Topic
Cost of Living|United States
The Employment Situation for October 2026, released 6 November, shows total nonfarm payroll employment up 165,000 and the unemployment rate at 4.1% (from 4.2% in September). Average hourly earnings rose to $38.00 (+0.4% month-over-month, +3.1% year-over-year). U-6 underemployment rose to 7.9%.
Policy Watch|United States
A final rule published 14 October 2026 (91 FR 65306) adopts without change the October 2025 interim rule that ended automatic extensions of Employment Authorization Documents for people who timely renew in covered categories. Asylum seekers and green-card applicants are the two biggest groups. Renewals filed before 30 October 2025 can still get up to 540 days; those filed on or after that date cannot. The rule is effective on publication.
Accountability|United States
In Diemert v. City of Seattle (No. 25-1188, filed 28 Sep 2026) a Ninth Circuit panel reversed summary judgment on Joshua Diemert’s Title VII and Washington Law Against Discrimination hostile-work-environment claims, remanding for trial. It affirmed dismissal of constructive-discharge, disparate-treatment, retaliation, and Equal Protection claims. Race-conscious training is not per se unlawful — the holding is that a jury may hear whether workplace incidents created a racially hostile environment.
Economy & Jobs|United States
BLS payrolls and unemployment (near 4.2%) still look resilient — but temporary help and hours worked hint at cooling under the headline.
Economy & Jobs|Canada
StatsCan LFS unemployment near cyclical lows coexists with regional participation gaps and youth underemployment that headline rates hide.
