Labor & Employment

TWC Grant Opportunity for Adult Education Programs in Panhandle and Deep East Texas

The Texas Workforce Commission announced a Request for Applications for Adult Education and Literacy grants in the Panhandle and Deep East workforce development areas. Eligible organizations may apply for funding to provide in-person and virtual literacy, workforce training, digital literacy, and college preparation services at no cost to adult learners.

TexasInternNetwork.com Launch - Free Internship Hub for Employers and Students

The Texas Workforce Commission launched TexasInternNetwork.com, a free digital platform connecting employers with students seeking internships across Texas. The platform features AI-powered tools for resume assistance, cover letter creation, and interview coaching. This initiative is part of the statewide Texas Intern Network campaign, a collaborative effort involving TWC, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Gulf Coast Military and Civilian Job Fair, Biloxi, April 7, 2026

The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) announced the 2026 Gulf Coast Military & Civilian Job Fair, scheduled for April 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Biloxi Civic Center. The event aims to connect job seekers, including military veterans transitioning to civilian careers, with employers across multiple industries. Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally, bring multiple copies of their resumes, and prepare for on-site interviews with hiring managers.

EEOC Reports Record $660M Recovery for Employment Discrimination Victims

The EEOC announced record-breaking enforcement results for fiscal year 2024, recovering $660 million in monetary relief for 17,680 employment discrimination victims. The agency resolved 84,518 total charges and secured significant remedial outcomes through its enforcement mechanisms.

iPRO Dental Laboratory Pays $30,000 Pregnancy Discrimination Settlement

The EEOC resolved a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit against iPRO Dental Laboratory for $30,000, requiring the company to provide compliance training and revise its leave policies. The settlement addresses alleged violations of federal employment discrimination law regarding pregnancy-related accommodations.

Latest Seasonally Unadjusted Unemployment and Job Estimates for Local Labor Markets in Massachusetts for January 2026

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development released January 2026 local unemployment and job estimates showing unemployment rates increased in all twelve labor market areas compared to December 2025, with eleven of twelve areas showing year-over-year increases. All seven published MSA and Metropolitan Division areas lost jobs month-over-month, with Barnstable Town (-3.7%), Amherst Town-Northampton (-3.5%), and Boston Metropolitan Division (-2.1%) showing the largest percentage decreases. The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.7%, with the unadjusted rate at 5.2% versus the national unadjusted rate of 4.6%.

CT adds 5,300 jobs Jan, unemployment rises to 4.5%

The Connecticut Department of Labor released January jobs numbers and 2025 year-end labor data showing the state added 5,300 jobs during January while the unemployment rate rose to 4.5%. The monthly employment report provides updated labor market statistics for the state.

Small Cities CDBG Funding Available

FloridaCommerce announced funding availability through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for the 2026 funding cycle. Applications must be received by May 5, 2026, for Neighborhood Revitalization, Housing Rehabilitation, Commercial Revitalization, and Economic Development projects. The program is funded by HUD and administered by FloridaCommerce, which has awarded over $157 million to 140+ communities since 2019.

HSE consults on updating workplace injury reporting

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a public consultation on The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). The consultation proposes both legislative changes (revised definitions, updated dangerous occurrences list, expanded reportable diseases, extended diagnostician scope) and non-legislative changes (simplified online reporting form). The consultation closes on 30 June 2026 and affects all sectors and industries in Great Britain.

H-2A and H-2B Allowable Charges for Meals and Travel Subsistence Updated

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration published an annual update to allowable meal charges and travel subsistence reimbursement rates for H-2A and H-2B foreign workers. The notice updates the maximum amounts that H-2B employers may charge agricultural workers for meals and the lodging rates that qualify for meal deduction, effective April 7, 2026. This is a routine annual adjustment of existing rates with no new policy requirements.