COVID-19

Consumer spending up nationwide

Following a weeks-long dry spell in spending, the U.S. saw consumers increase their spending by a record 8.2% in May, partly erasing huge plunges the previous two months, according to reporting by the Associated Press. The consumer spending rebound followed… more

Coping with COVID: Record new cases for Kansas City metro and U.S.

Kansas City and the surrounding area saw the largest increase in recorded COVID-19 cases for the second day in a row on Thursday, recording just over 200 new cases.           A total of 227 new cases were reported by the end… more

Comparing COVID-19 and the Great Recession

The economic downturn the U.S. is seeing today as a result of COVID-19 is beginning to pan out for many much like the Great Recession in 2008 did. Although many comparisons can be made, one difference shown in the data… more

List released of distressed or underserved areas

At a time when many communities across the U.S. are suffering from the financial effects of COVID-19, the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency provide the updated list of… more

Coping with COVID: Regional update

The two largest metropolitan areas in Missouri are now part of a wave of COVID-19 cases that have surged nationwide over the past week, with Kansas City and St. Louis seeing new diagnoses at rates not recorded since the previous… more

Jobless claims continue their decrease

Data for seasonally adjusted unemployment insurance claims show that in the week ending June 20, the advance figure for adjusted initial claims had lowered over the course of a week. Claim figures showed 1,480,000, a decrease of 60,000 from the… more

In a Nutshell by Ken Herman

The headlines that everyone feared crossed the tape in the middle of last week, when it was reported that a resurgence of COVID-19 cases was hitting Texas, Arizona, Florida, and California. That unwelcome news offered a motive for some aggressive… more

Virus spikes show increased need for caution, Fauci says

The next few weeks are critical to tamping down a disturbing coronavirus surge, Dr. Anthony Fauci told Congress on Tuesday — issuing a plea for people to avoid crowds and wear masks just hours before mask-shunning President Donald Trump was… more

Clay County Health Center begins HIPAA investigation due to anonymous tip

An individual sent a tip to KMBC 9 showing a list of personal information from the Clay County Public Health Centers dashboard. The list showed individuals who tested positive for COVID-19, with at least 16 cases from the Pleasant Valley… more

NFL and MLB announce season plans for 2020, K-State announces 14-day suspension

Major League Baseball and the National Football League have either already announced or are beginning to announce upcoming season plans for 2020. According to USA Today, Major League baseball owners and Commissioner Rob Manfred have worked out plans for a… more