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President Trump Issues Executive Order on Promoting Fair Competition in Livestock Markets and Expanding Market Access for American Meat Producers
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- President Trump issued the following executive order on Sept. 4, 2026:
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PROMOTING FAIR COMPETITION IN LIVESTOCK MARKETS AND EXPANDING MARKET ACCESS FOR AMERICAN MEAT PRODUCERS
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose. American ranchers want to be able to butcher, process, package, and sell their meat to consumers across State lines while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and avoid being overcharged by monopolistic practices by meat processors.
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- President Trump issued the following executive order on Sept. 4, 2026:
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PROMOTING FAIR COMPETITION IN LIVESTOCK MARKETS AND EXPANDING MARKET ACCESS FOR AMERICAN MEAT PRODUCERS
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose. American ranchers want to be able to butcher, process, package, and sell their meat to consumers across State lines while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and avoid being overcharged by monopolistic practices by meat processors.It is the policy of the United States to support these goals and reduce barriers to ranchers processing their own product for sale to consumers by promoting fair competition in livestock and meat markets; protecting producers and small processors from unfair, deceptive, or monopolistic practices; and expanding legitimate market opportunities for American-raised livestock and meat products consistent with applicable law. This order directs more vigorous enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (Public Law 67-51, 42 Stat. 159,7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.) (the "Act"), and the maximum use of existing authorities to facilitate greater interstate market access for eligible meat products while maintaining the highest standards of food safety that help make United States born, raised, harvested, and processed food the best in the world.
Sec. 2. Robust Enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act. (a) The Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) shall, consistent with the Act, and all other applicable law:
(i) prioritize and expand investigations into potential violations of the Act by packers and other covered entities, with particular attention to unfair, unjustly discriminatory, or deceptive practices; undue or unreasonable preferences or advantages; and practices that restrain commerce or manipulate prices;
(ii) increase resources, staffing, and investigative capacity within the Packers and Stockyards Division of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service, the USDA Office of General Counsel, and the USDA Office of Inspector General;
(iii) coordinate closely with the Department of Justice (DOJ), in keeping with the September 26, 2025, memorandum of understanding between the USDA and the DOJ Antitrust Division, to refer cases for appropriate enforcement and to pursue complementary antitrust actions where appropriate; and
(iv) within 60 days of the date of this order, submit to the President a report detailing current enforcement actions, resource needs, and a plan for heightened enforcement for the coming year.
(b) The Secretary shall review existing regulations, guidance, and enforcement policies under the Act and, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, revise them to strengthen protections for producers and ensure effective deterrence of prohibited conduct.
Sec. 3. Expanding Interstate Market Access for Eligible Meat Products. (a) The Secretary shall take actions consistent with applicable law to expand opportunities for interstate shipment of meat products, including by:
(i) accelerating outreach and streamlining processes to increase State participation in the USDA's State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, the Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program, and the Talmadge-Aiken Cooperative Inspection Program;
(ii) creating technical assistance and training programs for small and very small meat processors;
(iii) establishing, or collaborating with partners to establish, an easily accessible web resource with comprehensive information regarding local meat slaughter and processing availability, including federally inspected establishments that facilitate interstate shipment;
(iv) modernizing meat inspection to sharpen focus on core food safety, boost processing efficiency and technology, and lower costs to add value for ranchers and consumers;
(v) removing unnecessary Food Safety Inspection Service inspection reporting requirements and overly prescriptive requirements, consistent with applicable law, that do not advance essential food safety needs; and
(vi) establishing a coordinator position within USDA to implement these actions and serve as a conduit to ranchers and small and medium sized processors.
(b) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary shall submit to the President a report assessing current participation in the State-Federal cooperative inspection programs, identifying remaining statutory or regulatory barriers to greater interstate market access for State-inspected products, and providing recommendations for action to address any such challenges.
(c) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary shall submit to the President a report identifying Federal statutory provisions, as well as trade considerations, that restrict or prohibit State-inspected or custom exempt meat products from entering interstate commerce.
(d) The Secretary shall take actions as appropriate and consistent with applicable law to establish a Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers guaranteed loan program for small and regional beef processors to help these processors continue operation, expand their footprint, and increase diversity of animal proteins being processed.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Agriculture.
