University of Missouri graduates share worries as national unemployment rate hits four-year high and hiring trends slow

KMIZ on December 21, 2025

Euphenie Andre

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The national unemployment rate is at its highest point in nearly four years at 4.6% recorded last month, and hiring trends are slowing as thousands of college graduates prepare to enter the workforce.

The U.S. unemployment rate has ticked up since hitting a 54-year low of 3.4% in April 2023, reflecting a modest slowing in the labor market. In September, the rate rose to 4.4%, while the number of Americans working or actively seeking work increased by 323,000, according to AP.

Officials said October data isn’t available due to the federal shutdown, leaving the full picture for last month unclear.

The University of Missouri will celebrate more than 1,800 graduates over the weekend, awarding 1,339 bachelor’s degrees, 380 master’s degrees and 99 doctoral degrees, according to a university press release.

Reports show more than 100,000 jobs were lost in October, many of those losses are connected to the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history that was happening around that same time. While the country added 64,000 jobs last month, experts said the overall labor market is losing momentum. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said hiring hasn’t been as strong as the numbers suggest, noting the labor market is slowing and could appear weaker in the months ahead.

Several students who graduated Saturday from the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources told ABC 17 News they don’t have jobs lined up yet and are still figuring out their next steps.

Anna Fairchild said she hasn’t secured a position yet but plans to apply for exercise physiologist jobs in cardiac rehab at hospitals. A few years down the line, she hopes to return to school for her Master’s in Public Health. Fairchild plans to take about a year and a half break before pursuing that path.

“I want to take a gap year to figure it out, make sure that’s really what I want to do, and then find the right school and make sure I’m on the right path,” Fairchild said.

She described the current job market as “scary,” a sentiment shared by fellow graduate Rhiannon Brune.

“I definitely think it’s very tough,” Brune said. “Having a master’s degree necessarily isn’t enough anymore to get an entry-level position.”

Around 162,000 government employees left their positions at the end of the fiscal year on September 30th, contributing to the decline.

Since March, monthly job growth has averaged just 35,000 jobs. However, that’s half the pace that was reported earlier this year, when monthly gains averaged 71,000 per month.

Economists point to ongoing uncertainty with President Donald Trump’s tariffs, along with the lingering effects of high interest rates imposed by the Federal Reserve in 2022 and 2023. These factors are believed to be making employers more hesitant to hire.

As the job market cools, new graduates are adjusting their plans.

“I have an insurance job lined up, but I’m focusing on opening up my own personal training business,” said Rhiannon Brune, a graduate.

Another graduate, Norah Piurc, said she has secured work in the Midwest.

“I’ll be working as a research and development scientist at Good Foods Group in Wisconsin,” Piurc said.

Other graduates, including Katherine Reiter and Alayna Burke, plan to continue their education. Reiter will begin her doctorate at Logan University in January. Burke said she will attend physical therapy school at Washington State University.

Health care drove job growth in November, with employers adding more than 46,000 jobs, making up over two-thirds of all private-sector created last month. Construction followed with 28,000 new positions, while manufacturing continued to struggle, losing 5,000 jobs for the seventh consecutive month.

“I really liked my exercise physiology courses and kinesiology, and that kind of sparked my interest to work with patients and work with human movement,” Burke said.

Officials said the growing use of AI and other technologies is adding to the uncertainty by potentially cutting the need for workers.

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Oregon Ducks Defeat James Madison Dukes, Advance in College Football Playoff

KTVZ on December 21, 2025

Triton Notary

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Despite a late push from the James Madison Dukes, scoring the last 3 touchdowns of the game, they were unable to topple the Mighty Oregon Ducks. A late field goal from Atticus Sappington all but secured the 51-34 win for the Oregon Ducks. The Ducks are now looking ahead to the Orange Bowl where they will go toe to toe against the 4th ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders. KTVZ Sports director Dylan Anderman will have more tonight in the 10/11 including sound from the post-game press conference.

Ducks drive stalls giving the Dukes another opportunity. They make the most of it and score with 10:26 left in the 4th quarter. Ducks lead is dwindling but still 48-26 during the 4th.

The Dukes pounced on the turnover opportunity and capitalized with a 24 yard passing touchdown from Alonza Barnett III. Ducks still with a comfortable lead, 48-20 with 1:15 left before the 4th quarter.

