David Lidsky's Blog, page 162

Volvo to cut up to 800 workers over Trump’s tariffs

Volvo Group’s layoffs are the latest response from a car and truck industry that is reeling from the Republican president’s tariffs on certain parts.

Volvo Group plans to lay off as many as 800 workers at three U.S. facilities over the next three months due to market uncertainty and demand concerns in the face of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, a spokesperson said on Friday.

Gen Z is interested in blue-collar work—but not necessarily manufacturing

With a looming shortage of workers, the manufacturing industry will need to attract more young workers to fill 3.8 million jobs in the coming decade. But Gen Z might not be interested.

As the cost of a college education has ballooned to nearly $100,000 a year, a new generation of workers may be opting out of a four-year degree—and seeking out trade jobs instead. Among Gen Z, blue-collar jobs in industries like plumbing and construction have grown more appealing, promising job security and decent pay. A survey conducted by the Harris Poll last year found that Gen Z expressed a marked interest in moving into the trades, and that they were more likely to view those jobs positively when compared to corporate roles.

China and Cambodia’s $1.2 billion canal project raises environmental concerns

Critics have raised concerns that the canal could severely disrupt the Mekong River’s natural flood patterns.

Cambodia and China have signed a $1.2 billion deal to finance an ambitious canal project that aims to boost trade efficiency by linking a branch of the Mekong River near Phnom Penh to a port on the Gulf of Thailand, the Cambodian government agency heading the project announced Friday.

Why some Americans are skipping Target and Amazon this holiday weekend

A boycott from Good Friday through Easter Sunday is targeting big-box stores and fast food.

If you’ve been thinking about skipping that Target run this weekend, you’re not alone. A grassroots group called The People’s Union USA is asking shoppers to sit out spending money at major retailers, restaurants, and banks from midnight on Good Friday through Easter Sunday.

Capital One’s $35 billion merger with Discover Financial gets regulatory approvals

Capital One said it expects to complete the acquisition on May 18 now that it received all required regulatory approvals.

The pending merger between Capital One and Discover Financial services received approval from several regulators Friday, bringing the $35 billion tie-up closer to completion.

Judge pauses Trump’s mass layoffs at CFPB

Trump administration officials argue that the CFPB overstepped its authority and should have a more limited mission.

President Donald Trump’s attempt to fire nearly everyone at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was paused on Friday by a federal judge, who said she was “deeply concerned” about the plan.

Why high-net-worth Americans are banking in Switzerland

As concerns grow over U.S. debt and politics, the ultra-wealthy are shifting money overseas.

Some wealthy Americans are fleeing the United States—with their money, at the very least.

TikTok is obsessed with this investor who bought 30 floors of a Chicago skyscraper

Real estate investor Tom Liravongsa is documenting his ambitious renovation of a historic tower—floor by floor.

One of the more unique takes on the POV trend on TikTok: “POV: You bought a 100-year-old skyscraper . . . ”

The rise of vibe coding

Why tinkerers always change the world

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more.

Stay ahead of rapidly changing regulatory dynamics with AI

Artificial intelligence can give you more bandwidth to stay adaptable.

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more.