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Axios
7 hours ago
- Business
- Axios
Northern Virginia leaders warn federal layoffs threaten local economy
Some Virginia leaders are ringing the alarm over the effect the Trump administration's federal cuts are having on its local workforce and economy — especially in Northern Virginia. Why it matters: Virginia's unemployment rate has risen for six consecutive months — hitting 3.5% in June. The big picture: Virginia was the only state in the nation that saw a "statistically significant" increase in unemployment last month, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Virginia also recently dropped to No. 4 on CNBC's yearly Top State for Business rankings — a hit for a state that's come in at No. 1 a record six times. The impact of federal job cuts on the economy was cited as the driving factor. Zoom in: NoVa, which historically has been home to a large concentration of federal jobs, saw the biggest employment decline out of Virginia's metro areas from May to June, per a new Virginia Works report. The metro saw a loss of 4,700 jobs in that period. Fairfax County has seen the number of its unemployed residents jump 34.7% in the last year, reports the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Meanwhile, 80% of Northern Virginia business leaders are concerned about the impact DOGE's cuts are having on the regional economy, per a recent Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce survey. Federal layoffs (47%) and inflation (47%) were the top two factors affecting regional business growth, per surveyed leaders. Yes, but: Overall, NoVa business leaders are feeling more optimistic about the local economy than they were this spring, found the survey. Zoom out: An estimated 11,100 federal jobs have been cut in Virginia this year, per a recent report from the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. 10,500 more positions could be threatened in the near future. Virginia employees at the Defense, Agriculture and Treasury departments have already seen some of the biggest cuts, and it's projected Virginia could see more employee reductions at the Defense and Veteran Affairs departments, per the report. And contracting jobs are being impacted, too: Mitre Corp. and Goldschmitt & Associates — both based in Northern Virginia — have reported some of the highest numbers of contracting layoffs in the state, per the report. What they're saying: Virginia Dems are putting the spotlight on the issue ahead of an election year that will determine which side of the aisle controls the state's government. "The Trump administration's approach is not working for Virginia," Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger wrote last week in a Fox News op-ed criticizing Gov. Glenn Youngkin's response to Virginia job losses. And Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay and state Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) released a statement last week criticizing President Trump's, Youngkin's and state Republicans' policies for threatening "the decades of leadership that has made Fairfax County the economic engine of Virginia." The other side: Though Youngkin recently announced in a statement that Virginia's nonfarm employment decreased by 8,400 jobs in June due to federal cuts, he pointed out that, overall, jobs are up by 35,600 since June 2024. "Virginia's financial and economic strength continue to provide the fuel for new opportunities and growth," Youngkin said in the statement.
Axios
20 hours ago
- Business
- Axios
Richmond region feels impact as Virginia unemployment climbs
Virginia was the only state in the nation that saw a statistically significant increase in unemployment last month, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Why it matters: More than 160,000 Virginians were out of work but looking for a job in June amid a gloomy national labor outlook for the unemployed. State of play: The latest unemployment data, out Friday, suggests the state's job losses go beyond the Trump administration's culling of federal workers. Overall, there were roughly 8,400 fewer jobs in Virginia in June than in May. And Richmond saw the third-highest month-over-month decrease in nonfarm employment in the state. Zoom in: All but four of the dozen or so nonagricultural industries in Virginia posted job losses between May and June, per detailed data from Virginia Works, the state's workforce development arm. The biggest losses by sector came from: Professional and business services: ⬇️ 3,500 Federal government: ⬇️ 2,500 Education and health services: ⬇️ 2,200 Leisure and hospitality: ⬇️ 1,500 The state's monthly job gains were in state government (+2,200), construction (+1,700), goods producing (+1,000), and local government (+100). By the numbers: Virginia's unemployment rate hit 3.5% in June, the sixth month in a row the state's rate has increased. Metro Richmond's unemployment rate also ticked up slightly to 3.5%. Both are below the national average of 4.1%. Regionally, Northern Virginia took the brunt of the monthly jobs losses, per Virginia Works. Of the 8,400 decrease in nonfarm employment between May and June, more than half of the jobs lost — 4,700 — were in NoVa. Virginia Beach/Norfolk MSA lost 2,600 jobs. Richmond MSA, which includes 20 localities across the region, lost 1,100. Yes, but: Year over year, Virginia added 35,600 jobs, largely in service-providing fields, construction, and heath care and education. Meanwhile, professional and business services jobs — which tends to be a catch-all category for white-collar jobs — in the state fell by 6,900. What they're saying:"We expect there will be federal job reductions and that the growth in non-federal jobs over the course of the year ... will provide opportunities for those who have experienced job dislocation," Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a statement Friday.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Waffle House drops egg surcharge: Are egg prices going down? What to know in Alabama
