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Columbia’s municipal elections are less than three months away. Columbia mayor Barbara Buffaloe is seeking a second term in April and has at least two challengers: businessman Blair “Murph” Murphy and Mizzou journalism instructor Tanya Heath. Ms. Heath also ran in 2022. Mr. Murphy co-owns Johnston Paint and Decorating on Buttonwood. Comobuz publisher Mike Murphy, who also anchors afternoon newscasts on 939 the Eagle, discussed the April municipal elections in-detail Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable.” Murphy tells host Fred Parry that police and the Laborers Union are unhappy with both Mayor Buffaloe and with Fourth Ward Councilman Nick Foster, who is also seeking re-election in April. Murphy says the fourth ward and labor support provided the votes to propel Buffaloe to victory in 2022, noting she beat businessman Randy Minchew by about 800 votes citywide. Murphy says the margin of victory for Buffaloe in the fourth ward was about 1,200 votes, adding that the Laborers Union provided a lot o

Missouri Republicans have supermajorities in both legislative chambers again in 2025. They control the Missouri House 111-52 and control the Senate 24-10. State Rep. Jim Schulte (R-New Bloomfield) joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that the House and Senate GOP leadership have been meeting with Governor-elect Mike Kehoe (R) and his team to come up with a "game plan" to help Missourians. Rep. Schulte predicts the GOP-controlled Legislature will be united in 2025, adding he's an eternal optimist. We also discussed the winter storm, which has dropped four to five inches of snow in mid-Missouri's Callaway County this morning. Many of the schools in Rep. Schulte's district have been closed this week from ice, sleet, snow and now more snow. He praises the work that school officials have done to try to open and praises state Department of Transportation (MoDOT) crews and other road crews as well. Representative Schulte also praises the work MoDOT is doing on the $405-million stre

Missouri state auditor Scott Fitzpatrick released his office's audit of the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's office earlier this week. Auditor Fitzpatrick joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." The audit began in June 2021 under former Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway (D), but Fitzpatrick, a Republican, says Galloway's audit staff met resistance from then St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner. Fitzpatrick says Gardner wanted to prevent the audit from progressing. Auditor Fitzpatrick slammed Kim Gardner on "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that she was an "absolute disaster" as circuit attorney, adding that he had to put out a public appeal to help find her. Auditor Fitzpatrick also praises new St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore, saying Mr. Gore has turned the office around:

Missouri Republicans will have supermajorities again in both chambers when the 2025 legislative session gavels-in today at high noon in Jefferson City. 163 newly-elected state representatives and 17 state senators will be sworn-in, and today is mainly ceremonial. Republicans will control the Missouri House 111-53 and they will have a 24-10 supermajority in the Senate. In addition to the oath of office, outgoing Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft (R) will preside over the Missouri House today, until the House elects a new Speaker. Outgoing House Speaker Dean Plocher (R-Des Peres) was forced out by term limits. Two Columbia state representatives who were elected for the first time in November will be sworn-in today: Republican John Martin and Democrat Gregg Bush. Rep-elect Martin joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" to preview the session. He will be the only Republican in Boone County's legislative delegation. Mr. Martin has participated in the freshmen tour, which included a tour of the MU Resea

The inauguration ceremonies for Missouri Governor-elect Mike Kehoe (R) and the other newly-elected statewide officials will take place Monday in Jefferson City. There will be numerous events. Lt. Governor Kehoe captured 59 percent of the vote in November's gubernatorial race against Springfield Democrat Crystal Quade. Governor-elect Kehoe joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri", telling listeners that one of the themes of his speech will be reflecting on where he came from. He grew up poor in the Baden neighborhood in St. Louis, saying there are lots of opportunities for Missourians who work hard. Crime, tax policies, economic development and agriculture are among his top priorities. He's excited about Monday's inauguration, noting that former Governors Jay Nixon (D) and John Ashcroft (R) will be attending. Governor-elect Kehoe tells listeners that several members of Missouri's congressional delegation are interested in attending the Jefferson City event. He's also hopeful that U.S. Sens. Josh Ha

Inauguration ceremonies for Missouri Governor-elect Mike Kehoe and other statewide elected officials will begin Monday morning at 11:30 on the Capitol’s south lawn in Jefferson City. Governor-elect Kehoe will hold what he describes as a day one action ceremony that afternoon at 12:45 pm, and there will be a promenade of the Budweiser Clydesdales from the Capitol to the governor’s Mansion at 1:45 pm. Governor Kehoe and First Lady Claudia Kehoe will also greet the public that day at 2 at the Governor’s Mansion. All of the events are open to the public and require no ticket except for the day one action ceremony, which is open to the news media. Missouri Capitol Police chief Zim Schwartze joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" to preview the event. She tells listeners that they have security all of the time, adding that there will be congestion Monday in Jefferson City. She also notes thousands of state employees will be working that day in Jefferson City, since it is a workday. She encourages you

