Latest news with #stategovernment
ABC News
a day ago
- General
- ABC News
NSW's largest modular social housing build
Families have begun moving into a 24-modular home block in South Grafton on the state's north coast that the state government says took half the time of a traditional new housing build. Supplied: Moov Modular
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Survey: Nearly 1 in 2 workers plan to search for a new job in the coming year
After several years of favorable conditions for workers, with many job-hopping for better pay and benefits, the economy is once again an employer's market. Despite that, nearly half (48 percent) of those working full-time or looking for full-time employment say they're likely to search for a new job in the next 12 months, according to Bankrate's new Worker Intentions Survey. Workers today are facing a complex job market. On one hand, total nonfarm payroll employment (which includes most part-time and full-time workers) rose by 147,000 jobs in June, roughly similar to the average monthly job gain over the past year and mostly in state government or health care, and the unemployment rate has been stagnant at 4.1 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the other hand, the number of long-term unemployed people (those unemployed for 27 weeks or more) increased by 190,000. Most other major industries, from construction to professional and business services, had limited new openings in June. This has been especially stressful for new graduates, who are currently experiencing a higher unemployment rate than the general population. The combination of low unemployment and limited openings for most industries has led to a trend called the 'Great Stay,' where workers are mostly staying put at their current roles. Bankrate's insights on job hunters White-collar jobs are limited, but many workers are looking for greener pastures 48% of workers (those working full-time or looking for full-time employment) say they're likely to search for a new job in the next 12 months. That includes 25% who say they're very likely to search for a new job. Most workers' employment situation hasn't changed much 65% of workers say their employment or career situation is about the same as it was in January 2025. 22% say it's improved, and 14% say it's worsened. Despite that, some workers are worried about their job security 27% of workers say their level of worry about their job security has worsened since January 2025. On the other hand, 42% say their level of worry about job security hasn't changed, and 15% say they're less worried. Bankrate Data Center Since 1976, Bankrate has been the go-to source for personal finance data, publishing average rates on the most popular financial products and tracking the experience of consumers nationwide. See more Workers commonly want to look for a new job, ask for a raise Sometimes, a more challenging job market can make people more cautious about asking for raises or additional flexibility at work, in an effort not to rock the boat. However, that isn't currently stopping many workers from looking for more from their current roles. More than 2 in 5 (44 percent) workers say they're likely to ask for a raise at work in the next year. 'As the job market has normalized following the period a few years ago when it was widely described as red-hot, many workers are seeking better pay or new work,' Bankrate Senior Economic Analyst Mark Hamrick says. Additionally, 36 percent say they're likely to ask for more workplace flexibility (such as different hours or the ability to work from home/remotely more often). As employers bring workers back to the office post-COVID-19, that percentage is down from last year, when 42 percent of people planned to ask for more workplace flexibility. Separately,18 percent say they're likely to relocate for a job in the next year. As workers report having difficulty finding new roles, some actually plan to leave their job. While nearly half of workers say they plan to look for a new job, only 18 percent of workers say they're likely to quit a job in the next year, down from 25 percent in 2024. Other workers are looking to leave the rat race altogether. AI is making it easier than ever to start your own business, and white-collar jobs are becoming harder to get. Now, one-quarter (25 percent) of workers say they plan to start their own business in the next year: Source: Bankrate's Worker Intentions Survey, June 6-16, 2025Note: Percentages are of people who are employed or looking for employment Gen Z workers (ages 18-28) are the most likely generation to look for a new role in the next year. More than half (53 percent) of Gen Z workers are likely to search for a new job, compared to 49 percent of millennial workers (ages 29-44), 48 percent of Gen X workers (ages 45-60) and 1 in 4 baby boomer workers (ages 61-79). Additionally, nearly one-quarter of Gen Z workers say they're likely to quit a job in the next year, more than any other generation: Gen Z workers: 23 percent Millennial workers: 17 percent Gen X workers: 16 percent Baby boomer workers: 1 in 10 Gen Z and millennial workers