Unemployment Rates Below 6 Percent in 25 U.S. States, By Christopher S. Rugaber, May 16, 2014, Kansas City Star: “Unemployment rates fell in nearly all U.S. states last month, and half the states now have rates below 6 percent. The figures are a sign of widespread, if slow, improvement in the nation’s job market. Unemployment rates fell in 43 states in April, the Labor Department said Friday, rose in two states and were unchanged in five. Hiring is picking up as well. Employers added jobs in 39 states, while 10 states posted job losses. Nebraska reported no change. Twenty-five states now have unemployment rates of 5.9 percent or lower. . .”