WASHINGTON — Inflation in the United States dropped last month to its lowest point since it first began surging more than three years ago, adding to a spate of encouraging economic news.

WASHINGTON — Hiring by America’s employers picked up a bit in August from July’s sluggish pace, and the unemployment rate dipped in a sign that the job market may be cooling but remains sturdy.

WASHINGTON — Year-over-year inflation reached its lowest level in more than three years in July, the latest sign that the worst price spike in four decades is fading and setting up the Federal Reserve for an interest rate cut in September.

WASHINGTON — Wholesale price increases eased in July, suggesting that inflation pressures are further cooling as the Federal Reserve moves closer to cutting interest rates.

House Republicans questioned Julie Su’s capacity to serve as acting labor secretary and criticized department rules regarding the status of independent contractors at a May 1 hearing.

During a U.S. House subcommittee hearing with acting Labor Secretary Julie Su on April 17, a Republican lawmaker on the panel raised concerns about a federal employee classification rule.

Rep. Kevin Kiley is among a contingent of lawmakers advancing a congressional maneuver that would pause enforcement of a federal employee classification rule that affects truck drivers.

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans signing up for unemployment benefits fell slightly last week, another sign that the labor market remains strong and most workers enjoy job security.

Following a Senate committee’s approval of Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su’s nomination to lead the department, congressional Republicans renewed their opposition efforts.

The number of job-related deaths rose 5.7% in 2022 compared with 2021, with workers in broadly defined transportation-related jobs accounting for the largest share of fatalities.