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Articles by Sigi Ris
RFK To Congress: Reauthorize The Older Americans Act
Congress should reauthorize the Older Americans Act's (OAA) reporting requirements, program integrity safeguards and accountability measures, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a recent letter to Senate Health Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and House Education and Workforce Committee Chair Tim Walberg (R-MI).
Providers Raise Concerns As CMS Moves To Expand Exclusion Authority
Provider groups are worried by CMS’ moves to take on new authority to exclude providers from its programs and to categorically target fraud through HHS announcements and rulemakings over the past few months.
Nebraska, Montana Medicaid Advocates Locked Out Of Early State Adopter Conversations
Patient advocates and experts from states that are implementing Medicaid work requirements prior to January 2027 say CMS’ interim final rule (IFR) could create complications for state programs and enrollees already facing confusion with the rollout, with enrollees potentially being kicked off the program due to increased restrictions.
Medicaid Work Reqs IFR Limits Medically Frail Exemption, Self-Attestation
The highly anticipated interim final rule on Medicaid work requirements sparked outrage Monday (June 1) among advocates, who opposed the administration’s limited definition of what conditions will count for the medically frail exemption and the ability to self attest to qualifying for such an exemption.
AAMC To Congress: Fund Critical Health Care Programs Before Jan. 31
Congress needs to include in its fiscal 2026 appropriations package funding for key health programs such as telehealth flexibilities and community health centers before funding expires on Jan. 31, the Association of American Medical Colleges says.
Over 85 GOP Lawmakers Call For APTC Extension After Johnson Delays WH Plan
Just one day after the White House pulled back on a proposal to temporarily extend the expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, reportedly due to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s objections, more than 85 GOP House members praised the president’s effort to address the “cliff” and pledged to work with the administration, congressional leadership and the committees of jurisdiction to get a fix passed by the end of the year.
APTC Extension, Reforms Have Bipartisan Support, But Still No Path Toward Government Shutdown Deal
Congress is still no closer to striking a deal on the expiring enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs), even though lawmakers on both sides of the aisle told Inside Health Policy Thursday (Oct. 23) they’re open to making reforms to the subsidies.
Some Bipartisan APTC Talks Emerge On First Day Of Shutdown
While congressional leadership spent much of the first day of the government shutdown continuing to blame political opponents for allowing funding to expire, a bipartisan group of senators huddled to discuss a potential compromise on the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits that Democrats say must be extended to earn their vote to reopen the government -- and one GOP senator is floating a one-year extension coupled with a phase-out plan, which could gain traction.
Government Shutdown Begins As Both Parties Hold Line
Both parties rejected the competing efforts to fund the government Tuesday night (Sept. 30) as Democrats refused to back legislation that doesn’t address the expiring enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits, among other demands, and Republicans demanded a “clean” continuing resolution.
CMS Approves Six State Waivers To Let IHS Serve Communities Outside Clinics
Indigenous communities in Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming can now receive care from Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal clinics at non-clinic site locations like homes or schools, according to the six state plan amendments (SPAs) CMS approved Friday (June 13).
NY AG Fines UHG $1M For Not Covering Contraceptives, Violating State Law
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a settlement with UnitedHealth Group Thursday (June 20), after an investigation found that UHG violated New York’s Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act (CCCA), which mandates health insurance plans cover FDA-approved contraceptives without copays, restrictions or delays. The settlement comes as federal lawmakers separately raise concerns that health insurers are not following similar requirements under the Affordable Care Act.
Lab-grown diamond sales increase for Missouri jewelers
Fog fills the air as Robert Flynn, gemologist and co-owner of Betz Jewelers in Columbia, works a machine to clean a ring. Over the past seven years, Betz has seen gems like the ones in the ring he’s cleaning gain popularity. Though physically indistinguishable from other diamonds, these gems are grown in a lab. “Initially, we sold very few lab-grown diamonds,” Flynn said.
Business Brief: Generative AI's in demand. So are workers who can use it.
