South County Mail

Missouri and the World

News

Trump’s support in Europe may be weaker than it looks

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US President Donald Trump may still enjoy strong support among some European conservative movements, but political tensions in Italy suggest that backing for Trump-style politics across Europe could be more fragile than it appears.

A new analysis published by The Conversation argues that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has begun distancing herself from Trump after initially building close ties with his political movement.

Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, spent years cultivating relationships with American conservatives and became closely associated with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement. [Read more…] about Trump’s support in Europe may be weaker than it looks

Motown’s forgotten women are finally getting recognition

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During the 1960s, Motown became one of the most influential music labels in America, producing hits from artists including Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and The Temptations.

But while the performers became global stars, many of the Black women who helped write, arrange and produce the music remained largely unknown outside the industry.

A new article published by The Conversation argues that several women behind the scenes at Motown played a crucial role in shaping the label’s sound and success, despite receiving little recognition at the time. [Read more…] about Motown’s forgotten women are finally getting recognition

Can Brazil become America’s most important partner in South America?

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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva traveled to Washington last week for a closely watched meeting with US President Donald Trump, as both countries attempt to stabilize a relationship shaped increasingly by trade, strategic minerals, organized crime and growing geopolitical competition in Latin America.

The private talks at the White House lasted about three hours on May 7, although neither side issued a formal joint statement afterward.

Despite political differences between the two leaders, the meeting highlighted what analysts increasingly see as a pragmatic shift in US-Brazil relations, driven less by ideology and more by economic and strategic interests. [Read more…] about Can Brazil become America’s most important partner in South America?

US government launches UFO transparency portal featuring declassified UAP files

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The US government has formally launched a new public portal dedicated to the release of files relating to UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and what officials now call “Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena”, or UAPs.

The website – titled the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (Pursue) – was published through the Department of War and features declassified images, military stills, infrared sensor captures, and government statements relating to unresolved aerial sightings dating back decades.

For many Americans, the move represents the strongest official acknowledgment yet of the enduring public fascination with what were once casually dismissed as “flying saucers” or the territory of conspiracy theorists and science-fiction enthusiasts. [Read more…] about US government launches UFO transparency portal featuring declassified UAP files

Ted Turner, founder of CNN and pioneer of 24-hour cable news, dies aged 87

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Ted Turner, the outspoken media billionaire who founded cable news giant CNN and helped transform television journalism, has died at the age of 87.

According to a report by Sky News, Turner died on Wednesday after a long battle with Lewy body dementia, a degenerative neurological disease that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.

Turner launched CNN in 1980 as the world’s first 24-hour all-news television network, fundamentally changing the way people consumed news by making live coverage available around the clock. [Read more…] about Ted Turner, founder of CNN and pioneer of 24-hour cable news, dies aged 87

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

Millions take part in nationwide and international protests against Trump and Musk

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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

More than 50 nations ask for trade negotiations over sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump

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​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

Senator Hawley backs Trump’s new tariff plan, calls it ‘a win for Missouri workers’

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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’

Missouri has a new richest person: Pauline MacMillan Keinath

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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