U.S. employers added 172,000 jobs in May, beating forecasts and including upward revisions to prior months, the Labor Department reported on Friday. The unemployment rate stayed at 4.3 percent despite ongoing worries about inflation and conflicts in the Middle East.
In other developments, scientists brought back to life ancient bacteria frozen for more than 5,000 years alongside Ötzi the Iceman in the Italian Alps. The microbes are now growing in a laboratory.
CDC models project the current Ebola outbreak could surpass 20,000 cases in three months without swift intervention. South Africa began offering a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection even as it faces funding and supply shortages.
Stronger Job Growth Reported
The U.S. Labor Department said nonfarm payrolls rose by 172,000 in May, above the roughly 150,000 jobs analysts had expected. April and March figures were revised upward by a combined 20,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3 percent. Average hourly earnings increased 0.4 percent for the month and 4.1 percent from a year earlier. The data come as Federal Reserve officials weigh interest-rate decisions amid persistent inflation concerns.
President Trump separately directed new Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte to begin the process of firing officials across the intelligence community and to reduce staff at 18 agencies, according to comments Trump made to the Wall Street Journal.
Ancient Microbes Revived From Ötzi
Researchers announced they successfully revived bacteria that had been frozen for more than 5,000 years next to the body of Ötzi the Iceman, discovered in 1991 in the Italian Alps. The microbes, preserved in ice, began growing again once placed in a laboratory setting.
Scientists say the finding offers new insight into how long certain bacteria can survive extreme cold and may help researchers understand ancient microbial life. The work was conducted by teams studying samples taken from the ice surrounding the 5,300-year-old mummy.
No connection to human disease has been reported.
CDC Warns of Potential Ebola Surge
New modeling released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projects that the current Ebola outbreak could reach more than 20,000 cases within three months if no additional measures are taken. Health officials stress that rapid intervention, including improved contact tracing, isolation, and vaccination efforts, is needed to contain the spread.
The projection comes amid ongoing outbreaks in parts of Africa. International aid groups have called for increased resources to support local health systems. The CDC models factor in current transmission rates and health infrastructure capacity.
South Africa Launches Twice-Yearly HIV Shot
South Africa has begun rolling out a new injectable medicine that provides protection against HIV for six months per dose. The program aims to improve adherence compared with daily pills.
Health authorities face challenges including reduced funding from the United States and limited global supplies of the drug, known as lenacapavir in clinical trials. Officials hope the long-acting injection will help lower infection rates in a country that has one of the world’s highest HIV burdens, with roughly 7.5 million people living with the virus.
Distribution started in select clinics this week.
Putin Rules Out Direct Meeting With Zelensky
Russian President Vladimir Putin said there is no basis for a direct in-person meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The statement came as both sides continue to exchange accusations over the war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
Putin indicated that any talks would require addressing what Russia calls the root causes of the conflict. Diplomatic efforts have so far produced little progress toward a ceasefire.
The comments were made during a public appearance as Russian forces maintain pressure on several fronts in eastern Ukraine.
Obituaries: Anthony Head and James Handy
British actor Anthony Head, best known for his roles in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, died at age 72 from complications of pneumonia. His family confirmed the news on Thursday.
Separately, veteran character actor James Handy, 81, was found dead in his Los Angeles home with multiple stab wounds. Police arrested 39-year-old Jonathan Nelson, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, on suspicion of murder.
Handy appeared in films including The Rocketeer and Argo as well as numerous television shows during a career spanning five decades.
Recent Economic Indicators
| Indicator | May Figure | Change from Year Ago |
|---|---|---|
| Nonfarm Payrolls | 172,000 | +4.1% earnings |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% | Steady |
| Hourly Earnings | +0.4% | +4.1% |
| Ebola Projection | 20,000 cases | 3 months |
The stronger-than-expected jobs report provides some reassurance for older Americans counting on steady economic conditions for retirement and investments, though inflation and global conflicts remain risks. The revived ancient microbes highlight how much science can still learn from preserved specimens, while the Ebola and HIV updates remind us that public-health efforts require steady funding and attention.
For those 50 and older, staying informed about both economic data and health developments can help with personal planning. Checking reliable government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the CDC remains one of the best ways to separate facts from speculation.
And that’s the way it is.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Situation Report (June 2025)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ebola Outbreak Modeling (2025)
- Nature Journal, Revival of Ancient Microbes from Ötzi Site (2025)
- South African Department of Health, Lenacapavir Rollout Announcement (2025)
- Wall Street Journal, Trump Interview on Intelligence Community (2025)
- Los Angeles Police Department, Statement on James Handy Case (2025)