Missouri News & Current Events | Public News Service

A 2017 report in the New England Journal of Medicine found, among participants with coronary artery disease, fluctuation in body weight was associated with higher mortality and a higher rate of cardiovascular events, independent of traditional risk factors. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Friday, December 8, 2023

Post-holiday 'yo-yo' diets: risk factors for heart health

The holiday season is filled with recipes passed down from years before, and feasting with family and friends. But think again before you have …

the National Young Farmers Coalition delivered a letter to House and Senate Agriculture Committee leadership signed by 175 national, regional and local organizations in support of the Increasing Land Access, Security and Opportunities Act. (Nikish Hiraman/peopleimages.com)

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Land-access keeping young farmers from leading climate action

Young farmers in Missouri hope the new farm bill will include key benefits regarding land access so they can continue to pursue farming passionately…

The Farm Credit System is cumulatively the largest lender to the agricultural sector, making about 45% of all agricultural loans, with $350 billion in assets. (DiedovStock/Adobe Stock)

Report: Farm Credit System needs an update

A new report calls for greater accountability in the system that provides funding to farmers in underserved communities. The research takes a dive …

The 17th annual 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces list includes a diverse group of organizations, representing 22 industries. The companies offer an average of $14,831 in financial reimbursement for adoption costs and an average of nine weeks paid leave. (Olesya Shelomova/Adobe Stock)

As National Adoption Month ends, MO families head into new future

Many parents complete their families through adoption, and November has been the month to encourage awareness, recognize those still waiting to be …

Missouri wetlands have been reduced to 643,000 acres, a loss of 87% from their original footprint. (rodimovpavel/Adobe Stock)

MO duck-hunting season portends a grim future

Missouri's duck-hunting season runs through January, and many enthusiasts are concerned about how plentiful their future quarry will be because of a …

The majority of adults, some 83%, believe online retailers should be required to provide country-of-origin labeling, up from 79% in 2022. (Maksym Yemelyanov/Adobe Stock)

Black Friday, holiday shopping focuses on American-made products

While you're out to find Black Friday and holiday shopping deals today, many "Made in America" items may be on your preferred list. A new poll by …

Around 61 million people, nearly 20% of the U.S. population, lives in rural America and subsequently faces more health challenges than those living in more populated areas. (Robert Peak/Adobe stock)

American Heart Association of MO observes National Rural Health Day

On National Rural Health Day, the American Heart Association in Missouri spotlights efforts for healthier rural living. According to a Pew Research …

Family farm advocacy groups have been fighting the proliferation of manure digesters and related factory farm gas infrastructure. They say independent family farms raising livestock sustainably have been shut out of conservation programs due to lack of funding. (Nina Lawrenson/peopleimages.com)

MO family farmers: Inflation Reduction Act funds not for factory farms

Advocates for Missouri's small family farms have taken to the U.S. Capitol today, to talk with lawmakers about what could be done in the next Farm …

Rashida Tlaib is the only Palestinian American and just one of two Muslim Women in Congress. (Drew Angerer/Getty)

Bush stands by censured congresswoman who says she won't be silenced

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, the sole Palestinian-American voice in Congress, was officially reprimanded last Tuesday, but many of her colleagues say …

Sen. Holly Thompson, R-Scott City, sponsored legislation to decriminalize fentanyl testing strips, which used to be considered drug paraphernalia. (luchschenF/Adobe Stock)

Newly legal fentanyl testing strips help fight overdose deaths in MO

The rise in deaths involving synthetic opioids or fentanyl have overdose-prevention advocates looking for solutions across the nation. Gov. Mike …

Last year, Kansas voters overwhelmingly rejected efforts to eliminate the right to abortion under the state Constitution. Missouri's total abortion ban went into effect in June 2022. (trac1/Adobe Stock)

KS ruling broadens access to abortion, reproductive healthcare

A Kansas state court judge has blocked several abortion-related restrictions, in a decision which is bound to have an effect in neighboring Missouri…

Climate Change meteorologist Lauren Casey said Halloween pumpkins may rot sooner in the warm October temperature. (climatecentral.org)

Some Missourians rethink Halloween due to climate extremes

Tropical Storm Tammy has sprung back to life over the weekend, sending spooky fears of high winds for trick or treaters along the Eastern Seaboard…

Since the passage of President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, only 30 utilities featured in the Dirty Truth report nationwide have filed updated planning documents and received scores of 27 out of 100, just one point higher than the total for all utilities. (bmf-foto.de/Adobe Stock)

MO's 3 biggest energy utilities earn Ds, Fs in Dirty Truth report on clean energy

The three major energy utilities in Missouri have received poor marks in the Sierra Club's recent Dirty Truth report, indicating a lack of progress …

Stroke is ranked as the second leading cause of death worldwide, with an annual mortality rate of about 5.5 million people. (Irina Strelnikova/Adobe Stock)

For World Stroke Day, learn how to spot a stroke

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke - so learning how to spot one can be vital in saving your own life or someone else's…

