South County Mail

Missouri and the World

Maria Santiago

Missouri opens applications for specialty crop grants as state seeks to expand fruit and vegetable production

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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 products.

State officials said applications for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program must be submitted by May 28. Individual producers, universities, nonprofits, research institutions and community organizations are eligible to apply for projects intended to strengthen Missouri’s specialty crop sector.

The program, funded through the US Department of Agriculture, offers grants of up to $50,000 for projects running over a two-year period. [Read more…] about Missouri opens applications for specialty crop grants as state seeks to expand fruit and vegetable production

AI companies are racing ahead of laws designed to protect people’s voices

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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 them to copy someone else’s voice.

The investigation examined eight AI voice-cloning platforms, including services from Eleven Labs, PlayHT, Speechify, LOVO, Veed and Descript. In most cases, users could upload short audio clips and generate realistic voice replicas without any meaningful verification that the person being cloned had actually granted permission. [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

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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 powering AI systems also require enormous quantities of water to cool servers and generate electricity.

An investigation published by Proof News argues that water usage linked to AI development is rising rapidly as major technology companies race to build larger and more powerful AI systems. [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

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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 being restored after years of abandonment, fires and severe water damage.

The two-story brick building, believed to be the oldest structure in Kansas City’s downtown loop, once operated as a drugstore before later becoming part of the city’s historic Garment District during the 20th century. [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

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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 childcare, rent reform and stronger labor protections, is now using his first months in office to test whether progressive economic policies can deliver measurable results in one of the world’s most expensive cities.

A report published by The Better News says Mamdani’s administration has already begun implementing several major campaign pledges after roughly 100 days in office. [Read more…] about Zohran Mamdani’s first 100 days are testing democratic socialist ideas in New York

EU and China are pulling ahead of the US in the global energy transition

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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 Better News argues that the global energy transition is already well under way in the electricity sector, with the European Union and China leading large-scale expansion of renewable power generation.

The article, based on analysis by economist Nikolaus Kowall and originally published by Austrian outlet Kontrast.at, says the shift toward renewable electricity is progressing faster than many people realize. [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

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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 on Gaming voted unanimously against the latest proposal on Wednesday, effectively killing the bill for the 2026 legislative session.

The machines – commonly referred to as video lottery terminals, or VLTs – have operated for years in a legal gray area in Missouri. Supporters argued that legalization would allow the state to regulate the machines and collect tax revenue for education programs. [Read more…] about Missouri lawmakers reject effort to legalize video gambling machines

Finland’s reputation for openness is facing growing scrutiny

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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 cultivated international image as a tolerant and egalitarian society is increasingly being challenged by anti-immigration rhetoric, racial tensions and political polarization.

The article, written by British-Bangladeshi journalist Shafi Musaddique, points to several recent controversies involving Finnish politicians and immigration policy. [Read more…] about Finland’s reputation for openness is facing growing scrutiny

Why some climate experts say Indigenous leadership is essential to protecting biodiversity

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As governments around the world continue debating how to tackle climate change, some environmental advocates and researchers argue that Indigenous communities should play a much larger role in shaping global conservation and climate policy.

A viewpoint article published by Analyst News argues that Indigenous knowledge systems and traditional land stewardship practices are being overlooked despite their importance in protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.

The article was written by Nana Kwesi Osei Bonsu, a Ghanaian land custodian and founder of Land Rights Defenders Inc. [Read more…] about Why some climate experts say Indigenous leadership is essential to protecting biodiversity

Missouri’s Route 66 Neon Park draws visitors ahead of highway centennial

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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 popular stop for travelers exploring the iconic American roadway.

Located at George M. Reed Roadside Park near Interstate 44, the open-air attraction features restored vintage neon signs from old motels, restaurants, gas stations and other businesses that once lined Route 66 through Missouri. [Read more…] about Missouri’s Route 66 Neon Park draws visitors ahead of highway centennial