An economic index of Midwestern states plummeted last month, and the survey's authors say the government shutdown played a part. The monthly report from Creighton University is a survey of businesses in nine states, including Kansas. Creighton Professor Ernie Goss calls October a tough month for the region.
Goss says there were job losses in some industries, including manufacturing. He expects slow job growth in the region in the coming months. The economic index was also hurt by a falling number of export orders for products from the Midwestern and Plains states.