DONALD J. TRUMP
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/09/promoting-fair-competition-in-livestock-markets-and-expanding-market-access-for-american-meat-producers/
NHTSA Opens Investigation Into Tesla Cybercab Self-Certification Following Austin Deployment
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued the following news release on Sept. 4, 2026:
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NHTSA Opens Investigation into Tesla Cybercab Self-Certification Following Austin Deployment
The US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced that it has opened an Audit Query (AQ) to investigate Tesla's certification that its new Cybercab meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). The enforcement action follows Tesla's commercial deployment of
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued the following news release on Sept. 4, 2026:
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NHTSA Opens Investigation into Tesla Cybercab Self-Certification Following Austin Deployment
The US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced that it has opened an Audit Query (AQ) to investigate Tesla's certification that its new Cybercab meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). The enforcement action follows Tesla's commercial deployment ofits driverless Cybercab vehicles in Austin, Texas.
How It Works
In the U.S., NHTSA establishes clear vehicle performance requirements. In order for automakers to access the U.S. market, they must certify that their vehicles meet these standards - subject to oversight from the agency to confirm compliance. When certified vehicles appear to not adhere to these requirements, NHTSA conducts an investigation.
Why It's Needed
As part of the Trump Administration's ongoing efforts to unleash American innovation and enhance safety on our roads, NHTSA is in the process of overhauling these standards. Over the last year, the agency announced it has begun working on eight rulemakings - including standards relating to brake pedals, windshield wipers, lighting, and rearview mirrors. The agency looks forward to finishing these critical updates and removing unnecessary barriers to American AV innovation in the coming months. Until that work is completed, however, existing standards remain in force.
"NHTSA fully supports the safe development and deployment of automated vehicles. But as the federal regulator, we need to ensure that all of our laws are followed," said NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison. "Our approach of balancing innovation with safety oversight will allow the United States to maintain its global leadership in AV innovation."
Additional Information
The Audit Query will allow NHTSA to assess the basis for Tesla's self-certification that its Cybercab fully complies with all federal safety standards.
NHTSA's Audit Query will evaluate the technical data and processes Tesla relied upon to self-certify compliance for a vehicle lacking traditional human controls. Among other things, the inquiry will examine whether Tesla's compliance framework relied on determinations that certain standard FMVSS requirements are inapplicable to its automated vehicles.
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Original text here: https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/investigation-tesla-cybercab-self-certification
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Issues August 2026 Beige Book
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago issued the following August 2026 Beige Book:
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Summary of Economic Activity
Economic activity in the Seventh District increased slightly in July and early August, and contacts expected a similar pace of increase over the next 12 months. Manufacturing demand rose modestly; employment was up slightly; consumer spending and construction and real estate activity were flat on balance; business spending declined slightly; and nonbusiness contacts saw no change in economic activity. Prices rose moderately, wages rose modestly, and financial
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago issued the following August 2026 Beige Book:
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Summary of Economic Activity
Economic activity in the Seventh District increased slightly in July and early August, and contacts expected a similar pace of increase over the next 12 months. Manufacturing demand rose modestly; employment was up slightly; consumer spending and construction and real estate activity were flat on balance; business spending declined slightly; and nonbusiness contacts saw no change in economic activity. Prices rose moderately, wages rose modestly, and financialconditions tightened slightly. Farm income expectations for 2026 improved some.
Labor Markets
Employment rose slightly over the reporting period, and contacts expected a similar pace of hiring over the next 12 months. Contacts generally saw little change in labor market conditions on balance. One contact in state government said the layoff rate remained low, and a contact in leisure and hospitality noted little turnover in workers. There were some reports of job growth, including from employment placement agencies which saw a slight increase in demand for manufacturing workers. There were also a few reports of tightening labor market conditions. In the truck transportation industry, a contact noted a pullback in the supply of drivers after recent changes in federal regulations. And in certain skilled trades, such as electricians, wage increases were large. Outside of the trades, wages and benefits costs were both up modestly.
