Chris Drew
@crsdrw.bsky.social
Reporter for Ozarks Public Radio paying attention to regional and state public affairs, education, libraries and agriculture. Personally enlightened by art, literature, history and culture.
www.ksmu.org/news/2025-12...
Had a nice and insightful time with this interview! Love to see a serious look at Branson.
Had a nice and insightful time with this interview! Love to see a serious look at Branson.
December 19, 2025 at 7:16 PM
www.ksmu.org/news/2025-12...
Had a nice and insightful time with this interview! Love to see a serious look at Branson.
Had a nice and insightful time with this interview! Love to see a serious look at Branson.
Reposted by Chris Drew
The process of drafting a new formula to calculate state aid for Missouri’s public schools became more challenging this week as state officials discovered some federal data sources are likely to disappear. #moleg #mogov
Federal education cutbacks cause problems for Missouri school funding formula • Missouri Independent
Efforts to reform the formula that funds Missouri public schools have hit a snag as federal agencies stop collecting certain data.
missouriindependent.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Reposted by Chris Drew
Several bills filed ahead of the 2026 Missouri legislative session seek to reduce the backlog or build out options to get treatment for people with serious mental illnesses outside of jail. (@missouriindependent.com)
Missouri lawmakers vow to address mental health backlog as hundreds languish in jails
Hundreds of Missourians are stuck in jail because they have been charged but not convicted of crimes, and were found incompetent to stand trial due to mental health disorders or cognitive disabilities. Now lawmakers are demanding solutions.
www.kcur.org
December 19, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Several bills filed ahead of the 2026 Missouri legislative session seek to reduce the backlog or build out options to get treatment for people with serious mental illnesses outside of jail. (@missouriindependent.com)
We have a series on Food Insecurity in the Ozarks out this week! Follow this link to the first episode.
Ozarks Food Harvest and its partners feed the hungry at scale and divert waste
We visit staff from the Springfield Community Gardens and volunteers at a weekly distribution of produce that would have gone to waste and learn more about Ozarks Food Harvest, which makes this progra...
www.ksmu.org
December 17, 2025 at 2:49 PM
We have a series on Food Insecurity in the Ozarks out this week! Follow this link to the first episode.
Reposted by Chris Drew
Cole County Circuit Court Judge Brian Stumpe must determine whether the use of state funds for MOScholars harms taxpayers and if state law permits the program to use general revenue. #moleg #mogov
Attorneys battle over future of taxpayer-funded private school vouchers in Missouri • Missouri Independent
A trial in Cole County Circuit Court questions whether the state's funding of private school vouchers is constitutional.
missouriindependent.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Reposted by Chris Drew
The CDC claims, without evidence, that vaccines may cause autism. And, New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani heads to the White House, where he will meet the president for the first time. n.pr/4iezZKa
CDC claims vaccines may cause autism. And, Trump and Mamdani to meet today
The CDC claims, without evidence, that vaccines may cause autism. And, New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani heads to the White House, where he will meet the president for the first time.
n.pr
November 21, 2025 at 12:34 PM
The CDC claims, without evidence, that vaccines may cause autism. And, New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani heads to the White House, where he will meet the president for the first time. n.pr/4iezZKa
Reposted by Chris Drew
Other folks have said it, but let me just note that:
(1) lots of talented, must-read journalists have been let go from their jobs over the last year
(2) millions of Americans are abandoning current media outlets and looking for new alternatives
Seems like a sure-fire business opportunity here?
(1) lots of talented, must-read journalists have been let go from their jobs over the last year
(2) millions of Americans are abandoning current media outlets and looking for new alternatives
Seems like a sure-fire business opportunity here?
November 12, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Other folks have said it, but let me just note that:
(1) lots of talented, must-read journalists have been let go from their jobs over the last year
(2) millions of Americans are abandoning current media outlets and looking for new alternatives
Seems like a sure-fire business opportunity here?
(1) lots of talented, must-read journalists have been let go from their jobs over the last year
(2) millions of Americans are abandoning current media outlets and looking for new alternatives
Seems like a sure-fire business opportunity here?
Reposted by Chris Drew
It's driving me batty that nobody except Heather Cox Richardson, the Washington Monthly, and myself is covering Trump's race to sell off (for likely demolition) "the Sistine Chapel of the New Deal," w/ murals by Ben Shahn, Philip Guston, etc. I've furnish links below to help reporters get started.
