Missouri and the World
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, 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’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
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
Tariffs are taxes placed on goods that are imported from other countries. When the US government imposes tariffs, it’s essentially making those foreign goods more expensive. The idea is to encourage Americans to buy more products made in the US.
Governments typically use tariffs to:
While tariffs might protect certain American industries in the short term, they often lead to:
Tariffs can be helpful in some cases, but they also carry serious risks – especially when they’re used on a large scale or without coordination with allies.
By South County Mail Staff Writer
Global markets took a nosedive late last week after former President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new set of tariffs – and the financial shockwaves are being felt from New York to Missouri.
The US stock market saw its worst losses in years on Friday, with the S&P 500 dropping 6 percent, the Dow Jones falling 5.5 percent, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq losing nearly 6 percent. As markets open this Monday morning, April 7, investors across the country – including here in South County – are bracing for more potential losses. [Read more…] about Trump’s new tariffs send markets into freefall: What it means for Missouri and the nation
Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has voiced strong support for former President Donald Trump’s newly announced trade policy, which includes sweeping tariffs aimed at addressing what Trump describes as an “economic emergency”.
On Thursday, Trump unveiled a broad proposal that would impose elevated tariffs on dozens of countries with significant trade surpluses with the United States.
The plan includes a blanket 10 percent tax on all imports, as well as targeted increases such as a 34 percent tariff on Chinese goods and a 20 percent tariff on imports from the European Union, according to the Associated Press. [Read more…] about Senator Hawley backs Trump’s new tariff plan, calls it ‘a win for Missouri workers’
According to a recent Forbes report, Pauline MacMillan Keinath has become Missouri’s wealthiest billionaire.
Born on July 31, 1934, in Hennepin County, Minnesota, Keinath is the great-granddaughter of William Wallace Cargill, the founder of Cargill, the largest private company in the United States. She inherited a 9 percent stake in the company, which, as of June 2024, is valued at approximately $8.2 billion.
Keinath resides in St. Louis, Missouri, with her spouse and four children. In addition to her business interests, she has been involved in political contributions. [Read more…] about Missouri has a new richest person: Pauline MacMillan Keinath
On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a series of sweeping tariffs during what he termed the “Liberation Day” speech.
These measures include a universal 10 percent tariff on all imports, with additional, higher tariffs targeting specific countries based on trade imbalances.
For instance, China faces a 34 percent tariff, the European Union 20 percent, and Japan 24 percent. The administration asserts that these tariffs aim to bolster domestic manufacturing and rectify longstanding trade deficits. [Read more…] about Consensus seems to support the view that tariffs will negatively affect the United States
The Back to Business Fund program, a recovery and prevention grant program designed to support small business storefronts in all areas of Kansas City impacted by property crime, is now accepting applications.
The program offers financial assistance to help local business owners recover from damage, enhance security measures, and prevent future incidents.
Mayor Lucas and City Council passed the program last month, allocating $325,000 from the Violence Prevention and Intervention Fund for the program.
There were 184 business owners from all areas in Kansas City who completed interest forms for the Back to Business Fund last month. The interest forms were used to notify potential applicants when the application opened, and to fine tune eligibility and criteria for the grant program to make sure it was as inclusive as possible.
“Our small businesses are the backbone of our community and we continue to ensure they have the resources to thrive. I’m proud eligible small business owners impacted by break-ins and vandalism are now able to apply to the Back to Business Fund for grants to ease the burden of repair costs,” said Mayor Lucas. “I encourage eligible businesses to apply and take advantage of the opportunity. Together, we can strengthen our local economy and foster a safer, more secure Kansas City for all.”
Eligible businesses can apply for two types of grants:
Vandalism and Property Crime Recovery Grant Funding: Up to $3,000 per business for repairs related to incidents occurring between July 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025.
Vandalism and Property Crime Prevention Grant Funding: Up to $5,000 per business for security measures acquired between July 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What expenses are eligible or ineligible for reimbursement?
Examples of eligible expenses include temporary window or door board up, window or door repair, graffiti removal, damaged murals, sign repair, gate repair, light repair, security system repair. Security and prevention improvements include security cameras (equipment only, not monitoring services), alarm systems, gates, overhead doors, security lighting, locks.
Ineligible expenses include inventory replacement, wages or rent, lost sales, any damages that have been submitted to insurance as part of a claim unless that claim has been rejected and closed.
Funds can only be used as reimbursements.
How does reimbursement work? How long will it take for reimbursements to process?
Grants will be awarded to applicants meeting the program criteria and will be awarded until the funds are exhausted. Once approved, grants can be deposited into the accounts within 1-3 business days.
Does my business qualify?
Your business must be independently owned and operated, with less than 50 employees, and with more than $1,000 and less than $8 million in revenue.
Your business must have a physical storefront in Kansas City, Missouri, maintain consistent hours of operation, and have sustained physical damage due to break-ins or vandalism OR have taken steps to prevent such damage, on or after July 1, 2024.
Private residences, landlords, or multifamily residential properties are not eligible.
What paperwork do I need to apply?
A copy of your current KCMO Business License, a copy of a current KCMO Tax Clearance Letter, your 2023 Gross Receipts, number of full-time and part-time employees, and primary business owner information to include primary address, race, sex, and primary language spoken.
Gather proof of damage or prevention improvements, including a KCPD incident report, photos, receipts or invoices for items purchased, proof of insurance, and insurance claims and payments if filed.
How do I request a KCPD incident report?
You can apply online for a copy of your KCPD report.
You can also call 816-234-5100 to check report availability, then come in person to any patrol division station with photo identification.
Am I able to apply more than once?
Applicants can only apply for one grant at a time.
A business can apply for the recovery grant twice—once per location, for up to two locations.
A business may apply for a prevention grant only once during the application period, regardless of how many locations it operates.
What is the mural repair policy?
Only eligible businesses may apply to repair murals, not the mural artist or organization on behalf of a storefront.
The clear coat of a mural is considered an eligible expense, when combined with a repair. For example, a business pays for graffiti removal on their mural, and clear coats it directly afterwards for future damage prevention.
Power washing of a damaged mural is an eligible expense.
When will I hear back about my application and whether my business will receive a grant?
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified by email and/or phone regarding the status of their grant application once their completed submission has been reviewed.
Please allow up to two weeks for application processing and review. A grant administrator will follow up with any additional questions and next steps. Missing documentation will result in an incomplete application.
For more information about the Back to Business Fund visit bizcare.kcmo.gov or contact KC BizCare at kcbizcare@kcmo.org or (816) 513-2491.
