National

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to distribute $4 billion in COVID-19 aid to hospitals

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced late last week that will be distributing an additional $4 billion in funding to hospitals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release on the department’s website. The bulk… more

In a Nutshell: The Fed Sends Up a Red Flag

There is no doubt that rising coronavirus cases are starting to impede commerce again. Many states have mandated masks in public places, in an attempt to avoid reversal of the gradual business and social reopening process.   If there is… more

Tax filing deadline today

Due to the far-reaching and lengthy impact of COVID-19, the IRS chose to make an extension, moving the traditional tax filing deadline from April 15 to July 15 this year. That date falls on today, and taxpayers must file or… more

Small businesses in Missouri to receive millions in grant funds through new program

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) announced a new Small Business Grant Program that could provide up to $30 million for Missouri small businesses, according to a Tuesday news release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Designed to… more

Design changes possible for large event venues due to COVID-19

In an era of social distancing and increasing contactless options, architects in Kansas City are seeing more clients with questions about implementing social distancing guidelines, moving to touchless systems and more. Architect Nate Appleman with HOK, a design, architecture, engineering… more

Consumers in June show mixed feelings about the labor market, positive numbers in new home sales

Consumer confidence reports from last month in June were a mixed bag, a June survey showing consumers gave themselves a 47.6% chance of finding a job in the next three months, on average, down from May. Respondents said they believe… more

Young people make up majority of new cases, show few symptoms

A look into U.S. state data shows that rising case numbers for COVID-19 come primarily from young adults. In Missouri, the age group reporting the highest number of cases is 20-24, closely followed by 25-29. In Kansas, the data provides… more

Wariness regarding PPP loan insurance

After the release of the Paycheck Protection Program from the Small Business Association (SBA), many questions are asked about the program regarding who was eligible for the forgivable loan and risk/ what kind of penalties might be included. Shortly after… more

Commercial chapter 11 filings rise in first half of 2020 while total filings drop

Commercial chapter 11 filing totals during the first six months of the year (Jan. 1-June 30) increased by 26 percent to 3,604 from the 2,855 total filings during the same period in 2019 according to data provided by Epiq Global,… more

U.S. withdraws from World Health Organization Monday

The Trump administration has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, according to the Associated Press. Although the pullout won’t take effect until next year, it could be rescinded under a new administration or… more