The meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping last week was dominated by familiar geopolitical flashpoints – trade, technology, Iran and Taiwan – but the broader significance for ordinary Americans may lie much closer to home. While headlines focused on tensions over … [Read More...] about Why Trump’s meeting with Xi matters to American jobs, prices and manufacturing
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Why Trump’s meeting with Xi matters to American jobs, prices and manufacturing
Missouri opens applications for specialty crop grants as state seeks to expand fruit and vegetable production
The Missouri Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for a new round of grants designed to support specialty crop production across the state, with funding available for projects involving fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, honey, nursery crops and other nontraditional agricultural … [Read More...] about Missouri opens applications for specialty crop grants as state seeks to expand fruit and vegetable production
EU and China are pulling ahead of the US in the global energy transition
While fossil fuels still dominate much of the global economy, new data suggests the transition toward renewable energy is accelerating rapidly – and the United States risks falling behind Europe and China in the race to build the next generation of energy systems. A new analysis published by The … [Read More...] about EU and China are pulling ahead of the US in the global energy transition
Missouri lawmakers reject effort to legalize video gambling machines
Missouri lawmakers have once again rejected efforts to legalize video gambling machines, ending a years-long push to regulate the controversial devices found in gas stations, bars and convenience stores across the state. According to St. Louis Public Radio, the bipartisan Senate Select Committee … [Read More...] about Missouri lawmakers reject effort to legalize video gambling machines
Missouri’s Route 66 Neon Park draws visitors ahead of highway centennial
A growing roadside attraction along Missouri’s stretch of the historic Route 66 is drawing renewed attention ahead of the famous highway’s centennial celebrations next year. According to travel publication Travel and Tour World, the Route 66 Neon Park in St. Robert has become an increasingly … [Read More...] about Missouri’s Route 66 Neon Park draws visitors ahead of highway centennial
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
Why Trump’s meeting with Xi matters to American jobs, prices and manufacturing
The meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping last week was dominated by familiar geopolitical flashpoints – trade, technology, Iran and Taiwan – but the broader significance for ordinary Americans may lie much closer to home. While headlines focused on tensions over … [Read More...] about Why Trump’s meeting with Xi matters to American jobs, prices and manufacturing
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
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
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
Finland’s reputation for openness is facing growing scrutiny
Long viewed internationally as one of the world’s most progressive and socially stable countries, Finland is facing growing debate over immigration, racism and national identity as political tensions rise across Europe. A viewpoint article published by Analyst News argues that Finland’s carefully … [Read More...] about Finland’s reputation for openness is facing growing scrutiny
Politics
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
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
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 […]