Missouri hog farmers are stepping into the national spotlight as Congress considers Prop 12, California’s crate-free pork law. They say losing the law would wipe out a fair market that rewards crate-free pork.

Workers and community groups are taking their fight to the Missouri Capitol, protesting what they call an illegal power grab to redraw congressional maps. The action follows Labor Day rallies in Kansas City and St. Louis, where thousands opposed changes they say threaten workers’ rights and democracy.

Federal crop insurance pours billions of taxpayer money into corn and soybeans in Illinois, but leaves small fruit and vegetable farmers exposed. As climate risks grow, one Illinois specialty farmer says diversity, not subsidies, is his safety net.

Some Missouri workers are marking Labor Day by joining the national ‘Workers Over Billionaires’ movement, saying it’s about more than holiday weekend barbecues when the state’s top 1% of residents make nearly 16 times what the average worker earns.

Business and out-of-state ownership of Illinois farmland has surged since 2005, driving up rent prices and limiting conservation practices. Unlike neighboring states, Illinois has no restrictions on corporate land purchases, raising concerns about rising costs, soil health, and long-term food security.

Missouri’s 26 rail trails, including the 240-mile Katy Trail, could be affected as Congress takes up the 2026 transportation bill, the largest source of federal funding for trails, walking, and biking, supporting a 42,000-mile national network.

Food insecurity is on the increase in Missouri, according to the University of Missouri's new 2025 Missouri Hunger Atlas. Released every two to three years, the report maps where need is rising and helps guide efforts to get food to those who need it most.

On this episode of 'Going Public', Ginny Smith, Executive Director of Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority (CTA), discussed CTA's partnership with Southeast Missouri State University to provide expanded transportation for students, replacing the SEMO shuttle program with CTA buses. CTA's ridership increased by over 100% from July 2022 to May 2023 due to efficiency and community partnerships. The new service will offer more frequent access to local businesses and amenities. Additionally, CTA collaborated with FlixBus to establish a bus stop in Cape Girardeau, offering affordable routes to cities like Chicago and Memphis. Smith emphasized safety measures, including live camera footage and driver training, and encouraged the use of CTA's new transit app for better service planning.

On this episode of 'Going Public', Ginny Smith, Executive Director of Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority (CTA), discussed CTA's partnership with Southeast Missouri State University to provide expanded transportation for students, replacing the SEMO shuttle program with CTA buses. CTA's ridership increased by over 100% from July 2022 to May 2023 due to efficiency and community partnerships. The new service will offer more frequent access to local businesses and amenities. Additionally, CTA collaborated with FlixBus to establish a bus stop in Cape Girardeau, offering affordable routes to cities like Chicago and Memphis. Smith emphasized safety measures, including live camera footage and driver training, and encouraged the use of CTA's new transit app for better service planning.

SEMO student workers will see their pay rise to at least $13.75 an hour this August under a new Missouri law, with a further increase to $15 set for 2026, ending the university’s lower student wage.