November 10, 2025 at 4:54 PM
It's driving me batty that nobody except Heather Cox Richardson, the Washington Monthly, and myself is covering Trump's race to sell off (for likely demolition) "the Sistine Chapel of the New Deal," w/ murals by Ben Shahn, Philip Guston, etc. I've furnish links below to help reporters get started.
Reposted by Chris Drew
NEW: ProPublica examined months of Fox News’ coverage and reviewed over 700 videos posted on social media.
The network used five-year-old footage, mislabeled other dates and implied footage from elsewhere was in Portland.
The network used five-year-old footage, mislabeled other dates and implied footage from elsewhere was in Portland.
“Riots Raging”: The Misleading Story Fox News Told About Portland Before Trump Sent Troops
After reviewing coverage from the network and hours of social media videos that preceded Trump’s decision, ProPublica found that Fox’s portrayal of “Portland rioters” routinely instigating violence was misleading.
www.propublica.org
November 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM
NEW: ProPublica examined months of Fox News’ coverage and reviewed over 700 videos posted on social media.
The network used five-year-old footage, mislabeled other dates and implied footage from elsewhere was in Portland.
The network used five-year-old footage, mislabeled other dates and implied footage from elsewhere was in Portland.
Reposted by Chris Drew
States usually redistrict at the start of the decade following the census. But Trump has set off a redistricting race across the country, saying that keeping the Republican advantage in the U.S. House, now just a few seats, is key to his agenda. (@npr.org)
Where redistricting stands across the country: Missouri is in but Kansas is out (for now)
In the summer, Texas drew new lines to help Republicans win in the midterm elections. Missouri followed suit. California countered this week. But even with Kansas backing off, Republicans might have an edge in the redistricting battle as it spreads nationally.
www.kcur.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:31 PM
States usually redistrict at the start of the decade following the census. But Trump has set off a redistricting race across the country, saying that keeping the Republican advantage in the U.S. House, now just a few seats, is key to his agenda. (@npr.org)
Reposted by Chris Drew
Missouri legalized abortion 1 year ago. Here’s what’s happened since the landmark vote #moleg #mogov
Missouri legalized abortion 1 year ago. Here’s what’s happened since the landmark vote • Missouri Independent
One year ago, Missourians codified the right to abortion in the state constitution. Multiple lawsuits and a proposed abortion ban followed.
missouriindependent.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Reposted by Chris Drew
At the heart of the impasse is a debate about expiring subsidies for health insurance. It's the latest chapter in a fight over Obamacare that has dominated Congress since the law was signed in 2010. n.pr/3Jwlcxw
How an enduring debate over healthcare sparked a now record-long shutdown
At the heart of the impasse is a debate about expiring subsidies for health insurance. It's the latest chapter in a fight over Obamacare that has dominated Congress since the law was signed in 2010.
n.pr
November 5, 2025 at 1:35 PM
At the heart of the impasse is a debate about expiring subsidies for health insurance. It's the latest chapter in a fight over Obamacare that has dominated Congress since the law was signed in 2010. n.pr/3Jwlcxw
Reposted by Chris Drew
Advocates say some tactics used by officers to target Latinos in Trump’s deportation effort draw from Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s playbook.
“The model was Maricopa County — the very public, very humiliating, demoralizing approach to the raids, and the cruelty.”
With @azluminaria.org
“The model was Maricopa County — the very public, very humiliating, demoralizing approach to the raids, and the cruelty.”
With @azluminaria.org
This County Was the “Model” for Local Police Carrying Out Immigration Raids. It Ended in Civil Rights Violations.
Under Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Maricopa County was one of the first testing grounds for ICE’s 287(g) program, which lets local police enforce immigration laws. Many Arizonans say those abuses parallel…
www.propublica.org
November 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Advocates say some tactics used by officers to target Latinos in Trump’s deportation effort draw from Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s playbook.
“The model was Maricopa County — the very public, very humiliating, demoralizing approach to the raids, and the cruelty.”
With @azluminaria.org
“The model was Maricopa County — the very public, very humiliating, demoralizing approach to the raids, and the cruelty.”
With @azluminaria.org
Reposted by Chris Drew
NEW: DHS used to only have information on immigrants who’d had contact with the agency.