Prices
Prices rose moderately overall in July and early August, and contacts expected a similar pace of increase over the next 12 months. Producer prices rose modestly. Nonlabor input costs were up modestly, which was slower than the moderate pace in the last report. Contacts reported price increases in raw materials, energy, and shipping, with many contacts in manufacturing and construction noting that shippers continued to add fuel surcharges to their invoices. Consumer prices rose moderately. One retail industry analyst expected some retailers to use tariff refunds to offset freight surcharges or offer promotions.
Consumer Spending
Consumer spending was flat on balance over the reporting period. Nonauto retail spending was unchanged overall. Contacts said more consumers were trading down to lower cost options and noted sales increases at discount stores and warehouse clubs. For example, a furniture retailer indicated that an increasing number of higher-income customers were shopping at discount furniture stores. Meanwhile, spending on leisure and hospitality decreased on net. While hotel room demand was up, contacts said restaurant traffic had slowed because of higher food and gas prices. New light vehicle sales held steady. Some dealers were surprised by how resilient demand was in light of elevated consumer uncertainty and higher prices driven by limited supply. However, other dealers expressed concern about decreased sales to small businesses, which historically precedes weakness in the overall vehicle market.
Business Spending
Business spending decreased slightly in July and early August. Contacts noted a small decline in their capital expenditures, though expectations for spending over the coming year were for a small increase. There were some reports of new capital purchases, often to replace or repair existing equipment. Demand for truck transportation increased slightly and rates edged up. Retail inventories were comfortable overall. Some contacts said that orders for the holiday season were lower than last year, in part due to higher confidence in the supply chain and in part because of uncertainty about how strong sales would be. Manufacturing inventories were a little high. A few manufacturing contacts reported shortages or long lead times for metals such as aluminum, copper, and steel.
Construction and Real Estate
Construction and real estate demand was flat on balance over the reporting period. Residential construction was unchanged, with contacts noting that higher costs, notably for land, were putting a damper on single-family homebuilding. Multifamily construction remained soft. Starts of many permitted multifamily projects were postponed due to higher costs and tighter credit conditions. Residential real estate activity decreased slightly, and a contact indicated that recent sales were limited to move-in-ready homes. Prices and rents both increased slightly. Nonresidential construction was unchanged. Data center and other mega-site construction projects remained the main centers of activity. As one contact put it, "without data centers, construction would be in a recession." Commercial real estate activity rose slightly. Demand strengthened in the industrial sector and remained strong for big box warehouse space.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing demand increased modestly in July and early August. Primary metals industry contacts reported a slight increase in sales from an already high level, driven in part by orders from equipment manufacturers. Fabricated metals production increased modestly on balance, with growth in a variety of sectors, including defense. Machinery sales also rose modestly due to stronger orders from the defense sector. Auto production ticked up and production of heavy trucks increased slightly.
Banking and Finance
Financial conditions tightened slightly in July and early August. Bond values edged down, while equity values rose moderately. Volatility was flat on net and at a low level. Business loan volumes increased slightly, with one contact reporting greater M&A activity. Business loan quality edged down, rates increased modestly, and terms were unchanged. Consumer loan volumes decreased modestly, with contacts attributing this in part to high interest rates across the board. Demand for residential mortgages was soft. There was an uptick in consumers making only the minimum payment on their credit cards, but overall consumer loan quality and terms were flat. Several lenders reported elevated consumer uncertainty due to the conflict in the Middle East, and many expressed uncertainty about the direction of interest rates.
Agriculture
District farm income expectations for 2026 improved some from a low level over the reporting period. Crops were in good shape for the most part, though some areas were stressed due to heavy rains and flooding. Still, yields for corn and soybeans were expected to be close to record levels. Corn, soybean, and wheat prices increased as domestic and international demand strengthened. Strong demand for biofuels led to higher production of ethanol and biodiesel. Egg and hog prices were up from the prior reporting period, dairy prices fell, and cattle prices decreased further. District cattle producers faced additional challenges after a key meat packing plant abruptly closed. Although diesel prices rose, there were reductions in many fertilizer prices, which could help farmers when they turn to preparing for next year.
