Mar 04 2025 2 mins
Missouri is experiencing significant developments across various sectors in early 2025. A winter storm watch has been issued for parts of the state, with blizzard conditions possible in Manhattan, Wamego, Holton, and Hiawatha starting Tuesday evening[1]. Eastern Kansas is under a high wind watch, with forecasters predicting strong northwest winds that could lead to power outages and difficult travel conditions[1].
In political news, Republican Senator Roger Marshall faced a rowdy crowd at a town hall meeting in Oakley, western Kansas. The meeting, which covered topics ranging from the Ukraine war to budget cuts, ended early as the crowd booed and interrupted the senator[1]. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are considering a bill that would block non-citizens from accessing certain benefits, including in-state tuition[1].
On the economic front, Missouri is seeing substantial investments. IKO, a global leader in roofing and waterproofing products, is investing over $120 million in a new granule facility in Bismarck, expected to create over 50 new jobs[8]. Additionally, OpenStore is opening its first-ever fulfillment center in Kansas City, representing a $5 million investment and expected to bring 46 new jobs and $2 million in payroll to the region[8].
In sports-related news, Missouri lawmakers are working on a deal to provide tax incentives to keep the Chiefs and Royals in the state. A new Senate bill would set terms for the state to contribute up to $100 million in tax incentives for new sports stadiums[1].
Environmental concerns persist as the Missouri River Basin continues to experience drought conditions. The Climate Prediction Center favors drought persistence in January 2025, with below-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation expected[4]. This could impact spring-planted crops and forage green-up.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Missouri Legislative Session will continue through May 16, addressing critical bills related to investment policies and retirement limits[3]. The opening of OpenStore's fulfillment center in Kansas City is anticipated to boost the local economy. Additionally, the ongoing drought in the Missouri River Basin will remain a concern, potentially affecting agriculture and natural resources in the coming months.
In political news, Republican Senator Roger Marshall faced a rowdy crowd at a town hall meeting in Oakley, western Kansas. The meeting, which covered topics ranging from the Ukraine war to budget cuts, ended early as the crowd booed and interrupted the senator[1]. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are considering a bill that would block non-citizens from accessing certain benefits, including in-state tuition[1].
On the economic front, Missouri is seeing substantial investments. IKO, a global leader in roofing and waterproofing products, is investing over $120 million in a new granule facility in Bismarck, expected to create over 50 new jobs[8]. Additionally, OpenStore is opening its first-ever fulfillment center in Kansas City, representing a $5 million investment and expected to bring 46 new jobs and $2 million in payroll to the region[8].
In sports-related news, Missouri lawmakers are working on a deal to provide tax incentives to keep the Chiefs and Royals in the state. A new Senate bill would set terms for the state to contribute up to $100 million in tax incentives for new sports stadiums[1].
Environmental concerns persist as the Missouri River Basin continues to experience drought conditions. The Climate Prediction Center favors drought persistence in January 2025, with below-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation expected[4]. This could impact spring-planted crops and forage green-up.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Missouri Legislative Session will continue through May 16, addressing critical bills related to investment policies and retirement limits[3]. The opening of OpenStore's fulfillment center in Kansas City is anticipated to boost the local economy. Additionally, the ongoing drought in the Missouri River Basin will remain a concern, potentially affecting agriculture and natural resources in the coming months.