Biden picks Xavier Becerra to lead HHS, coronavirus response
President-elect Joe Biden is putting a defender of the Affordable Care Act in a leading role to oversee his administration’s coronavirus response.
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Columbia city manager names new human resources director
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Columbia City Manager John Glascock announced Richard Enyard, Ph.D., as the new director of Human Resources after a three month search. Enyard replaces retiring Human Resources Director Margrace Buckler who will retire effective Jan. 14, 2021, after 22 years of service with the City of Columbia. Enyard will begin his tenure with
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Boone County Democrats seek a candidate for House District 45
Columbia, Mo. (KMIZ) The Boone County Democratic Committee is looking for potential candidates interested in running for the opening in House District 45. In a news release on Nov. 16, Rep. Kip Kendrick said he will forego his final term, which he was elected to on Nov. 3, to join Senator-elect Greg Razer, D-Kansas City,
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Senate confirms Christopher Waller to serve on Fed’s board
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has narrowly confirmed the nomination of Christopher Waller for the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, placing another of President Donald Trump’s picks on the Fed’s influential board after a string of high-profile rejections. The vote Thursday in favor of Waller’s appointment was 48-47. Waller, research director for the St. Louis
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QUESTION OF THE DAY: Do local health officials have too much power to enact orders?
A group of Republican lawmakers wants to limit the power of local health directors, citing frustration at orders meant to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. If the bill becomes law it would impose limits on how long such local orders could remain in effect before triggering a review by the state health department
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State lawmakers’ proposal would limit health orders issued by local governments
A St. Louis-area state senator is spearheading a legislative effort to limit local governments’ power to enact health orders like those meant to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
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Missouri senators advance $1.2B virus aid package
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers are back at work after several tested positive for the coronavirus, which delayed a special session. Senators on Tuesday gave initial approval to a $1.2 billion coronavirus aid package. They also were scheduled to start debate on a new law that would prevent lawsuits against health care workers for
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Boone County budget warns of pandemic compounding existing revenue problems
Boone County government officials are warning that cuts in staff and services might be necessary down the road if the pandemic-depressed economy does not improve.
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Pressure mounts on Congress to help struggling Americans as Covid-19 surges
(CNN) — With federal health officials meeting this week to make crucial decisions about who they will recommend to get the coronavirus vaccine first, pressure is mounting on Congress to step back into the governing role that they have abdicated and strike an agreement not only on the expiring aid for struggling Americans, but also
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QUESTION OF THE DAY: Should President Trump concede?
A federal appeals court dealt a major blow to President Donald Trump’s challenge of Pennsylvania’s election results on Friday. The court denied a bid by the Trump legal team to take up a case challenging the vote after a lower court threw the case out. It’s the latest in a string of court defeats for
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Ashland settles lawsuit with former police chief
An insurance company for the city of Ashland paid the town’s former police chief $137,500 to settle an employment-related lawsuit.
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Trump pardons Flynn, taking direct aim at Russia probe
WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump has pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn, taking direct aim in the final days of his administration at a Russia investigation that he has long insisted was motivated by political bias. Trump announced the pardon on Wednesday, calling it his “Great Honor.” Flynn is the second Trump associate convicted
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WATCH: President-elect Biden delivers pre-Thanksgiving address
President-elect Joe Biden is expected to deliver pre-Thanksgiving remarks from Delaware Wednesday afternoon. Watch the remarks in the player below.
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WATCH: President-elect introduces nominees and appointees
President-elect Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris will hold a news conference Tuesday to introduce their nominees and appointees to major national security and foreign policy posts.
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Boone County Commission considering a 30-day trial period for mask mandate
Commissioners brought up the mask ordinance in a conference call with local leaders from across the county Monday morning.
Continue Reading QUESTION OF THE DAY: Should Missouri have a mask mandate?
Gov. Mike Parson fielded questions at his coronavirus briefing Thursday about whether it is time for Missouri to have a statewide mask mandate. New COVID-19 cases are growing in the state, renewing calls for a statewide requirement. However, opponents of a mandate say it’s not necessary.
Continue Reading Missouri House committee releases recommendations to protect children from abuse at unlicensed youth residential facilities
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Members of the House Children and Families Committee have released recommendations designed to keep children at unlicensed youth residential facilities safe. State Rep. Sheila Solon, who chairs the committee, said the recommendations are meant to end the cycle of abuse that has occurred at unlicensed facilities in Missouri. “The lack of
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City of Columbia announces new ‘instant payment’ option for utility customers at a participating Walmart
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The City of Columbia has rolled out a new “instant pay” option at participating Walmarts for utility customers. Utility customers will be able to pay their City of Columbia bill at any participating Walmart in the country and it will reach the City’s utility billing system in 30 minutes or less for
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WATCH: White House coronavirus task force holds briefing
The White House coronavirus task force is set to hold a briefing Thursday afternoon after recent updates of progress on vaccine development.
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Missouri governor asks residents to wear masks, get vaccine; no mandates will be made
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Missouri Gov. Mike Parson asked state residents to wear masks and get the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available. He followed up the call to Missourians by saying masks and the vaccine won’t be mandated. Parson did release a statewide public health warning, which outlines new guidance for local communities to
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