AARP's Fraud Watch Network has a list of current scams and how to recognize and avoid common scams, including videos breaking down how scams work. (Panuwat/Adobe Stock)

Fraud takes highest financial, mental-health tolls on older adults

Scams and fraud have long-lasting effects on a person's mental well-being, but the latest research found the emotional toll is particularly high on …

At the federal level, hate crime laws include crimes committed on the basis of the victim's perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. (Argus/Adobe Stock)

Kansas City reassures residents after MO spike in religion-based hate crimes

Some Missourians fear an increase in hate crimes in the wake of a six-year-old's murder in Illinois this week - an incident authorities say was motiva…

Jewish Americans hold up signs in support of Palestine at a New York rally. (Zachary Schulman/JVP)

MO groups in DC for today's Palestinian-Israeli peace march

In the wake of a significant protest by Jewish people supporting Palestinian rights last week, thousands are set to assemble on Capitol Hill today…

Gov. Mike Parson in June signed the fiscal year 2024 budget, which included an increase to the child-care subsidy rate from July 1 through next June 30. (Oksana Kuzmina/Adobe Stock)

Missouri gets jump in child-care subsidy rates

An increase in child-care subsidy reimbursement rates up to 58% of market rate is being hailed as a big win for providers in Missouri. Sarah Gould …

Obesity researchers in Missouri have been working on a five-year study of childhood obesity in lower-income families, led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. (Adobe Stock)

MO parents urged to 'lead by example' for kids' heart health

Heart disease takes more than 15,000 lives in Missouri every year, making it the number one cause of death in the state. This is the time of year …

Climate change board games emphasize teamwork and group success. Either all players win together, or no one survives. (dvande/Adobe Stock)

Board games help players understand climate change

By Debra J. Rosenthal for The Conversation.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Missouri News Service for the Public News Service-Conversation …

Proponents of regular dental care cite the case of 12-year-old Deamonte Driver of Maryland, who died of a toothache in February 2007. (Anna Kosolapova/Adobe Stock)

Greater access to dental care through MO HealthNet

More Missourians should be able to get routine dental care, with a recent change in the way providers are paid by the state. MO HealthNet is paying …

Many of Missouri's working parents have limited and often unaffordable access to quality child care, resulting in

MO loses $1.35 billion annually due to child care issues

Among Missouri parents surveyed, 30% reported they have limited their working hours or stopped altogether because of unreliable child care. The …

The 340B Drug Pricing Program, a part of the 1992 Public Health Service Act, provides outpatient drugs at deep discounts to safety net providers. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

Missouri community healthcare centers face 340B uncertainty

While large hospitals and pharmaceutical manufacturers battle over drug costs, Missouri community health centers see themselves as collateral damage…

Missouri law allows Medigap enrollees to change Medicare insurance plans at the same coverage level during their anniversary window. (Andrey/Adobe Stock)

Open enrollment means researching your healthcare options

Missourians have plenty of choices when it comes to health insurance coverage - and it's time to gear up for making those decisions. For people on …

National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating democracy. It has gained momentum since it was first observed in 2012. (DEEP/Adobe Stock)

About 1 in 3 Missourians Isn't Registered to Vote

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and Missourians have many locations where they can register to vote - from community colleges and …

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing standards to regulate emissions from five unmeasured fugitive and intermittent particulate sources. The EPA is extending the comment period on the proposed rule to Sept. 29. (Natalie Schorr/Adobe Stock)

Comments About EPA's Proposed Blast-Furnace Rules Extended to Sept. 29

Emission standards for blast furnaces such as some iron and steel mills in Missouri have not been updated in years. The Environmental Protection …

While you may feel too busy to de-stress, you can decide to take back your

Simplify Family Schedule to Decrease Stress, Boost Heart Health

As fall classes and after-school activities are in full swing, Missouri families can feel pressure to do it all, but the American Heart Association …

An estimated 2.4 million people work on farms and ranches nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Census of Agriculture. (J�rgen F�lchle/Adobe Stock)

Outdoor Workers in Missouri Suffering from Heat Exposure

By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest/Report for America and Eva Tesfaye, Harvest Public Media for Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by …

Community health workers, as a profession, have a designated workforce classification by the U.S. Department of Labor, and are recognized health professionals by the Affordable Care Act. (N Felix/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Community Health Workers Take a Bow in Missouri

Some 450,000 Missourians get their medical care from Community Health Workers, and those workers are trying to raise public awareness about their …

The Right Time initiative conducted an online survey of 1,000 Missouri residents between April 27 and May 3. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

Is Birth Control Legal? Many Missourians Unsure

One in four Missourians either doesn't believe or doesn't know that using birth control pills is legal in the state. The Right Time, an initiative …

The Human League says factory farming causes significant damage to rural communities, surrounding environments, and the farmed animals themselves. (zhang yongxin/Adobe Stock)

