South County Mail

Missouri and the World

Economy

Hotel workers say AI scheduling apps are making stressful jobs even harder

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Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape hotel work across America – not by replacing housekeepers with robots, but by turning many workers into what some describe as “human extensions” of workplace software.

According to reporting published by Proof News, hotel housekeepers in cities including Las Vegas and Palm Springs say management apps designed to improve efficiency are increasing stress, reducing autonomy and making already demanding jobs even harder.

The software, called HotSOS Housekeeping, is now widely used across major global hotel brands. [Read more…] about Hotel workers say AI scheduling apps are making stressful jobs even harder

Is the AI boom becoming another economic bubble?

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Warnings are growing that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence could be creating a financial bubble similar to previous technology manias – but some analysts argue the problem runs deeper than overheated stock prices.

According to an opinion article published by Analyst News, the current AI investment surge reflects broader problems within modern capitalism and the way technology research is funded and commercialized.

The article argues that speculative investment has become central to how new technologies are developed, with companies often valued more on future promises than current profits. [Read more…] about Is the AI boom becoming another economic bubble?

Americans increasingly oppose AI data centers as environmental concerns grow

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Massive data centers built to power artificial intelligence are facing growing opposition across the United States, with new polling showing strong public resistance – especially among women.

According to a recent Gallup survey, more than two-thirds of Americans oppose the construction of large data center complexes in their communities, as reported by The 19th. [Read more…] about Americans increasingly oppose AI data centers as environmental concerns grow

Missouri marijuana giant faces second antitrust lawsuit over alleged market control

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Missouri’s largest marijuana company is facing another antitrust lawsuit accusing it of using a network of affiliated companies to dominate the state’s cannabis market and drive up prices for consumers.

According to reporting by Missouri Independent, a Kansas City consumer recently filed a class-action lawsuit against Good Day Farm and more than 40 affiliated limited liability companies.

The lawsuit alleges the company used a complex structure of business entities to gain control over a large share of Missouri’s recreational marijuana industry while limiting competition from other brands and retailers. [Read more…] about Missouri marijuana giant faces second antitrust lawsuit over alleged market control

Americas oil boom challenges Middle East dominance as global energy markets shift

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One of the more surprising consequences of the Iran war has been the resilience of global oil supplies, despite disruption around the Strait of Hormuz – the world’s most important oil shipping chokepoint.

While many analysts initially feared far more severe shortages and price spikes, growing oil production across North and South America has helped stabilize global markets and highlighted a broader shift taking place within the energy industry.

According to analysis published by The Conversation, countries including the United States, Brazil, Canada, Guyana and Argentina are rapidly increasing production and exports, helping offset supply disruptions from the Middle East. [Read more…] about Americas oil boom challenges Middle East dominance as global energy markets shift

Missouri voters could decide whether to eliminate the state income tax

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Missouri voters may soon decide one of the biggest tax policy questions the state has faced in decades: whether to gradually eliminate the state income tax and potentially replace much of the lost revenue with expanded sales taxes.

The proposal, approved by the Missouri Legislature this year, would phase out Missouri’s top individual income tax rate over time if certain state revenue targets are met.

Supporters say the plan could make Missouri more competitive economically, while critics warn it could increase costs for ordinary families and reduce funding for public services. [Read more…] about Missouri voters could decide whether to eliminate the state income tax

Oil companies earning billions from Iran war as fuel prices rise worldwide

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The war involving Iran is generating enormous profits for some of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, even as consumers and businesses face rising fuel and energy costs.

According to an analysis by environmental organization Global Witness using data from energy research firm Rystad Energy, the world’s 100 largest oil and gas companies earned an estimated $23 billion in additional profits during the first month of the conflict alone.

The report estimates that if oil prices remain elevated throughout 2026, those extra profits could rise to as much as $234 billion by the end of the year. [Read more…] about Oil companies earning billions from Iran war as fuel prices rise worldwide

Missouri marijuana workers win union vote after two-year legal battle

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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 union vote 11-3 after sealed ballots were finally opened Friday following a ruling by the National Labor Relations Board.

The vote marks a significant labor development within Missouri’s growing marijuana industry, where workers and employers have increasingly clashed over working conditions, representation and labor rights. [Read more…] about Missouri marijuana workers win union vote after two-year legal battle

Missouri lawmakers approve tougher penalties for businesses hiring undocumented workers

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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 weeks of the legislative session and now awaits action from Gov. Mike Kehoe.

Supporters say the measure is aimed at businesses that deliberately circumvent labor laws and gain unfair competitive advantages by employing unauthorized workers outside legal hiring systems. [Read more…] about Missouri lawmakers approve tougher penalties for businesses hiring undocumented workers

Why Trump’s meeting with Xi matters to American jobs, prices and manufacturing

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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 Taiwan and military posturing in the Asia-Pacific region, economists and manufacturers will be watching for something more practical: whether Washington and Beijing can stabilize a relationship that remains deeply intertwined with the American economy.

Even after years of tariffs, reshoring initiatives and political hostility between the world’s two largest economies, the United States still relies heavily on China for manufacturing, industrial supply chains, electronics, consumer goods and critical materials. [Read more…] about Why Trump’s meeting with Xi matters to American jobs, prices and manufacturing