are also likeliest to say they are likely to start their own business in the next year: Gen Z workers: 31 percent Millennial workers: 30 percent Gen X workers: 19 percent Baby boomer workers: 1 in 10 Also, a majority of Gen Z and millennial workers say they're likely to ask for a raise at work in the next year: Gen Z workers: 51 percent Millennial workers: 50 percent Gen X workers: 39 percent Baby boomer workers: 1 in 5 Notably, among different income brackets, workers making under $50,000 per year are likelier than people in higher income brackets to search for a new job in the next year: Workers making under $50,000 per year: 58 percent Workers making between $50,000-$79,999 per year: 47 percent Workers making between $80,000-$99,999 per year: 29 percent Workers making $100,000 per year or more: 41 percent A small percentage of workers say their job situation has worsened this year Regardless of whether they're ready to jump ship, the majority (65 percent) of workers say their employment or career situation is about the same as it was in the beginning of 2025. Though 2025 is proving challenging for many workers, this trend has persisted for a while. In 2024, 57 percent of workers said their employment/career situation was about the same compared to when the Federal Reserve started raising interest rates in March 2022. One in five (22 percent) say their employment or career situation has improved in 2025, and 14 percent say it's worsened: Source: Bankrate's Worker Intentions Survey, June 6-16, 2025Note: Percentages are of people who are employed or looking for employment Among workers of different political affiliations, Republicans are the likeliest (27 percent) to say their employment/career situation has improved, compared to 22 percent of Democrats and 19 percent of Independents. Meanwhile, 16 percent of Independents, 13 percent of Democrats and 9 percent of Republicans say their employment/career situation has worsened. Millennials are the most likely to feel increasingly worried about their job security Despite recent news of layoffs and a difficult job market for white-collar workers, the majority of workers aren't more worried about their job security now. About 1 in 4 (27 percent) workers are more worried about their job security since the beginning of the year. Another 42 percent of workers say their level of worry about job security hasn't changed since the beginning of the year, and 15 percent say they're less worried about their job security. Sixteen percent of workers say they've never been worried about their job security: Source: Bankrate's Worker Intentions Survey, June 6-16, 2025Note: Percentages are of people who are employed or looking for employment Of all generations, millennials are the likeliest to say they're more worried about their job security now compared to the beginning of the year: Gen Z workers: 24 percent Millennial workers: 33 percent Gen X workers: 24 percent Baby boomer workers: 1 in 5 Along party lines, Democrats and Independents are more worried about their job security than Republicans: Democrats: 31 percent Independents: 31 percent Republicans: 17 percent 3 tips when looking for a new role in today's challenging job market Today's job market isn't ideal for looking for a new role. But whether you're looking for a higher salary, better work-life balance or if you're just worried about your job security, there's a few things you can do to prepare for a job hunt. 'Most forecasters see inflation picking up and the job market weakening modestly over the next year,' Hamrick says. 'In any case, it is prudent for workers to keep their skills sharpened and their contacts activated. If one plans to look for work in the coming months or is forced into that situation by unemployment, these proactive steps should make for an easier transition.' 1. Boost your savings Before making any large life change, like starting a new job, it's important to make sure your finances — especially your savings — are up to snuff. Traditionally, a well-stocked emergency savings fund might have three to six months of expenses in it, but as more workers are unemployed for six months or more, you might want to consider keeping more than six months of expenses saved. This is also a smart move if you're concerned about your job security — the more money you have saved for emergencies, the more secure you may feel. There are a few things you can do to increase the amount you save each month: Create a budget, or update your budget if you haven't touched it in a while. Review your spending habits for unwanted expenses and places where you can cut back. See if you can cut $50 to $100 of spending per month by cutting back on unused subscriptions, cooking more at home or renegotiating your bills. Set a savings goal with a specific time period and amount, such as $5,000 in a year. This will help hold you accountable. Automate your savings by setting a recurring transfer every time you're paid. Keep your savings in a high-yield savings account, which will earn more interest than a traditional savings account, essentially offering a free boost to your savings. 