Science, Health and Technology

Debate continues in the Missouri legislature over the Obama administration's "contraception mandate," which will require health insurance to include coverage for birth control. In this week's Health & Wealth update, a House committee hears testimony on a largely symbolic bill, opposing the mandate.

Ameren shareholders have voted against three proposals that sought to push the company to do more to address environmental risks from its coal-fired power plants.

The Missouri House has given first-round approval to legislation that would require most teenagers to get their parents’ permission to use tanning beds.  

Those younger than 17 would have to have a parent or guardian show up in person at the tanning salon and sign a document giving their consent. The bill’s sponsor, GOP House Member Gary Cross of Lee’s Summit, says his daughter suffered cell damage from regular tanning bed use.

More than 300 religious and community leaders and emergency response professionals attended a disaster relief event at the Bible Baptist Church in Jefferson City Tuesday.  

The event was put together to discuss the widespread natural disasters in Missouri in 2011. Phillip Iman is the disaster relief coordinator at the American Red Cross.  He says there are many different ways for community organizations to partner with the Red Cross following a disaster. 

Ameren shareholders have voted against three proposals that sought to push the company to do more to address environmental risks from its coal-fired power plants.