South County Mail

Missouri and the World

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Why ‘decarbonizing everything’ may be impossible – and what comes next

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For years, most climate discussions have focused on replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy such as wind and solar power.

But some scientists now argue that the challenge goes far beyond simply generating cleaner electricity.

According to analysis published by The Conversation, a significant share of fossil fuels are never burned for energy at all. Instead, they become part of the physical materials used throughout modern life – including plastics, fertilizers, insulation, synthetic fabrics and construction products. [Read more…] about Why ‘decarbonizing everything’ may be impossible – and what comes next

DOJ eases federal restrictions on medical marijuana in major policy shift

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The US Department of Justice has announced a major shift in federal marijuana policy that could ease regulations for state-licensed medical cannabis businesses across the country.

Under a new order signed by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, many state-approved medical marijuana products will move from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal drug classifications.

The change could significantly affect marijuana businesses in states such as Missouri, where both medical and recreational cannabis sales are legal under state law. [Read more…] about DOJ eases federal restrictions on medical marijuana in major policy shift

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

FBI reports sharp decline in violent crime across the United States

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Violent crime in the United States fell sharply in 2025, according to new preliminary data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with murders dropping by an estimated 18.1 percent nationwide.

If the figures are confirmed in final reporting, analysts say the country could record one of the lowest homicide rates in modern American history.

The FBI’s latest estimates also showed broad declines across nearly every major crime category. [Read more…] about FBI reports sharp decline in violent crime across the United States

WHO declares Ebola outbreak global health emergency as cases spread into Uganda

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The World Health Organization has declared the latest Ebola outbreak in central Africa a “public health emergency of international concern” after cases linked to the Democratic Republic of the Congo were confirmed in neighboring Uganda.

Health officials say the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a less well-known but still highly dangerous form of the virus.

According to analysis published by The Conversation, the declaration represents the WHO’s highest level of global health alert and is intended to mobilize international cooperation, funding and emergency response efforts. [Read more…] about WHO declares Ebola outbreak global health emergency as cases spread into Uganda

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

Why Britain could soon have a new prime minister without a national election

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing political pressure after Labour suffered heavy losses in recent local elections, triggering speculation that a leadership challenge could emerge from within his own party.

One name increasingly being discussed is Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester and one of Labour’s most popular politicians.

For many Americans, the idea that Britain could end up with a completely new prime minister without holding a national election may seem unusual. But under the UK’s parliamentary system, that is entirely possible. [Read more…] about Why Britain could soon have a new prime minister without a national election

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