National

National Institutes of Health to study reactions to vaccine

In the last two weeks, there have been about eight allergic reactions to the Covid-19 vaccine, and the National Institutes of Health is devising a study to find out why.  Six cases of anaphylaxis has been identified in the United… more

Jobless benefit applications remain stubbornly high

For the first time this month, the number of applications for unemployment benefits dropped nationwide. Last week, claims decreased slightly to 803,000 from 892,000 the week prior; a 89,000 drop in claims. Despite the promising decline, however small, claims remain… more

November homes sales drop, but remain above year prior

Despite a drop in November existing home sales, the month still showed how strong the U.S. housing market remains. Sales fell for the first time since May, transaction volume remains just below its highest levels in nearly 15 years. Low… more

Ameren signs first long-term broadband lease with Anterix for Missouri customers

The first long-term broadband spectrum agreement has been signed between Missouri-based Ameren and New Jersey-based Anterix. Ameren, an electrical services company, signed the 30-year 900 MHz broadband spectrum lease agreement with licensed spectrum holder for Missouri and Illinois customers. With… more

Kansas, Missouri among states below critical virus threshold

With vaccines now in distribution at select sites across the nation, public-health officials are hopeful for more progress after a recent decline in severity of the viral spread. The web site rt.live, which tracks rates of transmission in each state,… more

Coping with COVID: Johns Hopkins releases new state-by-state COVID-19 vaccine tracker

Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University created a COVID-19 vaccine data dashboard to track the administration of various vaccines across the U.S. by state. The dashboard shows data for states publicly reporting information on the COVID-19 vaccine; some states haven't disclosed the number of… more

Report shows lasting impact of COVID-19 on higher education institutions in Missouri

The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development released its third COVID-19 After-Action Report, which focuses on the initial institutional response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As colleges and universities quickly transitioned to online courses, three major problems presented themselves:… more

Congress finalizes $900B economic relief package

Top negotiators in Congress have sealed a deal on a nearly $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package. Lawmakers announced the agreement Sunday after days of negotiations. The agreement would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefits and $600… more

Coping with COVID: KCVA Medical Center, area VAs to receive vaccine shipment as early as today

More veterans will have access to a COVID-19 vaccine after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced Monday it's sending shipments of the Pfizer and newly-approved Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to 128 more locations nationwide. That includes locations in Kansas and… more

Black & Veatch to sell Water Europe, Water Asia businesses to overseas environmental consultancy

A deal that will see the transfer of Black & Veatch’s Water Europe and Water Asia businesses is expected to close over the next several weeks. Overland Park-based Black & Veatch announced it is in the process of finalizing a… more