The “endangerment finding” was established in 2009 and states that six greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and factories are harmful to the environment and public health. On February 12th, 2026 the EPA repealed the finding stating it would save the U.S. $1.3 trillion and allow for looser regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. The American Public Health Association, American Lung Association, Environmental Defense Fund, Sierra Club and other groups are suing the EPA to try to stop this repeal, citing evidence that it will worsen public health in the U.S. and be harmful to the environment.

Nationally, flu rates are falling but Missouri remains one of six states with “very high” flu activity. Among seasonal flu cases in Missouri, 52% are influenza A and 47% are influenza B as of February 14th, 2026. The symptoms of flu A and flu B are very similar, and tests are needed to tell which type it is. Flu B evolves more slowly than flu A and tends to peak later in the season. The flu vaccine is designed to provide some protection against both flu A and B. Other preventative steps include frequent handwashing and disinfecting shared surfaces.

Missouri’s Self-Directed Supports (SDS) program lets people with disabilities and their families hire caregivers and trains caregivers to address specialized care needs. SDS sometimes pays a person for being a full-time caregiver to a disabled family member. Part of Missouri Medicaid, SDS allows Missourians with disabilities to stay out of expensive institutional care and remain in their communities. Cuts proposed for next year’s state budget would reduce SDS funding. The Missouri state legislature must finalize the budget by May 2026. If these cuts remain in place, they will start next fiscal year on July 1, 2026.

New work requirements for SNAP were signed into law in July 2025, but each state is implementing them on a different timeline. In Missouri, they went into effect November 1st, 2025. States have until January 1st, 2027, to adopt the changes which include a new requirement for people between the ages of 55 and 64 to work or volunteer 80 hours per month to stay on SNAP. Previously, anyone 55+ was exempt from these requirements. Exemptions based on veteran status or homelessness were also ended. Everyone is allowed three months within three years to remain on SNAP food assistance without meeting these requirements.

On February 7th, 2026, between 5:00 and 7:00 pm an Illinois resident traveled through the St. Louis Lambert International airport and a Metro East Church. The person arrived at the St. Louis airport in Terminal 2 (the Southwest Airlines terminal), went to baggage claim, and rode Parking Spot shuttle no.3. Passengers on the same flight as the person are being notified directly. The next day, Feb. 8th, the person attended service at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, Illinois between 8 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Anyone who thinks they were exposed should monitor their symptoms for 21 days after the potential exposure date. Anyone with measles symptoms should isolate immediately and contact their medical provider.