U.S. Manufacturing Is Adding Jobs Again, but the Hiring Rules Have Changed · Wall Street Journal
Oct. 26, 2026
Manufacturers are adding jobs again, but automation and advanced production are increasing demand for technicians, engineers, and workers with specialized training.
ANMP Insights
84% support expanding apprenticeship programs where young people earn a salary while learning skilled trades. (link)
82% support tax incentives for businesses that create apprenticeship positions combining on-the-job training with classroom education. (link)
61% support reducing the cultural emphasis on four-year degrees compared with other education and training pathways. (link)
Home sellers are lowering their price and helping buyers to make a deal in a stagnant market
Associated Press · Oct. 25, 2026
High mortgage rates and years of rising home prices are freezing buyers out and forcing more sellers to cut prices or offer concessions.
ANMP Insights
ANMP found 76% of voters say housing costs are on the wrong track, one of the worst-rated parts of the economy. (link)
Housing costs rank among the two economic indicators that matter most personally for 27% of voters, behind groceries and health care. (link)
Only 30% say their personal finances matter more than national economic statistics; 57% say both matter equally, underscoring why household affordability can outweigh strong top-line economic numbers. (link)
Halloween candy sales are off to a slow start amid high chocolate prices and affordability concerns
Associated Press · Oct. 24, 2026
Candy sales are running below last year as higher food, fuel and housing costs leave households with less room for discretionary purchases.
ANMP Insights
Groceries are the clearest economic pain point in ANMP polling: 78% say grocery costs are on the wrong track. (link)
60% rank grocery prices among the two economic indicators that matter most to them personally. (link)
In separate open-ended affordability research, 63% spontaneously mentioned inflation and essential costs, while 43% said they need to see visible cost reductions before believing leaders are serious about affordability. (link)
POLLING SOURCES
• Iran: AlphaROC national survey for Gingrich 360, Sept. 3-4, 2026, N=1,085 registered voters, ±3.0%. Public ANMP analysis: On Iran, the Nuclear Threat and Intelligence Warnings Make the Strongest Case.
• Economy/housing: McLaughlin & Associates national survey, Feb. 6-11, 2026, N=2,000 registered voters, ±2.2%. Public ANMP analysis: Grocery Cost Woes Dominate Among Voter Concerns About the Economy.
• Affordability: Occam national registered-voter research, March 2026. Public ANMP analysis: Americans Want to Feel It, Not Just Hear About It — And That’s the Opening.