Community Conditions
Community, nonprofit, and state and municipal contacts saw no change in economic conditions over the reporting period. Contacts highlighted continued price pressures related to the conflict in the Middle East and mixed labor market conditions, with some having difficulty hiring but others cutting back on hours. Overall, state government contacts reported strong sales and income tax revenues. Small business intermediaries noted that service-oriented businesses were struggling to pass on cost increases to customers, leading some to cut back on hours or be more cautious about growth plans. In contrast, intermediaries noted resilient outlooks among manufacturing clients, and some firms introduced training programs for new workers to increase staffing. Nonprofit organizations reported that private donations were holding steady given stability in the equity markets.
For more information about District economic conditions visit: https://chicagofed.org/cfsec.
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Original text here: https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/beigebook202608-chicago.htm
Bureau of Reclamation Provides Comments on California State Water Resources Control Board's Bay-Delta Plan Update
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation issued the following news release on Sept. 4, 2026:
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Reclamation Provides Comments on California State Water Resources Control Board's Bay-Delta Plan Update
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Bureau of Reclamation provided the following comments today to the California State Water Resources Control Board expressing concern with its most recent update to the Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This letter follows a previously submitted letter to the State Water Board earlier
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation issued the following news release on Sept. 4, 2026:
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Reclamation Provides Comments on California State Water Resources Control Board's Bay-Delta Plan Update
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Bureau of Reclamation provided the following comments today to the California State Water Resources Control Board expressing concern with its most recent update to the Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This letter follows a previously submitted letter to the State Water Board earlierthis year, which voiced Reclamation's initial concerns regarding the development of this draft plan.
On Aug. 19, the State Water Board announced the release of its final draft update to the Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan. The Board will consider adoption of the updated Bay-Delta Plan upon the completion of the public comment period on Oct. 28-29.
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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits.
Letter to the California State Water Resources Control Board
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY
State Water Resources Control Board
Division of Water Rights
Attn: Bay-Delta & Hearing Branch
P.O. Box 100
Sacramento, CA 95812-0100
Subject: August 2026 Draft Water Quality Control Plan--Reclamation's Principal Concerns
Dear Chair Esquivel:
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) writes to express its serious concern with the State Water Resources Control Board's August 2026 Draft Water Quality Control Plan (Draft Plan) for the Bay-Delta. The Draft Plan, as written, threatens reliability of water supplies that support not only the Central Valley Project (CVP), but the entire fabric of California's agricultural economy, rural communities, urban centers, and natural vitality. Millions of people and businesses depend on the certainty and reliability of these water supplies. Federal, State, and local water projects represent generations of investment and partnership, they feed the nation and the world, supply our cities and communities, and generate the power that keeps the economy running. Deliveries from those projects are not abstract entitlements. They are the purpose of the CVP and State Water Project (SWP).
This letter states Reclamation's principal policy objections. Detailed technical comments are attached.
The standard for any Bay-Delta pathway is straightforward: water for people, gold-standard science, adaptive management, and measurable results--not process, delay, or undefined flow targets presented as progress.
The Draft Plan does not honor the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding and Term Sheet (2022 MOU). The 2022 MOU represented a collaborative, integrated approach--combining enforceable flow and habitat commitments, program certainty, and adaptive management. The Draft Plan keeps the HRL label and changes the terms of the agreement. It unilaterally redefines the baseline for additive flows and outflows increasing obligations for HRL parties beyond what was set forth in the 2022 MOU. It requires additional CVP and SWP export reductions of 125 TAF in dry and below-normal years and 175 TAF in above-normal years, and sets a regulatory default of 55 percent unimpaired flow. Neither pathway contains a durable mechanism that protects CVP contract performance - water for families, farms, communities. The backstop is more water, not the portfolio the parties negotiated in 2022.
The Draft Plan directly regulates federal reservoirs through carryover storage targets enumerated therein, and subject to Executive Director approval of temperature management strategies. The Draft also treats later lawful federal operations as a deficit to be repaid in more HRL water. State law cannot impose gatekeeping approval that conditions operations of federal reservoirs or Reclamation's temperature-management obligations under the Endangered Species Act and federal project purposes. Reclamation will continue to operate Shasta and the CVP under the governing Biological Opinion, Records of Decision, project purposes, and Executive Order 14181.
Finally, the Draft Plan centralizes decision-making authority in the Board's Executive Director, sidelining the collaborative, multi-party governance structure that was a cornerstone of 2022 MOU. Whether in the collaborative framework of the MOU or the proposed governance structure in the current Draft Plan, we want to be clear: a federal Record of Decision or biological opinion does not require State Board staff permission to be implemented.