Columbia Public Works continues to urge you to avoid unnecessary travel to help keep roadways clear and safe. While the winter storm warning has expired, authorities are still working around-the-clock to clear roads. A fresh crew of 30 Columbia snow plow operators have been on-duty since 7 am. Columbia Public Works operations manager Richard Stone joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri." He tells listeners that they've been focusing on first, second and third priority routes and have also been working in neighborhoods starting from the outside of Columbia and they're working their way inside. He expects crews to make significant progress today. Mr. Stone tells listeners that significant snowpack remains on all roads, adding that today's sunshine will help in melting the snowpack. Public Works also urges you to clear all snow and ice from windows, before driving:

The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis is urging you to avoid travel in mid-Missouri on Sunday, if possible. The NWS in St. Louis has issued a winter storm watch for the entire 939 the Eagle mid-Missouri listening area through Monday at 6 am. That includes Columbia, Jefferson City, Ashland and Fulton. University of Missouri professor of atmospheric science Tony Lupo joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri" to discuss the winter storm. He predicts the system will move into the Columbia area by about 8 pm Saturday and will continue through 9 am Monday. Professor Lupo is expecting six to ten inches of snow in the Columbia area, along with a mixture of some ice or sleet. He says he's cheering for snow:

The "New Orleans Advocate" reports the suspected Bourbon Street terrorist attack has killed at least 15 people. The newspaper also reports this afternoon's Sugar Bowl will have additional security. Jefferson City police chief Eric Wilde has been monitoring the situation from the Capital City, as he prepares for the upcoming January 13 inauguration ceremonies on the Statehouse lawn. Governor-elect Mike Kehoe (R) and other newly-elected statewide elected officials will be sworn into office, starting at 11:30 that morning. Chief Wilde joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri." While he can't provide security details, Chief Wilde tells listeners that multiple agencies will be involved that day, and they'll be working as a team. Chief Wilde also tells listeners that a unified command post will be set up that day, and you'll see law enforcement personnel at different stages and different events that day. There are numerous events scheduled for that day. Governor-elect Kehoe will hold what he describe

Missouri's 2025 legislative session begins on Wednesday January 8 at high noon at the Statehouse in Jefferson City. Republicans will once again have supermajorities in both legislative chambers. Senate Majority Leader Tony Luetkemeyer (R-Parkville) joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri". He notes newly-elected state senators from both parties will be sworn-in in January, and that Governor-elect Mike Kehoe (R) will be sworn-in on January 13 on the Statehouse lawn. Senator Luetkemeyer is focusing on public safety, saying St. Louis and Kansas City have been among the five most dangerous cities in America in recent years. He says both cities have significant officer shortages, and supports legislation aimed at helping to boost recruitment and retention for those two police departments. Senator Luetkemeyer also supports state control over the St. Louis Police Department. Senator Luetkemeyer, a Mizzou graduate, also discussed Mizzou football's success and its victory in this week's Music City Bowl

Missouri Governor-elect Mike Kehoe (R) will be sworn in on Monday January 13, 2025 in Jefferson City. The ceremony will begin that morning at 11:30 on the Statehouse south lawn. "Missouri Times" publisher Scott Faughn joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri" to preview the inauguration. Mr. Faughn says former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt will swear-in Governor-elect Kehoe, and Faughn doesn't expect a long speech that day. Weather could be a factor in January. Scott and 939 the Eagle's Brian Hauswirth discussed the January 1977 inauguration of Governor-elect Teasdale, where a snowstorm impacted the event and the piano player suffered frostbite in Jefferson City:

The former chairman of Columbia’s Landmark Bank says Columbia’s economy is much more diversified in late 2024 than it was when he moved to town in 1987. Former Landmark Bank chairman Jeff MacLellan says Columbia’s three economic pillars used to be education, healthcare and insurance. He joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable" program, telling listeners that it's now education, healthcare and finance/insurance, which includes banks. Columbia continues to see new banks every year, and Mr. MacLellan tells listeners that they want to get a piece of the good local economy. He credits growing companies like Veterans United, EquipmentShare, 3M, Kraft Heinz, Quaker Oats and Midway USA, which has a massive new distribution center. 2024 statistics from Columbia Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI) show that Veterans United is the largest private employer in Columbia/Boone County, with more than 2,900 employees. EquipmentShare now has 588 employees, according to the

State Rep. Ben Baker (R-Neosho) will be a senior member of the Missouri House in January. The 2025 legislative session begins January 8 in Jefferson City, and Republicans will once again have supermajorities in both legislative chambers. Rep. Baker joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri" to preview 2025. He hopes to continue to chair the Missouri House Tax Reform Committee, and wants to see cuts to Missouri's approximately $50-billion budget. Representative Baker tells listeners that lawmakers need to find out what's not needed in state government, and also criticizes DEI. He's also focused on education, saying some Missouri school superintendents made three or four times as much as the governor. Rep. Baker is encouraging citizen input in the upcoming session:

