NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the U.S. job market is much weaker than initially believed. More than 900,000 fewer jobs were added in 2024 and 2025 than previously reported. The BLS issues revisions every year, but this change is the biggest on record and comes after President Trump fired the BLS commissioner after a weak monthly jobs report.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- What is the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)?
- When does the Bureau of Labor Statistics put out their jobs report?
- Which sectors saw the biggest downward turn in this latest report?
- Who is the group of people whose jobs are being affected, according to Julia Coronado?
- Why is the "unemployment rate" the best measure of weakness, according to Julia Coronado?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- How important is the Bureau of Labor Statistics in understanding what is going on in the U.S. economy?
- Do you think the Fed (Federal Reserve) should lower interest rates despite higher inflation rates? Explain.
Media literacy: Take at look at these two infographics. What stuck out to you the most? What would you like to research more? You might also want to check ou the Bureau of Labor Statistics Classroom site here for games, lessons and activities.
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Take a look at this part of Julia Coronado's interview again:
"I think the economy, a big, dynamic economy like the U.S. is just really hard to measure. And if they want some more accurate data, then perhaps we should consider funding the BLS better and allowing them to better meet the challenges of measuring this economy."
- What do you know about the cuts to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)?
- How about the recent firing of the head of the BLS, Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, by President Donald Trump after a low jobs report in July?
- Watch this PBS News Hour story featuring the previous BLS commissioner, William Beach, explaining how the agency works and why the firing concerns him. What questions would you like to ask Beach?
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