Missouri

Bird flu infections grow in cattle nationwide, Missouri stays clean

Published

1 year ago

August 17, 2024

Bird flu infections grow in cattle nationwide, Missouri stays clean

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – Bird flu has infected cattle in a number of states this year but so far, Missouri’s herds have stayed clean. The state veterinarian says that’s in part due to the biosecurity measures in the state.

With the Missouri State Fair well underway, First Alert 4 headed to Sedalia to check in with farmers about how increased protections for this year’s Fair impacted them and protected their cows.

The bird flu is the common name for Avian Influenza, which can be devastating to flocks of chickens and other birds, according to veterinarians.

Because of the high number of outbreaks, and the transfer of the virus from livestock to humans, the USDA has launched an online tracker.

THE BIRD FLU

As of today, the USDA does not currently report any livestock cases of the bird flu in Missouri.

Some versions of the virus can show no signs, the MDA says. Others require a rapid response because it can be fatal to chickens and is highly contagious.

“The goal is to quickly contain and eradicate the disease, protecting our poultry industry, and in turn, the American consumer,” the MDA website states.

The USDA is monitoring an outbreak in dairy herds across multiple areas of the United States.

In the last month, a total of six states have reported Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI or bird flu) by the USDA.

In that same time frame 29 cases have been reported in Idaho, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Texas — and the hardest hit area — Colorado.

While most states have five or less cases, but Colorado is currently reporting more than 16 in the state, USDA records show.

Other mammals can be infected, including a domestic cat in the Centennial State.

In July, Colorado officials reported 10 cases of bird flu in humans. Officials said that one of the infected worked on a dairy farm, while the remaining cases worked on poultry farms.

But many other states have had cattle herds hit by cases of bird flu this year — including neighbors of Missouri.

Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Wyoming and Idaho have all reported cases since March, according to the USDA’s online tracker.

Still, the CDC says human risk remains low.

Missouri State Veterinarian Steve Strubberg tells First Alert 4 that his department is ready to help any owner who finds their animals infected.

“These health requirements are in place for the 2024 Missouri State Fair in an effort to protect the dairy industry and all of agriculture,” Dr. Strubberg said in a statement. “There have been no cases of H5N1 influenza detected in Missouri dairy cattle. Still, we want to operate in a manner of caution while allowing dairy exhibitors the opportunity to show their animals.”

The disease is a common affliction on in animals across the globe, according to the CDC. Technically known as H5 – avian influenza infects animals through shared air.

Wild birds can catch the disease, and then by mixing with controlled flocks, the infection can spread across farms and ranches, according to animal experts.

COWS & OUTBREAKS

Recently, some dairy cows in the U.S., as well as humans, have become infected with H5. The CDC says that outbreaks in both poultry and dairy animals caused the infections but the health risk is low.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is partnering with FDA, CDC and state level partners to monitor the outbreak ongoing in dairy cows.

In May, the Missouri Department of Agriculture provided an overview of the disease online.

The bird flu is technically known as influenza type A, which can naturally occur in bird populations. The virus moves from bird to bird through droppings, saliva and their nasal passages. It can infect a wide range of birds from chickens to quail.

At the top of the webpage for the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), it states, “There is no immediate public health concern,” and that it is safe to eat properly handled chicken and egg products.

“The United States has the strongest AI [avian influenza] surveillance program in the world,” the MDA says.

The MDA has even produced a set of protocols for animals at the State Fair this year. All lactating dairy cattle must test negative for H5N1 within seven days of their arrival at the fairgrounds in Sedalia.

Lactating dairy cow testing information has been provided, and you can view it here.

The dairy cow displays at the Fair are historic, according to the MDA. The goals of precautions being placed at the Fair – like using personal milking machines, and disposing of the milk – are designed to allow the showing of dairy cattle without risk of any spreading.

The Fairgrounds milking parlor is not slated for exhibition of dairy cattle this Fair, according to July communications of the MDA.

RESOURCES & REPORTING

The MDA website has a section dedicated to questions about bird flu, including a section on whether HPAI might spread easier to mammals more often than originally thought.