The 9-3 Missouri Tigers will battle Iowa in the Transperfect Music City Bowl on Monday December 30 in Nashville. Kickoff is set for 1:30 at Nissan Stadium. UM System President Dr. Mun Choi joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri" to discuss Mizzou athletics and the success the school is seeing. President Choi is proud of the Tigers and football coach Eliah Drinkwitz and the work he's been doing in the portal. President Choi is also impressed with the men's basketball team's win over #1 Kansas. More than 1,700 Mizzou students earned degrees this weekend, some earning more than one degree. President Choi says Mizzou is now seeing the highest research expenditures in history and praises the faculty and staff, saying it starts with great people. 939 the Eagle's Brian Hauswirth also asked President Choi about the status of Mizzou's Print and Mail Services on McGuire Boulevard, near Lemone Industrial drive. President Choi says that has now been phased out. Mizzou's Print and Mail Services had served

He's served as a two-term U.S. Senator, a congressman from southwest Missouri, a U.S. House Majority and Minority Whip and he's been Missouri's secretary of state. Former Senator Roy Blunt (R) will be inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 at the Statehouse in Jefferson City. House Speaker Dean Plocher (R-Des Peres) will unveil the bust at 1:30 pm in the Missouri House chamber. Speaker Plocher says Mr. Blunt worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Missourians and gained widespread respect for his leadership. Senator Blunt joined us live this morning on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri" to discuss the honor, reflect on his career and to discuss the new Trump administration. Senator Blunt tells listeners that he's grateful to Speaker Plocher for including him, adding that he's always loved the Missouri Capitol, including the eight years he served as Missouri secretary of state. Mr. Blunt served two six-year terms in the U-S Senate, from 2011-2022. He served seven terms i

The shooting death of a man outside Jake's Bar and Grill on Columbia's Clark lane remains under investigation. Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri" to discuss the shooting, the issue of public safety and city issues. Columbia’s city council will be discussing a 95-page report tonight about the historic McKinney building downtown. The council will be tackling a 17-page agenda tonight. As for public safety, Mayor Buffaloe emphasizes the importance of having enough police officers. He notes that have eight recruits and that another 14 are in the new police academy. Mayor Buffaloe also emphasizes the importance of working with federal partners:

You'll soon see a bust of former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R) in the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City. House Speaker Dean Plocher (R-Des Peres) says Senator Blunt will be inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians Wednesday at 1:30 pm at the Statehouse in Jefferson City. Speaker Plocher will unveil the bust at that time. A reception is also planned in the Missouri House lounge. "Missouri Times" publisher Scott Faughn joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri," and reflected on the legacy of former Senator Blunt. Mr. Faughn tells listeners that Blunt is similar to former U.S. Sen. Kit Bond (R) and is the last of an era of GOP statesmen. Faughn describes Senator Blunt as "a real senator" who focuses on federal funding and critical infrastructure like roads. Faughn says the induction is well-deserved. Scott also previewed Missouri's 2025 session, which begins three weeks from Wednesday in Jefferson City. He also updated listeners on that lawsuit that was filed against Speaker Plocher:

An increased emphasis on public safety and a renewed focus on the pension plan are top priorities for the Columbia Police Officers Association (CPOA). CPOA president Matt Nichols joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable” program. Mr. Nichols describes CPOA as the voice for the men and women who serve the Columbia Police Department, who decide to join CPOA. The organization has about 145 members, and President Nichols says they have about 99 percent of membership of those who are sergeants and below. Mr. Nichols tells Fred Parry that turnover at the Columbia Police Department has been about 71 percent since 2012, since changes were made to pension plans. He tells listeners that the restoration of the pension plan will help with CPD retention. Mr. Nichols also wants to see more funding for police and for public safety, saying more and more city dollars are being spent on social programs. Matt Nichols was born and raised in Columbia and was a “Boone baby”,

Missouri's 2025 legislative session is less than four weeks away. Republicans will have supermajorities in both legislative chambers once again in January, and Governor-elect Mike Kehoe (R) will be in the governor's Mansion. State Rep. Rudy Veit (R-Wardsville) will begin his fourth and final term in Jefferson City in January. He says Governor-elect Kehoe, House Speaker-designee Jon Patterson (R-Lee's Summit) and incoming Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O'Laughlin (R-Shelbina) are talking to each other and not at each other. Representative Veit also outlined his legislation that reinstates the presidential preference primary. We also discussed faith-based boarding schools and insurance-related issues:

Columbia Public Schools' (CPS) settlement with retiring Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood contained a gag order that prohibits Yearwood from talking about his departure publicly. Columbia school board president Suzette Waters and interim CPS Superintendent Dr. Chris Belcher joined host Mike Murphy live Sunday morning on 939 the Eagle's "Columbia Buzz" program. Mike Murphy joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri" this morning, telling listeners that Sunday's interview with President Waters and Dr. Belcher cleared up a lot of things. Murphy tells listeners that Dr. Yearwood did not retire and that the board chose to part ways with Dr. Yearwood. But he emphasizes that personnel records involving school employees are protected by state law, so the board cannot discuss details. Mr. Murphy tells listeners that this was a negotiated departure that has been in the works for months: