Let's face it, 2020 was tough. A fresh start is what many of you are looking for in 2021, so when you resolve to make positive changes to your personal life, take a moment to make some resolutions for your digital life as well. 
     Just like good personal habits help you live a longer and fuller life, good tech habits help your technology last longer and prevents you from falling victim to many of the scams out there that threaten your tech devices and your personal data.  There are so many habits you should pick up when it comes to using your technology.  Here are the 6 important ones you need to use in the coming year.

1. Configure Your Devices to Automatically Backup to a Cloud Storage Service. 
     You can easily replace your computers, smartphones, and tablets. Your data such as baby's first photos, wedding pictures, holiday videos, can't be replaced when lost.  Even if there was a chance to reclaim those old files can cost thousands if you let us at Integral attempt to retrieve them from you.
     External hard drives can be used for backup, but most of you won't remember to plug them in your devices to have them backup. Resolve this year to have your devices automatically backup that information to the cloud.  Unfortunately, there are no free services that allow you to do this, but most backup services average around $70 a year which is a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing your files are safe and secure.  Not sure what to use?  

Windows and Macintosh Computers:  Carbonite (www.carbonite.com) Will automatically backup your items to the cloud and keep older files for up to 30 days.

iPhones and iPad:  iCloud. (www.icloud.com) Apple starts you off with a small amount of storage for your tech devices, but for a small monthly fee, you can increase that storage to backup all of your important files on your iPhone, iPad, and even your iMac and Macbook.

Android Phones and Tablets: Google Drive. (www.google.com) Google follows the same model as Apple by giving you a free amount of storage space, but for a small monthly fee you can have all of your Android devices and your Windows and Apple computers backed up to the cloud.

2.  Use a Password Manager to Store Those Passwords.
     Hopefully, you're using different passwords for all of your online accounts. If you're not, you're risking identity theft and having your personal online accounts compromised. Cybercriminals are using a method called Credential Stuffing to get access to your information.
     With all of the data breaches that have occurred over the years, the is a good chance your user information is sitting on the dark web.  Once your information is obtained, a criminal just needs to use your credentials to log in.  Making sure you have a different password for each of your online accounts is a great deterrent. 
     Keeping track of all of those passwords is the challenge, which is why a password manager is a good tool for you to use.  Not the most secure method, but storing those passwords in your favorite browser is better than using the same passwords for your accounts. 
     Edge, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera all offer an option to store your passwords.  If you want a little more security, use LastPass (www.lastpass.com) or DashLane (www.dashlane) to store those passwords.

3. Have a Good Balance between Screen Time and Real Life.
     Technology has been a great tool during the pandemic allowing us to stay in contact with family and friends, but if you've seen "The Social Dilemma" on Netflix, you know technology is designed to keep you addicted and plugged. It's even worse for younger members of your family with social media creating a host of mental and physical ailments.  
     iPhone users can take advantage of Apple's Screen Time to track and control your smartphone use. Android users can use Digital Wellbeing to set limits on the time you spend on your devices.  It helps if you block or unfriend negative people on your social media accounts. Also, set certain areas in your home as 'no tech' zones to help curb the amount of time you spend staring at your devices.

4. Get Rid of those old Tech Devices. 
     Doesn't matter if you give them to family members, charity, or recycle them, make 2021 the year you get rid of those old technology toys. I'm talking old gaming systems, computers, laptops, phones, headphones, and cords.  Someone can use that old tech. 
     Before you give away those devices, wipe them clean. The easiest way to wipe these devices clean is to do a full reset. Before you do, make sure you back up all your information like documents, pictures, and videos to an external hard drive or to a cloud storage service.

5. Add a Little 'Green' to Your Tech. 
    One of the great things about technology is all of the environmentally friendly tech that is available. Focusing on 'green' tech can help your home and office finances. The first thing you should do is to replace your standard light bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs can save you up to $6 a year.  A small amount when you think of one bulb, but think about how many bulbs you have in your home or office. 
     If you haven't already, you should also invest in a smart thermostat to help with your energy savings.  Some utility companies will provide them to you, but once you have one in your home or office, you can program a schedule to make sure there is no waste when it comes to your utilities.  You can also take it a step further by setting up a smart home with your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices.  

