QUESTION OF THE DAY: Have increased costs made it hard for you to afford housing?
A local nonprofit said Tuesday that its rental assistance program would run short after federal COVID-19-era dollars are exhausted.
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New data shows US job growth has been far weaker than initially reported
By Alicia Wallace, CNN (CNN) — US job growth during much of the past year was significantly weaker than initially estimated, according to new data released Wednesday. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ preliminary annual benchmark review of employment data suggests that there were 818,000 fewer jobs in March of this year than were initially reported.
Continue ReadingInflation milestone: Consumer Price Index slows below 3% for first time since March 2021
By Alicia Wallace, CNN (CNN) — Price hikes slowed more than expected in July, and, for the first time in more than three years, the Consumer Price Index has landed below 3%. That paves the way for the Federal Reserve to cut rates next month after a yearslong battle with inflation that sent rates spiking
Continue ReadingHome Depot issues a warning about the economy
Home Depot says consumers are feeling crummy about the economy, and they’re dishing out less on major home renovation projects.
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City officials discuss uses for Capital Improvement Sales Tax after Prop 1 passes
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Columbia voters on Tuesday approved the continuation of the one-fourth-of-one-percent Capital Improvement Sales Tax. The approval will extend the sales tax for another 10 years. The current sales tax is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2025. According to the City of Columbia’s website, $94,350,000 would go toward public works, $15,450,000 would go
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QUESTION OF THE DAY: Are you eating less fast food because of the cost?
Many fast food chains are offering special values to entice customers as the cost of their standard fare has grown.
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Missouri’s fireworks industry booms
The start of fireworks sales Thursday in Missouri, one of America’s most fireworks-happy states.
Continue ReadingMcDonald’s releases a new $5 value meal to combat inflation
McDonald’s has revealed the details of its highly anticipated $5 value meal, which the fast food chain hopes will rev up sluggish sales and lure back customers who have cut back.
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QUESTION OF THE DAY: Have you adjusted to inflation?
The latest inflation report released Wednesday showed that price increases eased in May.
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While inflation decreases, farmers and shoppers still feel its effects
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The latest inflation report shows the rising cost of goods is slowing, but the lasting effects from years of inflation are still impacting farmers and shoppers. The inflation report released Wednesday from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows grocery prices remained relatively the same from April to May after prices fell
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Easter spending slightly down from last year
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The total spending for Easter is slightly down this year after it increased the past few years reaching its highest peak in 2023 with $24 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. A survey conducted by the National Retail Federation and Proper Insights and Analytics showed that consumer spending is expected to
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Downtown Columbia businesses reflect after busy weekend downtown
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Sunday marked the last day of the True False Film Festival in Columbia, which was expected to bring in 10,000-15,000 people to the downtown area. With an influx of people flocking to the area, downtown businesses said they noticed an increase in business. Owner of Ninth Street Public House Jamez Kanne said
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QUESTION OF THE DAY: Do you think the economy is improving?
Fed Chair Jerome Powell said Sunday that the American economy was on good footing.
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Local wedding industry slowly bounces back after pandemic
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The wedding industry is gradually rebounding after facing significant losses during the pandemic. According to local wedding vendors, the average cost of a wedding in Missouri ranges from $28,000 to $30,000. Although there is a slow resurgence in the industry, wedding officials note that there is still room for growth. Many people
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Missouri minimum wage will increase in 2024 with cost of living
Missouri’s minimum wage is increasing by 30 cents in 2024 from $12 to $12.30 per hour — the first time it will be based on inflation instead of a voter-approved amount in five years.
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Central Missouri-based company brings over 150 new jobs to Moberly
Moberly is welcoming in new workforce growth as a Mid-Missouri-based company opens its doors in the small city.
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QUESTION OF THE DAY: Are you Black Friday shopping this year?
Millions of Americans will head out to stores on Friday in search of deals.
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Cost of food and gas both down this Thanksgiving compared to 2022
The average cost for a Thanksgiving dinner is still considered high, but the American Farm Bureau reports prices are down slightly from last year.
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Missouri sees over $100 million in marijuana sales in October
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Missouri has made about $1.8 billion from marijuana sales since the adult-use was legalized. The Department of Health and Senior Services released the latest sales numbers, showing $95.5 million was made in adult sales in October, along with $17.6 million in medical sales. This makes a total of $113.1 million in
Continue ReadingNew home construction increased in October for second straight month
By Anna Bahney, CNN Washington, DC (CNN) — The annual pace of new home construction increased again last month amid a historic shortage of housing inventory and crushing mortgage rates. Housing starts, a measure of new home construction, jumped by 1.9% in October, compared to the previous month. Starts rose to a seasonally adjusted annual
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