This week's episode of the Business Brief podcast looks at what the ability to utilize generative artificial intelligence tools can mean to job seekers' marketability. Then, the podcast features a conversation with an expert on hiring trends for small businesses. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: What a TikTok ban could mean for creators
This week on the Business Brief podcast, hear from a Missouri content creator about some consequences of a potential federal TikTok ban. Then, listen to how new federal rules for noncompete agreements could affect employers in the state. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: Trade school's in session
In this week's episode of the Business Brief podcast, hear from Gen Z Missourians who are choosing careers in the skilled trades. Then, learn about how a new federal emissions rule will impact the auto industry. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: AI basics for small business
In this week's episode of the Business Brief podcast, learn about how Missouri businesses are providing products for Passover. Following that, find out about some of the basics for small businesses looking to implement artificial intelligence. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief podcast looks at small business in Ashland
This week's episode of the Business Brief podcast looks at a new incentive program aiming to combat worker shortages in the St. Louis suburb of Hazelwood. Then, the podcast features the story of small businesses in a rapidly growing mid-Missouri town. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: Total eclipse of the Bluff
In this week's episode on Business Brief, find out about how one Missouri town is gearing up for a huge influx of tourists around the solar eclipse. Then, hear the second installment of a project on Missouri's fur trade — and the important role it plays in conservation. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Missouri Democrats vote in presidential primary that won't affect Joe Biden's nomination • Missouri Independent
President Joe Biden was expected to sweep Missouri Democrats’ presidential primary Saturday, although he already secured enough delegates nationally to receive the Democratic nomination earlier this month. In the 2020 state-run presidential primary, more than 660,000 voters cast ballots for the Democratic Party, according to data from the Secretary of State. This year, turnout was expected to be significantly lower, said Matthew Patterson, executive director of Missouri Democrats.
Business podcast covers Missouri fur trade, entrepreneurship
On this week's episode of Business Brief, learn about the current state of a Missouri industry that’s been around for centuries — the fur trade. Plus, hear a conversation about challenges and resources for women entrepreneurs in Missouri. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: Shine bright like a lab-grown diamond
This week's episode of the Business Brief podcast examines lab-grown diamonds' growing popularity — and how it's being felt in Missouri. The show also features a conversation with the chief equity officer of Missouri’s cannabis program about efforts to ensure equity in the young industry. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: Sustainability crops up in Missouri agriculture
This week on Business Brief, learn about how funding has led to more sustainable agriculture efforts. Following, hear about how an Alabama Supreme Court ruling could impact in vitro fertilization clinics in Missouri. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: The rise of the mocktail
In this week's episode of Business Brief, hear about how demand for non-alcoholic beverages is creating new business opportunities. Then, learn how gig workers and employers may be affected by a new federal rule. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: The cost of a caucus
This week's episode of the Business Brief podcast examines the reasons for — and costs of — Missouri’s new caucus system. Then, the podcast digs into a new report on the state of the restaurant industry. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: Navigating the complex ethics of business AI
The latest episode of the Business Brief podcast feature a conversation about the complicated ethics of artificial intelligence in business. Then, Black artists from across Missouri share stories of their creative ventures. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Presidential caucus has some Missouri Republicans worried about accessibility
Some Boone County Republicans — as well as some state and party officials — are voicing concerns about the party’s March 2 presidential caucus, the first of its kind in Missouri since 2012. Voters face a confusing landscape as the state’s major political parties are being forced to find new ways of nominating presidential candidates after the legislature voted in 2022 to eliminate funding for a presidential preference primary.
Presidential caucus has some Missouri Republicans worried about accessibility
Lennon suggests holding the presidential primary on the same day as Missouri municipal elections, which occur in the spring. “In my absolutely perfect world, I would consolidate the March presidential preference election with the April,” Lennon said. “There is no reason why we can’t do that, but the parties like to have individual ballots.” Lennon said in this ideal situation, she would prefer non-party style ballots where voters may choose from a comprehensive list of every candidate.
Presidential caucus has some Republicans worried about accessibility
Some Boone County Republicans — as well as some state and party officials — are voicing concerns about the party’s March 2 presidential caucus, the first of its kind in Missouri since 2012. Voters face a confusing landscape as the state’s major political parties are being forced to find new ways of nominating presidential candidates after the legislature voted in 2022 to eliminate funding for a presidential preference primary. kAm%96 |:DD@FC: #6AF3=:42? !2CEJ H:== 4@?5F4E :ED D6=64E:@?
Presidential caucus has some Republicans worried about accessibility
Some Boone County Republicans — as well as some state and party officials — are voicing concerns about the party’s March 2 presidential caucus, the first of its kind in Missouri since 2012. Voters face a confusing landscape as the state’s major political parties are being forced to find new ways of nominating presidential candidates after the legislature voted in 2022 to eliminate funding for a presidential preference primary.
Business Brief: Serving the growth of women's sports in Kansas City
Business Brief returns to talk about Kansas City becoming a hub for women's professional sports. This week's podcast also features the story of a new nonprofit center for youth in mid-Missouri. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: What's the shelf life of Kansas City's Swift era?
This week's episode of the Business Brief podcast looks at how long Kansas City businesses' love story with Taylor Swift might continue. Then, the show examines efforts to help companies reduce waste in southern Missouri. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Will Kansas City’s Taylor Swift era continue in 2024?