These elements put the Board on a collision course to proscribe CVP operations that are inconsistent with and frustrate the purposes of federal directives for the project.
Reclamation and partners throughout the State recognized an opportunity to work with the State Board in this Draft Plan update that would provide certainty for water users while still ensuring protection of native fish and wildlife through integrated flow and habitat measures. The current draft plan reflects more of what has come to be expected from the State Board - executive and regulatory overreach, questionable legal authority, and continued downward pressure on water users throughout the state.
Reclamation cannot support or participate in a process that disregards federal law, undermines negotiated certainty, and threatens the viability of the CVP. If the Board proceeds on this path, Reclamation will:
* Cease any further participation or funding under HRLs or similar state pathways that do not protect CVP contract supplies and project purposes;
* Immediately begin review of outdated water right permit conditions that do not align with current conditions or science;
* Advance updated long-term operations decisions and, where warranted, reinitiate Endangered Species Act consultation to secure greater operational flexibility consistent with law;
* Maximize deliveries under existing authorities and recent Records of Decision that have already shown the capacity to increase average annual supplies when operations are aligned with project purposes;
* Accelerate infrastructure that restores and expands conveyance capacity of federal, state, and local conveyance facilities to take advantage of water supply when it is available;
* Modernize and optimize critical infrastructure that increases real wet water storage; and
* Insist on science and modeling that accurately distinguish Project effects from the dominant drivers of environmental conditions throughout the CVP and that measure real species' benefits rather than assuming them from flow volumes alone.
Our objective is clear: Improve water supply outcomes for all of California while incorporating robust, measurable species protection through the best available tools and science. We will do this by keeping federal project infrastructure and contractual supplies intact, consistent with the federal purposes of the CVP and the national interest in food security, rural economic stability, and resilient water and power systems.
The Board's current approach is not sustainable. We urge the Board to restore the foundational elements of the 2022 MOU, provide the certainty and clarity necessary for effective water management, and abandon the unworkable Unimpaired Flow (UIF) pathway. Reclamation stands ready to support pathways for the reasonable protection of beneficial uses that protect and enhance water supply reliability for the CVP and California, but cannot support a plan that disregards federal law, negotiated certainty, and sound judgment.
Sincerely,
Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt
Principal Deputy Commissioner
Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Commissioner
Bureau of Reclamation
cc:Secretary, Department of the Interior
Assistant Secretary - Water and Science
Director, California Department of Water Resources
CVP contractor leadership as appropriate
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Original text here: https://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/news-release/5407
BLS Northeast Region Issues Report on Municipio Employment and Wages in Puerto Rico First Quarter 2026
NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- Municipio Employment and Wages in Puerto Rico First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Northeast Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined 3.0 percent in San Juan, the only large municipio in Puerto Rico, from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Puerto Rico employment decreased 0.8 percent over the year to 944,500 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Regional Commissioner Mark J. Maggi noted that employment
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NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- Municipio Employment and Wages in Puerto Rico First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Northeast Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined 3.0 percent in San Juan, the only large municipio in Puerto Rico, from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Puerto Rico employment decreased 0.8 percent over the year to 944,500 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Regional Commissioner Mark J. Maggi noted that employmentin San Juan stood at 245,900 in March 2026, accounting for 26.0 percent of total employment in Puerto Rico. Nationwide, the 376 largest counties comprise 73.5 percent of total covered employment in the United States. (Large counties and county equivalents are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2025.)
Large municipio average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
The average weekly wage in San Juan increased 5.1 percent over the year to $902. In Puerto Rico, average weekly wages increased 3.4 percent over the year to $724. The United States average was $1,654, up 3.9 percent over the year.
Smaller municipio average weekly wages in the first quarter of 2026
Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for the 77 smaller municipios in Puerto Rico, defined as having employment below 75,000 in 2025. (See table 2.) Wage levels in all of the smaller municipios were below the national average. Juncos reported the highest average weekly wage ($1,464) in the commonwealth. Las Marias reported the lowest average weekly wage ($411).
