Back-to-school rally in Columbia highlights policy changes for new year
Columbia Public Schools (CPS) is implementing new policies for the upcoming school year, including stricter restrictions on student cell phones and the installation of weapons detection systems at Rock Bridge, Battle and Hickman high schools.
CPS is also implementing a new visitor ID system to increase security. The changes were announced during a staff meeting at Mizzou Arena.
District leaders also addressed challenges posed by recent state legislation allowing charter schools in Boone County.
Revenue forecasts uncertain after first month of applications to freeze property taxes for seniors
Boone County has received over 3,200 applications for a senior citizen property tax credit that would freeze property taxes for eligible seniors at 2024 levels.
The application period, which began just over a month ago, closes at the end of September. The true financial impact on local entities such as school districts and emergency services will not be fully assessed for years.
Seniors age 62 and older can apply for the tax credit online or in person at the Boone County Government Center.
Grand jury indicts Columbia man on charges of murder and arson
A Boone County grand jury has indicted 31-year-old Steven Strumpf on multiple counts, including first-degree murder and arson, in connection with a January incident in which a man was allegedly stabbed to death and his body burned.
Strumpf is accused of stabbing the victim, pouring gasoline on the body and setting fire to a garage.
Strumpf is being held without bail and could face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted. His arraignment is scheduled for Monday.
Washington University professor says Medicaid drug price cuts are overdue
The Biden administration announced price cuts for ten of the most expensive and commonly used prescription drugs under Medicare, marking a major breakthrough in the federal government’s ability to negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies.
The price reductions, which are expected to provide policyholders with annual savings of between $290 and $9,141, will take effect in 2026.
While pharmaceutical companies argue that these cuts could lead to higher premiums, experts view the move as a crucial step toward more reasonable drug prices in the United States.
Corn stunt case confirmed in southwest Missouri
The first confirmed case of corn stunt in Missouri was identified in southwest Missouri, with symptoms reported in Christian, Stone, Lawrence and Barton counties, according to the University of Missouri Extension.
The disease, transmitted by corn leafhoppers, damages corn and manifests itself in a number of different symptoms.
This unexpected occurrence in Missouri follows significant yield losses in the Argentine corn crop this year.
