Missouri News & Current Events | Public News Service

Drug overdose is the leading cause of death among adults aged 18-44 in Missouri. (JAVA/ADOBE STOCK)

Monday, April 21, 2025

'Drug Take Back Day' helps clear out unwanted meds in Missouri, nation

Law enforcement officers and drug prevention advocates in Missouri are joining forces to tackle prescription drug misuse. As part of the Drug …

In 2022, 73% of individuals were offered online access to their medical records, and 57% accessed them at least once that year, marking a 50% increase from 2020. (aun/Adobe Stock)

Report: Poor data sharing hinders Missouri health care delivery

A new report found Missouri's public health agencies are not sharing information effectively and fixing the problem could lead to better health care f…

As of 2025, 14 states and Washington, D.C., have laws requiring employers to offer paid sick leave. (Dzmitry/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Voters oppose MO House repeal of Prop A's sick-leave provision

Despite voter approval in November, Missouri lawmakers are moving to undo part of Proposition A, specifically, the clause requiring employers to …

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) weakens the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Missouri mom shares heart failure survival story

Black Maternal Health Week runs through April 17th, and according to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of maternal …

According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, 41% of beginning producers were female, compared with 36% of all U.S. producers. (Kostiantyn/Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan bill aims to tackle farmland access crisis in MO, nationwide

Missouri ranks second in the nation for the number of farms, with more than 85,000. Beginning farmers in the state and across the nation may soon …

Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal government and individual states, with each state managing its own program within federal guidelines. (Oleksandre/Adobe Stock)

Nonprofits warn proposed Medicaid cuts could devastate millions of Missourians

About 1.3 million Missourians are currently enrolled in Medicaid and nonprofits around the state have warned proposed federal cuts would be devastatin…

Preventive steps for poultry farmers regarding bird flu include restricting bird movement and enhancing farm sanitation practices. (PordeeStudio/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Americans fear bird flu's effect on finances over personal health

In January, H5N1 avian influenza struck more than 400,000 birds in Missouri, making it the second-highest state for affected flocks at the time and a …

With more people in need, charities must stretch limited resources, increasing financial strain, especially in rural communities. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Rural MO charity braces for 'ripple effects' of federal cuts

Rural communities in Missouri are bracing for a tough reality as they plan ahead for the possibility of federal cuts to programs such as Medicaid…

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority was established in 1965 to unify regional transit, evolving into today's RideKC system of buses, streetcars and more. (Matthew/Adobe Stock)

Riders, IRIS and union bus drivers fight Kansas City transit cuts

Kansas City transit riders and workers are fighting proposed cuts, warning of a looming public transit crisis. Hundreds of advocates of the Kansas …

Global shortages of semiconductors in 2021-22 highlighted the United States' reliance on foreign manufacturers and the need for domestic production. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

MO university powers up semiconductor workforce

A Missouri university is stepping up as America works to revive semiconductor manufacturing by helping train people to do the work. It is estimated 3…

Rural residents depend on the U.S. Postal Service for deliveries of medications, bills and other critical items. Service reductions could hinder access to necessities. (MargJohnsonVA/Adobe Stock)

MO postal workers unite in national fight against USPS privatization

Under the theme. "U.S. Mail, Not for Sale," Missouri postal workers are joining thousands nationwide, rallying to protect union jobs and oppose …

Some prison medical services require copays from those incarcerated, which can be a significant burden given the extremely low wages paid for prison labor. (b201735/Adobe Stock)

New MO-based newsroom focuses on health and justice

The Missouri Foundation for Health is partnering with The Marshall Project on the launch of a St. Louis nonprofit newsroom highlighting the legal …

Statistics show males younger than 18 commit a large portion of property crimes, such as theft, burglary and vandalism, with higher arrest rates than females in most juvenile crime categories. <br />(melhak/Adobe Stock)

MO advocate urges healing over punishment for traumatized juveniles

A Missouri children's advocate is urging the justice system to focus on healing for youths, noting trauma and broken relationships often drive their …

MO advocates join fight against corporate influence in agriculture

Advocates for small independent farmers in Missouri and around the nation are sounding the alarm about the effects of corporate agriculture on farmers…

In 2024, the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated suspicious packages sent to election offices in Missouri and 15+ other states. (INT888/Adobe Stock)

MO House panel takes up key election bills

The Missouri House Committee on Elections is reviewing key legislation that could shape the state's voting process. Proposals include expanding …

Processed foods and food service establishments are generally exempt from mandatory country-of-origin labeling requirements. (Adisorn/Adobe Stock)

MO farmers, advocates push for mandatory country-of-origin food labels

A Midwest coalition of consumer, farmer and rural groups, including those in Missouri, is pushing to reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling …

In 2024, U.S. drug overdose deaths fell 3%, the first decrease since 2018. (fotomaximum/Adobe Stock)