Among all 78 Puerto Rico municipios, 30 reported average weekly wages less than $525, 12 had wages from $525 to $574, 11 had wages from $575 to $624, 9 had wages from $625 to $674, and 16 had average weekly wages of $675 or higher. (See map 1 and table 2.)
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Map 1. Average weekly wages by municipio in Puerto Rico, first quarter 2026
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Additional statistics and other information
QCEW data for all states have been included in this release in table 3.
Nationwide coverage of the largest counties is published in the County Employment and Wages news release (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cewqtr.nr0.htm). Additional information about quarterly employment and wages data is available in the news release Technical Note (https://www.bls.gov/cew/news-release-technical-note.htm) and from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website (https://www.bls.gov/cew).
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The County Employment and Wages release for the second quarter 2026 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
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County Changes for the 2026 County Employment and Wages News Releases
Counties with annual average employment of 75,000 or more in 2025 are included in this release and will be included in future 2026 releases. Five counties have been added to the publication tables: Kenton, KY; Union, NC; Licking, OH; Gregg, TX; and Kenosha, WI. One county has been dropped from the publication tables: Wood, OH.
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Table 1. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and the largest municipio in Puerto Rico, first quarter 2026
Table 2. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and all municipios in Puerto Rico, first quarter 2026
Table 3. Covered establishments, employment, and wages by state, first quarter 2026
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View original text plus charts and tables here: https://www.bls.gov/regions/northeast/news-release/2026/countyemploymentandwages_puertorico_20260904.htm
BLS Northeast Region Issues Report on County Employment and Wages in Vermont First Quarter 2026
NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Vermont First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Northeast Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined 1.8 percent in Chittenden, the only large county in Vermont, from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Vermont employment decreased 1.0 percent over the year to 304,200 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Regional Commissioner Mark J. Maggi noted that the rate of employment
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NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Vermont First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Northeast Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined 1.8 percent in Chittenden, the only large county in Vermont, from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Vermont employment decreased 1.0 percent over the year to 304,200 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Regional Commissioner Mark J. Maggi noted that the rate of employmentgrowth in Chittenden ranked 345th among the 371 largest U.S. counties with published data.
Employment in Chittenden stood at 100,700 in March 2026, accounting for 33.1 percent of total employment in Vermont. Nationwide, the 376 largest counties comprise 73.5 percent of total covered employment in the United States. (Large counties and county equivalents are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2025.)
Large county average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
The average weekly wage in Chittenden increased 3.4 percent over the year to $1,521. The national average was $1,654, up 3.9 percent over the year. Chittenden's weekly wage ranked 121st nationally, and the percent change ranked 186th among the largest U.S. counties.
Statewide, average weekly wages increased 3.0 percent over the year to $1,322. Vermont ranked 35th in average weekly wages among the 50 states and the District of Columbia and 41st in wage growth.
Smaller county average weekly wages in the first quarter of 2026
Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for the 13 smaller counties in Vermont, defined as having employment below 75,000 in 2025. (See table 2.) Wage levels in all of the smaller counties were below the national average. Washington reported the highest average weekly wage ($1,400) among small counties. Orleans reported the lowest average weekly wage ($1,007) in the state.
Among all 14 Vermont counties, 3 reported average weekly wages less than $1,100, 4 had wages from $1,100 to $1,174, 3 had wages from $1,175 to $1,249, and 4 had average weekly wages of $1,250 or higher. (See map 1 and table 2.)
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Map 1. Average weekly wages by county in Vermont, first quarter 2026
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Additional statistics and other information
QCEW data for all states have been included in this release in table 3.
Nationwide coverage of the largest counties is published in the County Employment and Wages news release (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cewqtr.nr0.htm). Additional information about quarterly employment and wages data is available in the news release Technical Note (https://www.bls.gov/cew/news-release-technical-note.htm) and from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website (https://www.bls.gov/cew).
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The County Employment and Wages release for the second quarter 2026 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
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County Changes for the 2026 County Employment and Wages News Releases
Counties with annual average employment of 75,000 or more in 2025 are included in this release and will be included in future 2026 releases. Five counties have been added to the publication tables: Kenton, KY; Union, NC; Licking, OH; Gregg, TX; and Kenosha, WI. One county has been dropped from the publication tables: Wood, OH.
