Randolph County loses local radio news coverage after broadcasters lose jobs
Residents in Randolph County and communities in northern Missouri lost a major source for local news, sports and weather radio coverage after all broadcasting staff at KWIX/KRES/KIRK/KTCM radio stations were reportedly let go Tuesday.
The stations are owned by Alpha Media Group, which operates 207 radio stations across 44 regional markets.
All Alpha Media stations in Missouri will have the same fate with the cutting of local newsroom staff, according to social media posts from former employees. KOMU 8 reached out to Alpha Media for comment multiple times but has not received a response.
Groups advocate for prevention efforts as fentanyl deaths among Missouri toddlers spikes
As fentanyl deaths rise in Missouri, specifically among kids, groups in Columbia and throughout Missouri are advocating for change.
This week, the Missouri Department of Social Services released a report detailing a recent surge in fentanyl deaths in babies, toddlers and teens. According to the data, the number of adolescents who died from the drug nearly doubled in 2022, with 43 kids killed. Among these, 20 were under the age of 5, marking a staggering 500% increase.
Research shows fentanyl is one of the most dangerous opioids. It is nearly 50 times more potent than heroin or other substances.
Forecast: Exiting Wednesday afternoon storms will leave mid-MO with sunshine on Thursday
The First Alert Weather Team will be able to send the all clear for severe weather by this evening at the latest. We will send that out on the First Alert Weather App and on social media.
Once these storm move east, out of the KOMU 8 viewing area, we will look forward to some much calmer weather for the rest of the week and weekend.
Educators fear new education overhaul could have unintended budget consequences
A bill fundamentally changing education in Missouri was signed into law Tuesday, leaving some educators afraid that the state’s overhaul could have unintended consequences.
Senate Bill 727 is a massive piece of legislature that holds more than 160 pages, dealing with over 20 sections of state statutes on education.
The bill allows charter schools to operate in Boone County, raises teacher baseline pay from $25,000 to $40,000, and increases the annual funding for Missouri Empowerment Scholarships, among other promises, according to previous KOMU 8 reporting.
New city of Columbia programs aim to help homeless population
Members of the Columbia Police Department (CPD) and city officials held a press conference on Wednesday to discuss the city’s new programs, DIVERT and the Homelessness Outreach Team.
The city says it started working on the development of these programs before the pandemic, but the DIVERT program launched back in January 2023 and the HOT team has been operating for about two months now.
However, this is the first time the city has released information about the programs to the public.
