The U.S. labor market continued to expand in June, but at a significantly slower pace than economists expected, as hiring cooled and fewer Americans participated in the workforce, according to the latest Monthly Employment Update released last week by the Joint Economic Committee.
The economy added 57,000 non-farm payroll jobs in June, including 49,000 private-sector jobs and 8,000 government positions. While the national employment rate edged down from 4.3% to 4.2%, the improvement coincided with a 0.3 percentage-point decline in the labor force participation rate to 61.5%, indicating fewer Americans were either working or actively seeking employment.
The broader U-6 unemployment rate, which includes underemployment workers and those marginally attached to the labor force, also declined from 8.1% to 7.9%.
The June report follows downward revisions to previous employment data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics revised May’s job growth downward by 43,000 jobs, reducing the month’s gain from 172,000 to 129,000 jobs. April’s final revision, meanwhile, increased payroll growth by 33,000 jobs to a total gain of 148,000.
Among industries, private education and health services led monthly hiring with 69,000 new jobs, followed by professional and business services, which added 36,000 positions. Leisure and hospitality posted the largest decline, shedding 61,000 jobs, while the information sector lost 9,000 positions.
Over the past year, private education and health services has remained the nation’s strongest-performing sector, adding 648,000 jobs, followed by leisure and hospitality with 114,000.
Federal government employment experienced the steepest annual decline, falling by 258,000 jobs, while financial activities lost 100,000 positions.
Despite slower hiring, wages continued to outpace inflation. Average weekly earnings for all private-sector employees increased 3.82% over the past year, while average hourly earnings rose 3.52%.
Production and nonsupervisory workers saw annual increases of 3.73% in weekly earnings and 3.42% in hourly earnings.
Job Openings Hold Steady Despite Cooling Labor Market
Separate data from the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey showed labor demand remained relatively stable. Total job openings increased by 9,000 in May to 7.59 million nationwide, with the job openings rate holding steady at 4.6%
Leisure and hospitality recorded the largest increase in available positions, followed by trade, transportation, and utilities, while private education and health services posted the largest decline in openings.
State-level employment data reflected a mixed picture across the country. Unemployment rates declined in 20 states during May, increased in nine states, and remained unchanged in 22 states and the District of Columbia.
The District of Columbia recorded the nation’s highest unemployment rate at 6.1% while South Dakota posted the lowest at 2.1%
Payroll employment increased in 38 states and fell in 13 states during May. West Virginia recorded the nation’s largest percentage increase in payroll employment at 1.4% while Montana experienced the largest decline at 0.5%.
Arizona continued to rank among the nation’s stronger performing states for job growth despite signs of a slowing labor market.
The state added 2,000 net payroll jobs in May after adding 8,100 jobs in April. Over the past 12 months, Arizona has added 21,200 payroll jobs, tying for the 10th nationally in percentage growth of non-farm employment.
Arizona’s private sector added 22,900 jobs over the past year, ranking tied for ninth nationally in private-sector payroll growth.
Arizona’s unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.8% in May up from 4.7% the previous month and 4.3% one year earlier. Employment in the state declined by 16,293 during the month and has fallen by more than 66,000 over the past year.
The state’s labor force participation rate also weakened, falling from 61% to 60.7% in May, placing Arizona 37th nationally.
Nationally, labor force participation remained at 61.8% during May before declining to 61.5% in June.
Arizona’s strongest monthly employment gain came in construction, which added 1,300 jobs, and financial activities, which added 700 jobs. State and local government employment declined by 1,000 positions, while professional and business services lost 300 jobs.
Over the past year, Arizona’s private education and health services sector led all industries with 16,600 new jobs, followed by professional and business services with 8,100.
Financial activities experienced the largest annual decline, losing 4,000 jobs, while federal government employment fell by 3,200 positions.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-08) has introduced legislation directing the Department of Defense to provide Congress with a comprehensive review of emerging clinical research and service-related treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Supporters say the move could help expand future healthcare options for veterans and service members.
The Veterans and Service Members PTSD Emerging Treatment Review Act would require the Pentagon to assess emerging PTSD treatments and report its findings to Congress, providing lawmakers with updated information on investigational therapies and ongoing clinical research.
“Our service members and veterans deserve every opportunity to access the most effective treatments backed by rigorous scientific research,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “Far too many Americans continue to struggle with treatment-resistant PTSD, contributing to suicide, substance abuse, and challenges transitioning back to civilian life. This legislation ensures Congress and the Department of Defense have the data needed to evaluate emerging research and make informed decisions that prioritize military readiness, force health, and veteran care.”