2. Understand your strengths as a job candidate to help you negotiate Job interviews are an exercise in marketing yourself. Before starting the interview process, write down three soft skills and three hard skills you bring to the table — include these in your resume, too. Soft skills could be communication, leadership, conflict management, teamwork, problem-solving or time management. Hard skills, on the other hand, could be any technical skills or certifications and degrees you've earned. Also, in your resume and in your interviews,note tangible accomplishments from the past few years. These could be new initiatives you've started, financial targets that you've met, ways you've optimized your work or other accomplishments. Understanding your skills will help you be able to better negotiate when it's time to discuss salary and benefits, either when asking for a promotion at your current role or when you're looking for your next job. Even if it's an employer's job market, you should still advocate for equitable pay and benefits. Ask for what you deserve. 'Between the moves by the federal government, rapid advances in technology including artificial intelligence, and the changing global landscape, there is a high level of uncertainty but also plenty of opportunities,' Hamrick says. 'Workers with the right skill sets and can-do attitudes will be in the best position to win.' 3. Connect with your network If there were ever a time to go through that pile of business cards in the bottom of your desk drawer, now's it. Your network, whether that's connections on LinkedIn, former employers and colleagues, fellow college alumni or others in your community, are a great resource when looking for a new role. If you're looking for your next job, label yourself as 'Open to Work' on LinkedIn and prioritize growing your network by reaching out to former colleagues or attending local networking events. Methodology This survey has been conducted using an online interview administered to members of the YouGov Plc panel of individuals who have agreed to take part in surveys. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 2,000 U.S. adults, of whom 1,005 are working full-time or currently looking for full-time employment. Fieldwork was undertaken between June 6-16, 2025. The survey was carried out online and meets rigorous quality standards. It gathered a non-probability-based sample and employed demographic quotas and weights to better align the survey sample with the broader U.S. population. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Malay Mail
21-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Vape bans: A slippery slope for legal governance — R Paneir Selvam
JULY 21 — In July 2024, the High Court ruled that the Kedah state government's move to ban gaming licences, effectively shutting down Sports Toto operations in the state, was unconstitutional. The court found that state authorities had overstepped their powers by refusing to renew licences issued under federal law, thereby infringing on the rights of a legally licensed business and violating the Federal Constitution. This landmark ruling is more than just a win for the gaming industry; it underscores a critical principle: state governments cannot override federal law at will. Yet just months later, we are seeing the same pattern emerge again, this time with the vape industry. Kedah has announced it will no longer renew licences for vape-related businesses, with the goal of a complete ban by 2026. One of the hallmarks of a sound legal system is predictability. Businesses, consumers, and civil society should be able to rely on a stable set of laws and policies. — Pexels pic Other states such as Pahang, Terengganu and Perlis are following suit. This trend raises urgent questions about the balance of power in our federal system. What started with gaming licences is now extending to vape. Tomorrow, will it be food and beverages? Or wellness and lifestyle services? If states are allowed to selectively shut down federally regulated sectors, Malaysia risks descending into legal fragmentation, where trade and commerce depend more on local politics than national law. The role of Act 852: a necessary legal anchor Rather than allowing states to adopt unilateral bans, the federal government must focus on fully enforcing Act 852 across the country. Act 852 was passed after years of consultation and debate. It represents a balanced and structured approach to regulating smoking and vaping products, protecting youth, ensuring product safety, and reducing public health risks while allowing regulated access to adults. Its successful enforcement is not just a health issue; it is a legal imperative. If states are allowed to disregard it through political or moralistic motivations, the Act's legitimacy will be compromised. From a legal standpoint, only a consistent, centralised framework can ensure that public health regulations are enforced uniformly, fairly, and in accordance with constitutional principles. Legal uncertainty hurts the rule of law and public confidence One of the hallmarks of a sound legal system is predictability. Businesses, consumers, and