Economy

An Associated Press-Viacom poll found a majority of respondents believe they will face future financial hardships, but 90 percent think they will find happiness in their careers.

Americans are starting to spend more, but economists say stagnant wages and steeply rising food and gas prices could curtail their consumerism.

A temporary federal spending measure expires at midnight Friday. A government shutdown would furlough workers considered nonessential, while essential workers would stay on the job.

Republicans are seeking a one-week extension of the funding bill. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says the main issues holding up the bill are reproductive rights and clean air.

The legislation reduces the franchise tax rate over five years until it is repealed in 2016.

The U.S. has outperformed other Group of 7 countries in terms of economic growth but is creating fewer jobs.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Missouri ranks third in the nation based on economic effects of forestry. Most of the state's sawmills are located in the south-central region.

The program has lent more than $550 million and affected nearly 9,000 jobs and farmers in the past two years.

A bill to end unions' collective bargaining in Missouri and begin 'right to work' has made it to the Senate floor. The bill faces oppositions from unions who say the bill will weaken unions.

Workers' compensation recipients could choose their own medical provider after on-the-job injuries to diagnose whether an injury is job-related or pre-existing.

The U.S. Agriculture Department reported Thursday that there will be more soybeans and corn left over from this year's harvest than initially predicted.

Libya sits on the largest oil reserves in Africa, and the crisis has caused gas prices to jump an average of 39 cents per gallon since mid-February.

The rise in cost comes as the country's unemployment rate has lowered, indicating that more people are driving to work as pump prices soar.

Crisis and uncertainty in the Middle East continue to impact the price and production of world oil supplies.

Mayor Bob McDavid hopes to purchase the Columbia Energy Center to ensure a stable source of power owned by the city.

Interim UM System President Steve Owens brings legal experience and a love of MU to the office he inherited after President Gary Forsee stepped down in December.

Rising farm profits are expected to fuel continued growth for the company throughout 2011.

The number of older inmates in Missouri's prisons has nearly tripled over the past decade, further straining an already strapped state budget. Some state officials wonder if there's a better way.

The UM System was happy the governor tried to limit cuts but is still concerned about its budget future.

Luxury spending rose 8.5 percent from Nov. 28 to Jan. 1 over the same period last year.