A strongside blitz pressured Dante Moore as the Ducks were knocking on the door for their 8th touchdown. Instead, he threw an interception to the Dukes putting them in position to score again putting pressure on the Ducks defense with less than 2 min to go in the 3rd quarter.

Ducks are excelling on all three phases; special teams showed up again late in the 3rd quarter with a blocked punt recovered for a TD by Jayden Limar. Ducks take commanding 48-13 lead with 6:10 left to go in the 3rd quarter.

Oregon’s offense picked up where they left off in the 1st half on their first drive of the 2nd half. QB Dante Moore led the offense on a 4 play, 75 yard drive ending in a 45 yard receiving touchdown from Malik Benson, who has been pivotal for the Ducks all year. Ducks extend their lead to 28, score is 41-13 Ducks with 10 min left in the 3rd quarter.

Momentum carried from the end of the first half for the James Madison Dukes. JMU receiver Nick DeGennaro scores his first touchdown of the day with a 46 yard reception from QB Alonza Barnett III. Ducks still lead 34-13.

The Duke’s scoreless drought ends with :06 seconds left in the 1st half after they kicked a field goal to put the score at 34-6 heading into halftime.

JMU is not going away without a fight. Their defense made a stand and created a turnover and put their offense in great field position with 1 min left in the 1st half.

Things are working well for the Oregon offense and have all game. Their latest drive which only took 1:45 ended with a deep 46 yard passing touchdown to Malik Benson from Junior QB Dante Moore. Ducks on a roll and up big 34-3 with 4 min left in 1st half.

Oregon’s offense continues to fire on all cylinders midway through the 2nd quarter. Jeremiah McClellan snagged two passes from QB Dante Moore on the 4 play drive, the second for a 20 yard TD to give the Ducks a commanding 27-3 lead with just over 9 min left in the 2nd quarter.

Speed kills and the Ducks offense is proving it early in the 2nd quarter. A 56 yard run from Dierre Hill Jr. for his first carry and first TD of the game. Ducks take commanding 20-3 lead with 11:30 min left in the 2nd quarter.

The Ducks get a defensive win to begin the 2nd quarter. JMU Dukes were in prime position to score at least a field goal after a nifty trick play to end the 1st quarter. After two offensive penalties against the Dukes, they were forced to kick a 40 yard field goal. The Ducks special teams came up big with a blocked field goal to keep the lead at 10.

A trick pass play from the Dukes put them in firm scoring position to end the 1st Quarter. Ducks still ahead 13-3 at the end of the 1st.

Dante Moore and the Ducks offense answered back quickly with a 2:37 minute drive capped off by a rushing TD from the Junior QB. Ducks ahead 13-3 with 2:30 left in the 1st quarter of this CFP 1st round matchup.

The Dukes marched down the field before getting stalled in the redzone on their first offensive drive. After a field goal, Ducks are ahead 7-3 with 5 minutes left in 1st quarter.

Ducks score early with a one handed grab from 2nd string TE Jamari Johnson. Have early 7-0 lead.

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Hardee’s closes in St. Joseph, one of multiple closures across the region

News-Press NOW on December 20, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Hardee’s became the latest location to close its doors Saturday with more than a dozen restaurants reportedly closing in recent weeks across the country.

A sign posted by the restaurant at 3911 N. Belt Highway says the location is closed and will remain closed until further notice.

A sign posted on Hardee’s in St. Joseph on Saturday informs customers the restaurant is closed.

“Thank you for being loyal guests and for allowing us to be part of this community,” the sign reads. “We appreciate your patronage over the years.”

At one point the chain operated multiple locations in St. Joseph, including Downtown in the location of the now Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

The fast-food chain was established in 1960 in North Carolina, growing to become a fan-favorite in the United States before running into a prolonged stretch of declining sales in recent years.

According to reporting from various media outlets, ARC Burger, a franchise that owns more than 80 Hardee’s locations across Missouri, Kansas and multiple other states, reportedly owes Hardee’s more than $6 million in royalty fees and marketing funds.

The two groups are currently in the midst of a legal battle regarding the contract.

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A dynamic wet weather pattern for the duration of Christmas week

KIFI on December 20, 2025

Danielle Mullenix

A wet and active weather pattern takes us through the upcoming Christmas week. An active weather pattern will remain in place throughout the holiday week, bringing periods of rain to the valleys and moderate to heavy snow in the mountains. Temperatures will stay well above normal for late December, making a white Christmas unlikely for most lower elevations.

