Chrystal Blair
Reporter with Missouri Public News ServiceChrystal Blair is a veteran news broadcaster with more than 30 years of experience in radio and television reporting, producing, and writing. She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and earned a degree in Communication/Radio, Television, Film from Eastern Michigan University.
Prior to starting her career, Chrystal worked as a flight attendant for a major airline, indulging her passion for travel. After a year of flying, she relocated to Los Angeles, California, where she began her career as a reporter at a community public access television station. While working at the station, Chrystal was selected “Reporter of the Year” for the community news awards.
Since then, Chrystal has worked in television and radio for several mainstream media affiliates and has been honored with several prestigious awards, including CBS Radio’s “World Class Performer” award.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Chrystal has a passion for performing arts and has acted in several professional plays. She is also an animal lover and cares deeply for animal welfare. During her leisure time, she enjoys spending quality time with her rescued dog and cat.
-
The Work College Consortium is a rare group of just nine colleges nationwide where every full-time student works as part of earning a degree. At Missouri’s College of the Ozarks, that model is helping students graduate debt-free while gaining real-world experience, strong work habits and career-ready skills. -
Proposed federal budget cuts could eliminate the only institute in the country dedicated to nursing research and key training programs. Opponents of the cuts say they would put Missouri’s nurse pipeline and patient care at risk, just as the state faces ongoing medical workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas. -
A Missouri lawmaker is reviving a bill to let qualified DACA recipients obtain professional licenses, a move supporters say could help ease worker shortages and keep trained graduates in the state. -
As Missouri weighs large-scale solar, a debate is on between clean energy advocates and those warning that retiring fossil fuel plants too quickly could strain the power grid and raise blackout risks. -
Missouri will receive more than $200 million in federal funding starting this year, through a new Rural Health Transformation Program. The money is aimed at strengthening rural health systems, expanding access to care, and improving coordination -
Missouri’s minimum wage increase is now in effect as 2026 begins, a voter-approved change supporters say reflects rising living costs and workers' needs statewide. Workforce leaders say the change reflects rising living costs and could help retain workers, reduce reliance on public assistance, and strengthen the state’s labor force. -
Missouri is expanding access to Narcan through vending machines and porch-style boxes, with the city of Springfield serving as one example of how wider naloxone access could help save lives, statewide. -
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has delayed tougher wastewater treatment standards for coal-fired power plants, a move critics say could slow reductions in toxic pollution. The delay affects facilities nationwide, including in Missouri. -
Advocates of affordable healthcare warn that proposed Medicaid changes could result in coverage losses for thousands of Missourians, not because they’re ineligible, but due to paperwork and administrative hurdles. They point to past coverage losses and growing strain on rural hospitals as concerns mount ahead of a possible January government shutdown. -
Missouri farmers are facing ongoing financial pressure from tariffs, trade disruptions, and rising costs. Farm advocate Joe Maxwell says a new $12 billion federal aid package offers limited relief and doesn’t fix underlying problems in the farm economy.
