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globalmoments - stock.adobe.com/539586413A health care expert in Illinois questions whether upcoming changes to how doctors bill for pregnancy-related care will actually expand access to maternal care services. While the update modernizes billing practices for the first time since the mid-1990s, he says deeper financial incentives and policy changes are needed to address the economic challenges driving the growth of OB deserts. -
Southeast Missouri Food Bank/semofoodbank.orgIn 2025, the Southeast Missouri Food Bank faced unique challenges, including tornadoes and a government shutdown affecting SNAP. They distributed over 14 million pounds of food, equating to 12.3 million meals, and served an average of 80,000 individuals monthly. Despite a 30% increase in their food budget for 2026, they received 664,000 fewer pounds from the USDA's TEFAP program. The food bank operates 300 mobile food pantries annually, each serving 200 families, and relies heavily on 4,500 volunteers. They also source produce from local farmers and retail rescue programs. The food bank encourages volunteering, donations, and social media sharing to support their efforts.
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Despite an overall decline in homelessness in Illinois, the number of infants and toddlers who are unhoused is rising, with experts noting the figures likely undercount families living in “hidden homelessness” situations. Their advocates say rural barriers, stigma, and limited shelter access compound the issue. They stress that expanded early childhood education and comprehensive wraparound services are critical to addressing both housing instability and its lasting impacts on young children. -
A Kansas anti-transgender bill could sharply impact Missouri residents as well. The bill requires people to use bathrooms corresponding to the gender they were assigned at birth. But as advocates point out, the bill isn’t something voters want. -
Going Public: United Way of Southeast MO Opens 2026-28 Grant Application, Addressing Needs in RegionOn this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Elizabeth Shelton, the Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri. She talks about the many challenges facing community programs in the region, after a year of funding uncertainties, economic challenges, and natural disasters. -
Going Public: United Way of Southeast MO Opens 2026-28 Grant Application, Addressing Needs in RegionOn this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Elizabeth Shelton, the Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri. She talks about the many challenges facing community programs in the region, after a year of funding uncertainties, economic challenges, and natural disasters.
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Missouri child-care providers are beginning to receive delayed federal subsidy payments after the state met new documentation requirements tied to federal funding. Children's advocates say the disruption highlights Missouri’s heavy reliance on federal dollars – renewing calls for more state funding for child care. -
The Work College Consortium is a rare group of just nine colleges nationwide where every full-time student works as part of earning a degree. At Missouri’s College of the Ozarks, that model is helping students graduate debt-free while gaining real-world experience, strong work habits and career-ready skills. -
As Missouri weighs large-scale solar, a debate is on between clean energy advocates and those warning that retiring fossil fuel plants too quickly could strain the power grid and raise blackout risks. -
Missouri’s minimum wage increase is now in effect as 2026 begins, a voter-approved change supporters say reflects rising living costs and workers' needs statewide. Workforce leaders say the change reflects rising living costs and could help retain workers, reduce reliance on public assistance, and strengthen the state’s labor force. -
Advocates of affordable healthcare warn that proposed Medicaid changes could result in coverage losses for thousands of Missourians, not because they’re ineligible, but due to paperwork and administrative hurdles. They point to past coverage losses and growing strain on rural hospitals as concerns mount ahead of a possible January government shutdown. -
On this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri, about the organization's recent efforts to address rising needs for assistance.
