Show Me Today - The Voice of Missouri

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 with Columbia Mall General Manager Rusty Strodtman to talk about how the mall has adapted, what’s drawing in new crowds, and what’s next for this Missouri landmark.” 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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 words, “scared me to life.” Matt encourages us to push our own boundaries through his whole personal story.

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