Springfield

If you're seeking the most frightening places in Missouri, you'll often hear about a theater in Springfield where numerous stories say it's one of the most haunted places in the state. One worker at that theater didn't believe in ghosts until something strange happened late one night.

The downtown area of cities used to be the fastest-growing places. Not so much anymore. That's definitely true of 3 Illinois downtown areas that were just ranked among the fastest shrinking places in America.

I guessed wrong. It's not Chicago or Rockford. No, the biggest jump in crime in the Land of Lincoln isn't even close to either of the places that normally get mentioned with danger in the state comes up.

I'll get this out of the way at the start. None of these 3 small Missouri places is a suburb of a larger city like Saint Louis, Kansas City or Springfield. Yet, suddenly they have zoomed to the top of the worst list in Missouri with the highest reported recent crime data.

I've heard it said that oftentimes the truth is right under your feet. That's never been more true than the rumors that America has created a secret tunnel network under Missouri to hide things. I do have proof that it's true, but it's (probably) not as sinister as you think.

It really shouldn't come as a surprise that America has many plans in the event that a worst-case scenario nuclear attack happens, but there is one that has just come to light that shows a plan exists where officials could be hurried to a secret bunker that is located somewhere under Illinois and I don't think it's Chicago.

There are some things you always need to do when you're in Missouri. Some are traditional and one is brand new. The brand new thing that has only been possible since late last year is stop at the Buc-ee's in Springfield, Missouri and try these 11 foods.

I want to start by saying that I'd like to add my own non-scientific addendum to this new ranking that shows Missouri has taken a deep dive to almost the bottom of states when it comes to public safety and crime.

I think alligators are amazing creatures. I'd like to see one, but there's the whole "it might bite your arm off" problem. There is new video of an alligator that really is in Missouri, but it's probably fine.

My kids refuse to believe it, but I used to be a runner. That's one reason why I appreciate the fact that one 5K run in Missouri was just voted one of the best races in America. That matters because it was the people who participate that vote.