Local News

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

J. C. Penney Closing 30 Percent of Stores

In another blow to the retail real estate industry, retailer JCPenney plans to pare back its store count by 30 percent, or 240 stores. It will leave it with about 600 total stores. The company, which operates seven stores and… more

Construction Industry Lost 975,000K Jobs Last Month

April's unemployment rate hit a dismal 14.7 percent, and the construction industry was no different. It lost 975,000 jobs over the month, in an industry that was having trouble finding workers before COVID-19 hit. Though other industries faced a tougher… more

Home Builders Confident Despite Starts Drop

Though the number of homes being built are lat their lowest levels since 2015, home builders are confident about the future, according to a National Association of Home Builders report. Total housing starts dropped 30.2 percent in April to a… more

Q&A With … Mike Boehm, City of Lenexa

Mike Boehm is the major of the City of Lenexa, which has seen major construction growth over the the last few years. Q. Have you seen any delay in the construction of City Center as a result of COVID-19? A.… more

SelectQuote Readies IPO

Online insurance broker SelectQuote, which is based in Overland Park, is preparing for an IPO to raise $475 million with a stock price in the range of $17 to $19. MarketWatch reports it could place the value of the company… more

CrossFirst’s Maddox Promoted

Mike Maddox will become president and chief executive officer officer of the CrossFirst Bankshares holding company starting on June 1. He is currently in those roles at  Leawood-based CrossFirst Bank. Maddox, who has been president of the bank since 2008,… more

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

Mayor Lucas Asks Jackson County for K.C. CARES Funds

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas is asking for $54.5 million in CARES Act funding from Jackson County officials for the city. The request comes after the county was allocated $123 million and is based on the percentage of Kansas City… more

Restaurant Industry Wants More Time for PPP Loans

Leaders in the restaurant industry want more time to spend PPP loans, increasing that window from eight to 24 weeks. They met with President Donald Trump and said that they were concerned about various social distancing rules in states and… more