Newswatch Economics State-by-State
Arizona
Worker shortages hit construction as Arizona home starts drop
August 21, 2026 12:28 AM EDT
Arizona's Family.
Housing starts dropped nearly 12.5% in July. Industry experts point to several factors: the cost of materials, rising gas prices and a labor shortage.
Arizona
Arizona adds jobs in July, outpacing US growth
August 20, 2026 08:03 PM EDT
ABC15 Arizona.
Arizona added 2,300 jobs in July, continuing a mostly positive trend in 2026, though the unemployment rate remains above the national average and the state's labor force has dropped since January.
Arkansas
Arkansas' unemployment rate drops to 4% for July | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
August 21, 2026 05:45 PM EDT
Northwest Arkansas Newspapers.
Arkansas' seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped by 0.1 percentage point down to 4% in July, according to the Arkansas Department of Commerce.
Arkansas
Busy year so far on economic development front
August 21, 2026 02:00 AM EDT
The Jonesboro Sun.
JONESBORO — Northeast Arkansas, according to most economic development officials, has been blessed with location and infrastructure to help with recruiting business and future employees to move to the region.
California
Back to Compliance Basics: A Practical 2026 Checklist for California Employers
August 21, 2026 10:29 PM EDT
California Employment Law Report.
As we move through 2026, it remains the perfect time for California employers to return to the fundamentals. With evolving employment laws, local
Colorado
Colorado EDC offers millions in incentives to pair of aerospace firms
August 21, 2026 11:50 AM EDT
Daily Camera.
The Colorado Economic Development Commission has approved a pair of incentive offers — each topping $1 million — to two aerospace companies looking to establish or expand operations along the Front Range.
Colorado
Colorado extends $9.6 million in incentives for 741 aerospace and defense jobs
August 20, 2026 06:02 PM EDT
The Denver Post
The state continues to see a steady stream of companies looking to expand or relocate.
Connecticut
Connecticut's Jobs Market? It's Complicated. » CBIA
August 21, 2026 10:31 AM EDT
cbia
Another 11,300 people left the labor force in June, with the population of those working and looking for work down 46,900 in the last year.
Connecticut
Connecticut unemployment rate stays higher than 5%. At same time, official says 'job postings remain' 80,000+
August 20, 2026 12:24 PM EDT
Hartford Courant.
The labor department said five industry supersectors increased employment in July 2026
Delaware
The unemployment rate in Delaware fell slightly in July
August 21, 2026 02:35 PM EDT
Delaware Public Media
Delaware’s unemployment rate drops again in July.
Florida
Florida directs $8.8M to rural infrastructure, planning
August 21, 2026 03:37 PM EDT
The Center Square.
Twelve rural communities in Northwest Florida will see infrastructure improvements and community development planning thanks to over $8.8 million in grants, the governor’s office announced this week.
Florida
Florida's unemployment rate inches down for second consecutive month
August 21, 2026 12:37 PM EDT
the South Florida Sun Sentinel
Florida’s unemployment rate ticked down for a second consecutive month after a year of slow growth. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area has the lowest rate at 3.7%.
Florida
State Injects Nearly $8.8 Million Into Rural Northwest Florida Infrastructure - Tampa Free Press
August 20, 2026 03:54 PM EDT
Tampa Free Press.
Twelve small and rural communities across Northwest Florida will receive nearly $8.8 million in state and federal grant funding to upgrade local utilities,
Florida
Florida Grocery Bills Keep Climbing Even as Inflation Eases: Why? - NewsBreak
August 20, 2026 03:13 PM EDT
News Break, Inc
Shoppers face stubbornly high costs for meat, produce and staples while overall price rises slow, squeezing family budgets from Pensacola to Key West. *Thi
Georgia
Georgia maximizes data center growth, protects consumers and freezes rates
August 21, 2026 03:52 PM EDT
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Georgia is competing in the data center space while protecting consumers and freezing their power rates.
Georgia
Georgia job numbers increase in July
August 20, 2026 03:42 PM EDT
WUGA-FM
According to the Georgia Department of Labor, both employment, at 5,301,774, and the labor force, at 5,480,790, hit all-time highs. The unemployment rate dropped to 3.3%, the same as one year ago.