“Many species are susceptible to influenza viruses, including wildlife that often come into direct contact with wild birds,” MDA says. “Many of these animals were likely infected after consuming or coming into contact with birds that were infected with HPAI.”

In fact, the USDA lists more than 20 mammals that tested positive for bird flu which cover a wide range from bobcats to bottlenose dolphins, and minks to harbor seals.

WARNING SIGNS FOR AVIAN FLU:

MDA says that there are many symptoms including not eating; coughing; lack of noise; decreased egg production and sudden death.

REPORTING SICK ANIMALS:

The Animal Health Division of the MDA is available at 573-751-3377.

Avery Martinez covers water, ag & the environment for First Alert 4. He is also a Report for America corps member. RFA places talented, emerging journalists in newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. Report for America is an initiative of The GroundTruth Project, an award-winning nonprofit journalism organization dedicated to rebuilding journalism from the ground up.

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Missouri

Missouri Secretary of State admits to misleading ballot language for gerrymander referendum

Published

3 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Missouri Secretary of State admits to misleading ballot language for gerrymander referendum

Protestors gather in the rotunda to protest a redistricting plan that would split Kansas City into three districts on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at the Missouri State Capitol, in Jefferson City, Mo. (Yong Li Xuan/Missourian via AP)

An attorney representing Missouri’s top election official admitted in court Friday that her client had authored ballot language that could “prejudice” voters about a referendum to block the GOP’s new gerrymandered congressional map.

The state constitution gives Missourians the right to veto new state laws by holding a statewide referendum vote. Since Missouri Republicans passed mid-decade redistricting in September, voters have been fighting to put it to a referendum. But the Republican Party – including Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins – are throwing every possible hurdle in its path.

That apparently includes ballot language.

In November, People Not Politicians, the group leading the referendum effort, filed a lawsuit challenging what it termed the “dishonest” text Hoskins had approved.

The court could take over the task of writing the ballot language if Hoskins fails to provide an acceptable version after three tries. A bench trial is scheduled for Feb. 9.

Missouri law requires the secretary of state’s ballot language to be a “true and impartial statement” that isn’t “intentionally argumentative” or “likely to create prejudice either for or against the proposed measure.”

At a hearing Friday, Hoskins’ attorney admitted the ballot summary was likely to create prejudice against the referendum, according to People Not Politicians. She also said the language would be revised in negotiations with the referendum organizers, the Missouri Independent reported.

Now, the state will get “another bite at the apple” to write new language, Chuck Hatfield, an attorney representing People Not Politicians, told Democracy Docket.

“Rather than losing in court, today the Secretary of State simply admitted that he broke the law and sought to deceive Missouri voters,” Richard von Glahn, executive director of People Not Politicians, said in a statement. “While warranted, this admittance does little to alleviate our concerns that a subsequent summary prepared by him will be any more accurate. Missourians deserve the truth about their rights and the referendum.”

According to court filings, the official certified ballot language reads: “Do the people of the state of Missouri approve the act of the General Assembly entitled ‘House Bill No. 1 (2025 Second Extraordinary Session),’ which repeals Missouri’s existing gerrymandered congressional plan that protects incumbent politicians, and replaces it with new congressional boundaries that keep more cities and counties intact, are more compact, and better reflects statewide voting patterns?”

In addition to the misleading ballot language, Republicans have devised relentless obstacles for referendum supporters, including trying to decline certifying the petition on holding a referendum for being filed too soon, reject signatures for being collected too soon, block the petition from moving forward and intimidate referendum supporters.

Hoskins is also insisting on enacting the new map before voters can hold the referendum, breaking with Missouri precedent.

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 winning numbers for Jan. 8, 2026

Published

15 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 8, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Jan. 8 drawing

Midday: 3-5-3

Midday Wild: 9

Evening: 6-3-9

Evening Wild: 3

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Jan. 8 drawing

Midday: 7-1-3-4

Midday Wild: 4

Evening: 9-6-9-8

Evening Wild: 9

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Jan. 8 drawing

27-28-39-47-58, Cash Ball: 04

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Jan. 8 drawing

Early Bird: 14

Morning: 07

Matinee: 06

Prime Time: 07

Night Owl: 11

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from Jan. 8 drawing

02-26-28-29-34

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.

