February 23, 2026

U.S. Business Activity Growth Slowed in February
U.S. Factory Orders Fell in December
U.S. Consumer Sentiment in February Much Less Than Previously Estimated
NABE Panel Shifts Attention From Downturn Risks to Structural Policy Concerns
Walgreens Cuts Hundreds of Jobs After Private Equity Buyout
FTC Finalizes Consent Order Requiring Employer to End Blanket Noncompete Agreements
Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction Coming in May
11th Circuit Says Settlement Approval Requirement Only Bars Enforcement of FLSA Releases
Connecticut Final Pay Laws: Employer Obligations and the Cost of Noncompliance
NYC Publishes New Employee Notice Ahead of Changes to Leave Law
State Job Openings and Labor Turnover—December 2025
AI Skills Enhancement Is a High Priority for Active Job Seekers, CompTIA Report Reveals

Upcoming Events

ASA Webinar Tomorrow on Preventing Workplace Hazards—Complimentary to Members

Don’t miss tomorrow’s ASA webinar “OSHA’s Temporary Worker Initiative Bulletin Series: Construction Employment,” 2–3 p.m. Eastern time. Learn about the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s guidance on providing and maintaining a safe work environment for temporary workers in the construction industry. Since 2014, ASA and OSHA have had a formal alliance focused on protecting the health and safety of temporary workers in the U.S. ASA was promoted to OSHA Ambassador status in 2022.

All ASA webinars are complimentary for ASA members, and most qualify for continuing education hours toward ASA certification renewal. To learn more and to register, visit americanstaffing.net.

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What Did the Latest WEBO Say About an Economic Recovery in 2026?

The Weekly Economic & Business Outlook—or WEBO—is an ASA resource that goes out to member email boxes each week. ASA researchers examine trends within the staffing industry, as well as developments within the broader economy, and then deliver succinct takeaways that can help drive strategic business decisions.

In the most recent edition, ASA analysts looked at factors that could bolster job growth and hiring in the year ahead. They also reviewed data about the contribution artificial intelligence technology may be making to company balance sheets and how it can deliver meaningful value.

The WEBO is a powerful and targeted data and analysis tool with features designed to deliver the data-driven intelligence you need to track trends and capitalize on opportunities. To make sure you’re getting your WEBO each week, as well as other ASA research emails, go the very bottom of this email and click the “Manage Subscriptions” link—and be sure to allow emails from research@americanstaffing.net.

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Staffing Today is published by the American Staffing Association, with news abstracts copyrighted in 2026 by SmithBucklin of Chicago, IL, and all other content copyrighted in 2026 by ASA. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.

About ASA

The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. Learn more at americanstaffing.net.

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