 on Sunday, as quarterback Patrick Mahomes endured one of the toughest outings of his career. Mahomes completed 15 of 34 passes for 250 yards with one interception, marking the first time in his nine-year regular-season career that he finished a game with a completion rate […]

Zollers prepares for first college football start

A meat snack company that recently expanded into central Missouri is already seeing rapid growth. Western Smokehouse Partners opened its new plant in Mexico, located in Audrain County, back in August. CEO Matt Bormann told Missourinet that things took off fast. “We are up to 122 employees with about 8 starting next week as well. […]

(Jefferson City, Mo.) – As the federal government shutdown, trade war, and Boeing strike continue, Missouri’s unemployment claims are on the rise. Data from the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations shows so far this month, more than 14,379 jobless claims have been filed in Missouri. The most claims – 6,237 – were filed […]

The Missouri Department of Conservation is investigating a bird flu outbreak. The department’s Deb Hudman told Missourinet it is actively monitoring reports of sick and dead waterfowl and raptors across the state, including geese, ducks, hawks, and eagles. Testing has confirmed the cause to be Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or “bird flu.” “We’ve had […]

Missourians can expect higher health insurance premiums in 2026, according to final rate filings released by the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. While the increase may impact budgets, state officials emphasize that coverage options remain available across the state. ✅ Coverage Availability Every county in Missouri will continue to have at least two insurance […]

Halloween is the last day of Missouri’s black bear hunting season. Department of Conservation Director Jason Sumners provided the Conservation Commission with a progress report on Thursday. “Black bear season was increased by four days over the previous season, and a total of 600 permits were allocated. Previously, we had allocated 400 permits across the […]

Missouri retailers are bracing for change after President Trump’s announcement to stop producing the penny. But Jackson Hataway, President and CEO of the Missouri Bankers Association said not to panic just yet: “There are still plenty of pennies out there.” “There are about 250 billion pennies in circulation, and you know that banks and grocers […]

Tucked away near the Lake of the Ozarks in Brumley, the Haunted Castle House invites the brave to step into a place steeped in history, mystery, and the unexplained. Once a private residence and doctor’s office, the site now features a pioneer graveyard and a mass dog burial plot, all of which add to its […]