South County Mail

Missouri and the World

Maria Santiago

How automation is changing jobs in South County and across Missouri

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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 being created, and entire industries are being reshaped. [Read more…] about How automation is changing jobs in South County and across Missouri

How AI is reshaping Missouri’s jobs market

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Missouri, the 19th most populous state in the US, boasts a population of approximately 6.28 million as of 2025. The state’s largest cities include Kansas City (510,704 residents), St. Louis (281,754), Springfield (170,188), and Columbia (129,330).

Economically, Missouri is diverse, with key industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and technology. [Read more…] about How AI is reshaping Missouri’s jobs market

John Deere invests $13.5 million in Strafford, Missouri facility

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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

Opinion: Why so many jobs are going unfilled, and what it means for Missouri and the US

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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 entirely.

This disconnect between available jobs and available workers has become one of the defining challenges of our post-pandemic economy. [Read more…] about Opinion: Why so many jobs are going unfilled, and what it means for Missouri and the US

How and why Missouri and America is grappling with a labor shortage

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Missouri’s economy, like much of the United States, is at a crossroads. On one hand, job openings abound in nearly every industry.

On the other, businesses – from farms to factories – are struggling to find enough people willing to work. The result is a paradox that’s defining the post-pandemic era: a labor shortage in the midst of economic opportunity. [Read more…] about How and why Missouri and America is grappling with a labor shortage

Glendale named safest city in Missouri for 2025

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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 St. Louis County, moved up two places from last year to claim the top spot, reporting zero incidents of murder, rape, or robbery. Glendale also had no recorded motor vehicle thefts – one of only three cities on the list to achieve that. [Read more…] about Glendale named safest city in Missouri for 2025

Timber work to temporarily close part of shooting range

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Timber improvement work underway at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Flag Spring Conservation Area (CA) in Barry County will cause a temporary closure of a portion of the unstaffed shooting range at this area.

Beginning Monday, April 14, the rifle/pistol portion of the range will be closed. This closure will continue until April 24, at which time the range will resume regular hours.

The shotgun range, which is located on another part of the area, will remain open. The shotgun portion of the Flag Spring unstaffed range is designed for shooting sporting clays and is not designed for patterning shotguns for turkey hunting. [Read more…] about Timber work to temporarily close part of shooting range

Columbia Police arrest man after standoff for making threats with weapon

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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 several hours at his residence.

Due to the potential risk to public safety, the Columbia Police Department prioritized the safety of all involved and deployed its Crisis Negotiation Team and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team to the scene. Whited was taken into custody without injury, injury to officers or injury to the public. [Read more…] about Columbia Police arrest man after standoff for making threats with weapon

Independence voters make history with passage of first-ever ‘General Obligation’ bond

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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 million bond package – demonstrating residents’ desire for investment in infrastructure and a call for continued conversations about other critical needs.

“This is a historic moment for Independence – and we know history,” City Manager Zach Walker said. “This is the first time we’ve ever considered a general obligation bond, and this is a true victory. Make no mistake: this is a major step forward and we’re going to make the most of it.” [Read more…] about Independence voters make history with passage of first-ever ‘General Obligation’ bond

Missouri at risk: How Trump’s tariffs could hit farming, manufacturing, and logistics

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By South County Mail Staff Writer

As global markets continue to tumble in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs, industries across Missouri – from soybean fields to factory floors – are bracing for impact.

The tariffs, which have triggered retaliation from key trading partners like China and the European Union, are expected to hit especially hard in states like Missouri that rely heavily on exports, manufacturing supply chains, and freight logistics. [Read more…] about Missouri at risk: How Trump’s tariffs could hit farming, manufacturing, and logistics