Hawaii
Hawaii Foodbank to hold food distribution after Lala
August 21, 2026 03:03 AM EDT
Hawaii News Now
The City and County of Honolulu announced Thursday that it is partnering with Hawaii Foodbank and is providing $200,000 to help source and transport food for distribution across Oahu communities.
Idaho
Idaho unemployment rate falls to 3.6% in July
August 21, 2026 01:46 PM EDT
KMVT News
Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased between June and July, from 3.7% to 3.6%, the Idaho Department of Labor said in a release.
Illinois
Illinois REALTORS targets local barriers to building more housing
August 21, 2026 10:06 AM EDT
HousingWire
After BUILD stalled, Illinois REALTORS re-started local housing plan effort, as the state faces a an ongoing shortage and low permits.
Illinois
More households can get Illinois energy aid as Vermilion County starts early applications
August 20, 2026 06:09 PM EDT
The Cool Down.
In Vermilion County, Illinois, expanded energy aid is set to open Oct. 1, with priority applications accepted that day.
Illinois
Illinois payroll jobs reach record high as unemployment rate drops in July - KBSI FOX23 News Cape Girardeau News | Paducah News
August 20, 2026 02:08 PM EDT
KBSI 23
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — Illinois reached a record high for payroll jobs in July as the state's unemployment rate declined, according to the Illinois
Indiana
Indiana unemployment remains flat in July - Inside INdiana Business
August 21, 2026 11:13 AM EDT
Inside Indiana Business.
For the second consecutive month, Indiana's unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.3% in July. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development said Friday that the state lost 4,900 private sector jobs compared to the previous month.
Iowa
State agency releases July's jobs report - Business Record
August 20, 2026 03:41 PM EDT
Business Record.
Businesses in Iowa shed 3,100 jobs in July, ending four straight months of job growth in the state, new data from Iowa Workforce Development shows. The local government sector contributed to a majority of the job decline, shedding 1,700 jobs, most of which were related to K-12 schools starting summer break. Additionally, private industry lost…
Kansas
Kansas City Council greenlights $600 million in public funding for downtown Royals stadium
August 20, 2026 04:16 PM EDT
KCUR 89.3 FM.
Public funds from city and state sources would contribute 60% of the cost for the Crown Center stadium, possibly through tax-exempt bonds. The Royals will have "no obligation to repay or otherwise support payment of” those bonds, leaving the city to cover any shortfalls.
Kentucky
Kentucky labor market holds steady as U.S. hiring remains flat
August 21, 2026 10:20 AM EDT
The Lane Report
Kentucky employment remained essentially unchanged in July as hiring stayed flat across most states, according to new U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data
Louisiana
Strain: Expand Louisiana Ports, Renew Farm Bill to Drive Economy
August 21, 2026 07:30 PM EDT
KNOE-TV.
Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Michael Strain urges lawmakers to expand ports and pass a comprehensive U.S. Farm Bill to boost the state's economy and support local farmers.
Louisiana
Corps Of Engineers Grants LIT Project Permit - The Waterways Journal
August 21, 2026 08:15 AM EDT
The Waterways Journal.
The Corps of Engineers has granted a federal permit for the Louisiana International Terminal, clearing the way for the planned Lower Mississippi River container port.
Maryland
Maryland added more than 11,000 jobs in July
August 21, 2026 11:47 AM EDT
Capital Gazette Communications.
Maryland added 11,700 jobs in July, with the private sector accounting for most of the gains.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts' job market is going nowhere fast - The Boston Globe
August 21, 2026 07:58 PM EDT
The Boston Globe
Employers shed 4,600 jobs in July, erasing a good chunk of the revised 6,000 positions they added in the prior month.
Michigan
Michigan jobless rate inches downward in July
August 20, 2026 03:40 PM EDT
Moody on the Market.
Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined by one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.9 percent during July, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Employment receded by 23,000 over the
Minnesota
Appleton, Minnesota, detention center to bring 500 jobs but also many needs
August 21, 2026 07:36 PM EDT
West Central Tribune.
An Appleton roundtable on Thursday looked at economic benefits and the many challenges that will come with the reopening of the former Appleton prison as an immigration facility.
