3 reasons why Atlanta’s job picture improved

Metro Atlanta’s unemployment rate ticked down to 6.1 percent in February from 6.2 percent in January, the state labor department said Thursday.

Here’s why:

— Employers created 12,200 more jobs in February. Much of the gain came in professional and business services, construction, education, and leisure and hospitality.

— Even the government hired 2,800 new workers in February.

— Layoffs (measured by new claims for unemployment insurance) declined by 38.6 percent in February. A total of 8,819 fewer workers got pink slips. Most of that decrease came in administrative and support services, manufacturing, trade, transportation and warehousing, and accommodations and food services.

About the Author

Henry Unger

Norfolk Southern sale puts major Atlanta philanthropic force in question

For metro Atlanta philanthropic causes that enjoy Norfolk Southern's support, there are unanswered questions about how committed the company will be after it is acquired.

How Home Depot’s newest AI tool could give it an edge with pro contractors

The Vinings-based home improvement retailer said Wednesday it has launched a new tool that creates a complete materials list and quote for a single-family project.

Home Depot cuts outlook amid housing slump and consumer uncertainty

Home Depot said its net income dipped to $3.6 billion during the third quarter, down 1.3% from the same period last year.

The Latest

Credit: Special

Beyond the odometer: What matters most in a used car

Why your car’s safety tech needs maintenance, too

OPINION

Saying goodbye to the Porsche 718 Cayman — for now

Featured

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones scores another victory over use of campaign cash

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones appears to have scored another victory over Attorney General Chris Carr as the Republican gubernatorial candidates battle over campaign finance issues.

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.’s season is over; needs surgery to repair ACL

Michael Penix Jr., whom the Falcons hoped was their quarterback of the future, will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn ACL in his left knee.

Typewriter Tom fuels a growing interest in analog writing devices

Roswell's Tom Rehkopf owns about 1,000 typewriters, which he tinkers with at his workshop and happily shares with fellow aficionados, curious youngsters and even Tom Hanks.