Rural Advocacy Groups: Corporate Farming Infringing on MO Family Farms

Despite the goal to unite Missourians around a common cause, rural advocacy groups have been pushing the EPA for more regulation from the Clean …

The process of recertifying enrollment in Medicaid, which generally had been done on an annual basis before the COVID pandemic, was paused during the Public Health Emergency by federal law in early 2020. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Half Those Losing Medicaid in MO are Children

With the pandemic era ending, Medicaid annual renewals are unwinding in Missouri. Eligibility for Medicaid is being verified and more than 54,000 …

The number of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in non-family home settings with six or fewer people grew from 27% in 1999 to 82% in 2018. (karelnoppe/Adobe Stock)

Missourians Segregated Due to Disability May Have Discrimination Claims

In Missouri and around the country, people with disabilities are living in institutions who could successfully live in the community with the right …

Fifteen unarmed civilian protection teams exist in the United States and five more internationally, according to the Shanti Sena Network. (KozyrevaElena/Adobe Stock)

Unarmed, Skilled De-Escalation Teams Prepared for Worst of Times

When Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., needed assistance after threats during her 2020 election campaign, she turned to unarmed civilian protection in Saint …

According to the University of Minnesota's Residential Information Systems Project, in 2019, 16,200 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities were living in 112 state-run facilities in 33 states. (M.D�rr & M.Frommherz/Adobe Stock)

ADA, Court Ruling Protect Disabled Missourians' Right to Integrated Living

Many Missourians with developmental and intellectual disabilities live successfully in the community, and disability advocates stress this is their …

Missouri Healthy Schools, Success-Ready Students (MHSSS) reports the health of students is strongly linked to their success in school.(WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Nutrition Won't Skip a Beat as MO Kids Head Back to School

Many Missouri families struggle to feed their children while school is out for the summer and have been able to get breakfast and lunch at summer yout…

According to the National Survey on Drug Use conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, 16.5% of construction workers reported

Peer Support Helps St. Louis Construction Workers Battling Addiction

Construction workers are more likely to die by suicide or of a drug overdose than workers in almost any other field, and a St. Louis-based peer …

In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency established a safe threshold for sulfur dioxide air concentrations at 75 parts per billion. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Grants Could Drive Economic Stability, Cleaner Energy in MO

With air quality an ongoing concern in New Madrid County, advocates are encouraging the local electric provider to seek federal funding. In recent …

One in nine Missourians was helped by SNAP benefits in 2022. For older Missourians, the average monthly benefit was $119. (Kzenon/Adobe Stock)

MO Ranks Low for Senior Food Security, Health; Steps Being Taken

The latest report ranking the status of seniors by state identifies room for improvement in Missouri, placing the state 40th overall. Although in …

The average family of four in Missouri can expect to spend $8,666 per year on groceries, according to UpNest.com. (Ashtproductions/Adobe Stock)

MO Joins Forces with Feds to Fight Food-Price Gouging

Attorneys general from more than 30 states - including Missouri - just announced a bipartisan effort to bring down costs and create more choices at th…

Fighting Bad Health with Good Food in Missouri

Too many Missourians struggle with chronic health conditions and some are looking more closely at their diets to control or even prevent them…

According to the American Heart Association, people feel more confident performing Hands-Only CPR and are more likely to remember the correct rate when trained to the beat of a familiar song. (9dreamstudio/Adobe Stock)

Beyoncé's 'Crazy in Love' Not Just Catchy – It's a Life Saver

With popular artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift touring Missouri this summer, the American Heart Association is reminding people some of …

Kansas City Part of National Tour for Electric Vehicles, New EPA Rules

Cleaner cars and lower emissions across Missouri and the nation are the goals of an event being led by environmental groups. They are calling …

According to Salary.com, Missouri child care workers typically earn between $32,581 and $41,250 annually. (lordn/Adobe Stock)

MO Child Care Experts Elaborate on Issues in 2023 Kids Count Report

The resounding theme of the 2023 Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book is child care shortages and unaffordability. In Missouri, the …

The U.S. Postal Service workforce is made up of 635,000 men and women. (Adobe Stock)

USPS Employees Highlighted on National Postal Worker Day

Saturday is National Postal Workers Day, and new initiatives at the U.S. Postal Service over the last few years have brought changes to the job…

Black Americans are 1.5 times more likely than white Americans to have asthma, and three times more likely to die from asthma. Lack of access to health care is considered a contributing factor. (Photo credit: WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Kansas City Group Tackling Health Care Inequity, Racism in Region

The existence of health care inequities in the United States based on race or ethnicity has been widely covered, especially since the COVID pandemic…

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 49% of adults living with a disability experience depression, compared with 15% of the public. (Adobe Stock)

Self-Advocacy Helps MO Residents with Disabilities Live Fuller Lives

Almost one in three in Missouri lives with a disability, which can sometimes make navigating the world a challenge. People First of Missouri has …

American Heart Association Warns of Health Risks From Extreme Heat

With summer heat already here, the American Heart Association wants people to remember that extreme temperatures can put extra stress on the heart …

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