Minnesota
Minnesota employment data gives off mixed signals as yearly numbers rise, July numbers fall
August 20, 2026 04:32 PM EDT
WDIO-DT
In the past year, Minnesota employers have added over 44,000 jobs, which outpaces the national average by 1.3%.
Minnesota
Minnesota lost jobs in July, fewer seeking work
August 20, 2026 03:16 PM EDT
Minnesota Public Radio News
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development said the state lost jobs last month and fewer people are looking for work.
Minnesota
MN job report: State sees slight decline in July after three months of job growth
August 20, 2026 12:30 PM EDT
Fox 9 News.
Minnesota's latest job report shows a slight decline in jobs over the month of July, while the state added an overall increase of about 44,000 jobs in the past year, outpacing the nation's average job growth.
Minnesota
Minnesota's labor force participation rate dropped again in July
August 20, 2026 12:07 PM EDT
Audacy, Inc
There's new data Thursday from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development showing labor force participation rate dropped again in July: "The state's labor force participation rate has been declining every month since January of this year," says DEED's, Angelina Nguyen. | 830 WCCO
Mississippi
Governor Reeves touts July job growth - WXXV News 25
August 21, 2026 10:00 PM EDT
WXXV-TV
Mississippi reached a new record for employment. Governor Tate Reeves’ office says the state recorded one 1,196,200 total jobs as of July. Reeves pointed to the figure as evidence of continued economic growth in Mississippi. His office also says more than $85 billion in private sector investment has been announced since he took office. In a statement released Friday, the...
Mississippi
Governor: Mississippi's 'unprecedented momentum' leads to all-time employment record - SuperTalk Mississippi
August 21, 2026 03:39 PM EDT
SuperTalk Mississippi.
Mississippi has more workers than ever before, Gov. Tate Reeves said Friday.
Mississippi
Mississippi employment hits record as hiring demand rises 20% | WKRG.com
August 21, 2026 11:22 AM EDT
WKRG News 5
Video above: ‘News 5 Now’ — Top Stories from Aug. 20, 2026 MISSISSIPPI (WKRG) — Mississippi’s nonfarm employment has hit a record high for July, according to state officials. According to a n…
Missouri
Economist talks budgeting as gas prices reach nearly $4 a gallon in Missouri
August 20, 2026 11:16 PM EDT
Ozarks First.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo — According to gasbuddy.com, the current average gas price per gallon in Missouri is $3.91. The lowest price of gas in Springfield is $3.65. Economist David Mitchell spoke with Ozar…
Nebraska
Nebraska Legislature will decide whether to apply Gov. Pillen's 5% spending cuts during 2027 session
August 20, 2026 05:15 PM EDT
WOWT 6 News.
When a new Nebraska Legislature convenes for its 2027 session, lawmakers will have the authority to accept or reject Gov. Jim Pillen’s plan to cut all state agencies’ budgets by a minimum of 5%.
Nevada
Nevada unemployment drops to 5% as Las Vegas leads job growth in July
August 21, 2026 04:37 PM EDT
KVVU Fox 5 Las Vegas.
Las Vegas added 2,300 jobs in July, helping Nevada buck national employment declines even as the labor force contracted.
New Hampshire
Number of employed Granite Staters is up, but businesses still struggle to find workers
August 20, 2026 12:53 PM EDT
New Hampshire Public Radio
The combination of a slight drop in the unemployment rate and small increases in the number of employed people is a good sign for New Hampshire’s workforce, economists say.
New Jersey
NJEDA and RWJBarnabas Health investing $10M to support startups in life sciences sector | ROI-NJ
August 21, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
ROI-NJ.
The NJEDA Board and RWJBarnabas Health are putting $10 million into an investment fund to support New Jersey life sciences companies.
New York
$5.4M awarded to Capital Region infrastructure projects
August 21, 2026 05:27 PM EDT
News 10 ABC.
More than $5.4 million has been awarded to seven different Capital Region projects through the New York State’s County Infrastructure Grant Program. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the fundin…
North Dakota
North Dakota earns national recovery-friendly designation
August 21, 2026 04:16 PM EDT
KX News.
The Peace Garden State has received national certification as a Recovery Friendly Workplace.