6. Reevaluate Your Tech  
     Subscriptions.  Many products are going to a subscription service.
 The upside is these products keep you up to date with the latest versions of your software products. The downside is these subscriptions are designed to keep taking money out of your pocket as most companies sign you up for ongoing subscriptions rather than monthly or yearly subscriptions.
     Check your banking and credit card statements to make sure you aren't being charged for products you are no longer using.  While you're at it, contact your cable and Internet providers to make sure you're getting the best package that offers faster internet services. Sometimes companies will modify their TV or Internet package for a lower rate and not inform their current customers.

     Yes, 2020 was not an easy year and we all could use a clean slate. Think of 2021 as a reset for yourself and your tech devices.  In this digital age we live in, take the time to reevaluate your relationship with your gadgets, and make technology a healthier component of your life.

Looking for More Useful Tech Tips?
     Our Tuesday Tech Tips Blog is released every Tuesday. If you like video tips, we LIVE STREAM new episodes of 'Computer and Tech Tips for Non-Tech People'  every Wednesday at 6:00 pm CST on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Technology product reviews are posted every Thursday. You can view previous episodes on our YouTube channel.  
 
Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone.

     Need computer or technology help? If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral.
     Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have.  Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
 

​     The Planning & Zoning Commission will meet via videoconference on January 13th to discuss several action items, including a proposed site plan for a Panda Express drive-thru restaurant. The proposed restaurant will be located on the northeast corner of the Interstate 70 westbound exit ramp and Buckner Tarsney Road.
     The commission will also take action on a conditional use permit for Kustom Cruzers and an amendment to an approved conditional use permit for Eagle Convenient Storage, following a public hearing for both issues.
     Kustom Cruzers is requesting a conditional use permit for a vehicle salvage/tow yard on approximately 1.4 acres just west of 350 NW Jefferson Court. Eagle Convenient Storage is requesting an amendment to an approved conditional use permit to change the exterior building materials, roof pitch and roof color on storage unit buildings in phase 2 of the project. The developer has requested the amendment as a cost-saving measure for its facility located at 114 SW Eagles Parkway.
     The commission will also elect a chair, vice chair, and secretary for 2021.
     In other development news, the commission approved a site plan during its November 18th meeting for Heartland Dental to locate in Lot 1 of Mercado Plaza, located at the southwest corner of Woodbury Drive and Buckner Tarsney Road.
 

     Truman Heartland Community Foundation is pleased to welcome seven new members to their Board of Directors: Thomas Meyer, Metropolitan Community College; Rochelle Parker, Child Abuse Prevention Association; Brandyce Parks, CommunityAmerica Credit Union, representing the Blue Springs/Grain Valley Advisory Board; Merideth Parrish, Independence School District; Beth Silverstein, Silverstein Funding Solutions, LLC; Terri Steele, Evans and Steele Financial, LLC, representing the Independence/Sugar Creek Advisory Board; LaShawn Walker, Suburban Balance.
 
     Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) is a public charity committed to improving area communities by promoting and serving private giving for the public good. Founded in 1982, THCF serves the region with assets of more than $51 million and annual grants surpassing $5 million.
     In addition to donor services, the Community Foundation provides asset development for nonprofit organizations, awards grants to nonprofits, assists organizations in planned giving and serves as a leader in addressing community issues. For more information, visit www.thcf.org or call 816-836-8189.
 

​     Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. announced Sylvya J. Stevenson will serve as the next Chief Administrative Officer for Jackson County. In this leadership role, Stevenson will be responsible for ensuring multiple County activities, programs and policies related to the Executive’s Office are implemented, in addition to providing supervisory support to various county departments.
     “Sylvya is a woman of immense integrity with effective communication, project management, problem solving, and relationship-building skills,” White said.
     “Her determination, enthusiasm and new ideas will be a great addition to our team of forward-thinkers who are committed to improving how our government works. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I’m excited to welcome Sylvya to Jackson County and look forward to her playing a key role in helping us achieve success.”
     Stevenson brings extensive experience, training and knowledge in local and federal government operations to Jackson County. For the past three years, she has managed multi-million dollar budgets while overseeing the day-to-day budget, finance and accounting activities as a master budget analyst for Criterion Systems/USDA. Stevenson has had proven success supervising multiple teams and implementing projects from planning to operation that improved transparency, enhanced performance and eliminated inefficiencies.
     Prior roles and responsibilities include multiple years of service with the City of Kansas City, Missouri in the Office of Management and Budget and with the City of Mission Hills, Kansas coordinating with special projects as the assistant to the city administrator.
     Stevenson is the founder and president of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. – Kansas City, in addition to being a member of many other notable professional organizations including the American Society for Public Administration, Centurions Leadership Program, Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Blacks in Government and the International City/County Management Association.
     Upon completion of her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice, Stevenson matriculated to the University of Oklahoma where she earned a master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in city management and public policy.
     Stevenson is the ninth woman appointed to an executive leadership position during Executive White's tenure. She is assuming the role as Chief Administrative Officer after the retirement of Ed Stoll in September 2020.
 