Any way you shake it off, 2023 was a massive year for Taylor Swift. Between her Eras Tour —which became the first tour to gross over $1 billion— re-releasing two albums, releasing a tour film and earning TIME magazine’s “Person of the Year” title, it seems nearly impossible to avoid hearing Swift’s name in the news. In July, the superstar's Eras Tour stop in Kansas City brought an estimated local economic impact of $46 million.
Business Brief: It's beginning to look a lot like Thriftmas
This week’s episode of the Business Brief podcast looks at how up-cycling and regifting are reshaping holiday shopping. Plus, the show features the entrepreneur behind a new Kansas City store tapping into the growing demand for romance novels. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: Taking stock of the corn crop
This week's episode of the Business Brief podcast checks on what Missouri’s ongoing drought meant to one of the state’s most important cash crops — corn. Then, the show features a conversation about the challenges and opportunities for military veterans interested in entrepreneurship. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: From Startup Weekend to a multibillion-dollar business
This week's Business Brief podcast features a conversation with Zapier founder Wade Foster, a Missouri entrepreneur who has built a multibillion-dollar software company and is now integrating artificial intelligence into the business. The show also examines some challenges cannabis microbusinesses are facing after being selected for state licenses. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: Navigating the holiday retail rush
On this week's Business Brief, a small business adviser discusses how shops are navigating the holiday retail rush. Then, the show hears from different Missourians about their experiences with student debt after student loan repayments resumed. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: Sustainability for small businesses
This week's episode of the Business Brief podcast looks at how small businesses can adopt more sustainable practices. Then, the show features some of the youngest exhibitors in one of the country’s oldest livestock shows. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: Fighting homelessness with 3D-printed houses
This week's episode of the Business Brief podcast looks at using 3D printing technology to help fight homelessness. Then, the show deciphers the details of new utility billing Missouri consumers are starting to see. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: The gradual recovery of restaurant jobs
This week's episode of the Business Brief podcast checks in on how Missouri restaurant owners are feeling about worker gaps as employment numbers return to pre-pandemic levels. Then, the show looks at how recent drought conditions have caused some pumpkin farmers to adjust their planting methods. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: Checking up on pharmacy protests
This week's episode of the Business Brief podcast examines the protests Missouri pharmacists have been staging. Then, the show looks at what it takes to start and grow a business for rural entrepreneurs. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: Winning the business license lottery
This week's episode of the Business Brief podcast features the story of a veteran who just became one of the first recipients of a license to operate a marijuana microbusiness in Missouri. Then, the show looks at federal funding opportunities some local entrepreneurs have tapped into when other growth capital wasn’t available. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: The economics of a shutdown
The latest episode of the Business Brief podcast examines the economic impact a potential government shutdown could have on Missouri. The show also looks at one of the biggest challenges facing the state's manufacturing sector — workforce development. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Q&A: Southwest Airlines executive shares lessons learned communicating in a crisis
Last winter, Southwest Airlines faced an operational crisis after winter storms led to the cancellation of thousands of the airline's flights during the holiday season. Passengers were stranded, and many were separated from their baggage. Even after other airlines recovered from the impact of the storm, Southwest continued to experience delays due to the airline’s use of older software systems.
Business Brief: How to communicate a corporate crisis
The latest episode of the Business Brief podcast features a conversation with Southwest Airlines' chief communications officer about the airline's approach to communicating in a corporate crisis. Then, the show introduces Missouri Made, a special new project focused on the state’s manufacturing sector. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: Music festival finance, from performer fees to porta-potties
This week's Business Brief episode looks at the process of putting on a music festival and the challenges that come with it. Then, it takes a look at what it’s like to find employment after being incarcerated. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Business Brief: High crypto fees in low-income communities
This week's episode of the Business Brief podcast looks at the rise of cryptocurrency ATMs in Missouri, and some of the issues they present. The show also features a story of how refugee communities navigate the challenges of transportation in a new home — and what that can mean for economic opportunity. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
Kansas City project to pilot federal requirements for materials with lower carbon emissions
A courthouse in Kansas City is one of 11 locations across the country set to participate in a program piloting new federal requirements for materials with a reduced carbon footprint. The U.S. General Services Administration, or GSA, will pilot interim requirements for lower embodied carbon construction materials for projects funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, according to a release. Materials include cement, asphalt and glass. The Charles E.
Agricultural machinery company Kelly Tillage announces plans for Rogersville facility
Kelly Tillage, an Australian agricultural machinery manufacturer, announced plans Monday to build a new assembly facility in Rogersville, investing $2 million and creating 22 jobs. The Springfield-area facility will be Kelly Tillage’s first location outside of Australia. The company has been selling products in the U.S. for the past 20 years and plans to use the new assembly plant to serve North America, according to CEO and managing director Calvin Stead.
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