Public News Service

Nearly three in 10 (27%) dual-eligible Missourians enrolled in D-SNPs in 2021. (Flamingo Images/Adobe Stock)

Missourians unaware of dual eligible special needs plans for healthcare savings

Dual Special Needs Plans such as Medicare Advantage in Missouri offer low costs with minimal co-pays and deductibles. In Missouri and across the …

Operation Food Search distributes $30 million worth of food and necessities each year to 330 community partners in 40 Missouri and Illinois counties. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

MO summit tackles rising child food insecurity as benefits expire

As COVID-era benefits near expiration, a recent Child Wellness Summit brought together nonprofits to tackle urgent child well-being and food-…

Although food insecurity can be faced by anyone, Black and Latino children are twice as likely to face hunger. And in 2022, 33% of single-parent families experienced food insecurity. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

MO gears up for participation in kids' summer food program

Missouri is planning ahead to make sure kids from lower-income families have enough to eat this summer. The state has opted into a federal food …

Smithfield Foods spilled more than 7.3 million gallons of hog waste throughout Missouri according to a public records search by The Socially Responsible Agriculture Project. (Alberto/Adobe Stock)

A California regulation with big Midwest consequences

Family farm advocates in Missouri are concerned a regulation on the other side of the country could have unintended effects on rural Missourians…

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, reintroduced what is known as the

Livestock manure makes 'big stink' for MO family farmers

Congress passed a one-year extension of the current Farm Bill, which means the debate over a new bill will continue well into 2024. Advocacy groups …

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)

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 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

Research suggests without community health centers, 15 million additional patients would be at risk of not having access to primary care. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Nearly 2 Million in MO are Medically Disenfranchised

A new report looking at access to primary-care doctors found nearly 2 million Missourians are medically disenfranchised. The report from the …

Small and medium-sized farms have gone from producing nearly half of U.S. agricultural products in the 1990s to less than a quarter today. (Aaron/Adobe Stock)

2,000+ Urge Biden to Enforce Exec-Order Antitrust Pledge

A petition signed by more than 2,000 farmers, ranchers and consumers urging enforcement of antitrust laws has been sent to the White House by the …

Homeowners and renters are eligible for state energy-assistance programs. (Victor Koldunov/Adobe Stock)

MO Low-Income Utility Assistance Now Available Year Round

With winter still bringing occasional cold snaps, low-income Missourians who face sudden heating problems have help. Missouri's Low Income Home …

A University of Missouri Kansas City study in 2020 estimated that Kansas City's zero-fare program could increase regional gross domestic product by $13-$17 million. (Photo by B. Nenin/Adobe Stock)

Fare-Free Public Transit Benefits Kansas City Residents, Businesses

By Jared Brey for Governing.Broadcast version by Deborah Van Fleet for Missouri News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public New…

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,258 people were killed in crashes that involved speeding in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

MO DOT Urges Buckling Up, Other Changes to Curb Fatal Crashes

Traffic fatalities in Missouri rose in 2022 for the third year in a row, with preliminary data showing 1,028 people died on Missouri roads. It's …

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Service reports there have been more than 8,200 flu cases so far this season. (Tyler Olson / Adobe Stock)

Missouri Health System Facing Potential 'Tripledemic' Amid Staffing Challenges

As winter looms in Missouri, health officials are expressing concern over the potential for three viruses to impact facilities. This season has …

Every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional 48 cents in local economic activity, according to an AMEX study. (Adobe Stock)

Small Business Saturday Promotes Spending in the Local Economy

Holiday shoppers this week have no shortage of options with Small Business Saturday being observed Nov. 26. Sandwiched between Black Friday and …

Community Health Centers in Missouri serve a disproportionate level of uninsured and Medicaid patients. (Adobe Stock)

Celebrating the Medical Home of 600,000 Missourians

During National Health Center Week, health-care advocates are highlighting the work Community Health Centers are doing to improve access to care …

If Gov. Mike Parson signs Senate Bill 745, all residents will be able to put solar panels on their homes. (mmphoto/Adobe Stock)

MO Renewable-Energy Experts: Reducing Barriers to Solar Is Key

Groups that advocate for renewables in Missouri are urging Gov. Mike Parson to sign a utility-focused bill that would reduce barriers for businesses …

Missouri has nine Planned Parenthood clinics across the state. (Adobe Stock)

MO Budget Bill Blocks Medicaid Patients from Accessing Planned Parenthood

Missouri's supplemental budget bill signed into law Thursday includes a provision to block patients who rely on Medicaid from accessing Planned Parent…

Between February 2020 and June 2021, more than 139,000 Missourians enrolled in Medicaid. (sofiko14/Adobe Stock)

Report: MO Kids Could Lose Medicaid When Public-Health Emergency Ends

A new report shows Missouri kids enrolled in Medicaid could be at risk of losing that coverage when the official public-health emergency for COVID-19 …

An estimated 80% of white Americans own a home computer, compared to 69% of Black Americans and 67% of Latino Americans. (urby/Adobe Stock)

Federal Funds Key to Broadband for 330,000+ in MO

Missouri ranks 34th in the nation for broadband coverage and speed, with more than 330,000 residents lacking broadband access, but now, agencies hope …

