U.S. Department of Labor

The U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee advanced President Donald Trump’s nominee for Labor Secretary, Keith Sonderling, with a 12-11 vote. Sonderling, who has served as acting Labor Secretary since April 2026, faces no opposition as the Department of Labor takes on expanded roles in programs previously managed by the Department of Education.

The US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions advanced President Donald Trump’s nominee, Keith Sonderling, for the Labor Department leadership in a party-line vote. Sonderling, who has served as acting Labor Secretary since April 2026, previously held the role of deputy Labor secretary and was also named acting director of the US Office of Government Ethics.

US jobless benefits filings rose to 197,000 last week, the highest since a 50-year low, but layoffs remain historically low. The Federal Reserve's PCE inflation metric hit 3.7%, above its 2% target, while the economy grew at a 1.5% annual rate in Q2. Companies like Verizon, UPS, Amazon, Disney, Starbucks, Walmart, and Microsoft have cut jobs recently.

Henry Mack was confirmed as Florida's next education commissioner, recommended by Gov. Ron DeSantis and praised by Erika Donalds, a school-choice advocate and wife of GOP gubernatorial frontrunner U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds. Mack previously served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor and expressed commitment to academic excellence and collaboration with the state's education leadership.

A 2024 fire at a Georgia chemical plant was caused by improper storage of over 14 million pounds of reactive pool chemicals and a corroded sprinkler system. The corroded sprinkler system, damaged by chlorine fumes and humidity since 2019, failed during the fire, triggering a reaction that released toxic smoke and forced residents to shelter in place. BioLab, the company operating the plant, was cited for safety violations and decided not to rebuild the facility.

The article examines the conflict between the U.S. government's duty to protect foreign farmworkers under the H-2A visa program and efforts to keep farms financially viable. Farmers in Georgia have criticized the program's high costs and pushed for regulatory relief, while lobbyists suggested that a potential Trump administration could ease H-2A requirements to reduce labor costs and protect farm businesses.

Keith Sonderling, acting U.S. secretary of Labor, defended the agency's role in transferring programs from the Education Department as part of the Trump administration's plan to dismantle it. Senate Democrats criticized the move, arguing it is illogical for the Labor Department to oversee education programs, while Sonderling highlighted his experience and the interagency agreements as part of the process.

Keith Sonderling, acting U.S. secretary of Labor, defended the agency's role in transferring programs from the Education Department as part of the Trump administration's plan to dismantle it. Senate Democrats questioned the decision, with Patty Murray criticizing the Labor Department's involvement in managing education programs. Sonderling faces a Senate vote on his nomination for Labor secretary.

Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling defended the Department of Labor's role in transferring programs from the Education Department as part of the Trump administration's plan to dismantle it. Senate Democrats criticized the move, arguing it is illogical for an agency focused on wage earners to oversee education programs for children.

Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling defended the Labor Department's role in transferring education programs to other agencies as part of the Trump administration's plan to dismantle the Education Department. During a Senate confirmation hearing, Sonderling compared his agency's involvement to a consulting firm managing program funds, not the programs themselves, while Democrats criticized the move as illogical.

Keith Sonderling, acting U.S. secretary of Labor, defended the agency's role in transferring programs from the Education Department as part of the Trump administration's plan to dismantle it. Senate Democrats criticized the move, arguing it is illogical for the Labor Department to oversee education programs. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions will vote on Sonderling's nomination to serve as Labor secretary.

The U.S. government offers an AI-literacy course via text message to help workers adapt, but critics argue it's insufficient as AI threatens jobs. Senator Bernie Sanders proposes state ownership of major AI companies to mitigate job losses, with some tech support.

Uber has reduced H-1B visa applications in 2026 compared to 2025, with 364 filings for roles like software engineers and data scientists. Salaries for tech positions range from $94,331 to $410,000, with software engineering managers and senior directors earning the highest base pay. The company is hiring cautiously amid AI advancements and visa policy changes.

A jobseeker attended the WNC Career Expo in Fletcher, North Carolina on April 16, 2026. The U.S. Department of Labor is set to release initial jobless claims figures on April 23.

U.S. jobless claims fell to 215,000 in the week ending June 27, below analysts' forecasts of 225,000. The four-week moving average of claims dropped to 222,000, while total filings for the prior week reached 1.81 million.

President Donald Trump nominated Keith Sonderling to be the permanent secretary of labor, replacing Lori Chavez-DeRemer who resigned amid abuse-of-power allegations. Sonderling, who has held multiple acting roles in Trump's administration, faces Senate confirmation for his nomination.

President Donald Trump nominated acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling for permanent labor secretary, pending Senate confirmation. Sonderling has led the Labor Department since former Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer's April departure amid a whistleblower complaint alleging misconduct, which she denies.

President Donald Trump nominated acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling for permanent labor secretary, pending Senate confirmation. Sonderling has led the Labor Department since April following Lori Chavez-DeRemer's departure amid allegations of misconduct, including a whistleblower complaint involving personal errands, drinking, and a hostile work environment.

