Local News

Projections See Worse May Unemployment

The forecasts coming in for May unemployment are grim, with economists saying that an additional 10.3 million jobs could be lost in May, on top of the 20.3 million in April. "It is looking like May is shaping up to… 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

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

Report: Earlier Social Distancing Could Have Save Thousands

A new Columbia University report says that tens of thousands of lives would have been saved if social-distancing measures would have been put in place more quickly in the United States. If the measures were put in place one week… 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

Target Sales Jump in First Quarter

Retailer Target Corp. saw sales rise 10.8 percent year over year during the first quarter as shoppers flocked its stores and website at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. Digital sales skyrocketed 141 percent year over year, while store sales… 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

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

Jobless Claims Dip, but Picture Far From Pretty

Just more than 2.4 million filed unemployment claims during the week ended May 16, which was an improvement of 249,000 from the prior week, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. However, with that addition there have been about 39… more