     The holiday shopping season is in full swing. If you're like me, your moving away from shopping for your favorite computers and electronic devices in brick and mortar stores and doing your Christmas shopping at online stores. 
     Why wouldn't you? It's convenient and it's quick, with online stores delivering your gadgets in a matter of days. With more and more people buying high ticket electronics online, there has been a rise of packages being stolen by porch pirates. They're riding in your neighborhoods, snatching your packages up, trying to take them so you need to do something to protect those packages.
     Want to make sure your gadgets make it under the tree this year? Here's what you can do to stop porch pirates from running off with your stuff and what to do if they are hijacked by a porch pirate.
 
     1. Have Your Packages Delivered to Your Work Place, a P.O. Box, or Use Ship To Store.
     Probably one of the best ways to stop porch pirates in their tracks is to avoid shipping to your home. Even if you work from home or you are at home the majority of the time, porch pirates can still get your stuff.
     These crafty individuals will follow FedEx and UPS trucks so they can pounce immediately after your package has been delivered. Having your packages shipped to a location other than your porch is a smart move, especially during the holiday season.
 
     2. Install a Smart Doorbell or Home Camera Security System.
     Yes, I know there are a ton of videos of people caught on camera stealing packages even in the presence of a smart door bell such as a Ring (www.ring.com), but they really do work as a way keeping people off your property.
     If installed and used properly, smart home monitoring systems like Ring, Nest (www.nest.com), or Belkin (www.belkin) can keep your alerted when someone is near your door and allow you to capture on video any activity that occurs. With video, you have a means to retrieve your stolen gadgets.
 
     3. Sign up for delivery alerts and have Your Neighbors Help.
     Most online retailers offer alerts to let you know when your electronics leave the shipping center and more importantly when they arrive at your door. Alerts can help you take action to make sure your get your gadgets. If you're not able to be home for package delivery, ask a trusted neighbor to get it for you. Also, If possible, require a signature for all deliveries.
 
     4. Help Out Your Neighbors.
     If you work from home, or are home during the day, make a post on Nextdoor (www.nextdoor.com) or in your neighborhood Facebook group (www.facebook.com) and offer to allow your neighbors to ship their packages and electronics to your house.
     Also, keep an eye out for suspicious things in your neighborhood. If you notice something that doesn't seem right, check with your neighbors or contact the authorities for help.
 
     5. Use free secure delivery lockers offered by Amazon. Amazon offers self service lockers that allow you to ship your gadgets to a locker. You have 3 days to get your items out of the locker. For more details, check out Amazon's website (www.amazon.com).
 
If you have been a victim of a porch pirate do the following things:
1. File a Police Report
2. Contact the shipper.
     If your gadgets were delivered via US Postal Service, fill out a Missing Mail Search Request.
     If it was delivered by UPS, you need to contact the shipper.
     If it was delivered by FedEx, you can go to their web site and fill out their online form for missing packages.
 
     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. 

     Need computer or technology help? If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have.  Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. 

​     This year our traditional holiday celebrations are going to be different than previous years as we focus on socially distancing.  One tradition that isn't changing this year is the fact cybercriminals are looking for new ways to trick you out of your money and identity.
     Some of these scams are specific to the holiday season, others are specific to the COVID19 pandemic. Scams always increase during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, but with the virus, you can be sure there will be scams designed to prey on people. 
     Unfortunately, early as February 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warned that fraudsters would likely be using the coronavirus (COVID19) as a means to scam and trick people.
As the year winds down, some charities are reaching out to previous and new donors to provide opportunities for last-minute donation opportunities. a look at some of the pandemic based scams and what you can do to keep yourself safe.

1. The Cryptocurrency Scam.     
     Cryptocurrency has taken off in the past couple of years.  If you're not familiar, it's an online currency that works outside of banks and government. Cryptocurrency scams come in the form of emails promising investment opportunities and ransomware attacks. 
     Criminals focus on getting funds via cryptocurrency because once they get your money in the form of online currency, there is virtually no way to get your money back. If you are unfamiliar with investing, it's best to stick with investment firms. You can avoid malware by avoiding phishing emails and texts that want you to click on a link to visit a website.
2. Checks from the government scam. 
     In these tough financial times, people are looking for any way to keep food on the table and to get bills paid.  Criminals will try to take advantage of this posing as the IRS or other government agencies to give you stimulus money.
     If you have people calling or emailing you asking for your personal information or wanting to charge you fees to help you get stimulus money, beware. The IRS will not call you or email you to offer stimulus money.

