Georgia Unemployment Rate Remains Below National Average

The Georgia Department of Labor announced that Georgia's unemployment rate for November 2025 was 3.5%, slightly up from September but remaining below the national average. The report also indicated job growth in several key sectors over the past year.

Georgia Launches 'Fighting Forward' Strategic Plan for Workers

The Georgia Department of Labor has launched the 'Fighting Forward' strategic plan, which includes a significant modernization of its unemployment insurance system set for Fall 2026. This initiative aims to improve user experience, reduce fraud, and accelerate claims processing for workers and businesses across the state.

Georgia Labor Market Update - December 2025

The Georgia Department of Labor announced that Georgia added 5,000 jobs in December 2025, marking the second consecutive month of job growth. The unemployment rate remained at 3.6%, below the national average. Several sectors reached all-time high job numbers.

Georgia Department of Labor Wins HR Excellence Award

The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) received the 'Model Agency Award' for Excellence in Human Resources from the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS). GDOL achieved the highest assessment results (97.6%) among Tier 1 agencies, recognizing its HR leadership and compliance practices.

Georgia Unemployment Rate Unchanged at 3.4% in September

The Georgia Department of Labor announced that the state's unemployment rate remained at 3.4% in September 2025, unchanged from the previous month. While total jobs decreased slightly over the month, they saw an increase over the year, with several sectors reaching all-time highs.

NC Labor Department Launches Workplace Safety Initiative for Struck-By Injuries

North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley has launched a new workplace safety initiative to reduce struck-by injuries and fatalities. The initiative will focus on education, outreach, and targeted enforcement in general industry and construction sectors.

North Carolina Mining Injury Rates Significantly Reduced

North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley announced a significant reduction in non-fatal and fatal injury rates within the state's mine and quarry industry. The non-fatal injury rate dropped to 0.68 per 200,000 man hours, less than half the national average. These improvements are attributed to agency partnerships, training, and a commitment to safety.

NC Labor and Barnhill Building Group Safety Partnership for Raleigh Creamery Project

The North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) and Barnhill Building Group have entered into a voluntary safety partnership for the Raleigh Creamery Project. This collaboration aims to promote construction safety best practices, provide training, and encourage open communication to prevent injuries.

NC Department of Labor Heat Stress Advisory Council Meeting Announcement

The NC Department of Labor announced a meeting for its Heat Stress Advisory Council scheduled for January 29, 2026. The meeting will be held virtually, and details for joining via Lifesize or phone are provided. An agenda is also available.

NC Department of Labor Renews Alliance with Masonry Contractors Association

The North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) has renewed its alliance with the North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association (NCMCA). This renewed partnership aims to strengthen workplace safety, education, and industry collaboration within the masonry trade across North Carolina.

Arkansas Work-Related Fatalities for 2024

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing reported 79 work-related fatalities in 2024, a decrease from 92 in 2023. Transportation incidents remained the leading cause of these fatalities. This data is collected in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Arkansas Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses Summary Data for 2024

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing released its 2024 non-fatal work-related injury and illness data. Total reported cases decreased to 23,200 from 23,900 in 2023, with a stable incidence rate of 2.1 per 100 FTE workers. Private industry saw a decrease in cases, while state and local government saw an increase.

Arkansas Public Sector Workplace Injuries and Illnesses Data 2023-2024

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing has released biennial data on public sector workplace injuries and illnesses for 2023-2024. The report details 1,990 cases involving days away from work across state and local government entities.

Arkansas Workplace Injuries and Illnesses Data 2023-2024

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing has released biennial data on non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses for private sector employees in 2023-2024. The report details 10,980 cases involving days away from work and 7,090 cases involving job transfer or restriction, broken down by demographics and injury types.

Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing Barber School Program at Grimes Unit

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing has announced the successful licensure of a barber school program at the Grimes Unit correctional facility. The program, licensed on September 25, 2023, has maintained continuous compliance and produced its first licensed graduate.

NYSDOL Reminds Fashion Industry of Fashion Workers Act Registration

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is reminding model management companies and groups that registration with the state is required under the Fashion Workers Act, effective December 21. The NYSDOL has opened an online portal for these entities to register and obtain a certificate of registration.

NYSDOL Mandates Electronic Certified Payroll Submission

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is implementing new electronic certified payroll submission requirements for contractors and subcontractors on public work and certain private construction projects receiving public funds, effective January 1, 2026. This change aims to streamline reporting and improve transparency.

NYSDOL Reminds New Yorkers 1099-G Forms Will Be Mailed Automatically

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is reminding New Yorkers that 1099-G tax forms for unemployment insurance benefits received in 2025 will be automatically mailed. These forms are necessary for filing taxes and will be sent by the end of January 2026, or can be accessed online.

