A powerful hailstorm that swept across southwest Missouri killed a zoo animal, shattered car windshields, damaged buildings, and knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses, according to local officials and weather authorities. The storm struck the Springfield and Greene County area on … [Read More...] about Massive Missouri hailstorm kills zoo animal and smashes vehicles
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News
Massive Missouri hailstorm kills zoo animal and smashes vehicles
Missouri voters oust city council members after $6 billion data center approval
Voters in the small Missouri city of Festus have removed four incumbent city council members from office following growing controversy surrounding approval of a proposed $6 billion data center development. The election result in the St. Louis suburb came just days after the city council approved … [Read More...] about Missouri voters oust city council members after $6 billion data center approval
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
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
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
Society
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
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
Iran conflict is exposing tensions between America and its Gulf allies
The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran is exposing growing tensions between Washington and some of its longtime Gulf allies, as regional governments face increasing security risks tied to the presence of American military bases. That argument is at the center of a new … [Read More...] about Iran conflict is exposing tensions between America and its Gulf allies
Ohio governor race could become one of 2026’s biggest political battlegrounds
The race for governor in Ohio is shaping up to become one of the most closely watched political contests of the 2026 midterm elections after Democrat Amy Acton secured her party’s nomination and set up a November showdown with Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. Acton, who became nationally … [Read More...] about Ohio governor race could become one of 2026’s biggest political battlegrounds
Why the 2026 governor races could reshape American politics
More than 30 governorships will be contested across the United States during the 2026 midterm elections, with several key races expected to shape the future direction of American politics on issues ranging from abortion and healthcare to education, voting rights and LGBTQ+ policy. A new analysis … [Read More...] about Why the 2026 governor races could reshape American politics
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
Politics
Ohio governor race could become one of 2026’s biggest political battlegrounds
The race for governor in Ohio is shaping up to become one of the most closely watched political contests of the 2026 midterm elections after Democrat Amy Acton secured her party’s nomination and set up a November showdown with Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. Acton, who became nationally … [Read More...] about Ohio governor race could become one of 2026’s biggest political battlegrounds
Why the 2026 governor races could reshape American politics
More than 30 governorships will be contested across the United States during the 2026 midterm elections, with several key races expected to shape the future direction of American politics on issues ranging from abortion and healthcare to education, voting rights and LGBTQ+ policy. A new analysis … [Read More...] about Why the 2026 governor races could reshape American 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 […]