Ohio
US Vice President JD Vance holds midterm election rally in Ohio hometown
August 21, 2026 06:52 PM EDT
Al Jazeera Media Network
The vice president's speech hinged heavily on economic themes, as voter confidence slips for Republican policies.
Oregon
Faculty at Western Oregon University unable to negotiate union contract, declare impasse - Salem Reporter
August 21, 2026 03:40 PM EDT
salemreporter
The union representing 250 Western Oregon University employees declared an impasse Friday, Aug. 21, after the union was unable to strike a deal with the university on a collective bargaining agreement. The union said in a release that the university would not budge on Cost of Living Adjustments for employees, citing limited funds due to an expected deficit. To comment on this story, use the form at the end of the report.
Oregon
Many Oregonians may qualify for SNAP exemptions they don't know about
August 20, 2026 02:43 PM EDT
KEZI 9 News.
Many Oregonians required to meet SNAP work or activity rules may qualify for exemptions based on their health, work, education, caregiving responsibilities or other circumstances, according to the Oregon Department
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania unemployment rate sinks to nearly two-year low
August 21, 2026 12:50 PM EDT
WFMZ-TV.
This marks the first time the rate has been below 4% since October of 2024.
Pennsylvania
Pa. unemployment rate under 4% for first time in nearly 2 years
August 21, 2026 09:00 AM EDT
The Times Leader.
<p>WILKES-BARRE — Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was down two-tenths of a percentage point in July, dropping to 3.9% — the first time the rate has been below 4% since October 2024.</p>
South Dakota
South Dakota seeks expansion of export reach; some countries see opportunity
August 21, 2026 09:41 AM EDT
South Dakota Public Broadcasting
South Dakota is a state looking to strengthen its reach on the international trade market. Representatives of other nations the state is looking to grow partnerships with tell SDPB they see opportunities.
South Dakota
Solutions-based programs filling resource gaps in SD schools
August 21, 2026 05:00 AM EDT
San Diego News Watch.
South Dakota efforts that help disadvantaged students provide support for districts with high poverty rates.
Tennessee
HUD Secretary Turner calls opportunity zones 'transformative' in TN
August 21, 2026 06:04 AM EDT
The Tennessean.
During a visit to Nashville, U.S. HUD Secretary Scott Turner said opportunity zones have been "transformational" for underresourced areas in Tennessee.
Tennessee
University of Tennessee sees record enrollment, aiding Knoxville's economic growth
August 21, 2026 03:48 AM EDT
Yahoo! Inc.
The school is seeing a record number of students this year, and that growth has a big effect on the local economy.
Tennessee
TVA Board Protects Consumers, Strengthens Reliability Amid Rising Power Demand
August 20, 2026 06:55 PM EDT
PR Newswire Association LLC
/PRNewswire/ -- The Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors on Thursday approved a series of actions to protect consumers, ensure long-term reliability...
Texas
Texas job growth surpasses national average in latest workforce data
August 21, 2026 06:48 PM EDT
Crossroads Today.
New workforce data show Texas outpaced the nation in job growth from July 2024 to July 2025, while Victoria's employment levels remained the same.
Vermont
Commentary | Joe Gervais: Vermont must choose a better path for the next generation
August 21, 2026 08:44 AM EDT
The Bennington Banner.
"The choice before us is clear. We can continue down the path of higher costs and shrinking opportunity, or we can choose a different direction—one that measures success by whether
Virginia
Virginia lawmakers begin data center tax exemption review: 'I don't intend to back down'
August 21, 2026 05:53 PM EDT
WTVR CBS 6 News.
The Joint Subcommittee on Tax Policy began a review of Virginia's sales and use tax exemption for the data center industry that saved them $1.9-billion in the last fiscal year.
Wisconsin
Chippewa County pushes to allow counties to raise sales tax
August 21, 2026 06:24 PM EDT
WEAU 13 News.
Chippewa County officials are spearheading a push to change state law, asking the Wisconsin Legislature to allow counties across the state the option to implement an additional 0.5% sales tax specifically dedicated to aging roads and bridges.
Wisconsin
UW Regents approve budget seeking tuition freeze
August 20, 2026 05:05 PM EDT
WMTV 15 News.
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved a new two-year budget request that includes a promise to freeze tuition again for the 2027-29 school years.