Our servicemembers & veterans deserve every proven, science-backed treatment to beat PTSD,
Congressman Hamadeh's 𝘝𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘗𝘛𝘚𝘋 𝘌𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘈𝘤𝘵 gives Congress & the Department of War the data…
— Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) July 1, 2026
The legislation has received support from researchers involved in Arizona based clinical trials studying emerging PTSD treatments.
Dr. Sue Sisley, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the Scottsdale Research Institute said, “We appreciate Congressman Hamadeh and his team for this groundbreaking victory. His staff visited our Sonoran Research Institute Lab and saw firsthand what these FDA clinical trials mean for Veterans & First Responders, and what it could mean for transitioning service members in the future. This clinical trial exemplifies the promise behind President Trump’s recent Executive Order, Right to Try, and FDA Expanded Access: helping our nation’s heroes find new hope when existing treatments have failed them.”
Arizona is home to what researchers describe as the world’s first FDA- and DEA- approved clinical trial evaluating psilocybin-containing mushrooms in a structured group therapy setting for veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD.
The study is examining whether the investigational treatment may benefit individuals with treatment-resistant PTSD who have not responded to existing therapies.
According to Hamadeh’s office, PTSD continues to affect thousands of veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and first responders. While existing therapies have proven effective for many patients, treatment-resistant PTSD remains a significant challenge, affecting long-term health outcomes, family stability, and military readiness.
The legislation builds on bipartisan efforts in Congress after similar language was unanimously included in the House Armed Services Committee report accompanying this year’s National Defense Authorization Act.
It also aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order 14401 directing federal agencies to accelerate research and regulatory pathways for investigational treatments for serious mental illness.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce announced Monica Coury, vice president of external affairs at Arizona Complete Health, as the new chair of its board of directors.
Coury officially assumed the role during a ceremonial “passing of the gavel” at the Chamber’s June 26th board meeting, succeeding Ted Geisler, president and CEO of Arizona Public Service (APS), who served as board chair for the past two years.
Monica has been a valued voice on our board, and we’re excited to have her leadership as we continue advancing policies that matter to Arizona employers.
As board chair, Coury will lead the Arizona Chamber of Commerce’s governing board and help guide its efforts to advance policies aimed at strengthening Arizona’s economy, improving the state’s business climate, and promoting long-term economic growth.
“It is an incredible honor to serve as chair of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry,” stated Coury in a press release announcing her new role. “I want to thank my fellow board members for the confidence they’ve placed in me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Chamber’s outstanding team.”
“The Chamber has long been one of Arizona’s most effective and respected advocates on behalf of the state’s job creators,” Coury added, “and I look forward to building on that legacy as we continue working to make Arizona the best place in the nation to live, work, and do business.”
Coury has served on the Chamber’s board for several years, previously chairing its Public Affairs Committee before serving as chair-elect.
In her role at Arizona Complete Health, she oversees external affairs for one of the state’s largest health plans and has worked on issues related to healthcare access, workforce development, and economic competitiveness.
Arizona Chamber President and CEO Danny Seiden said Coury’s experience and leadership make her well suited to lead the organizations board.
“Monica is an exceptional leader whose collaborative approach, strategic vision, and deep commitment to Arizona make her the ideal person to lead our board,” said Seiden. “She understands that a strong economy depends on smart public policy, and she has consistently brought thoughtful leadership and sound judgment to the Chamber. I look forward to working closely with Monica as we continue advancing policies that help Arizona employers create jobs, invest, and grow.”
Seiden also recognized Geisler’s service as chairman, crediting him with helping lead the organization through a period marked by legislative successes and continued organizational growth.
“Ted has been an outstanding chairman, a trusted partner, and a friend,” Seiden added. “His steady leadership, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to Arizona’s economic future have helped position the Chamber for continued success. We are grateful for his service and look forward to his continued counsel and involvement on our board.”
Along with Coury, the Chamber also announced its new slate of board officers, including Jimmy Lindbolm of Willmeng Construction as chair-elect, Don Isaacson of Isaacson Law Firm as vice-chair of audit and finance, and Angela Creedon of Intel as vice-chair of manufacturing
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) has introduced the Monitor Accountability Act in the U.S. Senate, serving as a companion measure to H.R. 8365, legislation previously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05).
The legislation seeks to establish new federal standards governing court-appointed monitors used in civil consent decrees involving state and local governments. These monitors are typically assigned to oversee reform efforts in areas such as law enforcement and public safety compliance.
Supporters of the bill point to long-running monitorships in jurisdictions such as Maricopa County, Arizona, and New Orleans, Louisiana, as examples of cases where oversight arrangements have extended for years and generated significant taxpayer costs.