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Table 1. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and the largest county in Vermont, first quarter 2026
Table 2. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and all counties in Vermont, first quarter 2026
Table 3. Covered establishments, employment, and wages by state, first quarter 2026
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View original text plus charts and tables here: https://www.bls.gov/regions/northeast/news-release/2026/countyemploymentandwages_vermont_20260904.htm
BLS Midwest Region Issues Report on County Employment and Wages in Minnesota First Quarter 2026
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Minnesota First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Midwest Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined in 6 of the 8 largest counties in Minnesota from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Minnesota employment decreased 0.3 percent over the year to 2,878,100 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted that
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 5 (TNSLrpt) -- County Employment and Wages in Minnesota First Quarter 2026 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Midwest Region - Sept. 4, 2026
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Employment declined in 6 of the 8 largest counties in Minnesota from March 2025 to March 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Minnesota employment decreased 0.3 percent over the year to 2,878,100 in March 2026, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program. (See table 1.) Assistant Commissioner for Regional Operations Michael Hirniak noted thatRamsey County (-1.6 percent) had the largest over-the-year decrease in employment. (See chart 1.)
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Chart 1. Over-the-year percent change in covered employment among the largest counties in Minnesota, March 2026
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Hennepin County (899,500) had the highest employment level in Minnesota in March 2026. Together, the eight largest counties accounted for 66.4 percent of total covered employment within the state. Nationwide, the 376 largest counties comprise 73.5 percent of total covered employment in the United States. (Large counties and county equivalents are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2025.)
Large county average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
Average weekly wage gains in 4 of the 8 large counties in Minnesota were above the national average of 3.9 percent. (See chart 2.) Olmsted had the largest gain (+13.8 percent). Over-the-year wage gains among the other seven large Minnesota counties ranged from 5.4 percent to 0.7 percent.
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Chart 2. Over-the-year percent change in covered average weekly wages among the largest counties in Minnesota, first quarter 2026
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Weekly wages in 3 of the 8 largest counties in Minnesota were above the national average of $1,654: Hennepin ($2,065), Ramsey ($1,751), and Olmsted ($1,743). Average weekly wages among the other five large counties ranged from $1,491 in Dakota to $1,257 in St. Louis.
Statewide, average weekly wages increased 3.8 percent over the year to $1,630. Minnesota ranked 14th in average weekly wages among the 50 states and the District of Columbia and 24th in wage growth.
Smaller county average weekly wages in the first quarter 2026
Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for the 79 smaller counties in Minnesota, defined as having employment below 75,000 in 2025. (See table 2.) Wage levels in all of the smaller counties were below the national average. Roseau reported the highest average weekly wage ($1,635) among small counties. Lincoln reported the lowest average weekly wage ($869) in the state.
Among all 87 Minnesota counties, 19 reported average weekly wages less than $1,000, 15 had wages from $1,000 to $1,074, 28 had wages from $1,075 to $1,149, 9 had wages from $1,150 to $1,224, and 16 had average weekly wages of $1,225 or higher. (See map 1 and table 2.)
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Map 1. Average weekly wages by county in Minnesota, first quarter 2026
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Additional statistics and other information
QCEW data for all states have been included in this release in table 3.
Nationwide coverage of the largest counties is published in the County Employment and Wages news release (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cewqtr.nr0.htm). Additional information about quarterly employment and wages data is available in the news release Technical Note (https://www.bls.gov/cew/news-release-technical-note.htm) and from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website (https://www.bls.gov/cew).
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The County Employment and Wages release for the second quarter 2026 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
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County Changes for the 2026 County Employment and Wages News Releases
Counties with annual average employment of 75,000 or more in 2025 are included in this release and will be included in future 2026 releases. Five counties have been added to the publication tables: Kenton, KY; Union, NC; Licking, OH; Gregg, TX; and Kenosha, WI. One county has been dropped from the publication tables: Wood, OH.
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Table 1. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and the eight largest counties in Minnesota, first quarter 2026
Table 2. Covered establishments, employment, and wages in the United States and all counties in Minnesota, first quarter 2026
Table 3. Covered establishments, employment, and wages by state, first quarter 2026
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View original text plus charts and tables here: https://www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/news-release/2026/countyemploymentandwages_minnesota_20260904.htm
