A tense special session of the Tennessee legislature ended this week with Republican lawmakers approving a new congressional map that redraws the state’s only majority-Black district, prompting protests from Democratic lawmakers and voting-rights advocates. At the center of the protest was state … [Read More...] about Tennessee lawmaker protests redrawing of majority-Black congressional district
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Tennessee lawmaker protests redrawing of majority-Black congressional district
Missouri Republicans push ‘born-alive’ abortion bill as session nears end
Missouri Republicans are pushing to pass a controversial “born-alive” abortion bill before the state’s legislative session ends next week, setting up another major confrontation in the state’s long-running abortion debate. The legislation, known as the “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection … [Read More...] about Missouri Republicans push ‘born-alive’ abortion bill as session nears end
‘Friendshoring’ could become the next phase of globalization
As tensions between the United States and China continue reshaping the global economy, economists and policymakers are increasingly focusing on a new concept that could define the next era of international trade: “friendshoring”. Rather than bringing manufacturing fully back home, countries and … [Read More...] about ‘Friendshoring’ could become the next phase of globalization
Missouri judge declines to immediately halt controversial kratom product sales
Missouri’s attorney general has failed, for now, in an attempt to immediately halt the sale of controversial kratom-derived products sold by Kansas City-based CBD American Shaman, in a case that highlights growing national debate over the increasingly popular substance. Jackson County Circuit … [Read More...] about Missouri judge declines to immediately halt controversial kratom product sales
Trump may have removed Maduro – but Venezuela’s future is still unclear
Four months after US forces captured Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and removed him from power, Venezuela remains caught between economic reform, political uncertainty and unresolved questions about democracy. A new analysis published by The Conversation argues that while the country is … [Read More...] about Trump may have removed Maduro – but Venezuela’s future is still unclear
Society
Opinion: Why so many jobs are going unfilled, and what it means for Missouri and the US
In towns and cities across Missouri – and throughout the country – it’s becoming harder to miss the signs: “Help Wanted”. They hang in shop windows, hospital lobbies, factory entrances, and farm gates. And yet, millions of Americans remain unemployed, and many more have left the workforce … [Read More...] about Opinion: Why so many jobs are going unfilled, and what it means for Missouri and the US
Glendale named safest city in Missouri for 2025
Glendale has been ranked the safest city in Missouri, according to a new report published by community research organization SafeWise. The 2025 list is based on the latest FBI crime statistics, combined with resident perceptions of safety collected through a national survey. The city, located in … [Read More...] about Glendale named safest city in Missouri for 2025
Columbia Police arrest man after standoff for making threats with weapon
At about 8:30 a.m. April 11, Columbia Police responded to calls that a man was threatening people with a weapon in the 100 block of North Stadium Boulevard. Through their investigation, police officers identified the man as Michael Whited, 59, of Columbia. A standoff with Whited ensued for … [Read More...] about Columbia Police arrest man after standoff for making threats with weapon
Missouri marks National Mule Day
“Boone, George, get up!” As the pair of 1,500-pound gentle giants begin walking around the College of Veterinary Medicine’s parking lot, their horseshoes clank on the concrete. The magnificent mules — known for their intelligence, loyalty, work ethic, playful nature and strength — are … [Read More...] about Missouri marks National Mule Day
Economy
Even major oil producers are preparing for a post-oil future
The decision by the United Arab Emirates to leave OPEC after nearly six decades may signal more than a disagreement over production quotas. According to a new analysis published by The Conversation, the move reflects growing concern among some major oil-producing countries that the long-term … [Read More...] about Even major oil producers are preparing for a post-oil future
Agriculture
John Deere invests $13.5 million in Strafford, Missouri facility
John Deere, the world’s largest agricultural vehicles manufacturer, is investing $13.5 million to expand its Strafford, Missouri “remanufacturing” facility by 120,000 square feet. Kevin Schrag, the factory manager, sums it up perfectly: “That's a pretty big deal!” … [Read More...] about John Deere invests $13.5 million in Strafford, Missouri facility
Missouri net farm income takes another dip in 2024
Missouri net farm income is projected to decline in 2024, for the second consecutive year. That’s the latest from the University of Missouri’s Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center’s (RaFF) Fall 2024 Missouri Farm Income Outlook. Published bi-annually, the report provides state-wide … [Read More...] about Missouri net farm income takes another dip in 2024
Features
