A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to pay roughly $9 billion for a full month of SNAP benefits by the next day after the administration failed to release funds by a Wednesday deadline.

This week's episode of Business Brief examines the economic impact of an artificial intelligence data center coming to Kansas City. Then, a researcher discusses the factors driving a projected increase in Missouri's net farming income.

While food stamps remain frozen due to the government shutdown, some mid-Missouri businesses are stepping up to help families, offering free food options for people in need. Story via KOMU 8

Lambda, a company devoted to providing hardware and software services for artificial intelligence, recently announced a plan to turn an unused facility in Kansas City into a “state-of-the-art” AI factory. Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe celebrated the move.

A new report from the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center anticipates a 58% increase in net farm income from 2024 due to a rise in livestock receipts and government payments.

Farming is risky business, and crop insurance helps keep farmers paid when something goes wrong. For some, crop insurance is their backup plan. However, not all farms enjoy equal protection. Story via @kbianews.bsky.social

Young homebuyers have been priced out of the market even more than previously, according to a new report. The median age of first-time homebuyers has now risen to 40, and the market is dominated by older, repeat buyers. Story via @stateline.org

After months, China has agreed to buy 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans this year, less than half of what the country usually purchases. Meanwhile, many U.S. farmers wait for better prices or sell their soybeans domestically. Story via @stlpublicradio.bsky.social

In today's Missouri Minute: - Judge orders Trump to fund November SNAP benefits - Flight cuts could affect local airports - Kaldi's Coffee workers move to unionize

The Federal Reserve Bank cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point last week in hopes of strengthening a slowing job market. The decision from Washington will be felt across the economy — including on the farm in Missouri.

In the Beige Book report released on Oct. 15, the Federal Reserve reported that overall economic activity showed little change compared to the previous report. Three Missouri districts reported slight increases in economic activity.

In today's Missouri Minute: - Four-day school week approved in two districts - St. Louis airport director to retire - St. Louis seeks damage information six months after tornado

Here are today's wise words from Pizza Tree, Whitt EDF and Girls on the Run: https://www.missouribusinessalert.com/series/meet-the-recipients-of-the-2025-kindness-in-business-awards/article_e4a96951-1a00-4b3a-b4eb-35393ad8ebf0.html  #kindnessincomo

The Metropolitan Organization Countering Sexual Assault is doing 200 trainings for bar and restaurant workers ahead of the World Cup, focusing on how employees can divert what they think may become a dangerous situation. Story via @kcur.org

A report released Tuesday finds “persistent dissatisfaction” among St. Louis’ employees with their pay and other parts of working for the city like benefits and the general human resources structure. Story via @stlpublicradio.bsky.social

On Dec. 1, Missourians will officially be able to start placing sports bets. A variety of nine sportsbooks with different experiences and promotions have already received temporary licences. Story via @comissourian.bsky.social

In the absence of much federal action, states have enacted dozens of laws this year to lower prescription drug costs for their residents — and many more are considering following suit. Story via @stateline.org

Hear from Maid EZ Cleaning, Love Coffee and Foresters Financial on what kindness means to them: https://www.missouribusinessalert.com/series/meet-the-recipients-of-the-2025-kindness-in-business-awards/article_e4a96951-1a00-4b3a-b4eb-35393ad8ebf0.html #kindnessincomo

In today's Missouri Minute: - Government shutdown matches record length - US Steel details plans for facility upgrades - Boeing faces more pressure over St. Louis strike

Under the Trump administration, scientific research funding has been cut significantly. Scientists at the University of Kansas Cancer Center warn these cuts will seriously inhibit research into diseases and their cures. Story via @thebeacon.bsky.social

Read more about how this year’s Kindness in Business honorees work to exhibit kindness at https://www.missouribusinessalert.com/series/meet-the-recipients-of-the-2025-kindness-in-business-awards/article_e4a96951-1a00-4b3a-b4eb-35393ad8ebf0.html  #kindnessincomo

In today's Missouri Minute: - USDA to pay partial November SNAP benefits - BJC to accept UnitedHealthcare individual insurance plans - Jefferson County eyes new airport

Most individual health insurance plans sold in Missouri will increase in price next year even as customers prepare to dig deeper into their own funds to replace costs previously covered by federal tax credits.