3. Fake charities scam. 
     During this pandemic, scammers are trying to get your money by posing as a fake charity with names that sound like real charities. These usually come in the form of emails, texts, or fake social media accounts. Sometimes you are solicited via email or messages and posts that show up on your social media feed.
     Verify charities by going to Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org). If you decide to donate to a charity, go directly to the website of the charity or download their app to your smartphone and tablet.

4. Social Media and Email Takeovers.  
     Data breaches since 2012 have allowed a lot of personal data to be leaked on the web which is why professionals like myself recommend changing the passwords on your online accounts on a regular basis.  If you don't get into the habit of changing passwords, you could become the victim of 'credential stuffing' which is the act of cybercriminals using your leaked information to log into your email, social media, and financial accounts.
     Get into the habit of checking out to see if your information is leaked by using LastPass or the Google Chrome password vault.  These tools will notify you if your passwords show up on the dark web.

5. eGift Cards.  
     eGift Card scams aren't new. Criminals focus on eGift Cards as a way to scam people because it's impossible to get your money back once you fall for this trick. The way hackers use this scam is stealing your account information and purchasing gift cards and sending fake alerts that notify you that you need to purchase a gift card to make a payment. Keep alert when people call out of the blue to ask you to pay with a gift card. If it sounds like a scam, it normally is.

6. The Puppy Scam. 
     The demand for pets has increased drastically during the COVID19 pandemic because they can help with stress is PTSD.  This results in criminals making fake posts for animals for sale. If you're looking for a pet, avoid online transactions.  Go directly to an animal shelter or a breeder.

7. The New Job Scam.
      Many have suffered job losses  during the pandemic due to downsizing and businesses closing. Scammers pretend to be recruiters for new job opportunities, getting their information from recruitment companies. Again, they are after your personal information and money.  Do a check on the recruitment company and research to find out if the job opportunity is real before you commit to anything.

8. The Sweepstakes Scam.
     Who doesn't like winning free stuff? I know I do.  These scams start off like most: you get a phone call, email or even a message on social media notifying you that you won the sweepstakes. The catch is always that you need to pay a fee in taxes to claim your prize. Obviously, if you really win a contest, there won't be a fee associated with collecting your prizes.  

     If you're like me, you always want to believe the best about people. Unfortunately, you need to be aware of all of the cybercrime activity that is occurring in the digital age. Cybercriminals don't care about you or your family and have been known to wipe out people's bank accounts and retirement funds.  To avoid falling victim to these scams always remember if you are requested to pay money in advance or by gift card, it's not a legitimate source.  Also, be careful with who you share your personal information with online, by text message, or email.

     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. 

     Need computer or technology help? If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have.  Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. 
 

