Economy

Officials with BrightFarms Inc. and the Port Authority of Kansas City announced Monday a plan to build the greenhouse on a 5-acre tract just east of the Heart of America Bridge and next to Berkley Riverfront Park.

The index is closely watched by economists because it makes a monthly gauge of how Americans are feeling about their jobs, incomes and other bread-and-butter issues. That's important because consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of U.S. economic activity.

The nine-member board will be responsible for the fund, which was created when voters passed a sales tax increase in the November election.

A package of tax increases and spending cuts, known as the "fiscal cliff," would take effect in January unless Congress passes a new budget deal before then. 

Congress will look at the tax and spending changes next week, which would cut the federal deficit by $503 billion but cause a spike in unemployment.

Columbia gas prices averaged $3.10 Thursday, a 42-cent decrease from the 2011 state average.

Hurricane Sandy could be among the ten costliest hurricanes in U.S. history.

The Fed is buying mortgage bonds to lower longer-term rates, which could spur more borrowing and spending. Consumer spending drives nearly 70 percent of economic activity.

The severe summer drought in Missouri caused a drop in crop yields in 2012, but experts predict farm income to be higher than the previous eight-year average.

American Institute for Economic Research looks at factors such as education and quality of life.

A proposed amendment is meant to make blight designation more difficult, but opponents of the proposal think it could broaden the city government's power and cause the opposite effect.

The MU School of Law hosted a panel of law professors in observance of Constitution Day on Monday. The panel expressed concerns about the economic, policy and constitutional effects of the Affordable Care Act.

City Manager Mike Matthes' upcoming 2013 budget would raise commercial and residential building permit fees for the first time since 1996 if passed.

A new downtown business incubator has its opening ceremony on Wednesday. 

Columbia's workforce says the 118-year-old holiday is a celebration of what American laborers have created.

Historic preservation tax credit projects in the Columbia area totaled $88.8 million over the past decade, according to a report commissioned by the city of Columbia. Every public dollar spent generated $4.40 in private investment, the study found.

State officials updated supporters on the status of Ameren Missouri and Westinghouse's application for a grant that is seeking funds for small modular nuclear reactors.

A chamber task force is looking at other airports for ideas to improve the airport's management structure.

The additional service will force the city to address needs at the Columbia Regional Airport terminal, Mayor Bob McDavid says.