Missouri News & Current Events | Public News Service

Following media coverage and public backlash, the Department of Justice has reinstated seven victim services grants, although hundreds remain canceled. (Heidi/Adobe Stock)

Gun-violence prevention groups in MO say federal cuts would hinder their efforts

By Bram Sable-Smith for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Missouri News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Se…

Social determinants of health, such as housing, education, income and access to transportation, account for up to 80% of health outcomes. (Zerbor/Adobe Stock)

Missouri trailblazers awarded $200,000 for health equity work

The Missouri Foundation for Health has named the first five winners of its new "Spark Prize," an award backing Missourians who are working to promote …

Nearly 122 million adults, about 47% of the population, have hypertension. (wavebreak3/Adobe Stock)

Check out books, blood pressure cuffs at Missouri libraries

More St. Louis County libraries are teaming up with the American Heart Association to offer blood pressure cuffs for checkout, to help people take …

The U.S. agriculture sector includes farms and related industries. Together, they account for 5.5% of the country's gross domestic product and provide 10.4% of all U.S. jobs. (Anastasia Knyazeva/Adobe Stock)

Farming advocates fight bills they say could hurt farmers in MO, nation

With more than 95,000 farms, Missouri ranks among the top farming states in the nation. Now, a national agriculture group is warning that bills …

If the House budget reconciliation bill becomes law, annual cuts to Medicaid would average more than $70 billion in coming years, the same amount people earning $1 million or more per year would gain in tax cuts each year. (Adobe Stock)

Policy expert warns MO hospitals could suffer under federal cuts

As Congress debates what's being called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, new Congressional Budget Office analysis estimates 16 million Americans - …

Most U.S. states have CAFOs, typically ranging from 100 to 1,000 animals, although a few have fewer than 10. (Lost_in_the_Midwest/Adobe Stock)

CAFO v. factory farm: What’s the difference?

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Missouri News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborat…

According to the 2025 Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Data Book, 16% of children still live in poverty, and nearly one in three children live in households struggling with high housing costs. <br />(Adobe Stock)

Kids Count Data Book: Missouri thrives economically, lacking in education

Missouri ranks 27th in an annual national report on child well-being, with solid marks in kids' economic stability but setbacks in education…

While not traditionally considered part of

MO nonprofits give financial boost to tornado-ravaged communities

Missouri Foundation for Health and its partners are putting $500,000 toward tornado recovery, boosting local relief efforts after storms devastated …

The global tiny-homes market was valued at approximately $21.93 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $29.88 billion by 2033. (ckellyphoto/Adobe Stock)

Branson fights big housing crisis with tiny homes

Contractors have broken ground on a tiny-home village in Branson, where poverty is a growing concern. While tourists flock to Branson by the …

Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of preventable death among women, contributing to nearly 59,000 deaths annually in the United States. (chika_milan/Adobe Stock)

Alcohol misuse growing among women in Missouri, nation

As Women's Health Month draws to a close, the focus in on the growing issue of alcohol misuse among women in Missouri and across the nation. Research …

The International Energy Association's Global EV Outlook projects more than 25% of cars sold worldwide in 2025 will be electric vehicles. (Adobe Stock)

Federal cuts threaten EV incentives for Missouri motorists

Missouri has more than 13,000 all-electric vehicles registered, according to recent U.S. Department of Energy figures. However, threats to federal …

Rural communities around the country often struggle with higher poverty rates, fewer job opportunities, and a reliance on declining industries like agriculture or manufacturing. <br />(Yvonne/Adobe Stock)

Missouri leaders join nationwide fight to protect rural communities

With nearly a third of Missourians living in rural areas, state leaders are speaking out against federal proposals they said threaten rural …

Power companies plan to shut down more coal plants in 2025, cutting about 5% of the country's coal power capacity. (DimaBerlin/Adobe Stock)

Missouri Sierra Club launches dashboard tracking impact of EPA rollbacks

The Missouri Sierra Club has unveiled a new mapping tool they said shows how rolling back U.S. Environmental Protection Agency safeguards on coal …

Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. <br />(Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock)

American Stroke Month: AHA raises awareness in Missouri

May is American Stroke Month and the American Heart Association wants Missourians to know the signs and take action. Stroke is the sixth leading …

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded $7.4 million in grants to boost urban farming and food access in struggling communities. (Joshua Resnick/Adobe Stock)

Community leaders in MO take action amid threats to SNAP benefits

As the national debate intensifies over cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits and school meal funding, Missouri food system leaders are …

Title X is the only federal program providing family planning and preventive health services, including contraception, cancer screenings and STI testing. (Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Many Missourians fear birth control access will decline

A recent poll shows widespread concern among Missourians about the future of birth control access. The survey from the Right Time Initiative reveals …

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics most recent figures from 2023, in Springfield, Mo., the highest employable fields are in office and administrative support, and transportation and material moving. (Adobe Stock)

Budget tune-up could improve Missourians' money management skills

As Financial Literary Awareness Month ends this week, talk of tariffs and their effects on inflation could continue for months. Many Missourians are …

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

'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 …

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