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Employment

Tailors age out of the workforce even as demand for their skills grows

Tailors age out of the workforce even as demand for their skills grows

  • ANNE D'INNOCENZIO Associated Press

Shoppers are enlisting tailors and seamstresses to give off-the-rack purchases a custom fit or personal flair, to revive secondhand finds or to extend the lives of their wardrobes.

Photos: Skilled sewers in demand as tailors and dressmakers age out

Photos: Skilled sewers in demand as tailors and dressmakers age out

  • Associated Press

Across the U.S., the number of tailors, dressmakers and custom sewing specialists is declining, even as demand for their work is growing.

Rising gasoline prices a double blow for drivers who use their own vehicles for work

Rising gasoline prices a double blow for drivers who use their own vehicles for work

  • DEE-ANN DURBIN and MATT SEDENSKY Associated Press

The Iran war has pushed up the average U.S. price for a gallon of regular gas by $1. 

Gas prices soar past $4 on average for a gallon of regular in the US, the highest since 2022

Gas prices soar past $4 on average for a gallon of regular in the US, the highest since 2022

  • WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS Associated Press

The last time U.S. drivers were collectively paying this much at the pump was nearly four years ago, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Rising gas prices squeeze gig workers, small business owners

Rising gas prices squeeze gig workers, small business owners

    The spike in U.S. gas prices is having a big impact on workers who drive their personal cars for a living. Prices are up $1 per gallon since the Iran war began. Many California drivers are paying more than $6 per gallon. (AP Video/Terry Chea)

    What men and women think about gender and pay, according to a new AP-NORC poll

    What men and women think about gender and pay, according to a new AP-NORC poll

    • ALEXANDRA OLSON, CLAIRE SAVAGE and LINLEY SANDERS Associated Press

    A new AP-NORC poll finds that men and women have different views on who has the advantage when it comes to earning competitive wages.

    Gas prices rise again as some states consider tax holidays

    Gas prices rise again as some states consider tax holidays

    • AMANDA WATFORD Stateline.org

    Gas prices are climbing again across the United States, spurring proposals for state gas tax holidays in the hopes of offering drivers some relief.

    Most Americans say military action against Iran has gone too far, new AP-NORC poll finds

    Most Americans say military action against Iran has gone too far, new AP-NORC poll finds

      Most Americans believe recent U.S. military action against Iran has gone too far, and many are worried about affording gasoline, according to a new AP-NORC poll.

      Chances of a Federal Reserve rate cut fade as inflation worsens

      Chances of a Federal Reserve rate cut fade as inflation worsens

        The jump in gas prices stemming from the war in Iran has had another impact that may also affect many Americans' finances: higher interest rates.

        It's a bad time to hunt for new jobs, most US workers say in new Gallup poll

        It's a bad time to hunt for new jobs, most US workers say in new Gallup poll

          A new Gallup survey finds that Americans' outlook on the job market is increasingly pessimistic, a sharp reversal from just a few years ago.

          Trump touted bigger tax refunds this year, but Americans will likely spend them on gas

          Trump touted bigger tax refunds this year, but Americans will likely spend them on gas

            Spiking gas prices in the U.S. are on track to eat up tax refunds this year, leaving most Americans with little extra to spend.

            'No Tax on Overtime' falls short of expectations for many workers

            'No Tax on Overtime' falls short of expectations for many workers

              Workers are discovering that a new overtime tax break is proving less generous — and more complicated — than expected.

              Lessons from a decade of January layoffs

              Lessons from a decade of January layoffs

                Over the last 10 years January has been on average one of the most common months for layoffs. Here’s how to navigate them. Pennygem’s Chloe Hurst has the story!

                Trump's mixed messages on Iran: 'Winding down' the war but adding more troops

                Trump's mixed messages on Iran: 'Winding down' the war but adding more troops

                  Trump also lifted sanctions on some Iranian oil, relieving some of the pressure that Washington traditionally used as leverage against Tehran.

