Missouri and the World
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
A five-year-old boy has died and two members of his family remain in critical condition following a devastating gas explosion at a home in Lexington, Missouri.
The incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, at a residence near 18th Street between Franklin and South streets. According to authorities, a subcontractor had struck a gas line several hours earlier while installing fiber-optic cable.
Utility crews and emergency responders were on the scene working to address the leak when the explosion occurred. [Read more…] about Lexington gas explosion kills young boy and injures two family members
More than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations took place across the United States, uniting thousands in opposition to the policies and actions of President Donald Trump and his advisor, Elon Musk.
The protests, which took place on April 5, were held in various settings, from small towns to major cities and state capitals.
The “Hands Off!” movement was organized by a coalition of over 150 civil rights organizations, labor unions, and advocacy groups. Protesters voiced their discontent with the administration’s policies, including significant cuts to social programs like Social Security and Medicaid, mass layoffs of federal employees, and perceived attacks on democratic institutions. [Read more…] about Millions take part in nationwide and international protests against Trump and Musk
In response to the recently imposed tariffs by President Donald Trump, over 50 nations have approached the US administration to initiate trade negotiations. These tariffs, which include a 10 percent levy on most US imports and higher rates for approximately 60 countries, have led to significant market volatility and raised concerns about a potential global recession.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that addressing unfair trade practices is a complex process that cannot be resolved quickly. He stated that the US must evaluate the offers from these countries to determine their credibility.
The administration’s stance has elicited mixed reactions. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick asserted that the tariffs are non-negotiable and will be implemented as planned, highlighting the necessity of these measures to rectify unfair global trade practices and bolster domestic manufacturing. [Read more…] about More than 50 nations ask for trade negotiations over sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump
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
Springfield City Council unanimously approved a measure Monday night to sign a letter of intent between the City and the United Soccer League (USL), committing to exclusively negotiate the potential of bringing professional men’s and women’s soccer teams to Springfield.
City officials and a representative from USL made the formal announcement a few months ago at the proposed location for a potential new stadium at the Jordan Valley Commons (corner of Trafficway and National).
During the negotiation period, the City will evaluate the viability of supporting professional soccer teams and explore opportunities to enhance entertainment options in the City’s burgeoning sports district downtown. Council agreed to share cost of feasibility research with USL to consider various factors, including potential funding and the addition of a soccer stadium east of Hammons Field. [Read more…] about Springfield to establish framework to bring professional men’s and women’s soccer teams to city
The City of Independence is making a significant investment in the historic Fairmount neighborhood to enhance community connectivity, improve pedestrian safety, and modernize infrastructure. This transformative project will restore and revitalize the area, ensuring long-term benefits for residents and visitors alike.
With a focus on accessibility and sustainability, the project includes sidewalk repairs, the addition of a new bicycle boulevard, a multi-purpose trail, and the resurfacing of the Fairmount Trail. Key intersections will be upgraded, and drainage infrastructure along Kentucky Road will be improved to support the neighborhood’s evolving needs.
Designed for seamless connectivity, the project will link to a planned pedestrian improvement initiative along US-24 Highway, further enhancing walkability and multimodal access. [Read more…] about Independence invests in historic Fairmount Neighborhood with major infrastructure and pedestrian improvements
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has released the official dates for the upcoming 2025 migratory game bird hunting seasons. As outlined in its recent announcement, hunting seasons will begin in early September and continue through late January, depending on the species and region.
The season for mourning doves, Eurasian collared-doves, and white-winged doves opens on September 1 and ends November 29. The September teal season will run from September 7–22.
Missouri has divided its waterfowl hunting into North, Middle, and South zones, each with slightly different dates. For example, the North Zone duck season opens October 26, while the South Zone begins November 28. Goose hunting follows similar regional adjustments, with the light goose conservation order extending into spring 2026. Full details are available on the MDC website and in their annual migratory bird hunting digest. [Read more…] about A question of ethics: Missouri releases dates for migratory game bird hunting seasons
In early 2024, the City of Independence purchased a vacant building: 20201 Jackson Drive, formerly the Landmark Building or the Government Employees Health Association (GEHA) building. Currently, the City of Independence plans to move most City departments to the building in Spring 2025 to increase efficiency, accessibility. and address space constraints.
It is estimated it would cost roughly $40 million to make structural repairs, renovations, and bring the current City Hall building at 111 E. Maple Ave into ADA compliance, but that would not address the space constraints. At a cost of $20 million, the building on Jackson Drive came fully furnished, has the space to house hundreds of employees in one location, and is fully ADA compliant. Simply said, it’s not fiscally responsible to renovate City Hall to bring it up to code.
This move also improves efficiency- both the City’s, and residents’ – by having almost everything citizens need from the Independence City government in one place. It improves efficient use of space and time, with more than 350 employees in a centralized location. There is ample parking at the Jackson Drive location as well, which addresses a common citizen complaint of the current City Hall.
There is more work to do and Independence residents will hear from the city many more times before any changes are made.
In addition, the city is embarking on a downtown Independence Square redevelopment plan to drive both people and economic activity to the Historic Independence Square. The City recognizes businesses, activities and mixed-use development contributes to a vibrant historic area. Research shows that city buildings provide little economic activity – unlike museums, theaters, recreation and community centers, and other businesses.
The City is sharing its proposed Square Redevelopment plan with the City Council at the November 12 study session, which is open to the public and can also be streamed online via the City’s YouTube channel and viewed on City7 to Comcast subscribers.
At the same time, the city is considering a General Obligation (G.O.) Bond proposal which could help create opportunities for greater economic activity for Independence Square. A Citizens Advisory Committee for the GO Bond proposal is actively meeting in September and October of 2024. Past meetings are available on the City’s YouTube Channel.
The Independence Utilities Center, located off 23rd street, was formerly the Medical Center of Independence (MCI) Hospital. It was renovated in 2018 and discussions are underway to potentially convert it into a new Independence Police Department and Justice Center. This is also one of the proposed components of a G.O. Bond.
Much of the above is still in a planning stages. It’s important to note that nothing will change for several months, and the City will provide more information as plans move from proposed to finalized.
