SNAP & produce access: Missouri lawmakers cut $2 million from Double Up Food Bucks, a program that doubles SNAP value for fruits and vegetables, just as the state moves to restrict what SNAP can buy—raising fresh concerns about food insecurity and poorer diet quality. SNAP restrictions details: Grocers say they still need clarity on Missouri’s planned Oct. 1 limits on SNAP purchases of items like candy, sugary drinks, and prepared desserts, with similar limits set for SuN Bucks next summer. Rural healthcare focus: State Sen. Jill Carter was appointed chair of a new Missouri Senate Select Committee on Rural Healthcare to study hospital sustainability, provider shortages, mental/behavioral health, and telehealth. Child welfare tech funding: HHS is awarding $6M to help states pilot predictive analytics in child welfare systems, aiming to improve caseworker decisions and reduce unnecessary foster care placements. VA facility upgrades: Truman Veterans’ Hospital received funding for projects including a Women Veterans’ Clinic and upgrades tied to future cath lab and pharmacy equipment. Health & safety in the community: USPS launched a dog-bite prevention campaign after reporting 5,200+ attacks nationwide, with Missouri-area attention on keeping pets secured during deliveries. Cancer care story: A Missouri teen with rare stage 4 kidney cancer received long-term treatment support through a pediatric oncology connection in Texas. Marijuana recall: Missouri regulators issued a recall for certain THC vape products after sampling/testing issues post-processing, advising customers to stop use and return items.