To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:

Ticket Redemption

Missouri Lottery

P.O. Box 7777

Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.

For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.

When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Missouri

Missouri Democrats vow to fight increased taxes on sales or services

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Missouri Democrats vow to fight increased taxes on sales or services

Jason Hancock and Steph Quinn
| Missouri Independent

Missouri lawmakers returned to work Wednesday, Jan. 7, to kick off the 2026 legislative session, with Republicans determined to eliminate the state income tax and Democrats vowing to oppose any effort to replace it with increased taxes on sales or services.

Missing from the first day were the partisan fireworks that defined the end of last year’s session and a special session in September. Instead, both the House and Senate functioned normally on Wednesday, quickly running through motions of a first-day and adjourning with little fanfare.

But the partisan schism simmered under the surface.

Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe is pushing for elimination of the state’s income tax and is expecting to lay out his plan next week when he speaks to a joint session of the legislature for his annual State of the State address.

Democrats — still smarting from last year’s GOP moves to cut off debate to pass bills repealing expanded paid sick leave, gerrymander the state congressional map, change the initiative petition process and reimpose an abortion ban — said they are withholding judgment until they see the details of Kehoe’s plan.

But they note the income tax represents 65% of last year’s $13.4 billion in state revenue.

Democrats will not support raising taxes that disproportionately impact lower-income Missourians to pay to eliminate the income tax, said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat.

“People are already having a really hard time making ends meet in this state,” Beck said. “People are living paycheck to paycheck. So if anyone wants to raise taxes on those folks, that is unacceptable to us. As Democrats, we say there should be no new taxes.”

House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, said that while the possible elimination of the income tax is “being sold as … getting rid of your taxes,” most Missourians will see little benefit.

“What they’re not telling you is how much more you’ll have to spend every time you swipe your card,” Aune said, adding: “The next time you have an expensive car repair or costly emergency visit from a plumber to fix a broken pipe, you’ll also be paying double digit sales taxes on that bill. Struggling to pay your rent? The struggle will get even harder when Republicans add a sales tax onto that.”

Democrats will lay out their own income tax proposal next week, Aune said, that will offer “targeted tax relief for those who need it most.”

State Rep. Mark Boyko, the Kirkwood Democrat who will sponsor the measure, said that while Missourians earning over $250,000 could end up paying more under the Democrats’ tax plan, it would generate much-needed revenue.

The proposal, Boyko said, “will actually lower your costs.”

Senate President Cindy O’Laughlin, a Shelbina Republican, urged her colleagues in an opening day speech to work together to “find solutions that move Missouri forward.”

While tax cuts weren’t directly mentioned in her speech, O’Laughlin left little doubt where she stood.

“Taxes, regulations, red tape and bureaucracy do not make Missouri better,” she said. “In every case, they take from Missouri families, they also take from Missouri small businesses. And our job is to reduce that impact. We must make sure what we take is as limited as possible.”

Missouri families want results, O’Laughlin said.

“They want better roads, better schools,” she said. “They want more private home ownership. They want safe streets and neighborhoods. They want better jobs and stronger job skills. They want thriving communities, and they want less dependence on the government at all levels.”

Hovering over the income tax debate is a state budget picture looking gloomier than it has in years.

General revenue is projected to be $400 million below estimates made a year ago. Part of the reason is that a capital gains tax cut passed last year that was estimated to reduce revenue by $111 million annually is now believed to cost as much as $500 million the first year and $360 million a year moving forward.

Beck said that while Democrats decided against using procedural maneuvers to gum up the Senate on the first day, the chamber will move much more slowly this year — not only in response to last year’s GOP moves quash Democratic filibusters, but also to avoid mistakes like the cost of the capital gains tax cut.

“When you shut off debate or refuse to engage with the other side to just rush things through, mistakes happen,” he said. “We were screaming from the hilltop that the capital gains cuts were going to cost way more. But we went too fast, and senators weren’t allowed to do their jobs.”

This story was first published at missouriindependent.com.

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