​     Unprecedented may be the most overused word of the year, but there is no denying its accuracy in describing 2020. As our community braces itself for another coronavirus surge, this year continues to throw us more curve balls than any of us desire. But in the spirit of Thanksgiving, your Community Foundation is reflecting on all that we have to be grateful for this year and the exceptional response we have seen from our community.
     With more than 700 charitable funds, Truman Heartland fundholders are setting new records for giving. So far this year, fundholders have provided $4.8 million in grants to nonprofits, surpassing last year’s grant total. Based on these trends, we are on track to hit $5 million in grants by the end of the year, a new record for your Community Foundation.
     Most of these grants are from Truman Heartland donor advised funds. Donor advised funds play a critical role during times of crisis. When the COVID-19 shutdown began in March, we stepped up our communication with our fundholders about the needs of nonprofits working to help those most impacted by the crisis. They responded generously with over $240,000 in COVID-19 response grants, accelerating our progress toward the $5 million mark in grants we’re likely to see this year.
     Like a charitable giving savings account, a donor advised fund helps generous individuals be strategic with their giving. Donor advised funds allow investments to grow tax-free when the returns are strong, resulting in more money available to support charitable causes when there are immediate needs.
     The remarkable response we have seen from our donors this year has been aided by a strategy referred to as “charitable bunching.” For the past few years, we have been working with donors, financial advisors and partners to encourage charitable individuals to start bunching their charitable giving with a donor advised fund.
     With the newly increased standard deduction, many people may not be able to itemize their charitable contributions and receive the tax benefits from itemization. With a charitable bunching strategy, you put two- or three-years’ worth of charitable contributions into your donor advised fund at one time. This strategy allows you to exceed the standard deduction and provides additional tax savings.
     Then, in the following years, you take the standard deduction and continue to support your favorite charities by making grants from your donor advised fund. This year, those easily accessible “rainy-day” funds are helping people maintain and, in many cases, increase their giving as the crisis continues to impact our community.
     The holiday season is usually a critical time of the year for charitable giving for many nonprofits. Although there is nothing usual about 2020, I am confident we will continue to see significant charitable giving this season.
     In October, a study commissioned by the Nonprofit Alliance and RKD Group reported some very encouraging news. While 77 percent of donors said they had already given as much or more this year than all of last year, 36 percent said they plan to give more in December 2020 than they did in December 2019, and 44 percent said they plan to give the same amount. The generosity of the American people is truly something we should be thankful for during this holiday season.
     Truman Heartland continues to work across the region to share information on our website about nonprofits in Eastern Jackson County that are working hard to address the changing needs of our community. I encourage you to visit www.thcf.org/covid-19 to learn more about their work and how you can help.
     These are unprecedented times, but as we have seen this year, our ability to help others and focus on our hopes for the future can inspire us to accomplish the exceptional.
 
     Phil Hanson is the President and CEO of Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity committed to improving the communities in and around Eastern Jackson County through cooperation with community members and donors. THCF serves the region with assets of more than $50 million and annual grants surpassing $4.8 million. For more information on charitable giving, visit www.thcf.org or call Truman Heartland at 816.836.8189.

     Cybercriminals have a 'never die' attitude when it comes to getting your information and money, which means there will always be new threats on the horizon that you should worry about. 
     Credential Stuffing is affecting consumers and businesses alike and I'm sure you're wondering just what the heck that is.  Well, credential stuffing occurs when cyber criminals obtain your online credentials that have leaked onto the dark web. Then they use automated bots to 'stuff' your credentials into the login pages on multiple websites to unlock your online accounts.
     Years of data breaches and the average person using weak passwords has provided a way for criminals to easily get access to your online accounts. How can you keep safe? 
 
Check out these tips:

1. Don't use the same passwords on your online accounts.
     Cybercriminals know that people use the same passwords for all of their online accounts and are slow to change passwords. Which is why if they get the password for one account, they will use it on all of your web accounts, including sensitive ones like your bank and other financial accounts. 
     If you have different passwords for your online accounts this means if criminals get access to one account, it they won't get to the rest of your online accounts.

2. Change your passwords on a regular basis or just create strong passwords.  
     When criminals get access to your online credentials that have been leaked, the information is usually a few months old, sometimes older.  If you get into the habit of changing your passwords on a regular basis, it prevents criminals from using those old passwords to log into your accounts.
     Now the school of thought on the frequency varies from tech expert to tech expert.  The common rule is every 3 months, but I feel if you create a strong password, you don't have to worry about changing your passwords. 

3. Do the Two-Step. 
     Two-step authentication is a great way to protect your online accounts. Most web-based accounts now have this feature.  When you set up two-step authentication, you will get an alert sent to your smartphone whenever there is an unknown login into your online accounts.
     You have to confirm from our smartphone to give access to your account.  It can be a pain having two sign-ins, but it's better than having someone access your critical information.

4. Find out if you've been hacked. 
     There are a variety of websites that allow you to see if your information has been compromised.  One of the more popular sites is 
www.haveibeenpwned.com This web site allows you to see if your web account login email has been part of a large scale breach or if the information is leaked on the dark web.  Another site you can look at
is www.fightingidentitycrimes.com. 
     This site allows you to look at web breaches that go all the way back to 2012 to see if any company you have done business with has been part of a breach.  If they have, the site gives steps of what you can do to protect your information and identity.


5. Use a password manager. 
     A password manager works in making sure you can keep track of all of those different passwords for your online accounts, as well as helping you create stronger passwords for your accounts and monitor the dark web to see if any password you are currently using can be accessed by cybercriminals. One of the more popular password managers is LastPass (www.lastpass.com). 
     LastPass keeps all of your passwords in a vault which allows you to automatically log in to all of your online accounts, create secure passwords for your accounts, and will even scan the dark web to see if any of your passwords have been leaked there.  If you don't want to use another program, you can configure your favorite web browser (Safari, Chrome, Opera, Firefox, and Edge) to do the same things that Lastpass does.
     Credential stuffing is easy to perform, so its popularity with criminals will increase with time. Even if your business isn’t affected yet, you must protect your website and watch for all the red flags listed in this blog.

