About our Missouri news
Latest news on Missouri, Show Me State, covering politics, economy, crime, weather, education, and developments in St. Louis, Kansas City, and across MO.
With a population of approximately 6.2 million, Missouri is the 19th most populous state in the United States. The state's capital is Jefferson City, while its largest cities include Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Missouri is bordered by eight states and is known for its diverse landscape, from the Mississippi and Missouri rivers to the scenic Ozark Mountains.
Governor Mike Kehoe, who took office in January 2025, has pursued an ambitious agenda focused on tax reform, economic development, and workforce training. In his 2026 State of the State Address, he proposed a phased elimination of individual income tax and signed significant tax cuts into law. The state has also undertaken controversial congressional redistricting, with the "Missouri First Map" signed in September 2025 facing legal challenges and citizen opposition.
Missouri's economy remains anchored by agriculture, with the state ranking among the top producers of soybeans, corn, and beef cattle nationwide. Manufacturing and aerospace sectors also play vital roles, with major employers including Boeing and numerous food processing facilities. While net farm income is projected to rise in 2025 due to government support, experts warn of challenges ahead as commodity prices remain under pressure and production costs stay elevated.
The state's cultural identity reflects its position at the crossroads of American history. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, standing 630 feet tall, symbolises Missouri's role as the "Gateway to the West" during 19th-century westward expansion. Missouri was also the starting point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition and major pioneer trails. The state is home to over 6,000 caves and features rich traditions in jazz, blues, and barbecue cuisine, particularly in Kansas City and St. Louis.
Missouri became the 24th state in 1821 through the Missouri Compromise, which allowed its entry as a slave state while maintaining the balance between free and slave states. The state remained in the Union during the Civil War despite internal divisions, and played a pivotal role in the Dred Scott case, which intensified pre-war tensions over slavery. Today, Missouri's 114 counties encompass both thriving metropolitan areas and rural communities facing population decline in some regions.
Stay informed about Missouri with our comprehensive NewsNow feed, delivering reliable, up-to-date coverage of government actions, economic developments, weather alerts, and community news across the Show Me State. Whether you're a resident, business owner, or simply interested in Missouri affairs, our feed provides essential headlines from trusted sources to keep you connected to everything happening in MO.