MO expert discusses state's first drop in overdose deaths in decade

Late last year, Missouri recorded its first significant drop in overdose deaths since 2015 - primarily due to increased access to naloxone, also …

Federal assistance for farmers recovering from natural disasters such as droughts, floods and wildfires is uncertain without a new Farm Bill. (sima/Adobe Stock)

Farming advocates: Frozen funds hurting farmers in MO, nation

More than 130 farmers, ranchers and advocates gathered on Capitol Hill last week, calling for action on the federal funding freeze and farm bill…

The risk of suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder tends to decrease with age, although older adults can still develop it. (MyLove4Art/Adobe Stock)

Experts share tips on beating Missouri's winter blues

Some Missourians love winter for its cozy charm and seasonal activities, while others get the serious blues, officially known as seasonal affective …

According to a Pew Research Center survey, 72% of U.S. high school teachers consider student distraction due to cellphones a major problem in their classrooms. (insta_photos/Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan MO bills seek to limit student cellphone use in schools

If some Missouri lawmakers have their way, cellphone use in schools will be restricted. Supporters of the proposal argued student "phone addiction" …

The National Assessment of Educational Progress provides an overview of students' reading and math knowledge and performance over time. In 2024, about 117,900 fourth graders and 115,200 eighth graders took the math assessment. (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

MO student test scores remain steady but concerns remain

Missouri students are keeping pace with their peers nationwide, according to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress but there are …

Extreme weather reduces volunteer numbers, increasing challenges for shelters. Volunteers saved the St. Louis Loaves and Fishes shelter $65,000 in overhead costs last year. (kuarmungadd/Adobe/Stock)

St. Louis shelters face higher demand and fewer donations during cold snap

The recent cold snap in St. Louis has led to a surge in demand for homeless shelters, while donations have dwindled and shelters are calling on the …

One in five people in the United States lives in an area classified as non-urban. (BJP7images/Adobe Stock)

Report: Potential Medicaid cuts would hit rural MO hardest

The Medicaid and CHIP programs are vital to rural Missouri, according to a report that says reliance on this safety-net health coverage is much …

stated food stamps alone kept more than 1.3 million children out of poverty last year. (paulaphoto/Adobe Stock)">

Report: Child poverty derails dream of MLK Jr.

In his 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. condemned the poverty hindering Black Americans' rights and decades later, a new …

Feral hogs breed year-round and can have up to 12 piglets per litter, making population control difficult. (byrdyak/Adobe Stock)

Wild hog eradication cut from Farm Bill but funding needed, MO expert says

The last Farm Bill allocated $75 million to reduce feral hog populations around the country but this year, funding has expired, which could be a …

Rural communities have been significantly impacted by opioid misuse, with higher rates of opioid-related overdose deaths compared with urban areas. (monticellllo/Adobe Stock)

Drug users in rural MO more likely to face homelessness

As urban homelessness and drug use grab the spotlight, rural areas such as Branson are left in the shadows, with critical needs going unmet. But …

In the winter, heart-related deaths increase by about 20% with cold weather. (Andrii IURLOV/Adobe Stock)

MO doctor shares tips on staying heart healthy in cold temps

January's cold temperatures in Missouri and across the nation can pose risks for those with heart conditions. The American Heart Association has …

With foreign conflicts, labor strikes and state-level minimum-wage hikes making headlines, economists predict the U.S. economy will remain a focal point in the new year. (janews094/Adobe Stock)

Professor forecasts 2025 economic trends amid presidential transition

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, economists are focusing on how his promised policies could shape 2025. In 2024, Missouri …

Olive, a poodle mix, has comforted more than 300 kids in Missouri's court system. (Photo courtesy of Therapy Paws)

Once homeless, MO dog is now a children's book star

A Missouri-based therapy dog has an inspiring journey that began as a homeless stray on the streets of Los Angeles. Olive, a ten-pound poodle mix…

Medical bills are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States, emphasizing the importance of having health insurance. (Shutter2U/Adobe Stock)

Missourians reminded of final weeks to secure health coverage

We're entering the last few weeks of open enrollment, and Missourians are being reminded to secure health coverage before it's too late. The …

A survey from the American Heart Association revealed 79% of respondents neglect their health during the holidays. Many say they find this time of year more stressful than income tax season.<br />(deagreez/Adobe Stock)

MO doctor shares holiday travel tips for a healthy heart

Holiday travel is in full swing and for many, so is the stress. The American Heart Association of Missouri has health tips for anyone with heart …

In 2024, first-class mail delivery in Missouri and Kansas dropped from about 90% in 2023 to around 85%. (Олександр Луценко/Adobe Stock)

MO postal union fears rural areas face biggest impact from proposed cuts

Tis the season for lots of mail, and Missouri's Postal Workers Union is warning that proposed USPS cuts could disrupt service and erode trust…

Corporate farms, including family-owned corporations, account for about 5% of U.S. farms and manage about 11% of the nation's farmland. (ana/Adobe Stock)