For the remainder of Saturday, the forecast indicates a brief reprieve from the active pattern. Anticipate clear, sunny weather with cool, seasonal temperatures around 40 degrees. Southwest winds will be moderate, gusting up to 30 mph. Another wintry system is set to arrive Saturday night. While snow accumulation is expected to be minimal—likely less than half an inch—travel conditions may become slippery, especially at higher elevations.

By Sunday afternoon, most of Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming will experience rain replacing earlier precipitation. Temperatures are expected to rise into the low 40s, with steady rain at times, and a 100% chance of precipitation during the day, continuing into Sunday night and early Monday morning. Rain continues through Monday, with highs near 46°.

While snow levels remain high, mountain regions will continue to accumulate snow, whereas valleys will remain mostly rainy. Looking ahead to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the following days, the forecast remains wet. With temperatures significantly above normal, a white Christmas in lower elevations is unlikely. Any snow on Christmas morning will probably fall early and melt quickly as warmer air settles in.

Checking our region’s forecast for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after, it remains wet. With well-above-normal temperatures, the chances of a white Christmas in lower elevations are slim. Any snow that falls on Christmas morning would likely fall early and melt quickly as warmer air moves in.

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Santa Barbara Waterfront Parking Passes Offer Savings for 2026

KEYT on December 20, 2025

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The 2026 annual waterfront permits are now on sale in Santa Barbara.

The artwork features a Great White Shark chosen by the public through a social media survey.

The sea lion was favored by 20 percent of those responding and the shark was 22 percent making it the majority.

The permits are valid from the day of purchase. Those who have purchased the passes this month have had an added savings for the coming year. In some cases 13 months.

The cost is $145.00 each.

They are available on line or in person at the Waterfront Department office in the harbor.

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Kids Day Offers Children a Free Eye Exam and Free Glasses

KEYT on December 20, 2025

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Parents will be able to give the gift of sight for the holidays in Santa Barbara.

This Sunday for the 31st year, the Santa Barbara Eyeglass Factory is hosting its Kids Day.All children 18 and under with their parent or guardian will be able to get a free eye exam along with a free pair of glasses.The store has stocked up on special frames and styles the children will be able to choose from.They include some of the trendy and fashionable looks the kids like. For the owners this is a commitment to make sure all kids can see well for school, home and leisure activities.

Gregg Feldman is the The Eyeglass Factory President and gives credit to his dad Rick who started the program more than three decades ago.

He enjoys describing the reaction from children when they get their glasses. “The ones that get the most satisfaction when they put on glasses and they literally don’t know what they have been missing and they needed glasses. Their face brightens up and they see the difference literally. “

He says they have enjoyed their relationship with the customers and neighbors where they have stores. “We love to give back and give the kids what they really need.”

The kids day will take place only at the Eyeglass Factory store on Milpas Street in Santa Barbara..It will take place from 9 a.m. To 2 p.m. Extra staff will be on hand to process all the orders for the children. Parents can also check out the many choices of glasses for themselves, but this holiday special is just for the kids.

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Teen, 6 kids charged in attack of mother, son outside South Side school

CNN Newsource on December 20, 2025

By Elyssa Kaufman

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — A teen and six children were charged after a mother was attacked by a group of kids while protecting her children outside a South Side elementary school in November.

All seven minors were charged with misdemeanor charges of battery. Police said all of minors charged were referred for counseling services and were released from custody.

Video of the attack has caught the attention of many across the country, and the community has stepped in to help move her out of the South Deering neighborhood.

Police said the 33-year-old woman and her 9-year-old son were walking near 106th and Bensley in the South Deering neighborhood when the group of kids started chasing after the mother and her children, calling them names and taunting them.

Video of the attack has caught the attention of many across the country, and the community has stepped in to help move her out of the South Deering neighborhood.

Corshawnda Hatter spoke with CBS News Chicago days after the attack and said she was still in pain and her children were suffering.

“My son, he’s very devastated. He’ll wake up in the middle of his sleep, screaming. He’s screaming, ‘Mommy are you there?'” she said.

In a statement, Mayor Brandon Johnson said he was “deeply disturbed” by the video. Chicago Public Schools also reacted, stating there would be more security.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

NYC’s illegal smoke shop crackdown continues, despite some pushback

CNN Newsource on December 20, 2025

By Jennifer Bisram

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — Despite a judge ruling some smoke shop shutdowns have been illegal, New York City is moving forward with “Operation Padlock to Protect.”

