Christopher Rugaber

AP Economics Writer

Today in Manufacturing Podcast

Today in Manufacturing Podcast

Today in Manufacturing has a new podcast brought to you by the editors of Industrial Media. In each episode, we discuss the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward.

Sign at the Lee County Area Job Fair, Tupelo, Miss., Oct. 12, 2021.

Where Are the Workers?

Cutting off jobless aid failed to spur an influx.

Steven Dyme, owner of Flowers for Dreams, poses for a portrait at his warehouse, July 23, 2021, Chicago.

$15 Wage Becomes a Norm

Businesses are struggling to fill enough jobs to meet surging demand from consumers.

A 2018 Ford Explorer on display at the Pittsburgh Auto Show, Feb. 15, 2018.

Ford Move Suggests Working from Home Will Outlast Virus

About 30,000 of its employees worldwide who have worked from home can continue to do so indefinitely.

A shopper walks past a store displaying a hiring sign in Wheeling, Ill., Nov. 28, 2020.

Biden Directive Expands Jobless Aid to More Unemployed

The program would cover Americans who turned down job offers over inadequate virus measures.

A worker cleans along the Las Vegas Strip, March 31, 2020.

Unemployment Claims Fall to 779,000, but Job Cuts Grind On

Hiring has weakened for six straight months.

A man walks out of a Marc's store, Mayfield Heights, Ohio, Jan. 8, 2021.

Damaged Economy, but Signs of Hope Emerging

The U.S. has some 10 million fewer jobs than a year ago, and as many as one in 6 small businesses has shut down.

Zeida Hernandez, left, makes cigars at the J.C. Newman Cigar Co., Tampa, Fla., Dec. 14, 2020

US Unemployment Claims Slip to Still-High 787,000

Many employers are still cutting jobs as the pandemic tightens business restrictions and leads consumers to stay home.

Neera Tanden, president of Center for American Progress, speaks during an introduction for New Start New Jersey at NJIT in Newark, Nov. 10, 2014.

Biden Names Economic Team as Pandemic Threatens Workers

All are outspoken supporters of more government stimulus spending to boost growth.

Former Fed Chair Janet Yellen during an appearance on Fox Business Network in Washington, Aug. 14, 2019.

Another Daunting Crisis Awaits Yellen at Treasury

Janet Yellen served on the Federal Reserve's policymaking committee during the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

The Federal Reserve in Washington, Nov. 16, 2020.

Controversial Fed Nominee Stalls in Senate

Judy Shelton is an unusually caustic critic of the Fed and was opposed by two GOP senators.

Judy Shelton appears before the Senate Banking Committee on Capitol Hill, Feb. 13, 2020.

Senate Set to Vote on Controversial Fed Pick

Economists and former Fed officials have criticized her past positions, including her support of the gold standard.