Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

The state will now shift to addressing the coronavirus as endemic rather than epidemic. The change will officially begin on Friday.

Health officials say there is no safe level for exposure among children.

More than 2,000 applications were submitted for medical marijuana licenses in 2019, but fewer than 400 were ultimately awarded. And while the state doesn’t track the race of those who got a license, people in the burgeoning industry say few went to Black-owned businesses.

Paula Nickelson, who started her new position Tuesday, had served as deputy director since Feb. 1 and has worked for the department for more than 22 years.

St. Louis Public Radio’s Sarah Fentem asked Lynelle Phillips, University of Missouri public health professor and Missouri Immunization Coalition Board president, if it's time for Missourians to learn to live with the coronavirus and whether the state is jumping the gun on its new plan.

The ruling’s impacts may be far-reaching and open an avenue for hundreds of denied licensees with pending appeals to gain access to information to that has been shrouded in secrecy.

Gov. Mike Parson’s comments on Don Kauerauf triggered civil rights complaints from at least one rabbi and several Muslims.

The lack of action on the appointment came one day after a vocal demonstration against acting Director Don Kauerauf. On Tuesday evening, Gov. Mike Parson appointed Richard Moore as acting director.

Director Donald Kauerauf proclaimed his opposition to mandates as senators questioned him on everything from vaccines to abortion.

The Administrative Hearing Commission heard testimony that made Missouri’s process to evaluate medical marijuana licenses seem rushed and governed by “intentionally vague guidance.”