In this episode of The Labor Brief from ECON-versations with NABE, former NABE Presidents Ellen Zentner and Julia Coronado unpack the latest twists in the U.S. labor market amid a government shutdown. They explore how the “Fork in the Road” program and recent federal job cuts are distorting employment data and weighing on payrolls. The hosts discuss the sharp decline in job postings and the growing importance of private data sources like ADP and Indeed. Rounding out the conversation, Ellen and Julia examine the Federal Reserve’s cautious approach to monetary policy amid data uncertainty and economic headwinds. Tune in for a concise, expert-driven look at the challenges shaping today’s employment landscape.NABE is the premier professional association for business economists and others who use economics in the workplace. Since 1959, NABE has attracted the most prominent figures in economics, business, and academia to its membership with highly-regarded conferences, educational and career development offerings, industry surveys, and its unrivaled networking opportunities. Past presidents of NABE include former Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Federal Reserve System, Alan Greenspan, several former Federal Reserve Governors, and other senior business leaders.