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Mazda Toyota Manufacturing Sees Success with MI’s FAME
November 5, 2026Axios). What’s going on: “Manufacturing is growing and becoming more advanced. But its workforce is aging, and not enough new workers are prepared to meet demand.” The Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (launching the first courses of its signed a signing ceremony at CCC in September, as part of the MI’s “Training for the Future…
As Washington Shifts, Manufacturers Keep Working Across the Aisle
November 5, 2026The Wall Street Journal, subscription). For manufacturers and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, permitting reform offers a bipartisan path to meet soaring demand for energy, unlock new energy supplies and bring down costs for families and businesses all while supercharging manufacturing in America. A bipartisan push: Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today…
Semiconductor Companies Invest in Talent Development
November 3, 2026CNBC). What’s going on: “Only 3% of U.S. graduates who take engineering roles enter the semiconductor industry each year, according to McKinsey, and 73% of chip employers report significant difficulty in filling engineering roles.” The semiconductor industry needs many more skilled technicians and engineers as it expands to meet demand driven by the artificial intelligence…
Labor Dept. Finalizes PBM Transparency Rule
November 3, 2026The Wall Street Journal, subscription). What’s going on: Under a Department of Labor rule finalized last week, PBMs “will have to provide their employer clients with granular information about the prices they pay for pharmaceuticals, as well as payments they receive from drugmakers,” starting in July 2027. The new rule aims to address
Richmond District Factory Growth Declines, While Investment Outlook Improves
November 2, 2026Manufacturing activity in the Fifth District contracted at the same pace in October after declining in September, with the composite manufacturing index remaining at -2. At the same time, local business conditions also declined, falling from -6 to -8 in October. In line with worsening business conditions, manufacturers are less optimistic about the future, with…
Consumer Confidence Rises as Expectations Strengthen
November 2, 2026Consumer confidence rose 7.5 points in October to 91.7. Among its components, the Present Situation Index and Expectations Index both strengthened as consumers’ views of current conditions and their outlook for the future improved. The Present Situation Index, reflecting current business and labor market conditions, rose 8.6 points to 120.4. Meanwhile, the Expectations Index, which…
Federal Reserve Keeps Rates Steady After Hiking Last Month
November 2, 2026As anticipated, the Federal Open Market Committee maintained its interest rate target range at 3.75%–4.00% at its October meeting. On the other hand, two FOMC members—Lisa Cook and Beth Hammack—dissented from the action, preferring to raise the target range by 25 basis points. In a change to its previous statement, the FOMC noted that the…
