The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has released its latest publications for the week of May 18–22, 2026, offering updated economic data on employment, prices, and labor force characteristics. These reports are now available on the BLS website.
Key economic news releases include State Employment & Unemployment for April 2026 and Metropolitan Area Employment & Unemployment for March 2026. The BLS also published findings on the Labor Force Characteristics of Foreign-born Workers for 2025.
Insights from The Economics Daily reveal import prices rose 4.2 percent and export prices increased 8.8 percent over the year ended April 2026. Summer vacation costs saw gasoline and air travel prices each climb over 20 percent, while real average hourly earnings decreased 0.3 percent from April 2025 to April 2026. Producer prices were up 6.0 percent, with energy prices surging 22.7 percent.
The Monthly Labor Review features an analysis of COVID-19's impact on mental health and labor market outcomes. The BLS also announced upcoming releases, including data on productivity, county employment, and the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.