Regional News

Kansas October jobs rise, unemployment rate dips

Work force data from Kansas shows that for the month of October, the state made gradual improvement from the month prior with an increase in available jobs and a decrease in the unemployment rate from the month prior. Preliminary estimates… more

New MCC facility to deliver skill, trade programs

Metropolitan Community College will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 2, for its new MCC-Blue River East building, just east of the main Blue River campus on 78 Highway in Independence. The 12:30 p.m. ceremony will be held in person for a limited… more

Stormont Vail seeks emergency staffing, resources from state

Topeka’s Stormont Vail said they have requested emergency staffing assistance from the state, as the surge in COVID-19 cases in the community continues to impact its health care workers. Matt Lara, Public Relations Specialist for the hospital said, “Stormont Vail… more

Kansas small businesses receive CARES Act boost

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced $38.5 million in CARES Act funding for small businesses and to slow the spread of COVID-19 on Friday. The funding was approved by the State Finance Council. Of the total, $20 million will be available… more

Kansas’ Council on Tax Reform duration extended by governor

Gov. Laura Kelly says she will be extending the duration of the Governor’s Council on Tax Reform. She said the COVID-19 crisis has not only impacted state healthcare systems but has also impacted the state budget. Kelly said following the… more

Coping with COVID: TMC/ University Health among first in metro to use FDA-approved COVID-19 drug

Truman Medical Center/University Health has confirmed that's it among the first health care providers in the Kansas City area to administer bamlanivimab. Authorization for the drug was approved for those with a mild to moderate case of COVID-19 and aims… more

Missouri state of emergency extended through March

For the rest of November and the next four months, Missouri's state of emergency will remain in effect. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed an executive order Thursday in response to a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the state… more

Rural Mainstreet Index displays first drop since April

This month, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) witnessed a drop – the first in months since April 2020. A Thursday report released by Creighton University’s Heider College of Business broke down the report for each of the 10 states… more

Missouri department recommends rate increase for workers’ compensation

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance is recommending a 1.0 percent increase in workers’ compensation insurance loss costs for 2021. This marks the first time in six years that average workers’ compensation rates will increase. This slight increase is… more

Missouri October labor market levels show mixed results

Missouri's labor market for the month of October highlighted improvements, while also serving as a reminder that there is much ground to regain following the initial impact of COVID-19. The Missouri labor market showed mixed results in October 2020. Employment,… more