Missouri Independent
Uncounted: Inaccurate Death Certificates Across the Country Hide the True Toll of COVID-19
Some counties, like Cape Girardeau, have seen a spike in deaths that aren’t attributed to COVID-19. Many of them, blamed on natural causes, are likely from the coronavirus.
Science Backs Mask Mandates. But in Missouri and Elsewhere, They’re Politically Toxic
Studies have repeatedly found mandates encourage mask use and slow COVID spread. Politics and lawsuits make them unattractive to policymakers.
Confusion Around COVID Ruling Swirls as Two Missouri School Districts End Semester Early
As a growing number of Missouri school districts drop COVID mitigation measures under threat from Attorney General Eric Schmitt, at least two closed the doors on their fall semester early due to large numbers of staff and students out sick.
Missouri Attorney General Tells Schools, Health Departments to End COVID Orders
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt instructed school districts and local public health departments to immediately stop enforcing health orders a judge ruled unconstitutional last month, and warned Tuesday they may face legal action if they fail to do so.
Bills for Spire Customers in Kansas City Spike 40%, St. Louis 25%
Spire Missouri customers will see big hikes in their natural gas bills this winter, with residents in the Kansas City area hit the hardest, as the energy market continues to struggle following February’s deep freeze.
Missouri Health Department Found Mask Mandates Work, But Didn’t Make Findings Public
Mask mandates saved lives and prevented COVID-19 infections in Missouri’s biggest cities during the worst part of the delta variant wave, an analysis by the state Department of Health and Senior Services shows.
Federal Grand Jury Subpoenas Sought Records from Missouri Medical Marijuana Regulators
Twice last year a federal grand jury demanded the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services turn over records pertaining to the medical marijuana program.
On Top of $1 Billion Fallout from February Cold Snap, Natural Gas Prices Expected to Climb this Winter
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.
Judge Rules Against AG Challenge to Masks in Missouri Schools. Columbia Case Continues
Face masks will stay on for students and teachers in districts requiring them, a Boone County judge ruled Tuesday, handing Attorney General Eric Schmitt a defeat in his efforts to use the courts to block mask mandates.
Once Upon a Time in Missouri: Republican Attorney General Backed Mandatory Vaccination
During a 1921 smallpox outbreak in Kansas City, the state health board required vaccine passports to board trains. The case is pertinent in today’s COVID-19 vaccine debate.