Open records request to the Missouri Department of Agriculture seeking communications sent by top officials regarding coronavirus liability protections for businesses.

Open records request to the Missouri Department of Labor seeking communications between top officials and external entities, including meat-processing companies and industry groups.

From the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic last year, a stumbling federal response exacerbated a once-in-a-lifetime public health crisis.

News outlets, watchdog groups, and congressional committees have uncovered negligence and misconduct that fueled outbreaks in meat-packing plants across the country.