economy

Trump promised to "make America affordable again," but food prices are still rising. Although St. Louis residents enjoy a lower cost of living than many Americans, that's of little comfort when household staples remain unaffordable for many.

Como parte del esfuerzo para reducir la fuerza laboral federal prometido por el presidente, los trabajadores perdieron sus empleos. Los expertos afirman que el impacto será de gran alcance para la economía de la región y para las personas que dependen de los servicios federales.

The workers lost their jobs as part of the president’s promised federal workforce reduction effort. Experts say the impact will be far-reaching for the region’s economy and for people who rely on federal services.

Minimum wage workers in Missouri got a pay boost on January 1. But just across the border, the Kansas minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25, the same as the federal rate, with no planned increases in sight.

Producers across the central U.S. are facing high input costs as the trade war puts crop markets in an uncertain position. Agriculture economists say they’re watching tariffs and the cattle industry — which has boosted income for some farmers.

As job creation slowed through most of 2025, Midwestern college graduates — and those approaching graduation — describe a competitive, unusual job market that makes them question their self-worth.

A new Washington University study found that St. Louis' guaranteed basic income pilot program helped hundreds of families. But a lawsuit paused payments, and later crises deepened the financial strain many participants already faced.

The Kansas City region’s economy is lagging behind the nation overall. Experts say that’s driven by flat employment numbers and slower-than-average growth from many of the region’s most prominent industries.

Toys for Tots, the 80-year-old program run by the U.S. Marines, is seeing toy donations down by almost 20% this year. Staff Sgt. Christian Martinez was once the recipient of one of those toys. Now, as coordinator of the Kansas City chapter of Toys for Tots, he's worried that other little boys won't get the same joy he did.

A national survey found the smallest business owners are feeling less confident as they close out the year. Inflation, tariffs and shifts in consumer spending are some of the reasons why.

Although Oklahoma, Arkansas and Nebraska have higher densities of veteran-owned businesses, Missouri’s businesses generate higher shares of the state’s total revenue.

Studies are showing that Missouri's laws targeting gay and transgender people have already pushed LGBTQ+ residents to move — taking their tax dollars, and even businesses, elsewhere. One analysis estimates that Missouri has lost between $362 million to $879 million in household income, and that's expected to increase.