Donald Trump announced the nomination of Keith Sonderling to serve as US secretary of labor, the role he has been filling as acting secretary since Lori Chavez-DeRemer's departure in April. Trump highlighted Sonderling's previous roles at the Department of Labor, including Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer.

Donald Trump announced the nomination of Keith Sonderling to serve as US secretary of labor, the role he is currently filling as acting secretary following Lori Chavez-DeRemer's departure in April. Trump highlighted Sonderling's prior roles at the US Department of Labor, including Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer.

President Donald Trump nominated Keith Sonderling to be the secretary of labor, replacing Lori Chavez-DeRemer who resigned amid abuse-of-power allegations. Sonderling, who has held acting roles in Trump's government, previously served as deputy labor secretary and a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

President Donald Trump will nominate Keith Sonderling as secretary of labor. Sonderling is currently serving as acting Labor Secretary.

Vice President JD Vance, as the nation’s fraud czar, announced efforts to target unemployment benefit programs in Minnesota and other states. U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling threatened to withhold federal funds from states failing to address mismanagement and fraud in unemployment insurance programs. Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) defended its program as compliant and a top performer in integrity.

The U.S. Department of Labor warned states to address unemployment insurance fraud or face penalties, including withheld administrative funds. The notice targeted states like California, Illinois, and New York, which are governed by Democrats, citing issues like outdated technology and lax oversight. California's governor criticized the move, arguing the state has effectively addressed fraud.

The U.S. Department of Labor warned states to address unemployment insurance fraud, citing issues in California, Illinois, and New York, and threatening penalties including withheld administrative funds. California's office criticized the move, highlighting the administration's focus on states with Democratic leadership.

The U.S. Department of Labor warned states to address fraud, waste, and abuse in unemployment insurance programs, threatening to withhold administrative funds if they fail. The notice targeted states like California, Illinois, and New York, which have Democratic leadership, and cited issues such as outdated technology and weak oversight. California's governor criticized the move, claiming the state outperforms others in combating fraud.

The U.S. Department of Labor warned states to address fraud in unemployment insurance programs, threatening to withhold administrative funds if they fail. The notice targeted states like California, Illinois, and New York, which the administration says have allowed fraud due to poor oversight and outdated systems.

Inflation reached 4.2% in May 2026, the highest in over three years, driven by soaring gasoline prices linked to the U.S.-Iran war. Energy costs accounted for over 60% of the monthly rise in consumer prices, while wages increased 3.4%, reducing workers' real spending power. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, rose 2.9% annually.

Six individuals, including family members, are charged with fraudulently obtaining nearly $11 million through pandemic relief programs and a construction loan by submitting falsified documents. The alleged scheme involved the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs between April 2020 and October 2022.

A federal grand jury indicted Titianna Ammons of Urbana, Illinois, on three counts of wire fraud for allegedly defrauding the U.S. Department of Labor and Illinois Department of Employment Security between October 2020 and October 2021.

The U.S. Department of Labor instructed employees to report colleagues who prioritized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts before Donald Trump's second inauguration. An anonymous employee described the directive as a 'reminder to narc on your coworkers,' suggesting a hostile work environment.

The Ohio Supreme Court is hearing a second case over pandemic-era unemployment benefits, with arguments centered on whether Gov. Mike DeWine had legal authority to withdraw Ohio from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program in 2021. Opposing attorneys argue over litigation waste versus the governor's compliance with federal law, following a 2021 lawsuit by Ohioans who claimed the state lost benefits by exiting the program early.

The U.S. Labor Department has ordered financial institutions to freeze approximately $1 billion in fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits that were distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This action aims to recover funds that were improperly paid out through the pandemic relief programs.

A House Republican bill targets California to pay its $21 billion unemployment insurance debt to the federal government. The state's failure to repay the debt has led to automatic tax hikes on employers. California is the only state that has not paid back its loans for a COVID-19-era program.

A House Republican bill targets California's $21 billion unemployment insurance debt, requiring the state to repay its loan to the federal government before spending on other programs. The bill aims to protect employers from automatic tax hikes used to service the unpaid debt. California is the only state that has not paid back its loans for a COVID-19-era program.

A scammer impersonated a Colgate-Palmolive employee to steal $751,430 from a 401(k) account, highlighting the vulnerability of retirement plans to identity theft. The incident led to a lawsuit against Alight Solutions, Colgate's benefits committee, and BNY Mellon. The Government Accountability Office has called for new guidance on protecting retirement plan participant data.

The U.S. Department of Labor has released a new tool to track $11 billion in union dues spending, including political activities, to increase transparency for union members and the public. This move aims to provide clearer insights into how union funds are allocated. The tool's release is seen as a step towards greater accountability.

The U.S. added 115,000 jobs in April, nearly doubling expectations. This increase is a positive sign for the economy. The job growth exceeded forecasts, indicating a strong labor market.

The U.S. Department of Labor launched an AI Apprenticeship Portal to help workers and employers develop AI skills as part of the Trump administration's broader AI policy initiatives. The online hub aims to address rapid changes in the job market driven by advancements in artificial intelligence.

Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned as Labor secretary amid misconduct allegations, casting doubt on the Republican-labor coalition. The future of this alliance and its impact on Trump's political appeal in 2024 remains uncertain.