National News

Senate Passes New Aid Bill For Small Business

The U.S. Senate has passed a bill that would give another $484 billion to small businesses and hospitals. It's a move that was partially pushed by the Small Business Administration last week running out of $350 billion in funds that… more

Net Lease Transactions Rise in Q1

Net lease transaction volume nationally for the year's first quarter were up during the first quarter, but that was before the major pain from COVID-19 hit the commercial real estate market. Transaction growth was on pace with 2019 volumes, which… more

Independent Mortgage Banks Had Strong ’19

Independent mortgage banks and mortgage subsidiaries of chartered banks saw their a major year-over-year bump in profit on each loan originated, according to the Mortgage Bakers Assication. The jump in profit rose to $1,470 on each loan from $367 the… more

Home Prices Up As Supply Plunges

Median home prices rose in the United States in March by 7.7 percent year over year, but for-sales listing plunged from a year ago, according to Redfin. Listings were especially lower year over year in the Kansas City area, which… more

Oil Trades at Lowest Rates in History

The oil industry is among those feeling pain due to COVID-19, and futures prices have dropped to below zero for the first time ever in history. The West Texas Intermediate fell to negative $37.63 per barrel for May, which means… more

Restaurant Industry Seeks Bailout From Congress

The restaurant industry has had widespread strife since stay-at-home orders were put into place in states across the country, and now the National Restaurant Association (NRA) lobbying group is asking Congress for funding. The group is reportedly asking Congress for… more

Cheesecake Factory Getting $200M Cash Infusion

Restaurant chain The Cheesecake Factory, with two prominent area locations, has received $200 million in financing from a private investment group. The company, based in California, has locations in the Country Club Plaza, as well as one on 119th Street… more

Tallgrass Shareholders Approve $4B Buyout

One of the biggest deals of 2019 has closed. Shareholders of Leawood-based Tallgrass Energy, LP, have approved the $4-billion sale of the company to private-equity giant Blackstone, Spain-based energy corporation Enagas and other interests. The investors paid $22.45 each for… more

$450B More Might be On the Way for Small Businesses

There might be $450 million more on the way for small-business and hospital relief if the measure is approved by Congress. The Senate is scheduled to meet today, and the House could vote as early as Wednesday, according to an… more

KC Southern Posts Record Q1 Revenues

Kansas City Southern had some good news during COVID-19 times. The railroad transportation-holding company reported record revenues of $731.7 million, up eight percent year over year. The gains were led by and 18 percent increase in chemical and petroleum shipments,… more