NJDOL Issues Stop-Work Orders to Five Businesses

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development issued stop-work orders to five businesses for failing to make required contributions to state benefit programs. The employers collectively owed over $2.2 million in liabilities, impacting dozens of workers.

NJDOL Adds Eight Businesses to Workplace Accountability List

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has added eight businesses to its Workplace Accountability in Labor (WALL) list for failing to address outstanding liabilities totaling $414,593.39 in unpaid penalties related to wage, benefit, and tax law violations. Businesses on this list are barred from public contracting with state, county, or local governments.

NJDOL Adds Four Businesses to Workplace Accountability List for Unpaid Penalties

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) added four businesses to its Workplace Accountability in Labor List (The WALL) for failing to address outstanding wage, benefit, or tax law violations. These businesses collectively owe $563,139.54 in unpaid penalties, and their inclusion bars them from state public contracting.

PDX North Agrees to $7 Million Settlement for Worker Misclassification

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and Attorney General announced a $7 million settlement with PDX North, Inc. for worker misclassification violations. PDX will reclassify over one thousand delivery drivers as employees and comply with state wage, benefit, and tax laws.

NJDOL Adds 20 Businesses to Workplace Accountability List for Violations

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has added 20 businesses to its Workplace Accountability in Labor List (The WALL) for outstanding wage, benefit, and tax law violations. These businesses collectively owe over $1 million, and their inclusion bars them from state public contracting.

Employer Layoff and Closure Notification Requirements and Services

Maryland has updated regulations for the Economic Stabilization Act (ESA), requiring employers to provide 60-day notice for reductions in operations. These revised regulations, stemming from Senate Bill 780, become effective on October 13, 2025. The state also offers Rapid Response services to assist employers and impacted workers during layoff and closure events.

MiSTEM Launches $1.75M STEM Expansion for Education

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's MiSTEM Network has launched a $1.75 million STEM education expansion. This initiative, supported by a $1 million contribution from General Motors, aims to enhance Place-, Project-, and Problem-based (3P) STEM learning across the state, awarding $800,000 to 17 public education agencies.

Michigan Labor Department Named NIOSH Total Worker Health Affiliate

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has been named a NIOSH Total Worker Health Affiliate, making it the first state labor department to receive this designation. This recognition highlights Michigan's leadership in integrating mental health into workplace safety and health strategies.

State Land Bank Authority Seeks Developer Proposals for Grand Ledge Commercial Site

The State Land Bank Authority (SLBA) is seeking developer proposals for the redevelopment of a former gas station site in Grand Ledge, Michigan. Proposals are due by April 8, 2026, and should focus on enhancing the community and representing the highest and best use of the property.

Michigan Career and Technical Institute Graduation Ceremony

The Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI) celebrated the graduation of 80 students who completed in-demand training programs. These programs aim to prepare individuals with disabilities for competitive employment in fields such as Certified Nursing Assistant and Culinary Arts.

MI Affordable Loan Program Seeks Partners

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is seeking partners for its new MI Affordable Loan program. A Request for Proposals (RFP) is open from March 16 to April 28, 2026, to select organizations that will manage the program, offering small-dollar, short-term loans to low-income individuals.

WDEQ Native Plants Project Sagebrush Planting Event Seeks Volunteers

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) is seeking volunteers, specifically restoration ecologists and land stewardship professionals, to mentor students at its 2025 Native Plants Project Annual Sagebrush Planting Event. The event aims to provide hands-on ecological education and promote land stewardship among youth.

Wyoming DEQ Deploys Mobile Air Monitor in Rawlins

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has deployed a mobile ambient air monitoring station in Rawlins, Wyoming. The station will collect data for approximately one year to assess air quality, particularly downwind of oil and gas development.

Wyoming DEQ: Lonesome Lake and Big Sandy Lake Water Quality Findings

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) has released findings from an evaluation of Lonesome Lake and Big Sandy Lake. The study indicates that E. coli levels in both lakes met state water quality standards for recreational uses during the summer of 2025.

Wyoming DEQ Celebrates Water and Wastewater Operators

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) is celebrating Wyoming Professional Water and Wastewater Operator Appreciation Week, February 9-15, 2026. Governor Mark Gordon proclaimed the week to recognize the essential role these professionals play in safeguarding public health and protecting the environment across the state.

Wyoming DEQ Promotes "Know Your Well Day" for Private Well Owners

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) is promoting "Know Your Well Day" on March 13, 2026, to educate private well owners on the importance of testing, tending, and treating their water systems. This initiative highlights the owner's responsibility for ensuring safe drinking water, as private wells are not regulated by state or federal government.

