Relying on Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, the appeals court found a “background circumstances” rule used by New Jersey “no longer has a permissible role to play.” ...

The appeals court sided with Brown-Forman Corp., Jack Daniels’ parent company, in nixing the landmark 2023 standard.

While the majority of executives surveyed — 86% — said they believe AI usage is required at their companies, only 49% of middle managers agree and instruct their direct reports to act as such.

Companies say they want artificial intelligence skills, but their training efforts aren’t keeping pace, reports show.

The company’s survey findings not only highlighted how hiring priorities are shifting in 2026 but also “what decades of workforce cycles reveal about what truly endures.” ...