Under a new data-sharing agreement, the system added information — including full Social Security numbers — on millions of Americans not in DHS databases.
Under a new data-sharing agreement, the system added information — including full Social Security numbers — on millions of Americans not in DHS databases.
DHS Agreement Reveals Risks of Using Social Security Data for Voter Citizenship Checks
A recently released agreement gives the Department of Homeland Security access to hundreds of millions of Americans’ Social Security data. It contains alarmingly few provisions to ensure accuracy and privacy, experts say.
www.propublica.org
October 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM
NEW: DHS used to only have information on immigrants who’d had contact with the agency.
Under a new data-sharing agreement, the system added information — including full Social Security numbers — on millions of Americans not in DHS databases.
Under a new data-sharing agreement, the system added information — including full Social Security numbers — on millions of Americans not in DHS databases.
This was a powerful story to hear on Morning Edition yesterda
Sudan's army has lost its last foothold of el-Fasher, in Darfur, to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Now warnings are mounting of a second genocide as mass killings unfold before the world.
As Darfur's last city falls, fears grow 'there will be no one left to save'
Sudan's army has lost its last foothold of el-Fasher, in Darfur, to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Now warnings are mounting of a second genocide as mass killings unfold before the world.
n.pr
October 30, 2025 at 12:54 PM
This was a powerful story to hear on Morning Edition yesterda
Reposted by Chris Drew
Missouri aid for moms and babies to continue as other food assistance ends during shutdown #moleg #mogov
Missouri aid for moms and babies to continue as other food assistance ends during shutdown • Missouri Independent
Gov. Mike Kehoe and state health officials announced continued funding for food assistance with some programs set to run dry.
missouriindependent.com
October 30, 2025 at 11:07 AM
I've been busy checking in with local Ozarks nonprofits about responses to the federal shutdown. My latest from a conversation with Ozarks Food Harvest. They are spending an extra $500k on food for their 28 county area.
Ozarks Food Harvest prepares for SNAP halt
They say they are preparing to purchase additional food to address an anticipated increase in need should SNAP benefits not go out in November.
www.ksmu.org
October 29, 2025 at 5:09 PM
I've been busy checking in with local Ozarks nonprofits about responses to the federal shutdown. My latest from a conversation with Ozarks Food Harvest. They are spending an extra $500k on food for their 28 county area.
Some public affairs reporting in honor of Fall Pledge Drive at KSMU.
The Ozark Board of Aldermen approved directing $1 million annually towards funding the a new public safety facility, money previously designated for Public Works and general capital projects."
www.ksmu.org/news/2025-10...
The Ozark Board of Aldermen approved directing $1 million annually towards funding the a new public safety facility, money previously designated for Public Works and general capital projects."
www.ksmu.org/news/2025-10...
City of Ozark to reallocate funds for police building
At their meeting Monday, the Ozark Board of Aldermen approved directing $1 million annually towards funding the debt service for a new public safety facility. The money had previously been designated ...
www.ksmu.org
October 9, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Some public affairs reporting in honor of Fall Pledge Drive at KSMU.
The Ozark Board of Aldermen approved directing $1 million annually towards funding the a new public safety facility, money previously designated for Public Works and general capital projects."
www.ksmu.org/news/2025-10...
The Ozark Board of Aldermen approved directing $1 million annually towards funding the a new public safety facility, money previously designated for Public Works and general capital projects."
www.ksmu.org/news/2025-10...
Reposted by Chris Drew
The proposed constitutional amendment set to go before voters next year would ban nearly all abortions, with limited exceptions for medical emergencies and survivors of sexual assault. #moleg #mogov
Judge approves ballot language for amendment reinstating Missouri abortion ban • Missouri Independent
Attorneys continue to argue the ballot language for the proposed amendment does not clearly state that it will ban abortion.
missouriindependent.com
October 7, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Reposted by Chris Drew
Those influencing Trump education policy aren't shy about wanting to eradicate public schools.
Asked what % of kids she imagines should be in public schools, Tiffany Justice -- Moms for Liberty cofounder, now with Heritage Foundation -- told @propublica.org
“I hope zero. I hope to get to zero.”
Asked what % of kids she imagines should be in public schools, Tiffany Justice -- Moms for Liberty cofounder, now with Heritage Foundation -- told @propublica.org
“I hope zero. I hope to get to zero.”
These Activists Want to Dismantle Public Schools. Now They Run the Education Department.
