Regional

Winners and Losers in a COVID Economy

You only had to look in the paper-products aisle of your local grocer  this month to know instinctively that those stores were going to see big sales, and for more than just toilet paper.   As the business world reorients… more

Unemployment Claims Hit Record Numbers

Initial unemployment claims hit 3.283 million for the week ended March 21, the "highest the highest level of seasonally adjusted initial claims in the history of the seasonally adjusted series," says the Department of Labor in its weekly unemployment report.… more

KU Health: Progress, but a Long Road Ahead

On the first full day of the regional stay-at-home directive to combat spread of the COVID-19 virus, officials from the University of Kansas Health System offered a good news/bad news update on changing conditions at the largest health-care provider in… more

We’re In an Economic Crisis. But Companies Are Hiring

Several major companies are hiring right now despite COVID-19's significant downward-pull on the economy and the historic stock market crash. All of them have a significant presence in the Kansas City Metro area and could potentially ease the pain for… more

KS Gov. Kelley Providing Hospitality Industry Financial Relief

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has announced the allocation of $5 million to go to businesses in the hospitality industry impacted by COVID-19. Businesses could get a one-time loan of $20 million at zero percent interest without required payments for four… more

Independence Center Closes, And Shopping Centers Limit Hours

Independence Center, with more than 100 retailers in one million square feet, is closing its doors until March 30. Other retail centers are limiting their hours, and closing food courts. A statement on the website of the mall, which is… more

United Airlines Suspends K.C.-San Francisco Route

United Airlines has decided to temporary halt flights between Kansas City International and San Francisco International Airport, as well as several routes between other cities around the country. Meanwhile, starting mid next month, Southwest Airlines said it would bring flights… more

KC Casinos, Bars Close. U.S. Unemployment Claims Up

Casinos in the Kansas City Metro area are closed, as well as bars in Kansas City, Mo., creating what will likely be a serious unemployment situation. The Department of Labor said this morning, for the week ending March 16, total… more

Kansas City Life Posts Big Annual Profit Gain

Kansas City Life Insurance Company reported a spike in profits for its latest fiscal year. Net income hit $24.4 million, up from $15.7 million the prior-year period. Management says the improvement was due to "net realized investment gains and decreases… more

COVID-19 Shuts Down Much of KC

No more than 10 people at a time are allowed to gather socially in Kansas City, and restaurants and bars are closed for two weeks for in-person dining, as ordered by  Mayor Quinton Lucas yesterday evening, in an update to… more