MO farmers work to stop 'Farm Act' from becoming law

A Missouri-based farm group is fighting to keep the proposed "FARM Act" from becoming law, warning it would benefit large corporate farms at the …

In 2022, 13% of children in foster care spent three or four years in the system, and 7% spent five or more years in foster care, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Scott Griessel/Adobe Stock)

Hope for kids aging out of foster care in MO

Nonprofits are offering hope for foster care kids who age out of the system without permanent family connections. As of June, more than 11,000 …

A USDA analysis showed every dollar spent on SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity during downturns. (Tatiana/Adobe Stock)

MO launches summer food aid for kids relying on school meals

Missouri has stepped up to fight childhood hunger by providing food aid over the summer for kids who rely on school meals for nutrition. The U.S…

Nine states do not allow citizen-initiated ballot measures: Alabama, Delaware, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Vermont. (Lost_in_the_Midwest/Adobe Stock)

MO nonprofit fights to protect ballot measures

A nonprofit leader from Missouri joined a national panel to tackle what they described as escalating threats to ballot measures and to develop strateg…

Deer-vehicle collisions tend to rise during the fall and winter months when deer are more active due to mating season and shorter days. (Lee/Adobe Stock)

Deer on the move: Holiday driving tips for MO

This Thanksgiving, AAA reported nearly 72 million people are expected to travel by car, setting a record. The Missouri Highway Patrol is warning …

Mental-health professionals recommend coping with depression in healthy ways, such as exercising. Plan family walks for fresh air and social connection. Avoid unhealthy foods and, if drinking alcohol, do so responsibly. (Tetiana/Adobe Stock)

Navigating grief and loss during holiday season in MO

'Tis the season for celebration and good cheer. However, for many Missourians, the absence of a loved one - whether through death, divorce or another …

Every major insurer increased its number of Dual Special Needs Plan offerings between 2018 and 2024. <br />(fotofabrika/Adobe Stock)

Missourians may qualify for health plans with extra benefits

As we roll into the final weeks of Medicare's open enrollment, some Missourians may not realize they qualify for a specific type of health insurance …

MO residents believe family-focused economy is key to well being

The latest "Speak Up MO" report reveals the economic struggles facing Missourians, adding to earlier findings about community concerns and the …

While Amendment 3 protects the right to abortion in Missouri, it does not mandate state funding for abortion procedures, so Medicaid and state funds are not used for most abortions. (Bits and Splits/Adobe Stock)

Both sides react as Missouri reverses near-total abortion ban

Strong reactions are pouring in from both sides as Missouri voters made history by adding abortion rights to the state constitution. The decision to …

Between 2022 and 2023, Missouri experienced a 12% increase in overall homelessness and a 24% rise in unsheltered homelessness. (FollowTheFlow/Adobe Stock)

MO mayor, once homeless, now leads fight for homeless

Once homeless and suffering from addictions himself, Joplin's mayor now leads a crusade to help others overcome the same hardships. About 53,000 …

Missouri exempts small businesses with under $500,000 in annual revenue from the state minimum wage rate, allowing them to set their own pay within federal guidelines. (JJ Gouin/Adobe Stock)

500+ MO businesses back Prop A, $15 minimum wage

More than 500 Missouri businesses are rallying for Proposition A, pushing for a $15 per hour minimum wage and paid sick leave by 2026. Backed by the …

Thus far in 2024, 75% of down-ballot elections were uncontested nationwide, meaning a candidate ran for office without opposition. (Matt/Adobe Stock)

Rural votes in MO count beyond top of ticket this election

By Julia Tilton for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Missouri News Service for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collaborat…

A 2021 study found that social isolation and loneliness may increase cardiovascular disease risk by 29% in post-menopausal women. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

MO doctor discusses link between menopause, heart health

Research shows menopause can impact heart health, and the American Heart Association in Missouri is urging women to stay informed and take preventive …

Metropolitan Congregations United aims to engage the entire state of Missouri on air quality issues and unite scientists and church leaders for change. (Carlos Santa Maria/Adobe Stock)

Researchers turn to MO churches to study air quality

By Rebecca Randall for Sojourners.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Missouri News Service for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Servi…

A study by the Missouri Budget Project found the majority of Missourians who would be affected by boosting the minimum wage are adults over age 20, and more workers age 55 and older would be affected than teens. (Adobe Stock)

New study calls out Missouri minimum wage hike opposition as 'myths'

A new study by the Missouri Budget Project calls out some opposing views to the ballot measure known as Proposition A and included data to debunk them…

Concentrated animal feeding operations make up about 6% of farming operations in Missouri, but are the source of a great deal of air and water pollution due to the concentration of farm animals.(Adobe Stock)

Bill would help MO farmers transition to climate-friendly production

A bill pending in Congress would use federal funds to help farmers in Missouri and elsewhere transition from concentrated animal feeding operations…

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