Do to Missouri's education funding mechanism, some small schools are able to spend twice as much per student than urban districts. They have other challenges, however, such as teacher recruitment and retention.

Brendan Crowley discusses what mid-Missouri cities and counties are doing to combat shifts in shopping habits that are keeping sales tax revenue from keeping pace with population growth.

Business reporter Philip Joens discusses how the absence of traditional manufacturing jobs has impacted mid-Missouri, and how some tech startups are trying to carve a niche in rural communities.

Trib Talk hosts discuss the launch of a 10-part series, Rural Divide, looking at the struggles of mid-Missouri rural communities over the last few decades, compared to what's happened in Columbia and Boone County.

The stage is being set for a showdown between the state of Missouri a circuit court over the garnishment of $118 million the court says is owed to Department of Corrections employees. Also, Title IX may see changes at the state and federal level.

This week we discuss Ian Thomas' deal-making gaffe, and how low unemployment may be part of the reason for more workplace injuries.

Charles Westmoreland and Rudi Keller discuss lawmakers' efforts to scale back November's minimum wage ballot initiative, the suspicious Columbia Planned Parenthood fire, and the next big "fake news" threat coming soon to a mobile device near you.

Charles Westmoreland and Rudi Keller discuss why the Boone Sheriff's Department removed a questionable training video, State of the Union address, and Annual Performance reports for Columbia schools.

A Columbia police officer's biased tweets leads to desk duty, and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is banking on a robust budget surplus during his first legislative session as governor.

Charles Westmoreland and Rudi Keller discuss the resignation of city manager Mike Matthes, and how Columbia will pay him $180,000 to not work.