The Waffle House Index may be a useful indicator for more than extreme weather. The diner chain announced on July 1 that its dropping an egg surcharge put in place four months ago, signaling a decline in egg prices from the all-time highs seen earlier this year. "Egg-cellent news…as of June 2, the egg surcharge is officially off the menu," said the post. "Thanks for understanding!" USA TODAY reached out to Waffle House to confirm the change. Waffle House has dozens of locations in Alabama, including 15 in the Montgomery area, eight in the Tuscaloosa area, and four in the Gadsden area. Click here to find a store near you. Why was Waffle House charging extra for eggs? A 50-cent per egg surcharge was implemented at Waffle House's roughly 2,100 locations across the U.S. in early February to offset higher-than-usual prices resulting from a "continuing egg shortage caused by HPAI (Bird Flu)," the company said at the time. Waffle House serves around 272 million eggs per year, according to its website, well surpassing even its titular waffles, of which it sells just 124 million. The temporary charge was employed to avoid increasing prices across other menu items, it said. Are egg prices are down? Egg prices reached a high of roughly $6.22 per dozen on average in March, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The stage for this uptick was set when the current bird flu outbreak began in the U.S. in 2022 and the highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, killed off egg-laying poultry en masse, leaving fewer chickens behind to maintain the supply. By Feb. 3, when Waffle House implemented its surcharge, the virus had infected roughly 150 million poultry across all 50 states since January 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because of the spread, infected birds have been selectively slaughtered across the U.S., including sometimes millions of birds at a single location. Why are egg prices falling? Here's what we know. Egg prices have begun to ease from the highs earlier this year, but their overall prices are still 40% higher than last year, according to the May Consumer Price Index. "Families are seeing relief with egg prices driving food deflation," U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said in a June 26 statement about the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) response to bird flu. "While we are proud that over 900 biosecurity assessments have been conducted to date, resources remain available, and we are urging poultry farmers of all sizes to get your assessments done today before a potentially challenging fall.' This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Waffle House drops egg surcharge: Are prices down? What to know in AL Solve the daily Crossword
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Health
- Miami Herald
Top-paying employers for registered nurses in 2025 and who's hiring
The nursing shortage isn't letting up - and pay is soaring in response. Across the U.S., hospitals are throwing big money at hiring and keeping nurses, while staffing agencies keep demand sky-high for travel and specialty roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nursing jobs will grow 6% from 2023 to 2033. That's nearly 195,000 new roles every year. But it's not just about more jobs; this workforce deficit is changing where nurses work, how much they make, and who's fighting hardest to hire them. Compare Home Health Care Agencies used Zippia data to find the top-paying employers for RNs in 2025. You'll see who's shelling out the biggest paychecks, where they're hiring, and what's behind the sharp rise in nurse salaries. Hospitals, agencies, and specialized care groups are leading the pack. Here's how the numbers stack up. The 2025 nursing job market Registered nurses in 2025 are navigating a rapidly changing job market shaped by demographic shifts, economic pressures, and lingering effects of the pandemic. The result? Increased competition for talent, and rising pay to match. Key drivers shaping demand Several major factors are fueling the need for skilled nurses across the country. Aging population. By 2050, 23% of Americans will be over 65, up from 17% today. That means more patients with complex, long-term disease management. Conditions like diabetes and hypertension are on the rise, increasing demand for nurses trained in long-term retirement. Nearly 28% of nurses expect to retire by 2027, intensifying shortages in both staff and leadership recovery. Hospitals and clinics are still rebuilding after years of turnover, burnout, and emergency staffing gaps. Compensation trends in 2025 To compete in this environment, employers are offering higher pay, better benefits, and more flexible contracts. Pay increases. Wages are rising to match inflation, cost-of-living spikes, and urgent staffing premiums. Advanced roles like nurse anesthetists are commanding top salaries, with annual earnings now reaching $231, staffing models. Travel nurses and contractors are seeing premium hourly rates and generous perks, especially in high-demand regions. These trends are reshaping where nurses work - and who's paying most to hire them. Top 10 highest-paying companies and agencies for nurses Nurses looking for the highest hourly rates in 2025 have plenty of strong options. From elite academic hospitals to high-demand staffing agencies, here are the top 10 employers offering premium compensation. NORCAL Ambulance: $111,499 NORCAL Ambulance offers medical transportation services dedicated to exceptional customer service and patient care. Partnering with hospitals and healthcare systems throughout Northern California, it handles both critical and routine transport needs, helping nurses work in fast-paced, mission-driven environments. Soliant: $108,127 Soliant Health is a national provider of healthcare jobs and staffing services. Nurses benefit from a wide range of opportunities across the country, allowing them to build flexible careers and explore new clinical settings. trustaff: $106,023 Since 2002, trustaff has been a leading force in healthcare staffing. The agency builds lasting relationships with talented professionals and healthcare facilities nationwide, providing some of the best travel nurse opportunities and competitive pay. Ambulnz: $105,988 Ambulnz is a forward-thinking ambulance service provider using disruptive technology to deliver medical transportation. Nurses enjoy a focus on improving EMT lives, easier scheduling for caregivers, and high-quality patient transport experiences. The