KBIA Newscast (Columbia)

New research from the U.S. Geological Survey indicates a rise in nutrient pollution in streams and rivers across the U.S., primarily due to the release of older nutrients from soil and groundwater. The study highlights that agricultural practices, particularly fertilizer application, contribute significantly to this issue, which can lead to harmful algal blooms and drinking water contamination.

As Missouri voters prepare for an abortion referendum in November, a new Planned Parenthood clinic in Springfield has begun offering abortion procedures. This clinic is the fourth in the state, following the establishment of others in Columbia, St. Louis, and Kansas City, after voters enshrined the right to abortion in the state constitution in 2024.

Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that pigments extracted from a purple corn variety from South America could serve as a natural alternative to synthetic petroleum-based dyes. The pigments have shown stability under high temperatures and in various acidic beverages, presenting a potential economic opportunity for farmers and a healthier option for consumers.

A 95-year-old veteran, Mitchell Bennett, has received an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol on the nation's 250th birthday. The flag was presented to him in mid-Missouri, honoring his service in the Navy during the Korean War.

Researchers at the University of Missouri are exploring the potential of purple corn as a natural alternative to artificial food dyes. Collaborating with USDA geneticist Sherry Flint Garcia, they are developing hybrids that can thrive in the U.S., which could also create new market opportunities for farmers.

A coalition of progressive groups in Missouri has launched a million-dollar campaign aimed at flipping Republican state legislative seats. The coalition, named Will of the People, is targeting lawmakers who previously supported the repeal of paid sick leave, highlighting their efforts to raise the minimum wage and secure paid leave.

A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey reveals that nutrient pollution in streams and rivers has increased significantly from 2000 to 2020, primarily due to agricultural practices. The study emphasizes that past activities continue to affect water quality, leading to harmful algal blooms and potential drinking water contamination.

The Columbia City Council is set to consider a proposal for an urban camping ordinance that would implement a warning system for individuals camping downtown. This proposal follows a statewide ban on long-term camping on state-owned land, which was upheld by the Supreme Court.

Moberly Area Community College is starting a new pilot training program at Columbia Regional Airport, allowing student pilots to use the same runways as major airlines. Airport manager Mike Parks assures that the program will not interfere with commercial flight operations, which have been thriving with the return of United Airlines and the addition of Legion Airlines.

Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Awny announced that National Democrats will focus on investing in four Missouri Senate races and twelve statehouse races this election year. This marks a renewed interest in Missouri politics, which has not received significant national attention in recent years.

An annual billboard campaign by the Kansas City Indian Center is urging the Kansas City Chiefs to change their name and discontinue the tomahawk chop tradition. Executive director Galen Krauser emphasizes the need for reevaluation, especially with the team's upcoming move to a new stadium.

The Missouri State Fair has canceled its sea lion shows following a vehicle accident involving a tractor trailer that was transporting the animals. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but several individuals sustained injuries, and the sea lions are being evaluated at the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center.

A judge has granted a request to further delay a lawsuit regarding the determination of Missouri's congressional map, following a request from the Republican National Committee and other GOP entities. The plaintiff's attorney argues that this delay contradicts the Missouri Supreme Court's desire for a swift resolution, while a Republican attorney insists that stalling is not the goal. The hearing has been postponed until Tuesday.

An annual campaign advocating for the Kansas City Chiefs to change their name has gained momentum, particularly during the World Cup, with new billboards urging the team to abandon the Tomahawk Chop tradition. Executive Director Galene Krauser of the Kansas City Indian Center emphasizes the need for collective action to address this issue, especially with the team's upcoming move to a new stadium.

Moberly Area Community College and City of Columbia officials celebrated the opening of a new commercial pilot training program aimed at building a skilled workforce in mid-Missouri. The program will train students at the Columbia Regional Airport, offering an associate's degree and approximately 300 hours of flight training over two years.

A Cole County judge has allowed a Republican coalition to join the opposition in a lawsuit regarding Missouri's congressional map. This development could delay proceedings, as the Missouri Supreme Court has emphasized the need for a swift resolution to determine if a voter referendum will be on the November ballot.

The University of Missouri has been awarded a $1 million grant from the National Institute of Health to develop advanced radiation treatments for cancer. The funding will support research aimed at improving the delivery of radiation to tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

State Senator Rick Bratton, the Republican challenger to U.S. Representative Emmanuel Cleaver, has publicly criticized Cleaver's age, suggesting it's time for him to retire. Bratton, who won the Republican primary decisively, plans to focus on issues like crime and education in his campaign.

Columbia, Missouri, has introduced a 24-7 tip line for residents to report concerns about short-term rentals, such as those listed on Airbnb. This initiative aims to enhance enforcement of the city's short-term rental ordinance, which has faced challenges since its implementation.

A new lawsuit challenging Missouri's gerrymandered congressional map is set for its first hearing, with a ruling deadline approaching. The lawsuit aims to overturn Secretary of State Denny Hoskins' decision that a ballot referendum on redistricting is unconstitutional, despite volunteers gathering 367,000 signatures for the November ballot.