Jobs & Employment
15 storiesReaders will see hiring and layoff updates, labor-market data, workforce guides and employment policy explainers; union employment and career programs provide recurring context. Jobs & Employment distinguishes an isolated event from a continuing process.
Longview pulp mill disaster exposes years of safety violations
A chemical tank collapse at Nippon Dynawave Packaging in Longview, Washington killed 11 workers in May. State and federal records show the mill had a long record of safety complaints, equipment failures and toxic chemical releases before the tragedy.
U.S. Jobless Claims Edge Up, But Layoffs Remain Uncommon
Unemployment claims in the U.S. rose slightly to 206,000 last week, but the job market continues to show stability with layoffs still rare and hiring activity subdued, according to the latest Labor Department data
Four Michigan Colleges Launch Three-Year Bachelor's Degree Programs
Davenport University, Adrian College, Northwood University and the College for Creative Studies are now offering three-year bachelor's degrees, aiming to reduce costs and attract more students as enrollment challenges persist across Michigan.
New Federal Workforce Pell Grants Open Doors for Job Training Students
Community colleges nationwide are seeking approval to offer Workforce Pell grants, making short-term job training more affordable for students pursuing careers in fields like healthcare, trucking, and skilled trades
New Toolkit Offers Solutions for State and Local Government Hiring
A nonprofit has released a practical toolkit to help state and local governments streamline hiring, address bottlenecks, and attract skilled workers as public sector roles evolve and private sector layoffs continue.
Michigan Approves $50M Grant for Copperwood Mine in Upper Peninsula
The Michigan Strategic Fund has awarded $50 million in state grants for land and road improvements at the proposed Copperwood Mine in Gogebic County, aiming to revive the region's economy despite ongoing environmental concerns and public opposition.
SpaceX to Build $100 Billion Rocket Launch Site in Louisiana
SpaceX will invest $100 billion to construct its largest rocket launch facility on Louisiana's southern coast, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and the first launches as early as 2029. The project is set to create 3,000 jobs over ten years.
Corewell Health Nurses Approve First Contract With 15% Pay Raise
Registered nurses at Corewell Health East hospitals in southeast Michigan have ratified their first union contract, securing a 15% wage increase over three years and new workplace protections after more than a year of negotiations
Census Bureau Finds Over Half of U.S. Workers Now Use AI Tools
A new Census Bureau survey shows 55% of American workers have used AI for job tasks, with most reporting time savings. The findings highlight how AI is becoming routine in workplaces and raise questions for government adoption strategies.
Colleges Urged to Prioritize Support for Military-Connected Students
With traditional college enrollment declining, U.S. colleges are being called to treat military-connected students as a core population, not a niche group, by building coordinated support systems that go beyond processing benefits.
New Program Connects Detroit College Students to Basic Needs Support
Henry Ford College and Wayne State University students facing food, housing, or financial insecurity will soon have on-campus help from United Way staff, as part of a new initiative launching this fall to keep students on track for graduation
Data Center Industry Faces Growing Pushback in North Carolina
A wave of new data center proposals in North Carolina is meeting increased public resistance, as residents and local governments question industry claims and demand greater transparency about energy use, tax breaks, and community impact
Cheshire Police Department Opens Applications for Full-Time Officers
The Cheshire Police Department in Connecticut is seeking applicants for full-time police officer positions, including both entry-level and POST-certified lateral transfers. Applications must be submitted by September 10, 2026.
Bay City Charter School Expands Free Lineman Training for Teens
The Tri-County Trades High School Lineman Program in Bay City offers free, hands-on training for high school juniors and seniors, preparing them for skilled jobs in the electrical trades immediately after graduation.
U-M Confirms $1.2B Data Center in Ypsilanti Township Despite Opposition
The University of Michigan will move forward with a $1.2 billion research computing center in Ypsilanti Township, partnering with Los Alamos National Laboratory. Local officials say too many project details remain undisclosed and vow to keep fighting.