According to figures cited by sponsors, the New Orleans Police Department consent decree lasted 13 years and cost an estimated $100 million before concluding, while the ongoing Maricopa County monitorship has reportedly exceeded $350 million in taxpayers expense and continues.
“I’m grateful for Senator Kennedy’s partnership in this fight to reinsert sorely needed congressional oversight over these out-of-control federal monitors,” stated Congressman Biggs. “The stories of Maricopa County and New Orleans are abusive and well-documented, showing how these monitors operate without oversight across America. As I have said repeatedly, the destructive effects these monitors have on government budgets and public safety necessitate congressional action. I hope the Senate quickly passes this bill and sends it to the White House to be enacted into law.”
U.S. Senator John Kennedy has introduced the Monitor Accountability Act as a companion bill to my legislation.
I’m grateful for Senator Kennedy’s partnership in this fight to reinsert sorely needed congressional oversight over these out-of-control monitors. pic.twitter.com/0bePhGAMx2
Senator Kennedy emphasized the need for accountability and cost controls in the system.
“Federal court monitors can serve an important purpose, but taxpayers should not have to fund open-ended monitorships that drag on for years without basic accountability,” said Senator Kennedy. “We basically let government contractors decide whether their own government contract keeps going. The Monitor Accountability Act would cap fees, limit terms and bring transparency to a system operating for far too long on autopilot.”
If enacted, the legislation would direct the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and the Judicial Conference of the United States to implement standardized rules for appointing and managing federal monitors. These include:
Five-year term limits for monitors, with no reappointment under the same court order.
Restrictions on successive appointments, preventing the same individual or affiliated employer from continuing a monitorship.
Fee caps and transparency requirements, including annual public accounting of services and compensation.
Public notice and comment period before a monitor is appointed.
Compliance-based extensions, allowing continuation only if substantial and sustained compliance has not been achieved.
Judicial reassignment after six years in ongoing cases to prevent prolonged oversight by a single judge.
Retroactive application to monitorships exceeding six years, including potential replacement of monitors and judicial reassignment.
The bill also encourages the use of pro bono or reduced-rate services in monitor roles.
As the legislation moved through the House earlier this year, it received public support from several law enforcement leaders and organizations, including Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels, the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, and the Arizona Police Association.
The bill notes that federal monitors are typically appointed in civil settlement agreements or consent decrees to oversee corrective reforms, often in response to findings of unconstitutional policing or systemic agency misconduct.
The legislation responds in part to prior federal guidance encouraging greater transparency, term limits, and cost accountability in monitor appointments.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed H.R. 7396, the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, a bipartisan measure aimed at strengthening Small Business Administration (SBA) outreach and support for Tribal entrepreneurs across the United States.
The legislation, led by a bipartisan coalition in Congress, seeks to formally establish and codify the Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) within the SBA by amending the Small Business Act.
The goal is to improve coordination, accountability, and targeted support for Native American and native Hawaiian business owners who often face structural barriers in accessing federal resources.
The bill was introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers including Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ-02), alongside Rep. Shanice Davids (D-KS-03), Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-TX-06), and Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03). The measure passed the House with unanimous support after previously clearing the chamber in the last Congress with strong bipartisan backing before stalling in the Senate.
If enacted, the legislation would formally embed the ONAA within the Small Business Administration and assign its responsibility for expanding access to entrepreneurial development programs, contracting opportunities, and capital resources for Tribal communities.
This evening, the House unanimously passed the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act to strengthen @SBAgov outreach to Tribal entrepreneurs.
The office would also be tasked with improving coordination with other federal agencies and increasing education about available programs for Native entrepreneurs.
Tribal business owners, particularly those operating on reservations, often face unique challenges including complex tax structures, regulatory barriers, lending difficulties, and questions surrounding property rights.
Supporters of the legislation argue that these issues have been compounded by inconsistent outreach and limited access to federal small business programs.
By codifying the Office of Native America Affairs into federal law, the bill also strengthens congressional oversight by requiring annual reports to Congress detailing outreach efforts, consultations with Tribal governments, training initiatives, and the number of entrepreneurs served.
“I’m proud to be part of the bipartisan coalition working to improve and expand SBA outreach to Tribal communities. As the representative of over half of Arizona’s tribes, I’m focused on solutions to help expand economic growth throughout rural Arizona,” stated Rep. Crane. “I’m grateful to Rep. Davids for her leadership, as well as Reps. Ellzey and Morrison for their support of this important bill. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly take up and pass this measure.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
