Jobless rate remains unchanged; Kansas officials to make anti-human trafficking announcement; Wichita to celebrate MLK day with several events.
Kansas Jobless Rate Unchanged at 5.4 Percent
A new report says the Kansas unemployment rate held steady at 5.4 percent in December while the state recorded modest job growth over the previous year.
The report from the state Labor Department also says last month's jobless figure was down one full point from December 2011.
The number of Kansans holding nonfarm jobs in December approached 1.4 million, up 1 percent from a year earlier. Professional and business services showed the biggest gain, with employment in that sector up 6.3 percent from December 2011.
Labor Department senior economist Tyler Tenbrink says Thursday's report showed Kansas ended the year on a strong economic note.
Kansas Officials To Announce Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation
Gov. Sam Brownback and Attorney General Derek Schmidt Friday will announce legislative proposals to fight human trafficking in the state.
Schmidt's office is the lead entity of the Kansas Human Trafficking Advisory Board, which was created three years ago to study the problems of forced labor and sex trafficking.
The board includes law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, victims of human trafficking, and others with expertise in the field.
Operation Rescue Files Complaint About New Wichita Abortion Clinic
Operation Rescue has filed a formal complaint with Wichita officials about renovations at the former clinic of slain abortion provider George Tiller.
The anti-abortion group's policy director, Cheryl Sullenger, contended that the building's new owners did not obtain required city permits to resurface the parking lot, do landscaping, and remodel the clinic. The complaint also alleges the owners improperly completed architectural plans and met with contractors.
The building was purchased last August by the nonprofit Trust Women Foundation, Incorporated. The clinic will offer a full range of women's reproductive care, including abortions. Trust Women's attorney, Robert Eye, says Operation Rescue's complaint lacks merit.
Eye says the clinic's owners are working with experienced people who know whether or not a permit is required for a project.
Kansas Anti-Tobacco Programs Have Room For Improvement
Kansas has lots of work to do to improve its "grades" on tobacco control, according to a new report card from the American Lung Association.
Wichita To Celebrate Life of MLK With Several Events
Several events will take place in Wichita in remembrance of civil rights leader, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
