Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to generate fake survey responses that imitate human opinions – raising concerns among researchers about whether public opinion polling can still be trusted. The practice, known as “synthetic surveys” or “silicon sampling,” involves using AI … [Read More...] about AI is starting to answer surveys instead of humans – and researchers are worried
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News
AI is starting to answer surveys instead of humans – and researchers are worried
More older Americans are staying in work – and facing criticism for it
Americans are working later into life than previous generations, driven by a mix of financial pressures, longer life expectancy and changing ideas about retirement. But new research suggests older workers increasingly face a contradictory cultural message: stay active and productive as you age – … [Read More...] about More older Americans are staying in work – and facing criticism for it
Are audiences getting tired of superheroes? New research says the answer is more complicated
For years, superhero movies dominated global entertainment, generating billions of dollars for Hollywood studios and shaping modern pop culture. But after a string of disappointing releases from Marvel Studios and DC Studios, many fans and critics have started talking about “superhero … [Read More...] about Are audiences getting tired of superheroes? New research says the answer is more complicated
Trump comments fuel fresh debate over possible US action against Cuba
New criminal charges filed in the United States against Cuba’s former leader Raúl Castro have triggered renewed speculation about whether the Trump administration could eventually pursue more aggressive action toward the island nation. According to analysis published by The Conversation, US … [Read More...] about Trump comments fuel fresh debate over possible US action against Cuba
Heatwaves may be quietly devastating bee populations, scientists warn
Scientists say increasingly common heatwaves could be causing serious damage to bee populations – not necessarily by killing the insects outright, but by severely harming their ability to reproduce. New research published in the Journal of Thermal Biology found that extreme heat dramatically … [Read More...] about Heatwaves may be quietly devastating bee populations, scientists warn
Society
FBI reports sharp decline in violent crime across the United States
Violent crime in the United States fell sharply in 2025, according to new preliminary data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with murders dropping by an estimated 18.1 percent nationwide. If the figures are confirmed in final reporting, analysts say the country could record one of … [Read More...] about FBI reports sharp decline in violent crime across the United States
Small newsrooms across America are joining forces to survive
As local newspapers continue to shrink or disappear across the United States, a growing number of independent news organizations are turning to collaboration instead of competition in an effort to survive. That trend is highlighted in a new report from The 19th, which says its journalism … [Read More...] about Small newsrooms across America are joining forces to survive
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
Economy
More older Americans are staying in work – and facing criticism for it
Americans are working later into life than previous generations, driven by a mix of financial pressures, longer life expectancy and changing ideas about retirement. But new research suggests older workers increasingly face a contradictory cultural message: stay active and productive as you age – … [Read More...] about More older Americans are staying in work – and facing criticism for it
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
Taylor Swift’s latest legal move could reshape the fight over AI-generated voices
Taylor Swift is attempting to trademark elements of her voice and stage image in a move that could have major implications for artificial intelligence, celebrity identity rights and the future of copyright law. According to analysis published by The Conversation, Swift recently filed trademark … [Read More...] about Taylor Swift’s latest legal move could reshape the fight over AI-generated voices
Hotel workers say AI scheduling apps are making stressful jobs even harder
Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape hotel work across America – not by replacing housekeepers with robots, but by turning many workers into what some describe as “human extensions” of workplace software. According to reporting published by Proof News, hotel housekeepers in cities … [Read More...] about Hotel workers say AI scheduling apps are making stressful jobs even harder
Is the AI boom becoming another economic bubble?
Warnings are growing that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence could be creating a financial bubble similar to previous technology manias – but some analysts argue the problem runs deeper than overheated stock prices. According to an opinion article published by Analyst News, the … [Read More...] about Is the AI boom becoming another economic bubble?
