Shannon Becker

Joplin

@JoplinNewsFirst is @shanbecker | MSSU @mosolions Alumni | [email protected] | KOAM Joplin-Mo./Pittsburg-Kan. | RT≠ENDORSE

Articles

Alice Walton School of Medicine in Bentonville classes begin this year

1 week ago | koamnewsnow.com | Shannon Becker

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KOAM) - The Alice Walton School of Medicine is scheduled to open later this year in the hills near Crystal Bridges Museum of Art. Walton is the richest woman in the world and is investing millions more in Northwest Arkansas. AWSOMrecently shared a virtual walkthrough video of what the campus will look like and how it will connect to the area.
Explainer: Trail of lights in the sky is Starlink

1 week ago | koamnewsnow.com | Shannon Becker

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) — Messages, calls, texts, videos started coming in about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday evening to Joplin News First. "Any idea what this was going across the sky? Seen it from Neosho looking toward Joplin!!! Around 9:30." - B.W. “Did you see this in the sky it wasn’t a jet!” S.B.“You get any messages about a line of lights flying over minute ago?” B.J.What everyone saw was a line of the STARLINK satellites. They bring the internet to remote areas of the world.
Trucker experiences medical issue while driving I-49

1 week ago | koamnewsnow.com | Shannon Becker

NEVADA, Mo. (KOAM) — Vernon County Sheriff’s Office were notified Tuesday afternoon of a C&I (Careless & Imprudent) tractor-trailer with a red cab swerving on I-49“Driving in the median where several signs were damaged,” the Vernon County Sheriff states. “Deputies responded quickly to area which an on duty Detective identified the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.”However the tractor-trailer did not yield.
House fire on Connor Ave, heavy fire from front porch on arrival

1 week ago | koamnewsnow.com | Shannon Becker

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) - About 5:30 p.m. Tuesday reports of a house fire at 913 South Connor Ave alerted E-911. Joplin Fire responded: Battalion 1, Ladder 1, Rescue 1, Engine 2, 3, and 4. Joplin Police and METS ambulance. On arrival Battalion Chief observed, "external heavy fire alpha-side, front porch. 2-story residential"Firefighters were out for attack. We observed smoke near 7th and Murphy Blvd when coming from our 7th and Rangeline KOAM studios.
1928 film of Noel, Elk River and the cliffs above 71

1 week ago | koamnewsnow.com | Shannon Becker

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KOAM) — The Missouri State Archives have been sharing some stored video these past few years on their social media. In March 2025 they released some of the earliest MoDOT films in their collection.
Lamar man wanted on Felony warrants, could be armed and dangerous

1 week ago | koamnewsnow.com | Shannon Becker

BARTON COUNTY, Mo. (KOAM) — Authorities are seeking the whereabouts of a Lamar, Mo. man wanted on Felony Warrants. Jeremiah Null, 40, authorities say do not approach, could be armed and dangerous. He is currently charged:Poss. of Controlled Subs. Domestic Assault 2ndCAPIAS BOND on both charges. Meaning he will have to see the Judge.
Serious crash investigation closes Hwy J near Diamond

1 week ago | koamnewsnow.com | Shannon Becker

NEWTON COUNTY, Mo. (KOAM) — Shortly after 5 p.m. a serious two vehicle crash occurred near Hwy J and Quail Road/State Hwy E east of Diamond, Mo. alerting E-911. Diamond Fire, Newton County Deputies and Newton County Ambulance responded. Missouri State Highway Patrol were notified. Hwy J is currently closed for investigation between Pelican and Quail (see map). Watch for updates here on KOAM News Now, Joplin News First.
Fatal crash investigation near Diamond

1 week ago | koamnewsnow.com | Shannon Becker

NEWTON COUNTY, Mo. (KOAM) — Shortly after 5 p.m. a serious two vehicle crash occurred near Hwy J and Quail Road/State Hwy E east of Diamond, Mo. alerting E-911. Diamond Fire, Newton County Deputies and Newton County Ambulance responded. Missouri State Highway Patrol were notified. Hwy J is currently closed for investigation between Pelican and Quail (see map). Hwy J was closed for periods of time for crash investigation between Pelican and Quail (see map).
"We are going to train every Trooper in the state of Missouri on how to do the TVI"

1 week ago | koamnewsnow.com | Shannon Becker

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KOAM) - The Missouri Dept of Public Safety release details on another tool, long-used by neighboring states, that Missouri Troopers are being trained to use: Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI). This is a 180° change in direction from past administrations. Different agencies across the state can have their own policies regarding TVI. The patrol has traditionally not allowed their Troopers to use it. TVI is also known also known as Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT).
Missouri State Highway Patrol investigate OIS in Jasper County, two Deputies on leave

1 week ago | koamnewsnow.com | Shannon Becker

JASPER COUNTY, Mo. (KOAM) — Early Sunday morning about 1:40 a.m. Jasper County Deputies were dispatched to a domestic in progress at 19724 County Road 70. The caller stated the male had kicked in the door of the residence and was destroying things. Golden City Fire, Missouri State Highway Patrol also responded to the emergency call. — Sheriff Randee KaiserBoth deputies then began rendering medical aid to the male until EMS arrived. The male was taken to a local hospital for treatment.