Missouri Business Alert
@mobusinessalert.bsky.social
Your source for Missouri’s top business news. Subscribe to our email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2bfCcm3
Midwest and Southwest states are seeing a sharp rise in temporary H-2A farm workers, even as overall agricultural job growth remains sluggish. Story via @investigatemidwest.bsky.social
Midwest and Southwest states see major increase in temporary H-2A workers, despite slow growth in program
Every state in the country has seen an increase in temporary agricultural visa workers since 2018.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Midwest and Southwest states are seeing a sharp rise in temporary H-2A farm workers, even as overall agricultural job growth remains sluggish. Story via @investigatemidwest.bsky.social
Missouri lawmakers are advancing several health care bills that could reshape the state’s medical system, from provider regulations to patient access. Supporters say the changes could improve care, while critics warn of unintended consequences. Story via @thebeacon.bsky.social
Changes are coming to Missouri health care as lawmakers push for these bills
Missouri lawmakers are set on health care reform in 2026, from insurance coverage of certain prescriptions to maternal health.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 23, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Missouri lawmakers are advancing several health care bills that could reshape the state’s medical system, from provider regulations to patient access. Supporters say the changes could improve care, while critics warn of unintended consequences. Story via @thebeacon.bsky.social
Missouri lawmakers are weighing a proposal to eliminate sales tax on infant care items, a move supporters say could ease financial pressure on families. Critics raise concerns about lost state revenue.
Missouri lawmakers debate eliminating sales tax on infant care items
Baby bottles, baby wipes and breast pump supplies would be exempt from state and local sales taxes under the legislation discussed Wednesday.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Missouri lawmakers are weighing a proposal to eliminate sales tax on infant care items, a move supporters say could ease financial pressure on families. Critics raise concerns about lost state revenue.
In today's Missouri Minute:
- State rejects ban on college athlete prop bets
- Lawmakers debate tax exemption for infant care items
- Chiefs want public ownership of Kansas stadium
- State rejects ban on college athlete prop bets
- Lawmakers debate tax exemption for infant care items
- Chiefs want public ownership of Kansas stadium
Missouri Minute: State rejects ban on college prop bets; Warrenton data center wins approval
Good morning, MBA readers,
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:44 PM
In today's Missouri Minute:
- State rejects ban on college athlete prop bets
- Lawmakers debate tax exemption for infant care items
- Chiefs want public ownership of Kansas stadium
- State rejects ban on college athlete prop bets
- Lawmakers debate tax exemption for infant care items
- Chiefs want public ownership of Kansas stadium
SSM Health and UnitedHealthcare have reached a permanent agreement, ending months of contract disputes that left some Missouri patients uncertain about their coverage. Story via @stlpublicradio.bsky.social
SSM, UnitedHealthcare reach permanent insurance deal after months of sparring
SSM Health and UnitedHealthcare signed a multiyear agreement to keep many of the insurance giant’s patients in network.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:30 PM
SSM Health and UnitedHealthcare have reached a permanent agreement, ending months of contract disputes that left some Missouri patients uncertain about their coverage. Story via @stlpublicradio.bsky.social
Missouri Farm Bureau members and landowners are raising alarms over a proposed Mid-Missouri powerline, citing concerns about land rights, compensation and long-term impacts. Story via @kbianews.bsky.social
Farm Bureau, landowners raise concerns over proposed mid-Missouri powerline
If approved, the nearly 30-mile mid-Missouri line adjacent to Interstate 70 would meet up with another proposed powerline called the “Tiger Connector."
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Missouri Farm Bureau members and landowners are raising alarms over a proposed Mid-Missouri powerline, citing concerns about land rights, compensation and long-term impacts. Story via @kbianews.bsky.social
In today's Missouri Minute:
- SSM, UnitedHealthcare reach insurance deal
- Planned Ameren line sparks concerns
- Bill legalizing self-driving cars clears House committee
- SSM, UnitedHealthcare reach insurance deal
- Planned Ameren line sparks concerns
- Bill legalizing self-driving cars clears House committee
Missouri Minute: SSM, UnitedHealthcare reach deal; proposed Ameren line sparks concerns
Thursday's top business headlines
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:14 PM
In today's Missouri Minute:
- SSM, UnitedHealthcare reach insurance deal
- Planned Ameren line sparks concerns
- Bill legalizing self-driving cars clears House committee
- SSM, UnitedHealthcare reach insurance deal
- Planned Ameren line sparks concerns
- Bill legalizing self-driving cars clears House committee
Missouri lawmakers are advancing a slate of health care bills that could reshape everything from provider regulations to patient access across the state. Story via @thebeacon.bsky.social
Changes are coming to Missouri health care as lawmakers push for these bills
Missouri lawmakers are set on health care reform in 2026, from insurance coverage of certain prescriptions to maternal health.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Missouri lawmakers are advancing a slate of health care bills that could reshape everything from provider regulations to patient access across the state. Story via @thebeacon.bsky.social
Thousands of federal jobs are being cut across Missouri, including about 2,800 in Kansas City, raising concerns about ripple effects on the region’s economy and public services.
