News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Overnight fire damages house in north St. Louis

SUMMARY: An early morning fire occurred in a house on Vernon Avenue in North St. Louis, specifically in the Academy neighborhood, starting around 2 AM. Firefighters responded promptly to the incident, which resulted in significant damage to the property. The extent of the damage and any potential injuries have not yet been detailed.

The fire started just before 2 a.m. on Vernon Avenue in the Academy neighborhood. Firefighters also responded to a fire at that same house about five hours earlier. No one was injured in the fire.
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News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Missouri health department announces first measles case of 2025

by Clara Bates, Missouri Independent
April 18, 2025
Missouri’s first confirmed measles case of the year involves a child in Taney County, the health department announced Friday afternoon.
The child’s vaccination status “has not yet been verified,” according to the press release.
The child, who is not a Missouri resident, was visiting Taney County and was diagnosed “soon after arrival,” Lisa Cox, spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, said in a press release.
Taney County is in southwest Missouri, and its largest city is Branson.
“Exposure is believed to be limited, and known contacts have been identified and contacted,” Cox said, adding that the state is supporting Taney County’s health department to investigate possible exposure.
The case is “associated with recent international travel,” Cox said.
Measles is a highly-contagious virus the country declared eliminated 25 years ago, but that has resurged with falling vaccination rates.
“For those unvaccinated or those unsure of their vaccination status, now is the time to review records and get caught up if needed,” Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist with DHSS, said in the press release.
The percent of Missouri kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella has declined over the last several years, from 95% in the 2019-2020 school year to 91% in the 2023-2024 school year, in public schools, per DHHS data. In private schools, the drop has been even larger, from 92% to 85% in the same period.
Nationally, there are at least 800 reported cases of measles across 25 states, according to Center for Disease Control data as of Friday. That doesn’t include Missouri’s case, Cox said, because the state received lab test results Thursday night, after the federal reporting deadline for this week.
That is the highest number for a single year since 2019 and is still growing.
The majority of measles infections nationally have been reported in a West Texas outbreak. There have been two confirmed deaths, both in Texas.
Kansas has reported 37 cases, possibly linked to the Texas outbreak.
There are outbreaks in Canada and Mexico, too, and several states have reported isolated cases as the result of international travel.
At the same time, the federal government has cut grant funding set aside for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to encourage vaccinations, according to St. Louis Public Radio.
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Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com.
The post Missouri health department announces first measles case of 2025 appeared first on missouriindependent.com
News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Be Our Guest to Cocina Latina with traditional Mexican dishes!

SUMMARY: Cocina Latina is preparing for a Cinco de Mayo celebration with traditional Mexican dishes. Chef Mighty Sec has created a vibrant menu featuring tacos, margaritas, nachos, and more. Guests can enjoy an array of flavorful dishes, including French fries, tacos, and a signature sandwich inspired by Texas. The event is set to take place on May 3rd, and attendees can purchase gift certificates at a special price. It’s a great opportunity to savor delicious food and celebrate with festive drinks, including the popular skinny margarita. For more details, visit their website for ticket information.

Named one of St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s top 100 restaurants in 2022, Cocina Latina is bringing classic dishes everyone loves—from chimichangas, fajitas, enchiladas and more!
News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Drivers brace for upcoming I-70 construction, slowdowns

SUMMARY: Drivers in Missouri are preparing for significant slowdowns on I-70 as construction season approaches. During Work Zone Awareness Week, MODOT urges safe driving as numerous work zones will emerge, following 23 fatalities in work zone crashes last year. Upcoming construction includes adding a third lane along eastbound I-70, resulting in night lane closures from 8 PM to 6 AM, expected to last until September. This $600 million project aims to enhance traffic flow and safety. Although opinions among drivers are mixed, most agree that the enhancements will ultimately benefit the region.

Next week is Work Zone Awareness week. With that being said, MDOT asks drivers to make safe choices. FOX 2’s Max Diekneite shares more.
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