Business and Government


October Mid-America Index expands to highest level in 16 years

October survey highlights include: The regional Business Conditions Index expanded to its highest level in 16 years. Almost 78.6% of supply managers reported shortages of qualified workers to fill open positions at their firms in October. Very strong export and… more

Missouri expected to have record-high voter turnout

This year, Missouri election officials are predicting the state’s largest voter turnout in decades. Local election jurisdictions are expecting more than 3.2 million people to cast ballots in Tuesday’s general election, according to figures provided by the secretary of state’s… more

Parent company of Oak Park Mall files for bankruptcy

Two owners of a combined 130 or so malls across the US have filed for bankruptcy, including CBL Properties, owner of Oak Park Mall located in the Kansas City metro. CBL Properties and PREIT filed for Chapter 11 on Sunday… more

Coping with COVID: Online dashboard launches to show how COVID-19 funds are spent in Kansas

The launch of a new online investment dashboard now allows individuals to look at how COVID-19 funds are being spent in the state. Just over $1 billion in federal CARES Act investments were approved by the Governor’s SPARK taskforce and… more

Kansas October tax revenues surpass estimate

The State of Kansas continues to see revenue growth over the same month of the last fiscal year. October’s total tax receipts were $596.6 million, an 11.7 percent or $62.6 million increase over the estimate. That is 7.9 percent, or… more

Former Cushing Hospital in Leavenworth donated to county by health system

The building that housed Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital is no longer receiving patients, though its recent donation by Saint Luke’s Health System will help keep it running. On Wednesday, October 28, the Leavenworth County Board of County Commissioners formally accepted… more

Council signs off on new city manager

The Mayor and City Council have hired a new City Manager. Brian Platt will become the 17th City Manager in Kansas City’s history. Resolution 200933 states that Mr. Platt is "to begin serving as such no later than January 4, 2021, contingent… more

Clay County requests deadline extension for submission of paperwork to state auditor

Officials in Clay County have asked a circuit court to extend the deadline for when the county has to submit documents requested through a subpoena by Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway's office. On Monday, the Clay County Circuit Court ruled the county… more

Coping with COVID: Kansas to invest millions more in small businesses and COVID-19 testing

Kansas' State Finance Council unanimously approved investing up to $45 million more in COVID-19 testing across Kansas and to provide $20 million more for small businesses. The $65 million approved today is from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which is part… more

Missouri noted among best state governments for efficient data and technology use

Missouri has been recognized as a national leader in digital technology best practices, according to a released 2020 Digital States Survey from the Center for Digital Government (CDG). The CDG is a national advisory and research institute on information technology policies… more