Semiconductor Supply Chain: Micron and Ford struck a long-term strategic customer agreement to secure memory and storage for next-gen U.S. vehicle production, with Micron expanding automotive DRAM output at its Manassas, Virginia fab. AI Hardware Manufacturing: A new report highlights a key gap in Nvidia/Intel “homegrown” chip claims: Blackwell wafers are made in Arizona, but critical downstream packaging and HBM manufacturing still sit offshore, with U.S. facilities not expected to start production until 2028 at the earliest. Critical Minerals (Outside China): Greenland Mines says it’s advancing a North Atlantic critical-metals corridor via a strategic investment and a share-exchange, aiming to build allied downstream links for materials tied to EVs and defense. Defense Industrial Base: The UK confirmed plans to buy more U.S.-built F-35A jets to restore its nuclear strike capability, while U.S. Air Force officials told Congress Block 4 modernization will require major thermal-management upgrades for new radar needs. Manufacturing Tech for the Field: The U.S. Navy is trialing 3D printing to produce composite replacement parts at forward bases, aiming to cut repair downtime for carrier aircraft. Workforce Training Policy: Congress’s Workforce Pell expansion lets students use Pell for shorter, state-aligned high-skill training programs (8–14 weeks), shifting how states build employer talent pipelines. Consumer/Regulatory Watch: Kao USA initiated a voluntary recall of specific Oribe shampoo lots after bacterial contamination concerns.