In August the Missouri Supreme Court upheld Medicaid expansion, after lawmakers attempted to block the voter-approved measure. (Adobe Stock)

Health Experts: Find Best Option Before Open Enrollment

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Missourians have a little more than a month until open enrollment for health-care coverage at healthcare.gov, and medical experts …

Many Missourians don't have broadband because they don't need or want it, can't afford it, or don't have a reliable computer. (Adobe Stock)

Missouri Lags Behind Other States in Broadband Access, Adoption

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Missouri lags behind many other states in broadband access and adoption, which can limit people's ability to participate in the …

A survey taken during the height of the pandemic found more than 90% of Americans had a favorable view of the U.S. Postal Service. (mokee81/Adobe Stock)

Groups Say Postal Reform Bill Would Benefit Rural Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Supporters of the U.S. Postal Service are pressing for passage of a bill to shore up the troubled agency. Twin versions of …

In 2019, Americans returned an estimated $309 billion worth of merchandise, or 8% of total sales, according to the National Retail Federation. (Earl53/Morguefile)

Tips on Making Holiday Exchanges, Returns Safer and Easier

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- 'Tis the season for returning and exchanging holiday gifts - and there are a few steps you can take to make the process safer …

As of this week, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports the state has fewer than 20% of its ICU beds available. (Adobe Stock)

Missouri Ponders Pandemic Preparedness

ST. LOUIS - Hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 have been on the rise in Missouri and other states, and experts say the consequences of being …

Americans have reported $138 million in losses due to COVID- and stimulus-related scams to the Federal Trade Commission. (Adobe Stock)

COVID Scams Continue to Evolve

ST. LOUIS -- Much like the virus itself, COVID-19 scams continue to spread six months into the pandemic. Since Wednesday, more than 194,000 …

A new federal moratorium on evictions is in place through December 31, 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Eviction Moratorium Starts Today: Is it Enough?

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- What was expected to be a tsunami of evictions has been calmed temporarily, but that doesn't mean Missouri renters who've …

One of the most persistent problems with elder fraud is that so few people report it, because victims or families either don't realize it's happening or are embarrassed to tell authorities. (Adobe Stock)

Report Ranks Missouri 4th in U.S. for Elder Fraud

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - It's estimated that 17% of Missourians ages 60 plus are swindled out of their hard-earned money each year, according to a new …

In a new survey, 21% of people said the pandemic has encouraged them to improve their eating habits. (Adobe Stock)

Survey Reveals Shifts in Health Behaviors During Pandemic

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - An annual survey is uncovering the pandemic's impact on health behaviors and attitudes. According to the 2020 …

Libraries in Missouri have expanded services to protect the health of patrons during the pandemic. (AdobeStock)

Congress Considers Emergency Funding for Libraries

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Federal lawmakers are considering legislation that would help keep library doors open in Missouri in the wake of the COVID-19 …

Benefitscheckup.org is a site that can help older adults find benefits they might be eligible for. (Adobe Stock)

Older Missourians Urged to Investigate Unclaimed Benefits

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Older adults on fixed incomes are more prone to financial hardship during economic downturns, and a new effort aims to connect …

It's estimated that one female dog and her puppies can result in the births of 67,000 dogs in just six years. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Renews Concerns About Pet Population

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Animal welfare groups say the pandemic is exacerbating the overpopulation crisis for cats and dogs. According to Lisa Lange…

Community Health Centers will lose 70% of their federal funding before November without action by Congress. (Adobe Stock)

Health Centers Adapt to Care for Missouri's Most Vulnerable

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Community Health Centers, in Missouri and across the country, are at the forefront in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19…

Empty meat cases seen recently at some grocery stores have been the result of supply chain disruptions, not the availability of meat products. (Indrid_Cold/Flickr)

Consumers Can Go Online to Find Missouri Meats

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - There's a new tool to help both Missouri consumers and farmers affected by recent meat shortages. The Missouri Farm Bureau has …

In his second State of the State address, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said the state's economy is strong. (Ktrimble/WikiMedia)

State of the State: Parson Promotes 4 Focus Areas for 2020

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Stronger communities, workforce and education, infrastructure and government reform -- Gov. Mike Parson says those are his …

Teacher pay in Missouri ranks among the lowest in the country. (Adobe Stock)

MO Board of Education Says It Needs $400 Million to Boost Teacher Pay

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Under a new plan proposed by the state Board of Education, Missouri teachers would see their base pay increase from $25,000 to …

Missouri State Parks offer 91 parks and historic sites for visitors, and some are planning holiday events. (Ajay Suresh/Flickr)

Missouri State Parks Join #OptOutside Movement

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Black Friday marks the start of the holiday shopping season – however, some Missourians are choosing to skip the …

More than half of Missouri's exports are products sent to Canada and Mexico. (Ford Motor Co.)

Stakes High for Missouri in New NAFTA Deal

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Congressional leaders are still trying to hammer out a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, and there's a lot on …

Net-neutrality advocates say this week's circuit court ruling will reignite efforts to pass state-level consumer protections. (Camilo Sanchez)

Net-Neutrality Battle Moves to States, and to 2020

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Net neutrality suffered a significant blow on Tuesday as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit …

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