Career construction: Meta began its new Construction Ready training hub in Baton Rouge through its America’s Workforce Academy, with the first classes starting Monday and graduation scheduled for Nov. 23. Backed by an initial $115 million investment, the four-week paid program, developed with Associated Builders and Contractors and other contractor partners, guarantees graduates jobs at a Meta data center and provides OSHA 10 certification and an NCCER credential. The initiative aims to address growing demand for skilled trades workers by training participants in high-demand fields such as electrical work, mechanical systems and plumbing.
Output on the rise: U.S. manufacturing activity strengthened in October, with the Institute for Supply Management’s index rising one point to 55.5, its 10th consecutive month of expansion and second-highest reading in more than four years. Production growth reached its strongest level since late 2021, while new orders increased and factory employment grew for a fourth straight month, supported by consumer demand, business investment and spending on AI and data center infrastructure. However, manufacturers continue to face inflation, rising raw-material costs, supply-chain constraints and uncertainty surrounding tariffs and geopolitical conflicts. Bloomberg has the full story.
Peace talks, price drops: Oil prices plunged Monday as signs of potential diplomatic progress between the U.S. and Iran eased concerns about further military escalation, with Brent crude falling 7.7% to $104.66 per barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate dropping 7.3% to $96.50. President Donald Trump has expressed a preference for resolving the eight-month conflict diplomatically, while Iranian officials have also signaled openness to negotiations, though Tehran is seeking sanctions relief and a reduced U.S. military presence in the region. CNBC has the full story.
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