Federal Hiring Fight: A judge blocked the Trump administration’s “loyalty” essay question in federal job applications, saying it likely violates the nonpartisan civil service and applicants’ rights—an immediate stop that could reshape how OPM and agencies screen candidates. Long-Term Job Strain: Even with August hiring rebounding, the long-term unemployment rate kept creeping up, with more than a quarter of the unemployed out of work for 27+ weeks. Job-Search Privacy Risks: A survey finds many applicants don’t realize how much personal data they share and how often they’re targeted by fake recruiters, with misuse of accounts and money loss reported. Workforce Shortages Abroad, Too: GAO warns the CNMI may face serious economic fallout when its foreign worker program ends after 2029, as U.S. workers can’t fill openings. Local Training Pipeline: Atlantic County Institute of Technology students are earning FAA Part 107 drone licenses for community projects, turning classroom skills into paid work. Inflation Pressure on Hiring: CPI stayed elevated and gas prices hit record highs, adding affordability stress that can weigh on job seekers and employers. AI in Schools: Major districts are moving to restrict generative AI in classrooms, fueling a new debate over learning, cheating, and critical thinking. Hiring Notices: USPS is recruiting across Northeast Ohio with starting pay listed between $21–$33/hour.