Bureau of Labor Statistics
Coverage of Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Nexus archive.
- Trump says Walmart cut prices at his request, but Walmart statement omits administration's role
President Donald Trump claimed Walmart cut prices at his request, but the retailer's statement did not mention the administration. The price cuts include ground beef and other products, as Walmart benefits from inflation under Trump's tenure.
- The CEO who vowed to ‘fire anyone who doesn’t use AI’ admits that the technology can’t replace her executive assistant as the role evolves
Administrative assistants face job displacement risks from AI tools like ChatGPT, but some professionals are adapting by integrating the technology to enhance productivity. Employment data shows a decline in administrative roles since 2004, with projections indicating continued reduction except in healthcare sectors. Deanna Danger, an executive assistant, uses AI to streamline tasks like meeting notes, improving efficiency.
- Americans spend a lot of time sleeping, working, and relaxing. Take our quiz to see how you compare.
The 2025 American Time Use Survey reveals Americans spend significant time on personal care, work, and leisure. Men spent more time working and on outdoor activities, while women allocated more time to household tasks and childcare. Age groups showed varying priorities, with teens focusing on education and older adults on household activities.
- The most-common jobs in Ohio don’t pay enough to meet expenses, report says
A report found four of Ohio's 10 most-common jobs pay so little that a full-time worker supporting a family of three would qualify for federal food assistance, with 84.5% of all jobs in the state offering median wages below the estimated cost of living for such a family. The analysis links stagnant wages to decades of tax cuts favoring corporations and the wealthy, which have not delivered promised economic benefits.
- Takeaways from weaker than expected jobs report
The U.S. added 57,000 jobs in June, below economists' expectations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. CBS News reported the findings.
- June jobs report misses big, while unemployment falls
The June U.S. jobs report showed 57,000 jobs added, below the expected 115,000, with the unemployment rate dropping to 4.2%. Previous months' job gains were revised downward, and leisure and hospitality lost 61,000 jobs, while business services and healthcare saw increases.
- US employers added just 57,000 new jobs in June, lower than expected
US employers added 57,000 new jobs in June, about half of economists' predictions, while the unemployment rate fell to 4.2%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics revised down job growth figures for April and May by a combined 74,000, and 720,000 people left the labor force.
- A grim job outlook meets a scrappy workforce as administrative assistants harness AI
Administrative assistants face a declining job outlook due to AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude, though some professionals are adapting by integrating AI into their workflows. Employment data shows a significant drop from 3.5 million to 2.1 million workers since 2004, with continued decline projected except for medical roles. Deanna Danger, an executive assistant at Vanderbilt University, uses AI to streamline tasks like meeting notes.
- US private employers added 98,000 jobs in June
US private employers added 98,000 jobs in June, below the 122,000 added in May and the 118,000 expected by economists. The education and health services sector contributed nearly half of the jobs, while financial services and information sectors saw positive growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the full June jobs report on Thursday, with the labor market's strength fueling expectations of interest-rate hikes later this year.
- More than one-third of employees still work from home, new research shows
More than one-third of employees still work from home in 2025, according to new BLS data showing an increase from the previous year despite return-to-office policies.
- Job openings stayed at a surprisingly strong 7.6 million in May
U.S. job openings remained at 7.6 million in May, exceeding forecasts of 7 million, as the labor market shows resilience amid economic challenges from the Iran war. Layoffs increased, and hiring dipped to 5.17 million, reflecting a sturdy but not booming market. President Donald Trump's policies and energy production have mitigated some economic impacts.
- A salary over $300,000, lifetime job security, and a private basketball court: 12 perks of being a Supreme Court justice
The article outlines perks of being a Supreme Court justice, including a salary over $300,000, lifetime job security, and a private basketball court. It notes low public favorability toward the Court and political tensions with President Donald Trump, who has experienced mixed rulings from the justices.
- Job openings stayed at a surprisingly strong 7.6 million in May; U.S. labor market proves resilient
U.S. job openings remained strong at 7.6 million in May, exceeding forecasts and showing resilience amid economic challenges from the Iran war. The labor market rebounded from weak 2025 performance, with average monthly job gains rising to 114,000 in 2026, supported by Trump's tax cuts and energy production.
- Job openings stayed at a surprisingly strong 7.6 million in May; U.S. labor market proves resilient
U.S. job openings remained at 7.6 million in May, exceeding forecasts of 7 million, as the labor market showed resilience despite economic shocks from the Iran war. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated rising layoffs but only slight increases in job quits, with energy prices surging due to Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Employers added an average of 114,000 jobs monthly in early 2026, up from 9,700 in 2025, attributed to Trump's tax cuts and U.S. energy production.
