Kansas

Jobless benefit applications remain stubbornly high

For the first time this month, the number of applications for unemployment benefits dropped nationwide. Last week, claims decreased slightly to 803,000 from 892,000 the week prior; a 89,000 drop in claims. Despite the promising decline, however small, claims remain… more

CARES Act extensions to take effect in Kansas

The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) is currently reviewing the unemployment extension provisions contained in H.R. 133. These extended provisions will provide additional unemployment compensation to unemployed Kansans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. They also include new requirements that must… more

Coping with COVID: KU Health, Stormont report fewer hospitalized COVID-19 patients at facilities

In a surprising turn considering being in the midst of a major holiday, Wednesday reports from The University of Kansas Health System and Stormont Vail Health show a decrease in the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients within the health system.… more

November homes sales drop, but remain above year prior

Despite a drop in November existing home sales, the month still showed how strong the U.S. housing market remains. Sales fell for the first time since May, transaction volume remains just below its highest levels in nearly 15 years. Low… more

Head of Kansas Labor Department steps down, governor selects acting Secretary

Governor Laura Kelly has appointed a new Acting Secretary of Labor for the state. Governor Laura Kelly says on Tuesday she appointed Deputy Secretary of the Kansas Department of Labor, Brett Flachsbarth, as the Acting Secretary of Labor. She said… more

Kansas wage assistance program application deadline this week

The application period for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Lost Wages Assistance Program (LWA) is set to expire on Dec. 27, 2020. The program is only available to those claimants who were entitled to a minimum of $100 in unemployment… more

Kansas, Missouri among states below critical virus threshold

With vaccines now in distribution at select sites across the nation, public-health officials are hopeful for more progress after a recent decline in severity of the viral spread. The web site rt.live, which tracks rates of transmission in each state,… more

Coping with COVID: Johns Hopkins releases new state-by-state COVID-19 vaccine tracker

Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University created a COVID-19 vaccine data dashboard to track the administration of various vaccines across the U.S. by state. The dashboard shows data for states publicly reporting information on the COVID-19 vaccine; some states haven't disclosed the number of… more

Kansas launches tool to helps businesses with labor matters

The Kansas Department of Labor announced the launch of an Employer Help Desk to assist businesses with a variety of labor-related issues. Dedicated operators will be available to assist employers during the hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST,… more

Partnership opens new proctored learning facility

A partnership between Children's Mercy, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City and Block & Company, Inc. has resulted in the opening of a new proctored learning site for children of Children's Mercy employees. The facility is open to students of… more