California Prevailing Wage Determination Modified for Iron Workers

The California Department of Industrial Relations issued a notice modifying the prevailing wage determination for Iron Workers (Fence Erector). The predetermined increase effective January 1, 2017, was reduced from $1.90 to $1.85 per hour.

California Prevailing Wage Correction for Laborer Classifications

The California Department of Industrial Relations issued a notice correcting the predetermined wage increase for laborer classifications. This correction, effective July 3, 2017, adjusts the allocation for pension and wages/employer payments for specific counties.

Prevailing Wage Modification for Electricians and Cable Splicers

The California Department of Industrial Relations issued a notice modifying the prevailing wage determinations for electricians and cable splicers. The modification adjusts a predetermined increase effective March 1, 2017, for specific crafts and localities within Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Tulare Counties.

Cable Splicer Wage Modification in Orange County

The California Department of Industrial Relations has issued a notice modifying the prevailing wage determination for Cable Splicers (3rd Shift) in Orange County. The predetermined wage increase effective February 27, 2017, has been slightly reduced from $0.60 to $0.57 per hour.

California Prevailing Wage Determination Corrections

The California Department of Industrial Relations issued a notice correcting footnotes on prevailing wage determinations for Sheet Metal Workers in Alpine, Calaveras, and San Joaquin counties. These corrections clarify overtime rate application for specific determinations.

DWC Adjusts Hospital Outpatient and ASC Fee Schedules

The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has posted adjustments to the Hospital Outpatient Departments and Ambulatory Surgical Centers section of the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS). These changes conform to updates in the Medicare payment system and take effect on March 1, 2026.

DWC Adjusts Official Medical Fee Schedule for Physician/Non-Physician Practitioner Services

The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has posted an order adjusting the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) for Physician and Non-Physician Practitioner Services. These adjustments, effective for services rendered on or after March 1, 2026, conform to 2026 Medicare payment system changes.

Liz Thompson Receives Sally Laughlin Award for Conservation

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) announced Liz Thompson as the recipient of the 2025 Sally Laughlin Award for her significant contributions to land and biodiversity conservation in Vermont. Thompson is recognized for her extensive work with various conservation organizations and her role in shaping state conservation policies and educational programs.

Vermont Housing Crisis and Executive Order on Development

Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources and Department of Public Service issued a notice highlighting the state's housing crisis, requiring 30,000 new homes by 2030. Governor Scott's Executive Order aims to accelerate development timelines and reduce costs through regulatory reforms, facing opposition from some environmental groups.

Vermont ANR Fines MAX LLC for Underground Storage Tank Violations

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Conservation has fined MAX LLC $8,250 for multiple violations of Underground Storage Tank Rules at its Brattleboro gas station. The violations included issues with spill containment, labeling, and failure to report suspected releases, leading to a temporary halt in fuel deliveries.

Agri-Mark Fined $60,000 for Wastewater Permit Violations

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) fined Agri-Mark, Inc. $60,000 for multiple violations of its wastewater pretreatment permit at its Middlebury facility. The violations included exceeding biological oxygen demand and pH limits, unpermitted discharges, and reporting failures.

Labor Commissioner Secures $6.175M for Farmworker Wage Violations

The California Labor Commissioner's Office secured a $6.175 million settlement with Alco Harvesting LLC for wage and hour violations affecting over 10,000 farmworkers. The settlement addresses failures to provide paid sick leave information and other wage protections, with funds distributed to affected workers.

SC DEQ Seeks Comments on Draft Aquatic Plant Management Plan

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is seeking public comments on its draft 2026 Aquatic Plant Management Plan. The plan outlines strategies for managing aquatic plants in the state's public waters. Comments are due by March 2, 2026.

SC Aquatic Plant Management Council Meeting on Draft Plan

The South Carolina Aquatic Plant Management Council will meet on March 11, 2026, to discuss public comments on the draft 2026 Aquatic Plant Management Plan. The meeting is open to the public and will include a review of comments prior to final approval.

SC Environmental Awareness Award Presented to Melanie Ruhlman

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services announced Melanie Ruhlman, president of 'Save Our Saluda,' as the recipient of the 2025 South Carolina Environmental Awareness Award. The award recognizes her leadership in water quality protection and watershed planning, preventing an estimated 5,650 tons of sediment from entering waterways annually.

SCDES Opens Nominations for Community Star Award

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has opened nominations for its annual Community Star Award, recognizing environmental stewardship. The nomination period runs from February 2, 2026, to February 28, 2026.