Workforce Development: Mississippi State University’s Skills Trade Empowerment Program will train early and mid-career workers for leadership, project management and OSHA certification, funded by a $2.6M U.S. Department of Education grant. Employee Wellbeing: New research finds wellbeing at work is now as important as pay for many employees, pushing employers to rethink benefits and communication. AI & Jobs: China’s State Council plans a mechanism to track how AI affects employment over the next five years, using data like electricity use, social insurance and mobile payments. Flexible Work: Flexible Working Awareness Day is prompting employers to treat flexibility as talent strategy, not a perk. Comp & Hiring: Coaches advise candidates on salary negotiation tactics, while one laid-off worker describes a remote role that more than doubled pay. HR Compliance & Risk: A Fair Work Commission decision rejected a casual worker’s dismissal claim, underscoring how contract wording and “no guaranteed hours” can shape outcomes. Public Sector Staffing: Maryland’s Comptroller says it lacks staff to answer rising taxpayer calls, highlighting service delivery strain. Workplace Safety: The House is moving to investigate the drowning of Ateneo student-athletes, focusing on supervision, risk assessment and emergency response.