                  Local News

                  City of Marion issues water shortage advisory due to drought

                  City of Marion issues water shortage advisory due to drought

                  The city of Marion is requesting that all water customers voluntarily reduce nonessential water use by at least 5%. 

                  Downstairs of library in Marion gets renovations, reopens to the public

                  Downstairs of library in Marion gets renovations, reopens to the public

                  “We invite you to stop by and take a look — we’re proud to share these improvements with our community."

                  Walt Bagwell named Marion’s Main Street Champion. "His contributions make a meaningful difference."

                  Walt Bagwell named Marion’s Main Street Champion. "His contributions make a meaningful difference."

                  “A dedicated and passionate supporter of Marion’s downtown, Walt embodies the spirit of community service through his tireless contributions and leadership.”

                  Brush fire burns along Interstate 40 near Nebo; traffic down to one lane

                  Brush fire burns along Interstate 40 near Nebo; traffic down to one lane

                  A brush fire happening now on Interstate 40 near the Nebo/Lake James exit will soon be under control.

                  State & Regional

                  DNA test leads to arrest in 1993 rape of 79-year-old Charlotte woman, CMPD says

                  DNA test leads to arrest in 1993 rape of 79-year-old Charlotte woman, CMPD says

                  The victim died in 1996 and detectives are seeking “to speak with anyone who may have known her or who may have information relevant to this case.”

                  What NC State transfer Matt Able brings to the table for the North Carolina Tar Heela

                  What NC State transfer Matt Able brings to the table for the North Carolina Tar Heela

                  Shooting guard Matt Able committed to North Carolina on Tuesday, giving the Tar Heels a much-needed boost in a backcourt that was depleted this offseason.

                  Should you be able to hold your phone while you drive? Some NC lawmakers say no

                  Should you be able to hold your phone while you drive? Some NC lawmakers say no

                  “A hands-free law may have more bipartisan support than any other single piece of legislation in recent history."

                  NC audit flags oversight gaps in State Bar legal aid program

                  NC audit flags oversight gaps in State Bar legal aid program

                  Auditor Dave Boliek, a Republican, reported on Tuesday that the review found no evidence of misspending by the program known as the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts

                  Nation & World

                  Suspect in White House press dinner shooting wrote anti-Christian manifesto, Trump says

                  Suspect in White House press dinner shooting wrote anti-Christian manifesto, Trump says

                  President Donald Trump said Sunday the suspect accused of trying to attack administration officials at Saturday night's White House Correspondents' Association dinner had "a lot of hatred in his heart."

                  AP top stories April 26

                  AP top stories April 26

                  Here's the latest for Sunday, April 26th: Gunman at WHCD; 1 officer injured, suspect arrested. Iran FM in Islamabad; Pakistan seeks talks, Trump says call possible. Colombia bus blast: 20 dead, 36 injured. Moscow marks 40 years since Chernobyl.

                  Gibraltar's monkeys find a clever way to avoid a junk food bellyache

                  Gibraltar's monkeys find a clever way to avoid a junk food bellyache

                  Researchers said the monkeys have been observed eating soil more frequently, a behavior they said may help the macaques avoid stomach upset from consuming human snacks.

                  AI ruling prompts warnings from US lawyers: Your chats could be used against you

                  AI ruling prompts warnings from US lawyers: Your chats could be used against you

                  As people increasingly turn to artificial intelligence for advice, some U.S. lawyers are telling their clients not to treat AI chatbots like trusted confidants.

                  Shopping

                  How to Buy WLFI Token: Full Beginner Guide

                  How to Buy WLFI Token: Full Beginner Guide

                  Affiliate. Learn how to buy WLFI Token in this step by step guide for beginners. 

                  Solana Wallet for Beginners (2025): Setup, Safety, Staking & Swaps

                  Solana Wallet for Beginners (2025): Setup, Safety, Staking & Swaps

                  Affiliate. Learn how to create and use a Solana wallet, stake SOL, swap tokens, bridge assets, and stay secure with Best Wallet’s multi-chain features.

