Some of Missouri’s rural hospitals are fighting to survive. Eleven have already closed, and more than 30 are still at risk. Nationwide, more than 150 rural hospitals have closed since 2010.

As federal cuts force schools to scale back electives – and Missouri faces an $84 million gap in delayed federal funding – an advocate for after-school learning says STEM programs are emerging as a way to keep students learning and future-ready.

It’s Prevention Month in Missouri, and experts warn unused prescriptions can fuel addiction, especially among teens. This Saturday (10/25), the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day gives families a safe way to clear them out at drop sites statewide.

Scary tales of people having their blood sucked by vampires or their heads sought by decapitated horsemen give us chills on All Hollows Eve. Urban legends warn us of those who tamper with trick or treat candy. However, research tells us the real danger on Halloween is: creating a jack o’ lantern.

As Illinois responds to a spike in domestic violence cases, new research finds nationwide, nearly 20 women lose their lives each month to intimate partner gun violence that also involves suicide. It says 99% of perpetrators are men, and states with weaker gun laws see rates three times higher than other states. The report stresses an urgent need to enforce laws that disarm abusers and protect survivors.

Medicare open enrollment begins October 15th, and some Missouri residents may be eligible for additional health care coverage. Health care advocates say Dual Eligible Special Needs plans offer additional benefits, but far too many older adults and people with disabilities remain unaware that the plans exist.

A Missouri health expert says he's glad to see renewed attention on autism after recent federal remarks have sparked serious discussions of possible genetic, environmental, and/or medication links to the condition.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Today, most people are aware of breast cancer, but many don’t have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same.

Policy experts are urging Congress to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits and address the larger problem of escalating health care costs, warning that premiums could more than double if no action is taken. A Century Foundation analysis shows rural and high cancer-rate counties would be hit hardest, as ACA premiums are already projected to rise an average of 18% next year, potentially affecting a record 466,000 Illinoisans.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released funds for farmer-driven agriculture research in Missouri and nationwide after a months-long delay. Farmers across the country launched a campaign to insist the government release the money, which it did in mid-September. The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program grants funds to farmers and ranchers for on-farm studies and helps distribute the results.