Demonstrators stand outside of the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City (Photo by Tessa Weinberg - Missouri Independent).

Medicaid enrollment backlog persists as advocates say Missouri could be doing more

(Missouri Independent) – Applying for health insurance through Medicaid expansion took Raven Cole just 10 minutes. But the wait to see if she’s approved has dragged on for months. The 23-year-old legal assistant applied for coverage, “well over two to three months ago.” “And I haven’t heard anything back,” Cole said. Cole is one of […]

Man with fingers through fence also immigration or immigrants

Pressure ramps up to halt Trump-era policy that expels migrants at the border

(Missouri Independent) – Senate Democrats and immigration advocates are pushing the White House to end a controversial Trump-era immigration policy enacted during the pandemic that allowed U.S. officials to expel migrants and asylum seekers at the border. “I continue to be disappointed, deeply disappointed, in the administration’s response,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York […]

Breed Specific Dog Ban (Photo of Pit Bull by Michael Anfang on UnSplash)

Trenton Administrative Committee to recommend repeal of breed specific dog ban

With six councilmen present, Trenton’s Administrative Committee is recommending the repeal of the current ban on specific breeds of dogs. In addition, the committee wants the Mayor to appoint, with council consent, an animal welfare committee of citizens to offer recommendations on animal control issues. Councilman Danny Brewer made the motion to lift the breed […]

Tornado Drill graphic

Missouri’s 2022 statewide tornado drill to be held today

Missouri’s 2022 statewide tornado drill will be held today (Tuesday, March 8, 2022) at 10 a.m. This is an opportunity for Missourians to practice their sheltering plans and ensure readiness in case of a severe weather emergency while at home, work, or school. Each year, the National Weather Service chooses the date of Missouri’s statewide […]

Gas Pumps News Graphic (Photo via Envato Elements)

Biden OKs release of 30 million barrels of oil from Strategic Petroleum Reserve

(Missouri Independent) – President Joe Biden authorized on Tuesday the release of 30 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, part of an international boost to the global oil supply that has been disrupted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The reserve is a complex of four sites with deep underground storage caverns in salt […]

Missouri Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick (photo by Tim Bommel - Missouri House Communications)

Treasurer calls on Missouri pension funds to sell Russian investments in wake of Ukraine war

(Missouri Independent) – State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick wants Missouri to join other states that are dumping Russian investments from retirement funds. In a news release Tuesday, Fitzpatrick called for an emergency meeting of the Missouri State Employees Retirement System (MOSERS) Board of Trustees for votes to block future purchases of Russian securities and consider how to divest […]

Paula Nickelson appointed acting director health and human services

Governor Parson announces Paula Nickelson to lead Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

During a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson announced that he has selected Paula Nickelson to serve as the Acting Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, effective March 1, 2022.  “Today, we are excited to announce Paula Nickelson as the new DHSS Acting Director,” Governor Parson said. “Paula was a […]

Video Poker Machines from Missouri Independent (Photo by Rudi Keller - Missouri Independent).

Push for expanded Missouri gambling puts casinos, video operators in opposing camps

(Missouri Independent) – Approving video lottery would produce more than 10 times the new state revenue of sports wagering and drive cash-prize video games of debated legality out of Missouri, a newly updated report contends. The report, prepared by Morowitz Gaming Advisors LLC and Global Gaming & Hospitality Capital Advisors LLC and paid for by companies that […]

Local Emergency Planning Committee

Grundy County Local Emergency Planning Committee approves officers

The Grundy County Local Emergency Planning Committee approved officers on February 15th. They are Chairperson Phillip Ray, Vice-Chairperson Ron Urton, Secretary Kelli Hillerman, and Coordinator Glen Briggs. Alan Barnett was approved to fulfill the representation of LEPC community member. Jim Skipper will be the LEPC hospital representative. The committee voted to pre-approve the Community Emergency […]

Donald Kauerauf, the director of the Department of Health and Senior Services, speaks during a press conference at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City on July 21, 2021

Before ouster, Missouri health director drafted a letter to senators that was never sent

(Missouri Independent) – On the Friday before a drawn-out confirmation battle ended with his ouster from office, Missouri state Health Director Donald Kauerauf wrote an impassioned letter meant to convince conservative legislators who were on the fence about his appointment.  The message: While he believed in vaccines and data and science, he didn’t believe in vaccine […]

Maysville science olym 2022 at NCMC

Science Olympiad results from the North Central Missouri College campus

Several high schools participated in Science Olympiad on the campus of North Central Missouri College in Trenton, Missouri, on Saturday, February 12, 2022. Schools participating for 2022 included Stanberry, South Harrison, King City, Northeast Nodaway, Maysville, Princeton, and Pattonsburg. Individuals from each team who placed first in their event(s) may advance to the state competition […]

Duck and Waterfowl

Missouri Department of Conservation to offer free virtual waterfowl hunting workshop

Missouri has numerous public waterfowl hunting opportunities at wetlands and lakes, including those on conservation areas. The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer a free virtual waterfowl hunting class from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. This class will teach the equipment and strategies needed to be successful hunting ducks and geese.  […]

State of Emergency

Governor Parson declares a State of Emergency, activating Missouri National Guard, in preparation for severe winter storm

Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 22-02 declaring a State of Emergency in Missouri and activating the Missouri National Guard in preparation for the severe winter storm forecasted to affect most of the state over the next two days, including significant accumulations of snow, sleet, and ice.  “Severe winter weather isn’t something we are strangers to here in the […]