Nonprofits warn proposed Medicaid cuts could devastate millions of Missourians
Public News Service - April 1, 2025
About 1.3 million Missourians are currently enrolled in Medicaid and nonprofits around the state have warned proposed federal cuts would be devastating.
In Missouri, children are the largest group served by Medicaid, with 61% enrolled. States could face more than $800 billion in Medicaid cuts and more than $200 billion in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP or food stamps.
...(Read More)
Poll: Americans fear bird flu's effect on finances over personal health
Public News Service - March 31, 2025
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 recent poll showed nearly 90% of Americans are more concerned about bird flu driving up food prices than its effects on health.
Egg prices have surged by more than 70% in some regions because of supply shortages caused by the bird flu. The poll from the health policy research and news organization KFF spans across parties, race and ethnicity, as well as household income levels.
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Rural MO charity braces for 'ripple effects' of federal cuts
Public News Service - March 28, 2025
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 poverty rate in rural Missouri stands at more than 16%, compared with a little more than 11% in urban regions of the state.
Bryan Stallings, co-founder and CEO of the rural charity Elevate Branson, said they don't get their resources directly from federal funding, but primarily from donations. ...(Read More)
Riders, IRIS and union bus drivers fight Kansas City transit cuts
Public News Service - March 25, 2025
Kansas City transit riders and workers are fighting proposed cuts, warning of a looming public transit crisis.
Hundreds of advocates of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority gathered on the steps of City Hall last week over threats to cut 13 bus routes, eliminate up to 175 transit jobs and shut down the Immigrant and Refugee Integration Services microtransit program.
Protesters warned the cuts could strand thousands, cost hundreds of jobs and leave misclassified IRIS drivers without unemployment benefits.
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MO university powers up semiconductor workforce
Public News Service - March 24, 2025
A Missouri university is stepping up as America works to revive semiconductor manufacturing by helping train people to do the work.
It is estimated 300,000 engineers will be needed by 2030. Semiconductors power technology in health care, transportation, artificial intelligence and defense. ...(Read More)
MO postal workers unite in national fight against USPS privatization
Public News Service - March 20, 2025
Under the theme. "U.S. Mail, Not for Sale," Missouri postal workers are joining thousands nationwide, rallying to protect union jobs and oppose privatization of the U.S. ...(Read More)
New MO-based newsroom focuses on health and justice
Public News Service - March 18, 2025
The Missouri Foundation for Health is partnering with The Marshall Project on the launch of a St. Louis nonprofit newsroom highlighting the legal system's effect on health, especially in marginalized communities.
The Marshall Project focuses on investigative, data-driven journalism to explain the justice system, especially to those affected by it. ...(Read More)
Nueva sala de redacción de Missouri se centra en la salud y la justicia
Public News Service - March 18, 2025
La Missouri Foundation for Health (Fundación para la Salud de Missouri) se ha asociado con el Proyecto Marshall para el lanzamiento de una sala de prensa sin fines de lucro en St. Louis, que destaca el impacto del sistema legal en la salud, especialmente en comunidades marginadas.
El Proyecto Marshall se centra en el periodismo de investigación basado en datos para explicar el sistema judicial, especialmente a quienes lo padecen. ...(Read More)
MO advocate urges healing over punishment for traumatized juveniles
Public News Service - March 11, 2025
A Missouri children's advocate is urging the justice system to focus on healing for youths, noting trauma and broken relationships often drive their actions.
Research shows Missouri has seen fluctuating juvenile delinquency rates, with urban areas such as St. Louis and Springfield facing rising youth crime. ...(Read More)
MO advocates join fight against corporate influence in agriculture
Public News Service - March 10, 2025
Advocates for small independent farmers in Missouri and around the nation are sounding the alarm about the effects of corporate agriculture on farmers and local communities.
Missouri stands as the nation's second largest farming state, with nearly 86,000 farms spanning 27 million acres.
Yet, just four corporate giants - Tyson and Cargill from the U.S., Brazil's JBS, and China's WH Group Limited - dominate the country's livestock production. ...(Read More)
MO House panel takes up key election bills
Public News Service - March 3, 2025
The Missouri House Committee on Elections is reviewing key legislation that could shape the state's voting process.
Proposals include expanding early voting and granting poll challengers greater access to voting locations.
One of the most significant proposed bills would make it a felony to threaten election officials, such as judges, clerks, and even poll workers. ...(Read More)
MO farmers, advocates push for mandatory country-of-origin food labels
Public News Service - February 25, 2025
A Midwest coalition of consumer, farmer and rural groups, including those in Missouri, is pushing to reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling for meat, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables, as well as some nuts.
Earlier this month, federal lawmakers reintroduced the American Beef Labeling Act to restore such labeling for beef.
Noah Earle, a farmer and member of the Missouri Rural Crisis Center, contended claims from the "big four" meat packers, arguing such labeling hurts their export and is costly and time-consuming are not valid.
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MO expert discusses state's first drop in overdose deaths in decade
Public News Service - February 24, 2025
Late last year, Missouri recorded its first significant drop in overdose deaths since 2015 - primarily due to increased access to naloxone, also called the Lazarus drug for its ability to revive a person who has overdosed.
A 2024 report from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services shows opioid-related deaths statewide fell from more than 700 to just over 500, a 30% decrease.
DawnElyn Schneider, chief network development and population health officer with Central Ozarks Medical Center, said it's important to carry naloxone for overdose emergencies. ...(Read More)
Farming advocates: Frozen funds hurting farmers in MO, nation
Public News Service - February 20, 2025
More than 130 farmers, ranchers and advocates gathered on Capitol Hill last week, calling for action on the federal funding freeze and farm bill.
Missouri, home to over 95,000, ranks second in the nation for the number of farms - with many relying on federal aid to survive. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, or NSAC, a nonprofit advocating for sustainable farming, organized the Capitol Hill gathering. ...(Read More)
Experts share tips on beating Missouri's winter blues
Public News Service - February 17, 2025
Some Missourians love winter for its cozy charm and seasonal activities, while others get the serious blues, officially known as seasonal affective disorder.
The condition is linked to winter's cold temperatures and reduced hours of sunlight. It can cause low mood, difficulty concentrating and even more frequent mental health struggles. ...(Read More)