Economy Archives

Economic impact payments: Who is eligible and how are they distributed?

April 13, 2020 5:31 PM Brittany Wiley

A quick guide to coronavirus economic stimulus payouts to individuals.

Boone County auditor signals early warning about sales tax projections

April 10, 2020 3:27 PM Amber Tabeling

A Boone County official is sounding an early warning to prepare for a possible sharp loss in revenue from the COVID-19 pandemic.

University of Missouri looking at ways to cut costs amid COVID-19 pandemic

April 9, 2020 7:35 PM Zach Boetto

The University of Missouri is looking for ways to cut costs to account for state financial cuts amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Spike in firearm background checks doesn’t surprise local gun shop owner

April 7, 2020 7:22 PM Zach Boetto

The number of firearm background checks in Missouri is higher than it has been in years, according to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS.

City working to figure out impacts of COVID-19 on Columbia Regional Airport

April 7, 2020 6:43 PM Sydney Olsen

City of Columbia spokesman Steve Sapp said COVID-19 has had an impact on traffic and revenue at Columbia Regional Airport.

Local company reacts to suspension on building permits

March 31, 2020 6:41 PM Sydney Olsen

One local construction is reacting after the City of Columbia suspended new commercial and residential building permits until Special Order 2020-03 expires on April 24.

Trucking industry getting assistance from all corners amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

March 28, 2020 7:55 PM Zach Boetto

Governor Parson and the Missouri Department of Transportation are offering special permits and extended hours to truckers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The volume of goods that are being transported, particularly to grocery stores right now is unfathomable, its 2-3 times the Christmas rush, Black Friday type volume,” said Tom Crawford, President and CEO of

Jefferson City hospitals capable of holding over 200 patients

March 25, 2020 9:31 PM Zach Boetto

Numbers from the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services show the two major Jefferson City health care providers have a total of 268 licensed beds.

Rural communities in Boone County impacted by COVID-19

March 25, 2020 8:34 PM Ben Fein

Areas in Boone such as Centralia face unique problems in dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak. The city is abiding by the county’s stay at home order, and mayor Chris Cox says he’s seen restaurants take the biggest hit so far.

Local restaurants react to lift on restricting sale of unprepared food

March 23, 2020 7:01 PM Sydney Olsen

Governor Parson signed executive order 20-05 on Monday, allowing restaurants to sell unprepared food.

Columbia Chamber of Commerce works to help small businesses affected by COVID-19

March 19, 2020 6:55 PM Sydney Olsen

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce has worked to take steps to help get assistance for small businesses feeling the impacts of COVID-19.

Columbia restaurants work to stay open amid COVID-19 concerns

March 17, 2020 8:59 PM Zach Boetto

Gov. Mike Parson announced the first cases of COVID-19 in Boone and Cole Counties on Tuesday afternoon, but local downtown Columbia restaurants are still doing what they can to stay open.

Cafe Berlin closed its dining room Monday in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Columbia restaurants deal with slump, prepare in case of shutdown

March 16, 2020 5:47 PM Molly Stawinoga

If Missouri follows the lead of states shutting down restaurants and bars in response to COVID-19, many workers fear they will be without a job.

Grocery stores in Columbia brace for COVID-19 impact

March 15, 2020 7:45 AM Ben Fein

Target is one of many chain grocery stores making adjustments during the coronavirus pandemic.

State of emergency will help state health lab test more COVID-19 kits

March 13, 2020 8:01 PM Zach Boetto

Changes brought about by the national and state of emergency will allow the Missouri Public Health Laboratory to test more COVID-19 kits. According to Bill Whitmar, the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory Director, more funding from the federal and state governments and new FDA compliance provides the lab with the ability to test COVID-19 kits

Missouri business owner hopes product can help with COVID-19 detection, preparation

March 5, 2020 7:52 PM Lucas Geisler

DREXEL, Mo. (KMIZ) A Missouri business owner says his product could help prevent the spread of the newly discovered strain of the coronavirus. The problem, according to InnovaPrep CEO David Alburty, is getting a hold of someone within the system that might be interested. InnovaPrep takes up several buildings in the downtown area of Drexel,