On this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri, about the organization's recent efforts to address rising needs for assistance.

Missouri farmers are feeling the strain after the U.S. Department of Agriculture abruptly pulled funding for the Heartland Regional Food Business Center, a program that helped small producers access markets and upgrade equipment. Local farm leaders warn the loss could stall growth and weaken Missouri’s local food networks.

Missourians narrowly passed Amendment 2 in 2024, which legalized sports betting in the state. The constitutional amendment places Missouri among the nearly 40 states with legal sports gambling.

Retail experts say Missouri shoppers may see less variety and subtle quality changes this Black Friday, as importers scale back due to tariffs and soft demand. Companies are quietly cutting costs by offering fewer toys and accessories and using cheaper materials.

With food insecurity affecting roughly 13% of Missouri households and food prices rising, many families can’t afford a traditional Thanksgiving meal. One Branson nonprofit is making sure those in need can enjoy a good holiday meal and much-needed companionship

The Missouri Department of Social Services announced Thursday that it will continue to issue partial payments of federal food benefits for November, while updating its systems to resume paying full amounts.

As Thanksgiving approaches, Missouri families are caught in the middle of a national food aid fight. A federal court ruling Friday (11/7) would have forced the Trump administration to pay full SNAP benefits, but the decision was paused following an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Local pantries are scrambling to meet the growing need.

Many Missourians are starting the week without the safety net they’ve relied on to get by – and a new report warns Missouri’s child poverty rate could climb sharply if federal food assistance ends.

On Monday, October 27, we spoke with Heather Collier, the Donor Relations and Communications Manager, about the upcoming 'Empty Bowls' funding events on Fri. Nov. 7, and the looming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits cut due to the ongoing federal shutdown.

On Monday, October 27, we spoke with Heather Collier, the Donor Relations and Communications Manager, about the upcoming 'Empty Bowls' funding events on Fri. Nov. 7, and the looming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits cut due to the ongoing federal shutdown.