Politics Archives

LIVE UPDATES: Sturgeon School District to close over COVID-19

March 16, 2020 9:27 AM ABC 17 News Team

Get regular updates on the continuing COVID-19 pandemic here.

White House advises public to avoid groups of more than 10, asks people to stay away from bars and restaurants

March 16, 2020 2:44 PM CNN

The White House advised people not to gather in groups of more than 10 in a set of new guidelines to fight the coronavirus outbreak released Monday,

Parson: Fifth positive Coronavirus test reported in Missouri

March 14, 2020 8:16 PM Barry Mangold

A fifth person has tested positive for COVID-19 in Missouri, according to Governor Mike Parson.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Fourth Missouri case of COVID-19 located in Henry County

March 14, 2020 1:50 AM Molly Stawinoga

Missouri state officials said a presumptive-positive case of the novel coronavirus is in Henry County.

State preparing to forgive low school attendance during COVID-19 pandemic

March 13, 2020 6:17 PM Sydney Olsen

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is exploring ways to help schools deal with the impact of the spread of COVID-19.

Two more test positive for coronavirus in Missouri

March 13, 2020 1:46 PM Joe McLean

Gov. Mike Parson announced a press conference to take place at 5 p.m. Friday in which the Republican leader will use an executive order to declare a state of emergency in response to COVID-19 in the state.

State of emergency will help state health lab test more COVID-19 kits

March 13, 2020 8:01 PM Zach Boetto

Changes brought about by the national and state of emergency will allow the Missouri Public Health Laboratory to test more COVID-19 kits. According to Bill Whitmar, the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory Director, more funding from the federal and state governments and new FDA compliance provides the lab with the ability to test COVID-19 kits

State employees briefed on sick leave procedure amid coronavirus concerns

March 12, 2020 4:31 PM Joe McLean

Missouri state employees on Thursday received a memo from the Office of Administration reminding them of sick leave procedures as concerns grow over the international coronavirus pandemic.

Missouri House to continue working despite coronavirus fears

March 12, 2020 11:37 AM Matthew Sanders

Missouri House leaders said Thursday that the chamber will move ahead next week with its work despite the state Senate taking a break over coronavirus concerns.

Sheriffs across Missouri form new organization

March 11, 2020 11:14 PM Katie Greathouse

Sheriffs from across Missouri gathered in the State Capitol on Wednesday to announce a new organization. The purpose of the new group, Missouri Sheriffs United, is aimed at increasing the ability of sheriffs to affect decisions made in the Capitol. Watch the video above to hear from one if the sheriffs involved.

Missouri Senate will not be in session next week amid concerns over coronavirus

March 11, 2020 10:17 PM Katie Greathouse

The Missouri Senate will not be in session next week, according to State Sen. Caleb Rowden.

ELECTION UPDATES: Biden dominates Mid-Missouri primary votes

March 10, 2020 4:32 AM ABC 17 News Team

More Republican voters cast ballots for President Donald Trump than Democratic voters did for Biden — Trump took 4,563 votes in Cole County.

State health director testifies about coronavirus response at Missouri Capitol

March 10, 2020 12:04 PM Amber Tabeling

A joint legislative committee on Missouri’s response to the novel coronavirus met Tuesday.

Counties reporting registration issues, low voter turnout during presidential primary election

March 10, 2020 11:34 AM Connor Hirsch

The Miller and Osage county clerks told ABC17 News they have experienced issues scanning IDs during the check-in process.

Health department asks polling places to take precautions to prevent spread of COVID-19

March 9, 2020 6:53 PM Connor Hirsch

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread across the country, health officials have recommended polling places take extra caution during tomorrow’s primary election.

Jill Biden stumps for husband in Columbia

March 9, 2020 4:20 AM ABC 17 News Team

Jill Biden stopped in Columbia on Monday to campaign for her husband Joe Biden.

Missouri could receive more COVID-19 tests this week after first diagnosis

March 8, 2020 6:36 PM Connor Hirsch

Rep. Kip Kendrick (D – Columbia) said the state has tests available and is equipped to use them, but with the first presumptive positive test of the novel Coronavirus in Missouri, more will be needed.