Dr. Alex Garza of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force

Video: ‘The virus is winning’: Health officials call for statewide mask mandate in Missouri

(Missouri Independent) – Missouri Gov. Mike Parson needs to issue a statewide mask mandate and “safer-at-home” policy to prevent the state’s health system from becoming overwhelmed, Dr. Alex Garza, the incident commander of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, said Friday. “Unfortunately, as has been painfully obvious to even a casual observer, we are […]

School Bus

Missouri schools allowed to relax COVID-19 quarantine rules if both people properly wearing masks

Governor Mike Parson and state education director Margie Vandeven have loosened the guidelines for making students and staff quarantine after exposure to someone with COVID-19 if both people were properly wearing masks. Vandeven explained at a press conference Thursday: “Under the updated guidance, proper mask-wearing may now prevent individuals from being identified as close contacts in […]

COVID-19 or Coronavirus Update

COVID-19 Update: Livingston County reports 2 deaths, 36 new cases; 41 cases since November 5th in Daviess County; 16 in Putnam County

The Livingston County Health Center reports two COVID-19-related deaths have been added since Tuesday, bringing the total number of deaths to 17. Thirty-six new cases were also added since Tuesday, which makes the cumulative total of 600. Of the 80 active cases, 19 are in facilities, 51 are in the community, and 10 involve schools. […]

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University of Missouri online crop conference set for December 1st and 2nd

Farmers and crop specialists can hear updates from some of the nation’s leading agricultural researchers Dec. 1-2 at the 2020 University of Missouri Crop Management Conference. Due to Missouri COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s conference is offered live online, said MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley. Technology discussions lead the conference. Bradley tells about MU research […]

Budget news graphic

Missouri House gives initial approval to $1.2 billion supplemental budget

The Missouri House voted Tuesday to give preliminary approval to a proposed $1.27 billion supplemental budget, a supplemental that is the reason for the special session. The supplemental budget includes funding for school nutrition programs, job training grants, $1 million for witness protection funding, and money for child support payments. Governor Mike Parson (R) called […]

COVID-19 Vaccine Generic Graphic

“Missouri is fully prepared to start vaccinating people in December,” DHSS promises, including transporting long-term care patients

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director told Missouri legislators that the state is “fully prepared to start vaccinating people in December” if the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19 is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Randal Williams updated the House Special Committee on Disease Control and Prevention on how a vaccine would […]

Stop (Child) (Sexual) abuse

Kids reported abuse at schools where Missouri has no oversight. Lawmakers want to change that

(Missouri Independent) – Despite dozens of students coming forward sharing allegations of abuse they suffered at Christian reform schools across Missouri, the state Department of Social Services said Monday that they have no oversight over such facilities. That’s because they’re unlicensed — and allowed to be under a Missouri law that exempts facilities operated by religious organizations. […]

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Audit of Medicaid Managed Care Program in Missouri finds millions wasted on Medicaid payments for ineligible beneficiaries

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway today released an audit of the Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Medicaid Managed Care Program, which found system limitations that resulted in millions of dollars in potential overpayments on behalf of ineligible participants. “At a time when every dollar is being stretched to deliver vital services to Missourians, state government […]