Even major oil producers are preparing for a post-oil future
The decision by the United Arab Emirates to leave OPEC after nearly six decades may signal more than a disagreement over production quotas. According to a new analysis published by The Conversation, the move reflects growing concern among some major oil-producing countries that the long-term … [Read More...] about Even major oil producers are preparing for a post-oil future
Inside Missouri’s factories: How automation is transforming manufacturing jobs
Automation is rapidly transforming Missouri’s manufacturing sector, reshaping job roles, enhancing productivity, and attracting significant investments. Here's an in-depth look at how automation is influencing the state's industrial landscape. … [Read More...] about Inside Missouri’s factories: How automation is transforming manufacturing jobs
How AI is reshaping Missouri’s jobs market
Missouri, the 19th most populous state in the US, boasts a population of approximately 6.28 million as of 2025. The state's largest cities include Kansas City (510,704 residents), St. Louis (281,754), Springfield (170,188), and Columbia (129,330). Economically, Missouri is diverse, with key … [Read More...] about How AI is reshaping Missouri’s jobs market
Opinion: Why so many jobs are going unfilled, and what it means for Missouri and the US
In towns and cities across Missouri – and throughout the country – it’s becoming harder to miss the signs: “Help Wanted”. They hang in shop windows, hospital lobbies, factory entrances, and farm gates. And yet, millions of Americans remain unemployed, and many more have left the workforce … [Read More...] about Opinion: Why so many jobs are going unfilled, and what it means for Missouri and the US
How and why Missouri and America is grappling with a labor shortage
Missouri’s economy, like much of the United States, is at a crossroads. On one hand, job openings abound in nearly every industry. On the other, businesses – from farms to factories – are struggling to find enough people willing to work. The result is a paradox that’s defining the post-pandemic … [Read More...] about How and why Missouri and America is grappling with a labor shortage
Politics
Tennessee lawmaker protests redrawing of majority-Black congressional district
A tense special session of the Tennessee legislature ended this week with Republican lawmakers approving a new congressional map that redraws the state’s only majority-Black district, prompting protests from Democratic lawmakers and voting-rights advocates. At the center of the protest was state … [Read More...] about Tennessee lawmaker protests redrawing of majority-Black congressional district
Trump’s support in Europe may be weaker than it looks
US President Donald Trump may still enjoy strong support among some European conservative movements, but political tensions in Italy suggest that backing for Trump-style politics across Europe could be more fragile than it appears. A new analysis published by The Conversation argues that Italian … [Read More...] about Trump’s support in Europe may be weaker than it looks
City of Independence officials planning to move to new building
In early 2024, the City of Independence purchased a vacant building: 20201 Jackson Drive, formerly the Landmark Building or the Government Employees Health Association (GEHA) building. Currently, the City of Independence plans to move most City departments to the building in Spring 2025 to increase … [Read More...] about City of Independence officials planning to move to new building
Industry
Independence voters make history with passage of first-ever ‘General Obligation’ bond
Voters in the city of Independence, Missouri have “handpicked” projects proposed in the City of Independence’s first-ever general obligation (G.O.) bond, paving the way for targeted investments while leaving some projects unfunded – for now. On Tuesday, voters approved select portions of the $197 … [Read More...] about Independence voters make history with passage of first-ever ‘General Obligation’ bond
Centennial Commission offers incentives to celebrate Route 66 in Missouri
The Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission is launching several sponsorship opportunities for communities celebrating the Mother Road – Route 66, which originated in Springfield, Missouri in the 1920s. Programs include a special event sponsorship program, signature tour stop design competition and … [Read More...] about Centennial Commission offers incentives to celebrate Route 66 in Missouri
Technology
How automation is changing jobs in South County and across Missouri
Automation is quietly but steadily transforming the job landscape across Missouri – from advanced manufacturing plants in suburban South County to sheltered workshops in rural communities. While much of the national debate focuses on whether robots will take people’s jobs, the reality in Missouri is more complex: some roles are being displaced, but others are […]
Employment in Missouri’s IT sector grows by 1 percent
The Information Technology industry includes information sector employment such as software publishers and data processing, as well as professional and technical services such as computer system design, technical consulting, and research and development services. Information Technology represents 3.9 percent of total private sector employment in Missouri, employing 97,068 workers across 18,277 establishments in 2023. Employment […]