DoL announces $81 million to support training, employment for formerly incarcerated

For nearly 50 years, research has shown that having a bachelor’s degree or higher led to better employment prospects, from higher pay to greater job security. Now, with the stability of white-collar work in question as U.S. companies embrace artificial intelligence, federal data suggests that’s beginning to change.

A recent Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast features Bryan Wright, national manufacturing sector leader at Forvis Mazars, sharing insights from a new survey that shows strong optimism among manufacturing executives for growth in 2026 despite ongoing pressures like supplier cost increases and tariffs. Wright discusses how manufacturers are prioritizing strategies they can control, such as pricing, customer and product expansion, operational efficiency, and targeted technology investments like modern ERP systems. He also highlights the growing role of AI and automation, how talent challenges are being approached, and why resilient M&A activity, especially add-on deals, could strengthen in the year ahead.

A Manufacturing Dive report highlights findings from the 21st annual KPMG Global Semiconductor Outlook survey that show tariffs and trade policy have become the top concern for semiconductor manufacturing leaders, overtaking talent and labor challenges for the first time. About half of executives are focused on diversifying and strengthening supply chains to manage geopolitical risks, while strong demand from AI and data center markets has most leaders expecting revenue growth in 2026. The article also notes that strategies to boost domestic capacity and incentives like the CHIPS and Science Act play a role in how companies are navigating policy and investment decisions amid ongoing uncertainty.

Hybrid manufacturing blends traditional machining with advanced methods like 3D printing to create agile, flexible defense factories that can scale faster, cut costs, and adapt to changing mission needs.

S&P Global and the S&P Global Foundation commit $10 million over three years to launch StepForward, a program supporting nonprofit workforce development and skills training for youth in an AI-driven economy.