Under Trump, the Department of Education has been bringing in activists hostile to public schools. It could mean a new era of private and religious schools boosted by tax dollars — and the end of publ...
www.propublica.org
October 8, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Those influencing Trump education policy aren't shy about wanting to eradicate public schools.
Asked what % of kids she imagines should be in public schools, Tiffany Justice -- Moms for Liberty cofounder, now with Heritage Foundation -- told @propublica.org
“I hope zero. I hope to get to zero.”
Asked what % of kids she imagines should be in public schools, Tiffany Justice -- Moms for Liberty cofounder, now with Heritage Foundation -- told @propublica.org
“I hope zero. I hope to get to zero.”
Reposted by Chris Drew
NEW: Kristi Noem has been widely criticized for slowing down FEMA's response to natural disasters.
But she fast-tracked $11 million+ to fix a Florida tourist attraction — after one of her big donors reached out. www.propublica.org/article/kris...
But she fast-tracked $11 million+ to fix a Florida tourist attraction — after one of her big donors reached out. www.propublica.org/article/kris...
Kristi Noem Fast-Tracked Millions in Disaster Aid to Florida Tourist Attraction After Campaign Donor Intervened
The DHS chief has been widely criticized for slowing down FEMA’s response after natural disasters. Texts and emails obtained by ProPublica point to an effective way to get help faster: have one of Noe...
www.propublica.org
September 26, 2025 at 11:20 AM
NEW: Kristi Noem has been widely criticized for slowing down FEMA's response to natural disasters.
But she fast-tracked $11 million+ to fix a Florida tourist attraction — after one of her big donors reached out. www.propublica.org/article/kris...
But she fast-tracked $11 million+ to fix a Florida tourist attraction — after one of her big donors reached out. www.propublica.org/article/kris...
Reposted by Chris Drew
The U.S. government will collect a multibillion-dollar fee from the American investors who will take over TikTok. Some experts call the fee and other deals like it "extortion."
Trump's TikTok deal payment criticized as 'shakedown scheme' by experts
The U.S. government will collect a multibillion-dollar fee from the American investors who will take over TikTok. Some experts call the fee and other deals like it "extortion."
n.pr
September 26, 2025 at 12:15 PM
The U.S. government will collect a multibillion-dollar fee from the American investors who will take over TikTok. Some experts call the fee and other deals like it "extortion."
We have released our 10-part Sense of Community series on Climate Change in the Ozarks this week. We also helped produce a 30min special and short docs for Ozarks Public television, find those at optv.org - truly an ambitious project, proud to be covering this important topic
Sense of Community
From poverty concerns to major policy decisions, this series dives beyond the headlines to provide in-depth coverage of issues facing people and organizations in the Ozarks. KSMU's team of reporters c...
www.ksmu.org
September 25, 2025 at 5:13 PM
We have released our 10-part Sense of Community series on Climate Change in the Ozarks this week. We also helped produce a 30min special and short docs for Ozarks Public television, find those at optv.org - truly an ambitious project, proud to be covering this important topic
C-Street Pride moves forward this weekend after threats made Monday - we have been short staffed this week and it's been a nice team effort keeping up with this story as it has developed. Hope everyone has a safe and good time!
GLO Center goes forward with Pridefest on C-Street
After receiving threats this week, the nonprofit announced Tuesday they would go forward with Saturday’s event as planned.
www.ksmu.org
September 25, 2025 at 5:10 PM
C-Street Pride moves forward this weekend after threats made Monday - we have been short staffed this week and it's been a nice team effort keeping up with this story as it has developed. Hope everyone has a safe and good time!
Friendly reminder we run through the latest news in SW MO every weekday morning. Find us at ksmu.org - cute but meaningful story about a 55+ theater group in Springfield today and news of Rep. Jeremy Dean's statement on a recent mo house ethics inquiry
Weekday Morning Newscast: Friday, September 19
Hear reporting on the latest production from a local theatre group of actors over the age of 55, news of a statement from Springfield area State Rep Jeremy Dean following a Missouri House Ethics inqui...
www.ksmu.org
September 19, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Friendly reminder we run through the latest news in SW MO every weekday morning. Find us at ksmu.org - cute but meaningful story about a 55+ theater group in Springfield today and news of Rep. Jeremy Dean's statement on a recent mo house ethics inquiry