Google Announces $10M to the Manufacturing Institute to Develop AI Skills for the Manufacturing Workforce

U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of nearly $81 million to assist people re-entering their communities after incarceration.

In a recent New York Times editorial, the paper’s board sharply criticizes President Trump’s approach to U.S. military policy, alliances, and defense spending. The editorial argues that his strategy has weakened long-standing security commitments, eroded confidence in traditional alliances, and shifted focus away from collective defense toward unilateral actions and transactional relationships. It contends that key aspects of global security, including support for Ukraine and cohesion within NATO, have been undermined by inconsistent policy choices and an overreliance on high-profile military gestures rather than sustained strategic leadership.

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.

The fourth round of State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grants provides direct funding to states and territories based on a new performance-based formula.

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.