- Some of the best-paid firefighters in the US make $144,000 a year. See how much firefighters earn in every state.
Firefighter salaries in the US vary significantly by state, with Washington and New York offering the highest median wages ($88,380) and Louisiana the lowest. The 90th percentile wage reaches $143,830 in California, while recent wildfires in Colorado and Utah highlight the risks and climate-driven challenges faced by firefighters.
- 2 jobs with career security and 2 that are riskier
Healthcare jobs are described as more secure and less affected by market changes compared to tech roles, which face risks from automation and economic uncertainty. The article highlights growing demand for healthcare roles like nurses and medical managers, contrasting with layoffs in tech sectors driven by AI and automation.
- Why Americans hate the "good" economy
The U.S. economy shows strong macroeconomic indicators like GDP and unemployment, but public dissatisfaction stems from rising and volatile prices for essential goods like food, gas, and healthcare. A new initiative by Lael Brainard and Rohit Chopra, the 'Kitchen Table Project,' analyzes how these affordability challenges strain household budgets, highlighting the gap between official data and everyday economic experiences.
- From peace talks to Pennsylvania: Trump visits Mack Truck facility
President Donald Trump visited a Mack Truck facility in Macungie, Pennsylvania, a battleground district in the 7th Congressional District. The visit aims to shift focus to the U.S. economy amid rising prices and political challenges related to the Iran conflict. The facility, employing 2,800 workers, has faced layoffs due to market uncertainty, including Trump's tariffs.
- Non-college career pathways have a math problem
The article discusses the debate over non-college career pathways, highlighting that while some high-paying jobs like construction trades exist without a four-year degree, most non-degree occupations offer lower wages. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows jobs such as plumbers and machinists provide middle-class salaries, but roles like home health aides, the largest non-college job, have median pay below the national average.
- Only one US state pays teachers an average of 6 figures. See how much teachers make in every state.
California pays teachers the highest average salary in the US at $103,552 for 2024-2025, nearly double Mississippi's average. A 2025 Gallup poll found 21% of K-12 teachers struggle to get by, with many holding non-teaching jobs. Nevada had the largest year-over-year salary increase (11.8%), while Oklahoma's raise was just 1%.
- Why men keep dropping out of the labor force: It starts in childhood, when kids see how males around them struggle, economists say
The male labor force participation rate in the U.S. has declined over generations, with economists attributing this trend to childhood experiences where men observe weak wages and high unemployment among other males. A new study by University of Connecticut economists suggests these early observations shape pessimistic expectations about work, reducing labor force participation later in life.
- Beef is becoming a luxury as prices stay at record highs. They likely won’t come down until 2028, says Farm Bureau
Beef prices in the U.S. remain at record highs, with ground beef reaching $6.90 per pound in April and steaks averaging $12.80 per pound in May. The American Farm Bureau Federation predicts prices will stay elevated until 2028 due to a 75-year low in cattle inventory caused by drought, high interest rates, and rising production costs, combined with surging consumer demand for protein-rich diets.
- Iran Peace Agreement Offers Hope for Lower Mortgage Rates This Spring
The Iran war has increased mortgage rates due to higher oil prices and inflation. An imminent peace deal may lower rates as oil prices drop and Treasury yields fall, though factors like deficit spending and a strong labor market might prevent rates from returning to pre-war levels.
- FACT FOCUS: Trump says illegal immigration increased car insurance premiums. Experts say otherwise
President Donald Trump attributed a drop in car insurance premiums to his immigration policies, falsely linking prior increases to illegal immigration under the Biden administration. Experts counter that the premium changes were primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on driving behavior and supply chains, not immigration.
- The economy keeps adding jobs. Many job seekers still feel stuck.
The US job market shows revived strength with robust job growth, but challenges like inflation outpacing wages and rising long-term unemployment persist. Major tech layoffs are a small part of the broader job market, which is seeing growth across sectors like leisure, hospitality, and healthcare.
- US wholesale inflation rose sharply last month as Iran oil shock continues to drive up business costs
US wholesale inflation, measured by the Producer Price Index (PPI), rose 1.1% in May, pushing the annual rate to 6.5%, the highest since November 2022. The increase is attributed to ongoing business cost pressures from the Iran oil shock, with economists warning of further consumer price hikes as these costs ripple through the supply chain.