Citadel: $104,879 The Citadel is a landmark educational institution known for its rigorous military system and leadership training. Nurses working with The Citadel support a unique student body and community, focusing on holistic care and contributing to an environment emphasizing character and service. Stability Healthcare: $104,781 A full-service travel nurse placement agency, Stability Healthcare offers comprehensive benefits, housing, and placement packages nationwide. Nurses enjoy strong support, professional growth, and opportunities throughout the U.S. Jackson Nurse Professionals: $103,736 Jackson Nurse Professionals fills critical needs in patient care through travel nurse staffing solutions. Nurses benefit from diverse placements and support that helps them thrive in various healthcare settings nationwide. Westways Staffing: $101,855 Westways specializes in per diem and travel nursing, cardiac cath lab, and allied healthcare staffing. Nurses can choose from flexible assignments while receiving strong support from a dedicated team. Goodwin Recruiting: $101,581 Goodwin Recruiting is a top executive and management recruitment agency that helps healthcare facilities hire outstanding professionals. Nurses enjoy a broad range of opportunities and personalized career support. MAS Medical Staffing: $100,976 MAS Medical Staffing provides personalized attention to every nurse, offering resources and support for travel, per diem, and permanent roles. With a focus on all nursing specialties plus allied health, MAS helps nurses find the perfect fit for their goals. Where nurses are needed most in 2025 Nurse hiring isn't spread evenly across the country. Some states face steep shortages, while others are on track to meet or even exceed future demand. Knowing where employers are hiring hardest can help nurses zero in on the best opportunities. States with the biggest gaps To keep up with population needs, the U.S. must add over 3.2 million RNs between 2022 and 2030. But a few states are falling especially far behind: California: Needs 39,246 more nurses by 2030. Strict nurse-to-patient ratios and high patient loads continue driving Short by 34,126 RNs, thanks to rapid growth and expanding healthcare Faces a 26,423-nurse shortfall, driven largely by aging populations needing more York: Needs 9,195 more RNs, with NYC leading the Projected to fall short by 6,841 nurses, especially in fast-growing metro areas like Phoenix. These shortages create huge opportunities, especially for travel nurses and specialists who can fill gaps quickly. Where supply meets demand While most states are struggling to keep up, a few are ahead of the curve: Vermont (105%) and Maine (103%) are set to have more nurses than needed by Island, West Virginia, and Alabama also project surpluses, likely thanks to smaller populations and steady nurse education pipelines. Top travel nurse hotspots Some regions remain magnets for travel assignments due to strong demand and high pay: West Coast: California leads in both open roles and top Texas and Arizona keep expanding, pulling in both full-time and contract cities: Metro areas like NYC offer steady work, strong hourly rates, and housing stipends. For nurses chasing flexibility, mobility, and premium pay, these regions deliver in 2025. Industry outlook: What's ahead for nurses in 2025 As demand grows, healthcare employers are shifting how they hire, staff, and support nurses. The job model is changing, favoring flexibility, specialization, and smarter systems that give nurses more control. Smarter staffing strategies Hospitals are ditching reactive hiring in favor of long-term planning: Tech upgrades: Artificial intelligence hiring tools and automated credentialing speed up placements and improve job float pools: More hospitals are staffing up their own on-call teams to cut travel nurse balance: Employers are leaning into flexible shifts, wellness programs, and safer workspaces to help nurses avoid burnout. These moves help hospitals compete for talent while making jobs more sustainable. What's coming next The future of nursing is still taking shape, but a few clear trends are emerging: Staffing boom: The global healthcare staffing market is on track to hit $43.6 billion in 2025. That's big money and a big roles: Nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists remain in high demand, especially those with extra work: Telehealth and virtual nursing jobs keep growing, offering more location freedom and flexible hours. For RNs thinking ahead, it's simple: The more skills and flexibility you bring, the more choices and better pay you'll get. This story was produced by Compare Home Health Care Agencies and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Axios
2 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Ice cream hit by two scoops of inflation
We won't all just be screaming for ice cream on National Ice Cream Day this Sunday, we'll be screaming about its high prices. Why it matters: At the height of summer, prices for America's go-to frozen treat are hitting new highs, according to federal data. The big picture: The average price of a half gallon of ice cream was $6.49 in June, up nearly 6% from June 2024, per the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics via FRED released Wednesday. The price of a half gallon is up nearly 33% since June 2021, when it was $4.89. Zoom in: Soaring ingredient costs, extreme weather and hot demand are fueling the higher prices. By the numbers: Americans spent $289 on ice cream in 2024 and $170 in the first five months of 2025, according to data from Empower. Americans spent $31 on ice cream in May 2025, a 26.5% jump over April 2025, Empower found. Gen Z spent nearly double any other group, forking over an average of $63.20 in May. Millennials purchased $33, Boomers, $32.60, and Gen X, $25.10, in May, per Empower. The average American eats roughly 19 pounds of ice cream each year, or about 4 gallons, per the International Dairy Foods Association. National Ice Cream Day deals and freebies Dig in: Deals and freebies at certain restaurant chains on National Ice Cream Day can provide some relief from the inflationary pressures. The day is marked annually on the third Sunday in July. Here are some of the deals available on Sunday, July 20:
