Governor Parson talks with lawmakers as he leaves House Chamber after State of the State address (Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel - Missouri House)

Governor proposes record $47.3B Missouri budget as he taps surplus and federal aid

(Missouri Independent) – Gov. Mike Parson proposed massive new spending on infrastructure and college buildings, and still found money to set aside for pensions and future revenue shortfalls, in the budget submitted Wednesday to lawmakers. Missouri will enter the new fiscal year with nearly $3 billion in surplus general revenue, an anticipation of record future tax collections, […]

Missouri Governor Mike Parson delivers State address in Missouri House January 19, 2022 (Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel - Missouri House Communications)

Governor Mike Parson touts Missouri’s COVID-19 response in annual State of State address

(Missouri Independent) – Gov. Mike Parson praised his administration’s handling of the still-unfolding COVID-19 pandemic Wednesday, telling a joint session of the Missouri General Assembly that the state has emerged ready to make long-term investments in its future.  “The bottom line is Missouri’s economy is strong,” Parson said in his annual State of the State […]

Sam Graves Sam Graves official photo

Graves, Huffman introduce “Save America’s Rural Hospitals Act”

Congressman Sam Graves and Congressman Jared Huffman introduced the bipartisan Save America’s Rural Hospitals Act to rescue rural hospitals on the brink of bankruptcy and help put these critical care providers back on solid ground. “This isn’t a new problem. Our rural hospitals have been struggling to keep their doors open to patients for years,” said […]

Unemployment

Audio: The “Great Resignation” and what it could mean in Missouri

We’re hearing a lot about “The Great Resignation” – an unemployment trend seen as the cause of labor shortages and business shutdowns. Government reports show a record monthly high of 4.5 million Americans quitting their jobs this past November alone. University of Missouri economist and labor specialist Peter Muesser says the nickname for the trend […]

Generic Fire news graphic

Flue fire sends Chillicothe firefighters to Vine Street

The report of a flue fire sent Chillicothe firefighters to 827 Vine Street Tuesday night. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered fire from the chimney Firefighters entered the building and located the woodstove just inside the front door. The blower fan was shut down and metal buckets were used to remove contents of the woodstove. A fire […]

Scam Alert

Audio: Ameren tells customers to be on alert for scams, especially during the holidays

It’s easy to get distracted during the holidays but Ameren Missouri is warning its customers to be on alert to scammers. Scammers are getting very sophisticated with scams coming in many forms such as phone calls, text messages, in person, and online tactics. They try to get your personal info and money.  Maria Gomez is […]

Nurse assisting patient in wheelchair in nursing home

Missouri gives nursing homes a way to temporarily close in face of federal vaccine rule

(Missouri Independent) – With over 40% of Missouri’s nursing home staff still unvaccinated, the state health department is giving long-term care facilities a route to avoid losing their license if they shut down due to staffing shortfalls after a federal vaccine requirement kicks in next month. On Friday, the Department of Health and Senior Services […]

Governor Mike Parson

Governor Parson touts benefits of moving to, living in and doing business in Missouri

Governor Mike Parson celebrated Missouri’s strong economic position as the number of Missourians on unemployment decreases, businesses continue to invest and expand in Missouri, and the state earns several economic recognitions.  “Throughout the pandemic, we took a balanced approach that protected the health and safety of Missourians without sacrificing their livelihoods,” Governor Parson said. “We didn’t […]

Child Tax Credit Graphic

Funding for monthly child tax credit through 2022 included in Build Back Better act

Families in Missouri have been receiving Child Tax Credit payments of $300 to $350 a month per child since the summer, and one local expert says making them permanent could benefit families long-term, across the nation. So far, 45% of Missouri families have reported using their payments for food, 33% for essential bills, and 30% […]

Josh Hawley Courtesy of Missourinet

Hawley to introduce new Parents Bill of Rights in effort to keep parents informed of what is being taught in schools

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced he will introduce a new Parents Bill of Rights to turn back efforts to shut parents out of their children’s education. Senator Hawley’s bill will protect the right of parents to know what their children are being taught, who is teaching them, and which organizations are receiving school contracts. […]

Natural Gas

After cold snap upended markets, natural gas could be pricey this winter

(Missouri Independent) – After a historic cold snap depleted natural gas reserves in February, prices for heating could be as much as 30% higher this winter, prompting concerns about increasing bills for Kansas and Missouri customers. Kansas is already grappling with the $1 billion fallout from this winter’s cold snap when natural gas prices rose by […]

Cold Weather Rule

Missouri Public Service Commission’s Cold Weather Rule takes effect November 1

The Missouri Public Service Commission’s Cold Weather Rule, designed to help customers with heat-related utility bills, begins on November 1, 2021. The rule will remain in effect through March 31, 2022. It has been a part of the Commission’s rules and regulations since 1977. The Cold Weather Rule applies to natural gas and electric utilities […]

House Fire

Chillicothe, along with multiple departments, respond to fire in rural Livingston County

The Chillicothe Fire Department, with mutual aid calls to two other departments, responded to a house fire last night at 16758 LIV Road Number 230. Upon arrival at 5:40 pm, Chillicothe firefighters found a single-story house with fire and heavy smoke coming from the center front of the house and roof. There also was fire […]