Business and Government


Congress Aims for Small-Business Aid

Congress is meeting for a two-day session to discuss changes to Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses. The proposed legislation would give small businesses more time to use federal subsides for payrolls and other business costs. Senate Majority Leader… more

Bills Are the Biggest Spend for Stimulus

The number one item that people are spending their stimulus checks on is bills, despite the run-up of shopping at various mass-merchandise retailers. About 30 percent of those receiving checks spent them on bills, according to a recent survey. Read… more

Gov. Kelly Faces Lawsuit Bill

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has a bill in front of her driven by the state's chamber of commerce that would restrict lawsuits against businesses due to COVID-19 concerns. A bill was passed by the Kansas Legislature on Friday, and the… more

KC City Council Allows Outdoor Dining

The city council in Kansas City has passed ordinances that will allow outdoor dining throughout the city. Restaurants will be able to apply for permits to have sidewalk seating, and unused parking lots can also be used to serve customers… more

JoCo Increases Drive-Thru Testing

Johnson County, Kan., has upped its drive-thru testing capabilities for COVID-19 tests, increasing the number of daily capability from 60 to 90. The tests, which are done by appointment, are administered for free to residents over 18 at the Johnson… more

Most Small Businesses Want PPP Loans Forgiven

About 80 percent of small businesses that are members of the National Federation of Independent Businesses have applied for SBA loans, and 54 percent are hoping for them to be forgiven, according to a recent survey. “Small businesses continue to… more

Fed Voices Extreme Economic Uncertainty

Federal Reserve leaders are worried about a continued spike in COVID-19 cases that could impact the economy longer term, even though locales are reopening for business. The Fed, which has cut interest rates near zero, sees potential major economic further than… more

Mayor Lucas Requests Accelerated Jackson County Funding

A few days after meeting with the Jackson County Legislature requesting $54.5 million in CARES Act funding, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas wants to see about half of those funds expedited. In a letter to the legislature, he asked for… more

Gov. Parson Wants 7,500 Tested Per Day

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said he would like to see COVID-19 testing increased to 7,500 per day, an increase of 60 percent from last week's average. The push comes as Missouri is reportedly ranked 41st out of 50 states in… more

CDC Releases Reopening Guidelines

Increased COVID-19 testing is stressed in a new Centers for Disease report on how the country should reopen in the wake of the virus' spread across the a nation. Based on the results of the testing, coupled with the efforts… more