- Why consumer prices jumped in May
U.S. consumers faced higher prices in May, with inflation reaching its highest level in over three years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 4.2% annual increase in consumer prices.
- Inflation is back above 4% for the first time since 2023—but Kevin Warsh might catch a break
Inflation rose to 4.2% in May, driven largely by energy price increases, while core CPI remained below expectations. The Fed's focus on core inflation suggests limited overheating risks, but the oil shock complicates rate-cut prospects for new Fed chair Kevin Warsh.
- Inflation surpassed 4% for the first time since 2023
The U.S. annual inflation rate rose to 4.2% in May, the highest since April 2023, with energy prices surging 23.5% year-over-year. Inflation outpaced wage growth for the second consecutive month, leading to declining real earnings and financial strain on middle-income households. Experts attribute persistent inflation to supply chain disruptions in the Middle East and note a 'bifurcated' consumer spending pattern across income groups.
- Greer heads to Silicon Valley to promote onshoring
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer visits Silicon Valley manufacturing facilities to promote the Trump administration’s onshoring efforts. He will tour Tesla, NextFlex, Skydio, and Applied Materials, while Skydio announced a $3.5 billion investment to expand US drone production, creating 3,000 jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 7,000 manufacturing jobs added in May, though total employment remains below the previous year’s level.
- Amid solid job numbers, a North Carolina economist sees troubling headwinds
A North Carolina economist highlights labor shortages in construction and agriculture due to declining immigrant labor, contributing to higher wages and consumer prices. Despite a steady national job market, hiring remains concentrated in healthcare and hospitality, with recent college graduates facing higher unemployment linked to remote work and automation.
- Trump says Fed rate increase would be wrong ahead of Warsh debut
President Donald Trump criticized the Federal Reserve for considering a rate hike, arguing it would be wrong as his nominee Kevin Warsh prepares to chair his first Fed policy meeting. The strong May jobs report led to market selloff and increased expectations for a rate hike, but Trump advocated for lowering rates to support economic growth and military expansion.
- Trump visits Wisconsin as job growth reported in May
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported higher-than-expected job growth in May. President Trump visited Wisconsin to meet with dairy farmers to energize supporters.
- Job openings in April surged to 7.6 million, the highest in nearly two years
Job openings in April reached 7.6 million, marking the highest level in nearly two years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a surge of 731,000 openings compared to the previous month.
- Trump claims he's making food more affordable but his examples ignore the big picture
President Trump claimed on Truth Social that he is making food more affordable by citing price drops for specific groceries like avocados and cheese. However, the article notes that overall grocery prices rose 3% in April compared to a year earlier, with economists expecting continued increases due to rising diesel costs. Trump's examples omitted broader inflation trends and relied on non-public data from Circana and the USDA, which did not confirm his claims.
- Arizona added jobs in April, but its employment rate has been stuck at 2024 levels for 2 years
Arizona added 8,100 jobs in April, ending seven months of lower employment rates compared to the previous year. However, the state's employment rate has remained stagnant at 2024 levels for two years, and its unemployment rate of 4.7% exceeds the national average of 4.3%. Wages increased slightly but still lag behind the national average.
- Trump Team Seeks Longer Gas Tax Holiday With Phased-In Return
The Trump team is seeking a longer gas tax holiday with a phased-in return, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics prepares to release US consumer price index figures. The proposal aims to provide relief to consumers amid rising fuel prices. A decision on the tax holiday is expected soon.
- The Shock Is Dead, Long Live the Shock!
A Circle K shop and Irving gas station in Winthrop, Maine, US, is shown on May 5, 2026, ahead of the Bureau of Labor Statistics' release of US consumer price index figures on May 12. The image was captured by photographer Graeme Sloan. The scene highlights everyday economic activity.
- Affordability is more than a political buzzword for many Georgia voters
Georgia voters cite rising costs of groceries, gas, and housing as key factors influencing their voting decisions. Grocery prices increased 2.9% year-over-year, gas prices rose to $60.24 for a 15-gallon tank, and the Consumer Price Index has risen nearly 30% since April 2020. Voters report making difficult trade-offs between essentials like food, medicine, and fuel.
- Cover Story newsletter: The jobs apocalypse
The article discusses a jobs apocalypse and how images were chosen for the week's content. The topic appears to be related to employment and economic issues. There is no specific information on the causes or effects of the apocalypse.