Trump cut 2,800 federal jobs in Kansas City and thousands more in Missouri and Kansas
The Trump administration upheld its vow to shrink federal jobs, with a 10% reduction in force nationwide.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:32 PM
Thousands of federal jobs are being cut across Missouri, including about 2,800 in Kansas City, raising concerns about ripple effects on the region’s economy and public services.
Efforts to expand Missouri’s private school voucher program face an uphill battle as lawmakers grapple with a tighter state budget and competing funding priorities.
Proposals to expand Missouri private school voucher program meet tight budget
While legislation is under works to expand MOScholars eligibility, a state budget with little excess may cap scholarship availability below demand
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Efforts to expand Missouri’s private school voucher program face an uphill battle as lawmakers grapple with a tighter state budget and competing funding priorities.
Abortion safety arguments took center stage in the second week of Missouri trials, as lawyers and witnesses clashed over medical standards, patient risk and the state’s restrictions.
Abortion safety takes center stage in Missouri trial's second week
Missouri is looking into abortion complications in neighboring states to justify regulations on a reproductive rights amendment that Missourians voted for in 2024.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 21, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Abortion safety arguments took center stage in the second week of Missouri trials, as lawyers and witnesses clashed over medical standards, patient risk and the state’s restrictions.
In today's Missouri Minute:
- State budget chief miscalculates spending plan
- Judge dismisses lawsuit over stadium subsidies
- Technology company to shutter KC facility
- State budget chief miscalculates spending plan
- Judge dismisses lawsuit over stadium subsidies
- Technology company to shutter KC facility
Missouri Minute: State budget chief miscalculates spending plan; judge dismisses stadium lawsuit
Good morning, MBA readers,
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:08 PM
In today's Missouri Minute:
- State budget chief miscalculates spending plan
- Judge dismisses lawsuit over stadium subsidies
- Technology company to shutter KC facility
- State budget chief miscalculates spending plan
- Judge dismisses lawsuit over stadium subsidies
- Technology company to shutter KC facility
Regenerative agriculture is getting a federal boost under the Trump administration, with new funding and policy support aimed at improving soil health and farm sustainability. Story via @kbianews.bsky.social
Regenerative agriculture gets boost from Trump Administration
Through the Regenerative Pilot Program, the USDA plans to allocate $700 million toward helping farmers implement regenerative agriculture methods in 2026.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 20, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Regenerative agriculture is getting a federal boost under the Trump administration, with new funding and policy support aimed at improving soil health and farm sustainability. Story via @kbianews.bsky.social
In today's Missouri Minute:
- US Supreme Court to hear Bayer appeal
- Lawsuit over stadium incentives bill dismissed
- Liberty Electric rate hike request denied
- US Supreme Court to hear Bayer appeal
- Lawsuit over stadium incentives bill dismissed
- Liberty Electric rate hike request denied
Missouri Minute: Supreme Court to hear Bayer appeal; lawsuit over stadium incentives dismissed
Tuesday's top business news
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:03 PM
In today's Missouri Minute:
- US Supreme Court to hear Bayer appeal
- Lawsuit over stadium incentives bill dismissed
- Liberty Electric rate hike request denied
- US Supreme Court to hear Bayer appeal
- Lawsuit over stadium incentives bill dismissed
- Liberty Electric rate hike request denied
Rising insurance premiums are driving fewer people to buy ACA marketplace coverage, raising concerns about affordability and growing gaps in health insurance coverage. Story via @stateline.org
Far fewer people buy Obamacare coverage as insurance premiums spike
The number of people buying health plans on Obamacare insurance marketplaces is down by about 833,000 compared with a year ago, according to federal data.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Rising insurance premiums are driving fewer people to buy ACA marketplace coverage, raising concerns about affordability and growing gaps in health insurance coverage. Story via @stateline.org
Saint Louis University is rolling out free tuition for incoming freshmen from low-income households, aiming to expand access to higher education and ease affordability concerns. Story via @stlpublicradio.bsky.social
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Saint Louis University is rolling out free tuition for incoming freshmen from low-income households, aiming to expand access to higher education and ease affordability concerns. Story via @stlpublicradio.bsky.social
Developers are pitching a new vision for Kansas City’s historic Armory as part of a $3B tech hub, paired with a massive nearby data center. The proposal promises jobs and investment, but raises fresh questions about energy use and community impact. Story via @stlpublicradio.bsky.social
New plan: Armory to be $3B tech hub with nearby large data center
Under the new plan, the Armory building will become office space, while a data center will be built at the adjacent Macy’s/Famous-Barr warehouse property.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Developers are pitching a new vision for Kansas City’s historic Armory as part of a $3B tech hub, paired with a massive nearby data center. The proposal promises jobs and investment, but raises fresh questions about energy use and community impact. Story via @stlpublicradio.bsky.social
A new campaign aims to draw visitors to Columbia as the 2026 World Cup approaches, spotlighting local food, arts and outdoor attractions. Leaders hope the global event will deliver a tourism boost even outside host cities. Story via @comissourian.bsky.social
Kick it in CoMo campaign promotes area ahead of World Cup
The Kick it in CoMo campaign is designed to welcome both domestic and international visitors hoping to travel to Kansas City to root for their teams.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM
A new campaign aims to draw visitors to Columbia as the 2026 World Cup approaches, spotlighting local food, arts and outdoor attractions. Leaders hope the global event will deliver a tourism boost even outside host cities. Story via @comissourian.bsky.social
Missouri Republicans want voters to decide whether Medicaid work requirements should be written into the state constitution. Supporters say it promotes employment but critics warn it could strip coverage from thousands.