More than a dozen people spoke against Ameren’s proposed natural gas plant and battery storage facility in Jefferson City at a virtual hearing before Missouri’s Public Service Commission on Thursday night. Story via @stlpublicradio.bsky.social

Missouri Business Alert and Children's Grove are thrilled to announce the honorees of the 2025 Kindness in Business Awards: https://www.missouribusinessalert.com/series/meet-the-recipients-of-the-2025-kindness-in-business-awards/article_e4a96951-1a00-4b3a-b4eb-35393ad8ebf0.html #kindnessincomo

A ruling issued from a Cole County judge on Oct. 23 states that administrative law judges, who work in the Division of Workers’ Compensation, are not entitled to any more job or pay protections than any other state employee.

Southern rust, a corn disease that can reduce nutrients and digestibility for silage, has been found in 25 Missouri counties and raises concerns for the dairy industry, as it relies heavily on corn silage to feed cattle.

The latest episode of Business Brief examines how last week's interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve Bank may help Missouri's farmers.

In today's Missouri Minute: - Federal judges block Trump from pausing SNAP benefits - Anheuser-Busch janitors rally for better benefits - St. Louis citizens oppose new Ameren gas plant site

Join @mobusinessalert.bsky.social and Children's Grove tomorrow as we unveil the honorees for this year's Kindness in Business Awards! #kindnessincomo

This week's episode of Business Brief features reporting about the hit Netflix film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" and the opportunities it has presented for both commerce and celebration of Korean culture in the movie. Hear more on our website.

Designed to keep patients safe, the rules on how nurse practitioners can see patients in Missouri are meticulous. However, nurses argue they are a roadblock to Missourians’ access to primary care or mental health providers. Story via @thebeacon.bsky.social

Gov. Mike Kehoe has ordered a $5 million distribution to Missouri food banks using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding, which is usually used later in the fiscal year, as support due to the loss of SNAP benefits. Story via @comissourian.bsky.social

"KPop Demon Hunters" is the most popular Netflix film to date. Its popularity has inspired Missouri businesses to court fans by hosting themed events and performances, which experts said is a smart business move given the film's family-friendly nature.

With the end of spooky season here, Halloween spending is expected to reach record levels this year despite tariff concerns.

In today's Missouri Minute: - St. Louis invests in winter sheltering - Michelob Ultra tops beer industry sales - Fiserv moves forward on Overland Park employee hub

Women, Infants and Children benefits will be available for redemption in Missouri into the month of November, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Story via KOMU

President Trump has ended several programs that allowed immigrants to work in the country legally, creating labor issues across the agriculture sector, including for farmers. Story via @investigatemidwest.bsky.social

More than 40,000 workers in Kansas City work in the occupations most susceptible to AI automation. Jobs have started disappearing as such automation and AI-assisted work have increased productivity, and workers are needing to adapt. Story via @thebeacon.bsky.social

Halloween spending is predicted to reach $13.1 billion nationally this year, topping last year’s spending by $1.5 billion and breaking the previous record of $12.2 billion set in 2023, according to the National Retail Federation.

In today's Missouri Minute: - Trump says US will reduce China tariffs - State WIC benefits will be available in November - Centene stock jumps 10%

As the government shutdown drags on, and families who rely on SNAP benefits wait, food pantries across Missouri are confronting how to make up for the potential loss of a key pillar of food security in their communities.

Missouri is the first state in the nation to tax income but not capital gains after the state legislature eliminated the state’s capital gains tax during the 2025 session, which will overwhelmingly benefit the state’s millionaires. Story via @thebeacon.bsky.social

Prices for chocolate Halloween candy are up 22% since last year due to reduced cocoa crops in West Africa. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend a record $13 billion this year on Halloween. Story via KOMU

In today's Missouri Minute: - US, China seek trade deal - Boeing rejects counteroffer from striking machinists - Rate cut expected as Fed meeting concludes Wednesday

A recent study on THC beverages found the industry could reach $75.4 million in annual sales in Missouri, a state where the product faces attacks from law enforcement, state legislators and local governments despite being legal. Story via @missouriindependent.com

New research suggests cities could significantly reduce child poverty with municipal child tax credit programs. Researchers say this assistance could boost household finances and increase local tax revenue. Story via @stateline.org

St. Louis-area machinists on Sunday voted 51% to 49% against a modified contract after striking for three months over what the union said have been “insulting” proposals from Boeing. Story via @stlpublicradio.bsky.social

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday the agency’s contingency fund cannot legally be used to provide SNAP benefits for more than 42 million people in November, as the government shutdown drags on. Story via @stateline.org

Local cattle farmers are worried by President Donald Trump’s plan to increase imports of beef from foreign countries, namely Argentina, fearing that business for American cattle farmers will decrease. Story via @kbianews.bsky.social