civil society should be able to rely on a stable set of laws and policies. When that stability is undermined by states choosing to selectively ban certain industries, it weakens the rule of law and opens the door for selective enforcement, politicisation of trade, and judicial overload from legal disputes. This also affects the very communities the bans claim to protect. Instead of driving behaviour change, bans often push products into illicit channels, where there is no age restriction, no safety oversight, and no taxation. This undermines the public health objectives of Act 852 and increases enforcement burdens. The way forward: Uphold the law, not politicise it The lesson from the Sports Toto ruling is clear: state governments do not have the authority to override federal laws with blanket bans. Vape should not be the next legal battleground. The federal government must assert the supremacy of laws passed by Parliament and ensure that public health policies are governed by national interest, not fragmented by state agendas. Act 852 provides the legal tools to regulate the vape industry effectively. What's needed now is not more bans but better enforcement. Malaysia must decide whether it wants to be governed by clear laws or discretionary bans. The answer will determine whether our legal system continues to uphold constitutional order or gives way to a patchwork of conflicting state policies. *This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
CBS News
18-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Lightning strikes kill 33 people in a week as India's monsoon season brings powerful storms
New Delhi — At least 33 people were killed and dozens injured by lightning strikes in the eastern Indian state of Bihar this week, officials said Friday. The deaths occurred as powerful storms and monsoon rains battered the state. Most of the deaths were reported on Wednesday and Thursday, when intense storms hit at least 10 districts in Bihar. Most of the victims were agricultural workers, including an elderly man killed by a lightning strike in the Nalanda district while he was out with grazing cattle. Two women were seriously injured in the same place and were being treated for burns. The state government has urged residents to take precautions, including remaining indoors during bad weather. Nitish Kumar, Bihar's Chief Minister, announced government compensation of 4 million Indian rupees (about $4,600) for the families of those killed. The storms and lightning are likely to continue, as monsoon rains are expected to continue for weeks in the region. India's Meteorological Department has predicted light to heavy rainfall in most parts of the southern and northeastern parts of Bihar until at least July 24. Lightning strikes are common during monsoon season in north and eastern India. More than 2,500 people in India are struck by lightning every year, according to government data. In Bihar alone, at least 243 people were killed by lightning strikes last year, and 275 died in 2023. In November 2023, lightning strikes during unseasonal rainfall killed 24 people in the western Indian state of Gujarat. A typical lightning strike packs around 300 million volts of electricity, which is capable of causing instant death or severe burn injuries. Scientists say climate change is leading to increased lightning activity and more intense storms. Rising land and sea surface temperatures mean there is more heat energy to fuel the thunderstorms that causes lightning. A study by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, said lightning strikes in the U.S. could increase by 12% for every degree Celsius rise in average temperature. One person was killed and over a dozen others were injured after being struck by lightning in Jackson Township, New Jersey on Wednesday. India's east and northeast region is also prone to annual flooding that has killed dozens of people and displace hundreds of thousands during monsoon season. The seasonal rains wreaked havoc in southern India last year, too. In July 2024, massive landslides sparked by monsoon rains killed at least 158 people in the southern state of Kerala.
E&E News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- E&E News
Trump admin to ink deals with states for forest management
The Forest Service has launched an ambitious goal of handing states more responsibility for federal land, agency Chief Tom Schultz said Wednesday. Speaking to a national forest policy conference in Washington, Schultz outlined the Trump administration's vision of a Forest Service with a narrower public mission that relies more heavily on state governments to keep the 193-million-acre system healthy and less at risk of out-of-control wildfires. 'I see a different role for the states, maybe, going forward,' Schultz said, pointing to the administration's recent 20-year agreement with Montana to allow the state to manage 200,000 acres of national forest for timber, wildfire and other priorities. Advertisement Gone are the days, Schultz said, when states with limited budgets were viewed as subservient to the federal government.
