Workers at a marijuana cultivation and manufacturing facility in south St. Louis, Missouri have officially voted to unionize after a two-year dispute over whether they were legally eligible for federal labor protections. Employees at the Sinse cannabis facility, owned by BeLeaf Medical, won the … [Read More...] about Missouri marijuana workers win union vote after two-year legal battle
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News
Missouri marijuana workers win union vote after two-year legal battle
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
RFK Jr. says America faces a sperm crisis – but scientists disagree on what it means
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has once again drawn attention to declining sperm counts in men, describing the issue as an “existential crisis” for the United States. Speaking at a White House event on maternal health last week, Kennedy argued that men today have … [Read More...] about RFK Jr. says America faces a sperm crisis – but scientists disagree on what it means
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
US cheese production rises as Italian varieties continue to dominate market growth
American cheese manufacturers produced more than 1.26 billion pounds of cheese in March 2026, according to newly released figures from the United States Department of Agriculture, highlighting the continued strength of the country’s dairy processing industry. The latest USDA data showed total … [Read More...] about US cheese production rises as Italian varieties continue to dominate market growth
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
Missouri marijuana workers win union vote after two-year legal battle
Workers at a marijuana cultivation and manufacturing facility in south St. Louis, Missouri have officially voted to unionize after a two-year dispute over whether they were legally eligible for federal labor protections. Employees at the Sinse cannabis facility, owned by BeLeaf Medical, won the … [Read More...] about Missouri marijuana workers win union vote after two-year legal battle
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
As America turns 250, teachers face a difficult question: How should the nation tell its story?
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary next year, teachers across the country are wrestling with a question that has become increasingly complicated in modern America: How should the nation’s history be taught? For generations, American students often learned a relatively … [Read More...] about As America turns 250, teachers face a difficult question: How should the nation tell its story?
Trump’s China diplomacy could weaken Russia’s influence
The summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping last week was closely watched around the world, particularly in Moscow, where Russian president Vladimir Putin may have seen signs that improving relations between Washington and Beijing could gradually reduce Russia’s global … [Read More...] about Trump’s China diplomacy could weaken Russia’s influence
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 … [Read More...] about AI companies are racing ahead of laws designed to protect people’s voices
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
Kansas City’s oldest downtown building set for revival after decades of decay
In a country where relatively few large urban buildings date back more than 150 years, one of Kansas City’s oldest surviving downtown structures is being given a second life. According to Axios Kansas City, the former Seiden’s Furs building at 10th and Broadway – originally opened in 1874 – is … [Read More...] about Kansas City’s oldest downtown building set for revival after decades of decay
Politics
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
Trump’s China diplomacy could weaken Russia’s influence
The summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping last week was closely watched around the world, particularly in Moscow, where Russian president Vladimir Putin may have seen signs that improving relations between Washington and Beijing could gradually reduce Russia’s global … [Read More...] about Trump’s China diplomacy could weaken Russia’s influence
Zohran Mamdani’s first 100 days are testing democratic socialist ideas in New York
Since taking office at the start of 2026, Zohran Mamdani has begun rolling out a series of policies aimed at lowering living costs, expanding public services and increasing taxes on wealthy property owners in New York City. The democratic socialist mayor, who won office on promises including free … [Read More...] about Zohran Mamdani’s first 100 days are testing democratic socialist ideas in New York
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
Industry
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
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 […]