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Economy

U.S. Treasury data shows PPP loans have saved millions of jobs

After billions in U.S. money was distributed to businesses in every state, a question being asked is was all that funding effective?  According to recent data released by the U.S. Treasury Department, the answer is yes. Data collected by the… more

Blackstone Group Inc. and Global Infrastructure Partners consider buying Kansas City Southern

In a continuously changing business landscape, many companies and operations in the U.S. and abroad were hit hard by the coronavirus’ impact on business, including the local, long-standing Kansas City Southern. Reports have spread that two private equity firms, Blackstone… more

Mid-America index highest since March 2019, employment losses continue

OMAHA, Neb. – The July Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota to Arkansas, advanced above growth neutral and to its best level since March 2019.          Overall index: After… more

Pandemic wipes out five years of economic growth in three months

AXIOS - The economic decline between April and June caused by the coronavirus pandemic brought the U.S. GDP back to levels last seen in 2015, according to data released Thursday. Why it matters: While we fell into the hole swiftly,… more

Kansas region of the metro out-measures performance on Missouri side

A deeper look into the economic performance of the bi-state region of Kansas City shows that currently, the strength of the city is largely due to the Kansas portion of the metro. The heart of Kansas City sits on the… more

U.S. economy shrinks at record annual rate in second quarter

Knowing it was coming did little to prevent raised eyebrows down today, as the Commerce Department released its preliminary report showing real gross domestic product decreased at a record annual rate of 32.9 percent in the second quarter of 2020. That… more

More aid to arrive with $1,200 stimulus checks expected in August

WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Saturday that Republicans were set to roll out the next COVID-19 aid package Monday and assured there was backing from the White House after he and President Donald Trump's top aide met to salvage… more

In a Nutshell by Ken Herman

Optimism among investors historically grows after the 4th of July holiday.  The last two weeks of July are typically positive for stock markets, normally driven by positive earnings announcements. The Street has already observed that the analyst community was too… more

Chewy, Inc. expanding with new location in Belton, Mo.

Looking to expand operations, Chewy, Inc., an online retailer offering pet products, supplies and prescriptions, has chosen Belton, Mo. as the newest location for expansion. The dual-headquartered company plans to bring roughly 1,200 new jobs to the Kansas City area… more

Small businesses, family-owned farms, manufacturers in Missouri offered grants for PPE

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) is offering grants for small businesses and family-owned farms impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, as well manufacturers using their facilities to produce personal protective equipment. The Small Business and Family-Owned Farm Grant Program,… more