                  Web3 Wallet for Beginners: How to Set Up, Stay Safe, and Pick the Right App

                  Web3 Wallet for Beginners: How to Set Up, Stay Safe, and Pick the Right App

                  Affiliate. Learn what a Web3 wallet is, how to set one up, and how to stay safe while exploring DeFi, NFTs, and new crypto coins with beginner‑friendly apps like Best Wallet.​

                  Which Crypto May Boom in 2025? A Look at What’s Trending

                  Which Crypto May Boom in 2025? A Look at What’s Trending

                  Affiliate. Find out which crypto coins you should watch closely in 2025. 

                  Partner

                  Contributor
                  The Future of E-Commerce Payments: How Crypto Could Cut Transaction Fees for Merchants

                  The Future of E-Commerce Payments: How Crypto Could Cut Transaction Fees for Merchants

                  Contributor content. The real reason crypto matters for merchants is math. Crypto transactions often cost less than a penny.

                  Provided
                  Are Starter Homes Becoming a Thing of the Past?

                  Are Starter Homes Becoming a Thing of the Past?

                  Provided content. Rising costs, limited supply, and shifting priorities are making starter homes harder to find.

                  Provided
                  Blogging Isn’t Dead: How Niche Writers May Be Earning Six Figures in 2025

                  Blogging Isn’t Dead: How Niche Writers May Be Earning Six Figures in 2025

                  Affiliate content. Learn why blogging isn’t dead in 2025 and how niche writers are leveraging focused content to build audiences and earn six figures.

                  Contributor
                  From Playa to Reality: Hints and Tools for Recovering From Burning Man

                  From Playa to Reality: Hints and Tools for Recovering From Burning Man

                  Contributor content. This guide offers practical tools to potentially help ease the transition from Black Rock City to daily life. 

                  Crime

                  5 questions answered about the trial of former McDowell High counselor Jessica Finley

                  5 questions answered about the trial of former McDowell High counselor Jessica Finley

                  The case went to trial last week. Testimony began April 15. After the victim testified in court on Thursday, Jessica Patrick Finley pleaded guilty to all counts.

                  Old Fort man charged with threatening clerk of court in McDowell County

                  Old Fort man charged with threatening clerk of court in McDowell County

                  The warrant includes explicit language describing the statements allegedly made by the man.

                  McDowell high school victim testified before former guidance counselor pleads guilty to sex crimes

                  McDowell high school victim testified before former guidance counselor pleads guilty to sex crimes

                  “A predator was lurking behind the walls of the counseling office, waiting for a victim,” the victim's sister said.

                  Former McDowell High volleyball coach, counselor pleads guilty to child sex crimes mid-trial

                  Former McDowell High volleyball coach, counselor pleads guilty to child sex crimes mid-trial

                  Jessica Finley pleaded guilty on Thursday on the second day of testimony in the trial against her.

                  Politics

                  Should you be able to hold your phone while you drive? Some NC lawmakers say no

                  Should you be able to hold your phone while you drive? Some NC lawmakers say no

                  “A hands-free law may have more bipartisan support than any other single piece of legislation in recent history."

                  McDowell Tech update in Old Fort highlights gains, facility updates

                  McDowell Tech update in Old Fort highlights gains, facility updates

                  McDowell Tech is growing, but aging buildings remain a concern. Leaders shared the latest during Old Fort’s meeting Monday.

                  NC Gov. Stein makes new budget pitch on General Assembly opening day. What’s in it?

                  NC Gov. Stein makes new budget pitch on General Assembly opening day. What’s in it?

                  Democratic Gov. Josh Stein wants 15% raises for law enforcement and nurses, and starting teacher pay to be the highest in the Southeast.

                  Water customers in Old Fort under boil water advisory

                  Water customers in Old Fort under boil water advisory

                  This advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

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