Appalachian Economic Agency Pushes Back on Deep Funding Cuts by Trump Administration
Appalachian leaders are urging Congress to reject a Trump administration proposal that would slash funding for its economic development agency, the Appalachian Regional Commission, by 93% in fiscal year 2026. More than 80 regional officials, institutions, and groups...
State Department Begins Layoffs of 1,300 Staff in Workforce Reorganization
The State Department has begun laying off over 1,300 staff as part of a Trump administration initiative to reduce the agency’s U.S. workforce by 15% and consolidate functions. The cuts, part of a broader reorganization plan, have drawn sharp criticism from Democrats...
Illinois Leads U.S. in Construction Pay, Report Finds
According to a new report by Construction Coverage, Illinois offers the highest cost-adjusted construction wages in the country, with cost-adjusted median wage of $79,328, which is roughly 40% more than in many Southern states. Peoria leads all midsize U.S. metros in...
Powell Valley Millwork to Invest $29.6 Million in Kentucky Expansion
Powell Valley Millwork, a manufacturer of wood products, is investing $29.6 million to expand its facilities in Powell and Montgomery counties, retaining 214 jobs and creating 33 new ones. The upgrades will double production capacity and include new automation systems...
$10.6M Expansion for Sentio BioSciences’ Missouri Pharma Facility
Sentio BioSciences is investing over $10.6 million to expand its pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Maryland Heights, Missouri, creating 58 new jobs. The expansion will boost production of essential generic medicines, including APIs, and drug products, while...
Reconciliation Bill Makes Opportunity Zones Permanent
Congress has voted to make Opportunity Zones a permanent part of the U.S. tax code through the reconciliation bill, a move applauded by economic organizations as a major milestone in economic development policy. The new legislation provides long-term certainty for...
NY Fed Survey: Consumer Inflation Fears Ease
Inflation expectations have returned to pre-tariff levels, according to a New York Fed survey, as fears of a sharp spike triggered by Trump’s trade policies ease. Respondents in June expected 12-month inflation at 3%, down from a peak of 3.6% in early spring and...
Intel Announces 500+ Layoffs at Hillsboro and Aloha Campuses in Oregon
Intel will lay off 529 employees at its campuses in Hillsboro and Aloha, Oregon, as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and improve efficiency. The cuts affect engineers, technicians, and other roles, and follow earlier layoffs as Intel works to regain...
Kervan USA Breaks Ground on $20 Million Candy Facility in Pennsylvania
Turkish candy maker Kervan USA has broken ground on a new $20 million processing and packaging facility in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. The 90,000-square-foot plant will consolidate the packaging and distribution operations from New Jersey and is expected to create...
Medical Equipment Manufacturer to Invest $135M in Brunswick, Maine Facility Expansion
Swedish medical products maker Mölnlycke Health Care is expanding its Brunswick facility in a project worth nearly $135 million. The investment will boost local employment, increase production of wound care products, and strengthen the company's U.S. supply chain....