    Credential stuffing is an easy process for cybercriminals, so don't expect it to go away anytime soon. Always remember that 99% of cybercrime requires user interaction and relies on consumers and businesses to be lax in their cyber security methods.  Make sure you're always keeping up with your passwords for all of your accounts and keep up with the cybersecurity for your home and business.
 
     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. 
     If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have. 
     Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
 

    The Missouri labor market showed mixed results in October 2020. Employment, seasonally adjusted, increased by 6,400 jobs over the month, but over-the-year job losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic remained stubbornly high.
    The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by 0.2 percentage points from September 2020 to October 2020, but the civilian labor force decreased more than 16,000.
     Missouri’s smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate went down by 0.2 percentage points in October 2020, decreasing to 4.6 percent from a revised September 2020 rate of 4.8 percent.
     Due to lingering layoffs from COVID-19 shutdowns, the October 2020 rate was still 1.2 percentage points higher than the October 2019 rate.
     Missouri’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has now been either below or equal to the national rate for 68 consecutive months. The national unemployment rate was 6.9 percent in October 2020.
     The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 137,729 in October 2020, down by 6,083 from September’s 143,812.
 

​
     In response to rising COVID-19 rates in the area, Jackson County and Wyandotte County in Kansas issued a joint statement outlining a new health order, lowering capacity at businesses and restrict gatherings to ten (10) or fewer people. This new Order will go into effect at 12:01am on Friday, November 20, 2020, and will remain in effect until it is extended, rescinded, replaced, or amended.
     "Let me be clear, we are currently experiencing uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Due to the dramatically increasing rate of the disease in our community, our hospitals have warned that they are facing a breaking point and the care their patients desperately rely upon may soon have to be rationed, if not worse,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said.
     “Along with doctors from across the metro area, our public health professionals have urged us to implement dramatic, but targeted, changes to our public health orders in an attempt to ‘flatten the curve.’ These changes are not being made lightly, but instead were made because we have been convinced that they are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of our residents.”

     The Order is in response to a strong resurgence of recent COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in Jackson County, Missouri and Wyandotte County, Kansas.
 
     Unless otherwise noted in the Order, the following Public Gatherings, are restricted:
·         Entertainment venues including auditoriums; arenas; banquet halls; cinemas; conference centers; concert halls; performance venues; sporting venues; stadiums; and theaters;
·         Recreational facilities and places of public amusement, including  gyms, fitness, and recreational centers, amusement parks; arcades; bingo halls; bowling alleys; casinos; night clubs; skating rinks; adult entertainment clubs; water parks; and trampoline parks; parties, informal gatherings, lectures, meetings, parades, fairs, festivals, sporting events, and performances
 
     Such public gatherings must limit the number of individuals (staff and customers) in the facility, building or room to 50 percent of the lowest occupancy load on the certificate of occupancy of the facility, building or room (whichever is lower) in which the gathering is occurring and is only permissible:
·         If adequate social distancing of six feet or more can be maintained. If such social distancing cannot be maintained due to facility layout, the occupancy limit should be further reduced to allow for proper distancing.
·         Masks or face coverings must be worn at all times.
·         Proper Personal Protective Equipment (such as masks and hand sanitizer) must be utilized.
 
     Restaurants, taverns, and all other such venues serving food and/or drink indoors, including public, private, or membership-only venues, shall limit the number of occupants to no more than 50 percent of building occupancy, and shall close no later than 10:00pm.
·         Indoor patrons must be seated and masked at all times except when actively eating or drinking;
·         Indoor and outdoor parties are limited to eight (8) or fewer persons; and
·         Parties shall be spaced with no less than six feet of distance between themselves and individuals from any other parties.
 
Other large public gatherings of people in Jackson County are prohibited.
·         Large public gatherings are those with more than ten (10) people in attendance or anticipated to attend, both indoor and outdoor, except for governmental and judicial functions, healthcare facilities, private business or retail operations, religious and faith-based activities, weddings and funerals. A "gathering" does not include normal operations at spaces where persons may be in transit or coming and going individually or in groups of less than ten (10) persons.