Fed & Jobs: U.S. jobless claims fell to 196,000 (holiday-distorted), while the four-week average eased and continuing claims hit the lowest since Jan 2024—signals layoffs stay rare even as the Fed just hiked rates. Markets & Pay Pressure: Stocks jumped as oil eased and Treasury yields dipped after the first rate increase in three years, but higher borrowing costs keep squeezing household budgets. AI Anxiety at Work: A Pew poll finds pessimism about AI and jobs is widespread in the U.S. (71% expect fewer jobs), and an economist says AI disruption will likely be gradual—still requiring retraining and process changes. Workforce & Hiring Signals: Construction job openings rose to 326,000; biopharma postings are up, with Massachusetts and California leading. Workplace Policy & Legal Fallout: Starbucks agreed to a Florida settlement ending race- and sex-based employment goals nationwide. Privacy & Hiring Rules: Delaware’s privacy law was amended, adding new obligations and restrictions that take effect Jan. 1, 2027, including limits on profiling job applicants and workers. Workforce Transformation Deal: Phoenix Education will acquire Fuel50, aiming to connect skills data with career pathways. Recruiting & Careers: CBP will host a webinar for Marine Interdiction Agent roles; Komatsu launched a workforce development campaign tied to job openings. Local Economy: Indiana’s Givaudan plans a $215M facility creating 250+ jobs by 2031; Denver’s Prosperity Denver Fund projects $1.25B in higher wages for students. Union News: Smiling Bud manufacturing workers in New Jersey voted to join UFCW Local 360. Career Education: Girls in Aviation Day returns to Pensacola to inspire future aviation workers.