Latest National and International News
Latest National and International News
Latest News from BBC
Latest News from BBC
Economy on the High Plains
Economy on the High Plains
New Texas unemployment tax rate near Amarillo, Texas (2009-11-12) The Texas Workforce Commission's office is set to release new 2010 unemployment insurance tax rates during the first week of December. Rates will rise to accommodate a massive increase in unemployment claims. However, the state plans to spread the increase over a three-year period so as to ease the burden on businesses already reeling from a stagnant economy.
Reseach lab could attract private business Garden City, Kan. (2009-11-10) Another federal animal research lab is moving to Kansas within the next year. It could attract business to the state as well as strengthen Kansas' role in animal health research.
New barber shop reflects changing downtown Amarillo, Texas (2009-11-05) In Amarillo, the site of an old record store, once vacant, now houses the 118 Classic barber shop. The proprietors moved to the new downtown location from their old jobs on the North Side- a reversal of the trend of businesses leaving the central commercial district.
Prowers County unemployment rate down Lamar, Colo. (2009-11-02) Unemployment rates are decreasing in Colorado, including Prowers County. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports the seasonally unadjusted rate for June was at 7.8 percent, but is down to 5 percent for September. HPPR's Lindsey Fields looks for trends.
Recovery fund use in southwest Kansas Garden City, Kan. (2009-10-27) We've been hearing about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the money it's putting into our economy called stimulus funds or recovery funds but just where is that money going and what's it doing? We visit two organizations in Southwest Kansas that will benefit from the money, but they haven't started spending it yet. HPPR's Lindsey Fields has the report.
Colorado legislators discuss budget Lamar, Colo. (2009-10-13) The State of Colorado is facing more budget cuts this fiscal year. The September Revenue forecast predicts an additional 240 million dollar shortfall. We ask state legislators what they think should be done to fill the gap and the one expected for next year.
Amarillo livelies up its Sixth Amarillo , Texas (2009-10-01) Amarillo's part of old Route 66 includes Southwest Sixth Avenue, just west of downtown. "Sixth Street" has long been a spot for antique stores, roadhouse-style restaurants and the occasional watering hole. But now, the scene includes more art, more food, more music and a variety of distinctive retail.
Kansas banks in good shape Garden City, Kan. (2009-09-15) The Kansas State Bank Commissioner says that overall Kansas banks are in great shape. Of course, there are some that aren't top rated, about 15%.
Regional economy eyes tire import policy Amarillo, Texas (2009-09-10) High Plains consumers and retailers could soon feel the effect of changes in U.S. policy on importing passenger and light truck tires from China. The International Trade Commission has found China in violation of a 2000 agreement that limited the quantity of Chinese tire imports. Now, President Obama must decide on whether to follow the ITC's recommendation of tariffs on Chinese-made tires.
No effects from USDA announcement for western Kansas yet Garden City, Kan. (2009-08-25) The USDA has raised dairy support prices but producers in Western Kansas haven't started seeing money yet and it might not be enough help.
Despite recession, Dillas safe at home Amarillo, Texas (2009-08-13) Amarillo's minor-league baseball team almost lost its league over the off-season. For a while, General Manager Mark Lee kept the franchise afloat without a budget or payroll. But thanks to an eleventh-hour ruling from a federal bankruptcy court, the United League- and the Dillas- survived into 2009.
Texas unemployment fund may borrow $2 billion Amarillo, TX (2009-08-06) The Texas Workforce Commission unemployment insurance fund ran out of money in July and has borrowed $643 million from the federal government to get through September. Over the next year, the state may borrow up to another billion and a half. Unemployment insurance taxes for for businesses will rise next year to help address the fund's massive deficit.
Correctional facility closing means loss of labor Garden City, Kan. (2009-02-12) State budget cuts are causing a correctional facility to close in one small Kansas town and taking 33 jobs and unpaid labor with it.
Transmission-line contractors named Amarillo, Texas (2009-02-10) The grand project that would sell electricity generated by Texas Panhandle winds to the state's urban centers is one step closer to reality. The private firms Cross Texas Transmission and Sharyland Utilities will build lines in the southeastern and south central Panhandle.
Cutting corners in wedding spending Garden City, Kan. (2009-02-05) Weddings can be a major expense, but is the economic downturn affecting wedding planning?
How cuts could affect Kansas education Garden City, Kan. (2009-01-29) The Kansas Senate gave preliminary approval to a budget compromise yesterday. It favors targeted cuts rather than across the board cuts. Public school funding would be reduced by about three quarters of one percent. A report on how cuts could affect K12 education.
Kansas legislature considering budget Garden City, Kan. (2009-01-22) Under its constitution, the state of Kansas cannot run a budget deficit, which it is facing for the 2009 and 2010 fiscal years. Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has submitted budget recommendations to the state legislature.
Western Kansas farm credit Garden City, Kan. (2009-01-15) The recession is leading to a lot of speculation on what it will affect next. How is farm credit doing in our area?
Southwest to drop AMA-ABQ in March Amarillo, Texas (2009-01-06) Southwest Airlines will drop its Amarillo-Albuquerque service on March 8. The carrier will also offer one less daily flight to Dallas some time in May. Other routes from Amarillo appear stable, but the economic downturn has airlines in a conservative fiscal mood. Amarillo is served by Southwest, American Eagle and Continental Express.
Hays has jobs Hays, Kan. (2009-01-01) The national unemployment rate hit 6.7 percent in November. That's a fifteen year high. In many areas of the High Plains the unemployment numbers are significantly lower and in Hays, Kansas, there's even an effort to recruit qualified employees into the area.