Republicans push to put Medicaid work requirements into Missouri constitution
Adding Medicaid work requirements into the Missouri constitution would make it more difficult for the state to reverse federal restrictions on eligibility.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 19, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Missouri Republicans want voters to decide whether Medicaid work requirements should be written into the state constitution. Supporters say it promotes employment but critics warn it could strip coverage from thousands.
A long-vacant Kansas City Star building is being transformed into a data center as city leaders debate tighter rules on data centers. Story via @kcur.org
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:15 PM
A long-vacant Kansas City Star building is being transformed into a data center as city leaders debate tighter rules on data centers. Story via @kcur.org
For the first time, Missouri will need to use state general revenue to help fund Medicaid expansion, as federal support and dedicated funding sources fall short.
State general revenue needed for first time to fund Missouri Medicaid expansion
It marks the first time that the state's general revenue fund will be needed for Medicaid expansions as federal and COVID-era aid run out.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 16, 2026 at 8:30 PM
For the first time, Missouri will need to use state general revenue to help fund Medicaid expansion, as federal support and dedicated funding sources fall short.
Jackson County could be on the verge of a historic split. A new proposal would divide Missouri’s second-largest county, something that hasn’t happened anywhere in the state in 150 years. Story via @thebeacon.bsky.social
Under new proposal, Jackson County could be first Missouri county to be split in 150 years
If passed by the Missouri General Assembly and approved by voters, Jackson County would be split from Kansas City.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Jackson County could be on the verge of a historic split. A new proposal would divide Missouri’s second-largest county, something that hasn’t happened anywhere in the state in 150 years. Story via @thebeacon.bsky.social
A Quirk Hard Seltzer inspired by the Missouri Tigers, "Tiger Paw Punch," will come to shelves and taps across the state throughout January. Story via @comissourian.bsky.social
Missouri Tigers-themed hard seltzer to be released this month
The mango and tropical fruit flavored seltzer is the result of a partnership between Mizzou Athletics and Boulevard Brewing Co.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:30 PM
A Quirk Hard Seltzer inspired by the Missouri Tigers, "Tiger Paw Punch," will come to shelves and taps across the state throughout January. Story via @comissourian.bsky.social
In today's Missouri Minute:
- US unemployment aid claims continue to fall
- Hemp regulation 'a priority' for state legislature in 2026
- Kansas City data center gets clean energy loan
- US unemployment aid claims continue to fall
- Hemp regulation 'a priority' for state legislature in 2026
- Kansas City data center gets clean energy loan
Missouri Minute: US unemployment claims continue to fall; state lawmakers target hemp regulations
Good morning, MBA readers,
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:55 PM
In today's Missouri Minute:
- US unemployment aid claims continue to fall
- Hemp regulation 'a priority' for state legislature in 2026
- Kansas City data center gets clean energy loan
- US unemployment aid claims continue to fall
- Hemp regulation 'a priority' for state legislature in 2026
- Kansas City data center gets clean energy loan
Federal child care payments have been restored after a temporary freeze, easing fears about closures and disruptions for families. Story via @kcur.org
Missouri child care funding has been restored after Trump administration froze payments
Educators say the freeze put smaller child care providers in a "heartbreaking" situation.
www.missouribusinessalert.com
January 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Federal child care payments have been restored after a temporary freeze, easing fears about closures and disruptions for families. Story via @kcur.org