Since May 2024, over 1,631 illegal smoke shops in the five boroughs have been ordered to shut down, and $113,886,467 worth of illegal weed has been seized, according to authorities.

Some New Yorkers say they’re glad to see the businesses shut down, but the crackdown has faced some pushback.

Over 200 shuttered smoke shops suing NYC for abuse of authority “This theory that marijuana has to be shuttered, these stores that are selling products that are not licensed by New York state, is an absolute farce,” said Brooklyn attorney Lance Lazzaro, who represents more than 200 shuttered smoke shops that are suing the city.

The lawsuit claims Mayor Eric Adams and the sheriff are abusing their authorities.

Lazzaro said he expects to win the case and some stores to reopen.

“The sheriff can do whatever he wants under this statute and keep a store closed, so the whole concept of this statute is unconstitutional,” he said.

Lazzaro said he expects the appeals court to make a ruling on the legality of the closures in the coming weeks.

Some storefronts remain empty, others taken over by new business While the case plays out in court, property owners have options.

“After a location is padlocked, there’s multiple options for the landlord and for the tenant,” said Lt. Franchesca Rosa, with the city sheriff’s office. “The landlord can either apply for the location to be brought back under their possession, or the tenant can also apply to say they are no longer going to operate illegally.”

The empty storefronts along bustling city streets have turned into a blight in some neighborhoods.

“It does bring the neighborhood down now because it looks so abandoned,” Bedford-Stuyvesant resident Maurice Hollis said.

But small business owners, like Antonella Padulo, are bringing positive transformation to the empty spaces.

Padulo, her husband and a friend opened Salsa Pizzeria on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens back in March after the corner store was raided last year. Illegal pot sellers were busted, and the business was shutdown.

“People are very happy to see what’s in here now,” Padulo said. “We get a lot of customers, especially at the beginning that were very surprised and very happy to see, you know, a small business here.”

Meanwhile, according to the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, there are currently 216 legal cannabis dispensaries in New York City that operators say generate tax revenue, create jobs and provide safe and quality-controlled cannabis.

“We’re putting food on the table. We’re reinvesting back into our communities,” said Jayson Tantalo, vice president of operations for the New York Cannabis Retail Association. “We’re providing safe and regulated cannabis to our constituents and friends and family.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Neighbors evacuated after unexplained building collapse in Baltimore

CNN Newsource on December 20, 2025

By Andrew Adeolu

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    BALTIMORE (WJZ) — A building collapsed in a North Baltimore neighborhood on Friday night, according to the Baltimore City Fire Department.

At 6:47 p.m., fire officials say they were deployed to the 3628 block of Cottage Avenue for reports of a collapsed building.

When BCFD units arrived, they found that the rear side of the home had collapsed.

Officials have not yet explained what caused the collapse. However, there were no reports of any injuries, and no one was at the home at the time of the incident.

Neighbors living on both sides of the building were evacuated to ensure their homes were safe.

The Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Housing are investigating the collapse.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Power outages in Massachusetts affecting tens of thousands amid stormy weather

CNN Newsource on December 20, 2025

By Neal Riley

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    BOSTON (WBZ) — Stormy weather caused power outages for tens of thousands of customers in Massachusetts, as well as over 200 cancellations and delays at Boston’s Logan Airport today.

According to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s outage map, about 21,000 customers were without power as of 11 p.m., down from 81,000 outages around noon. Some of the hardest hit communities were Foxboro, Wrentham, Pepperell, West Brookfield, Franklin and Holliston.

Wrentham police said drivers should expect delays as many streets are blocked by fallen trees. Police shared video of a downed wire sparking across one road.

High winds brought down trees and wires on roads across the state, according to damage reports from Skywarn weather spotters. One report said the wind blew scaffolding off a building on Heath Street in Boston.

The Blue Hill Observatory in Milton reported a wind gust of 79 mph on Friday just after noon.

Other communities reporting high wind gusts included Attleboro (65 mph), Wareham (62 mph), North Dighton (61 mph) and Wrentham (60 mph).

Heavy downpours and possible thunderstorms that could cause localized street flooding were expected to continue through mid-afternoon. The rain should move offshore by 5 p.m.

Logan Airport delays and cancellations According to FlightAware, there were 122 total cancellations at Logan Airport, and 434 total delays. JetBlue had 23 cancellations and 102 delays.

“Due to wind, Boston Logan may see delays and cancellations,” the airport’s website said. “Please check with your airline before coming to the airport.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.