Employment

GM Fairfax Reopening June 1, Following Ford

Ford's plant in Claycomo reopened yesterday, and across the state line, GM's Fairfax plant is set to open its doors again on June 1. Both have been closed since March. The facilities will have social distancing, face masks, and temperature… more

Denials Create Concerns for Both Insurers, Insured

The arrival and spread of COVID-19 has had significant and far-reaching social and economic impacts on individuals and businesses throughout the United States. To curtail the spread of the virus, local and state authorities across the country issued orders effectively… more

Retail Getting Clobbered

Retail sales beat another unfortunate record in April, with sales falling a record 16.4 percent from the previous month. The March decrease of 8.3 percent was already the biggest decline on record, according to data tracked by the U.S. Census… more

Loews Delays Opening Until June 1

Loews Kansas City Hotel will now open on June 1, following original plans to open last month, due to concerns about COVID-19. “While our opening plans look a bit different than we had originally anticipated, there is no better time… more

Theme Parks, Like Worlds of Fun, Face Changes

Theme parks, such as Kansas City's Worlds of Fun, will not be be running in business-as-usual mode when they start to re-open, due to social distancing requirements that will change the capacities of rides. For its part, Worlds of Fun… more

GSEs Change Standards for Mortgage Borrowers

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are offering new deferral options for mortgage payments. The deferral option starts on July 1, reports the American Bankers Association. Borrowers will reportedly have a variety of mortgage-payment options, says the American Bankers Association. Read… more

Slow Awakening From COVID-19 Lockdowns

April was a peak for China’s coronavirus lockdowns, not just in the US, but also worldwide. With lockdowns somewhat easing in May, a limited rebound is already underway. However. it will be at least another week or two before we… more

Q&A With … Dave Toland, KS Department of Commerce

Dave Toland is the Kansas Secretary of Commerce. Q. We've heard about national, and international issues with the supply chain. How is KS specifically impacted and are there any differences? A. Factory production disruptions due to COVID-19 related shutdowns have… more

COVID-19 Testing Improves in Missouri

COVID-19 testing is increasing in Missouri, according to Missouri Gov. Mike Parson. About 60,000 tests could be performed in Missouri each week if needed, now, he said in his daily news brief. “One of our primary focuses during this pandemic… more

Another 3 Million File for Unemployment

The unemployment picture doesn't seem like it will change in a significant way any time soon. For the week ended May 9, just under three million filed for unemployment insurance, reported the U.S. Department of Labor, following the prior week's… more