News

The University of Missouri Health system has received $13.3 million in federal grant funding for a program that will combine high-tech and on-site primary-care initiatives in healthcare, according to a statement released by the university today.

The so-called LIGHT program is designed to create a specialized workforce in primary care as well as designing enhanced medical records to help patients and healthcare providers better manage care.

The technology component of the program involves a partnership between the Kansas City-based Cerner Corporation and MU.

Despite the extremely dry and hot conditions that have created infrastructure problems elsewhere, Missouri Department of Transportation officials say the state roads are holding up well.      

A newly formed secular lobbying group is one step closer to finalizing its leadership after its second state-wide organizing call Thursday. 

The latest scam designed to separate Missouri residents from their money involves phony letters from the State Attorney General’s office, the IRS and other government agencies.

A candidate for Missouri secretary of state is counting on his dog to help pick up some votes.

Republican state Sen. Bill Stouffer says his bloodhound, Duke, has been a popular sidekick at campaign events. Now, the long-eared, droopy-eyed dog is starring in a campaign commercial.

The spot opens with Stouffer's wife, Sue Ellen, saying ambiguously that he's loyal, protects those he serves, fights for what's right and hunts for the truth. After Stouffer thanks her for the praise, she jokes that the compliments were directed at Duke.

Fort Leonard Wood is honoring the first female soldier from Missouri who was killed in action in Iraq.

A building at the fort will be dedicated Thursday to Sgt. Amanda Pinson, who died in Iraq in 2006. A memorial plaque will also be unveiled.

The 21-year-old Pinson, of St. Louis, died when a mortar detonated near Tikrit, Iraq. She was a member of the 101st Military Intelligence Detachment of the 101st Airborne Division.

Farmers and other property owners in a southwestern Missouri village are being offered free water to fight grass fires amid continuing heat and drought.

KOLR-TV reports the Lawrence County village of Freistatt announced plans Wednesday to provide water to anyone living within a three-mile radius. Those taking advantage of the offer must have a portable tank to hold 3,000 to 5,000 gallons.

The water can be used only to prevent or fight grass fires.

A Columbia man has been indicted on allegations that he tried to fraudulently claim a state tax break meant for lower-income disabled residents and senior citizens.

The Cole County indictment accuses 27-year-old Christopher Hill of one felony count of filing a false state income tax return. The charge is punishable by up to a $10,000 fine and five years in prison.

The Missouri Department of Revenue said Wednesday that Hill attempted to file a forged rent receipt with his 2011 taxes in order to claim the tax credit.

Republican Sarah Steelman has loaned her U.S. Senate campaign an additional $100,000 for the final couple of weeks before Missouri's primary elections.

The Missouri Corn Growers Association has endorsed Gov. Jay Nixon's re-election campaign.