Why ‘decarbonizing everything’ may be impossible – and what comes next
For years, most climate discussions have focused on replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy such as wind and solar power. But some scientists now argue that the challenge goes far beyond simply generating cleaner electricity. According to analysis published by The Conversation, a … [Read More...] about Why ‘decarbonizing everything’ may be impossible – and what comes next
Americas oil boom challenges Middle East dominance as global energy markets shift
One of the more surprising consequences of the Iran war has been the resilience of global oil supplies, despite disruption around the Strait of Hormuz – the world’s most important oil shipping chokepoint. While many analysts initially feared far more severe shortages and price spikes, growing oil … [Read More...] about Americas oil boom challenges Middle East dominance as global energy markets shift
Politics
Trump comments fuel fresh debate over possible US action against Cuba
New criminal charges filed in the United States against Cuba’s former leader Raúl Castro have triggered renewed speculation about whether the Trump administration could eventually pursue more aggressive action toward the island nation. According to analysis published by The Conversation, US … [Read More...] about Trump comments fuel fresh debate over possible US action against Cuba
Tulsi Gabbard resigns from Trump Cabinet amid husband’s cancer diagnosis
Tulsi Gabbard has announced she is stepping down as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence, citing her husband’s serious illness as the reason for leaving the administration. Gabbard said her husband, Abraham Williams, had been diagnosed with “an extremely rare form of bone … [Read More...] about Tulsi Gabbard resigns from Trump Cabinet amid husband’s cancer diagnosis
Why Britain could soon have a new prime minister without a national election
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing political pressure after Labour suffered heavy losses in recent local elections, triggering speculation that a leadership challenge could emerge from within his own party. One name increasingly being discussed is Andy Burnham, the mayor of … [Read More...] about Why Britain could soon have a new prime minister without a national election
Missouri lawmakers approve tougher penalties for businesses hiring undocumented workers
Missouri lawmakers have passed legislation that would give the state attorney general significantly expanded powers to investigate and penalize businesses accused of knowingly hiring undocumented immigrants. House Bill 2366, sponsored by State Rep. Jeff Vernetti, was approved during the final … [Read More...] about Missouri lawmakers approve tougher penalties for businesses hiring undocumented workers
Why one FDA resignation could affect abortion access across America
The planned resignation of Marty Makary from the US Food and Drug Administration is creating fresh uncertainty over abortion access across the United States, particularly regarding the future of abortion pills prescribed through telehealth and delivered by mail. Makary, who faced criticism from … [Read More...] about Why one FDA resignation could affect abortion access across America
Industry
Oil companies earning billions from Iran war as fuel prices rise worldwide
The war involving Iran is generating enormous profits for some of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, even as consumers and businesses face rising fuel and energy costs. According to an analysis by environmental organization Global Witness using data from energy research firm Rystad … [Read More...] about Oil companies earning billions from Iran war as fuel prices rise worldwide
AI’s rapid growth is putting increasing pressure on water supplies
As artificial intelligence systems continue expanding across the global economy, environmental researchers and analysts are warning that the AI boom may be creating an increasingly serious – and often overlooked – problem: water consumption. Much of the public discussion surrounding AI … [Read More...] about AI’s rapid growth is putting increasing pressure on water supplies
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
Americans increasingly oppose AI data centers as environmental concerns grow
Massive data centers built to power artificial intelligence are facing growing opposition across the United States, with new polling showing strong public resistance – especially among women. According to a recent Gallup survey, more than two-thirds of Americans oppose the construction of large data center complexes in their communities, as reported by The 19th.
AI companies are racing ahead of laws designed to protect people’s voices
Artificial intelligence companies are rapidly expanding voice-cloning technology while lawmakers and regulators struggle to keep pace, raising concerns about consent, fraud and the growing misuse of digitally replicated voices. A report by journalism nonprofit Proof News found that many publicly available AI voice-cloning services require little more than a checkbox confirmation from users before allowing […]
AI’s rapid growth is putting increasing pressure on water supplies
As artificial intelligence systems continue expanding across the global economy, environmental researchers and analysts are warning that the AI boom may be creating an increasingly serious – and often overlooked – problem: water consumption. Much of the public discussion surrounding AI infrastructure has focused on electricity demand and carbon emissions. But the giant data centers […]
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 […]