Monday, November 9, 2026

The housing market

Here is the housing market in four official figures. Sales of new single-family homes were 676 thousand at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in September 2026, according to the Census Bureau. That is down from 680 thousand in August 2026.

The median sales price of houses sold in the U.S. was $393,300 in the third quarter of 2026, according to the Census Bureau and HUD. That is down from $413,500 in the second quarter of 2026.

U.S. housing starts were 1.22 million homes at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in September 2026, according to the Census Bureau. That is down from 1.29 million homes in August 2026.

A housing start is counted when excavation begins for a new home's foundation. Building permits for new U.S. homes were 1.40 million at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in September 2026, according to the Census Bureau. That is unchanged from August 2026.

Permits usually come before starts, which is why they are watched as an early sign of what will be built. The figures come from FRED, the data service of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Main street in four figures

Here is main street in four official figures. U.S. retail and food service sales were $745.0 billion in September 2026, according to the Census Bureau's advance estimate. That is up from $739.3 billion in August 2026. It is the first, seasonally adjusted estimate of spending at stores and restaurants, and it is revised later.

Total U.S. nonfarm payroll jobs were 159.3 million in October 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is up from 159.1 million in September 2026.

It counts jobs at businesses and in government, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' monthly survey of employers. Consumer prices were up 3.7 percent from a year earlier in September 2026, by the Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The bank prime loan rate was 7.00 percent in October 2026, according to the Federal Reserve. That is up from 6.87 percent in September 2026.

Many small-business loans and lines of credit are priced as the prime rate plus a margin. The figures come from FRED, the data service of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

The latest official figures

Here are the latest official figures for main street businesses. New U.S. business applications were 534,947 in September 2026, according to the Census Bureau's Business Formation Statistics. That is up from 532,051 in August 2026.

It counts applications for a new employer identification number, a first step in starting a business. U.S. retail and food service sales were $745.0 billion in September 2026, according to the Census Bureau's advance estimate. That is up from $739.3 billion in August 2026. It is the first, seasonally adjusted estimate of spending at stores and restaurants, and it is revised later.

The bank prime loan rate was 7.00 percent in October 2026, according to the Federal Reserve. That is up from 6.87 percent in September 2026.

Many small-business loans and lines of credit are priced as the prime rate plus a margin. The figures come from FRED, the data service of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Industry and power

Here is what the official figures say about industry and power. Industrial production was up 2.2 percent from a year earlier in September 2026, by the Federal Reserve's industrial production index.

It measures the output of the nation's factories, mines and utilities. Construction spending on manufacturing plants was $170.2 billion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in September 2026, according to the Census Bureau. That is up from $170.0 billion in August 2026.

Construction spending on power projects was $191.7 billion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in September 2026, according to the Census Bureau. That is up from $189.9 billion in August 2026.

Power construction covers electric generation, transmission and distribution projects. The average U.S. price of electricity was 19.6 cents per kilowatt-hour in September 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is unchanged from August 2026. It is an average across U.S. cities. The rate at any one site depends on its own utility.

The figures come from FRED, the data service of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Construction spending by type

Here is where construction money is going, by type of project, from the Census Bureau's monthly survey. Residential construction spending was $861.2 billion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in September 2026, according to the Census Bureau. That is down from $910.2 billion in August 2026.

Construction spending on manufacturing plants was $170.2 billion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in September 2026, according to the Census Bureau. That is up from $170.0 billion in August 2026.

Construction spending on power projects was $191.7 billion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in September 2026, according to the Census Bureau. That is up from $189.9 billion in August 2026.

Power construction covers electric generation, transmission and distribution projects. Public construction spending was $546.8 billion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in September 2026, according to the Census Bureau. That is down from $547.1 billion in August 2026. It is what federal, state and local governments spend on building, from roads and schools to water systems.

The figures come from FRED, the data service of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

The interest-rates board

Here is the interest-rates board: the rates that set what borrowing costs, from their official sources. The bank prime loan rate was 7.00 percent in October 2026, according to the Federal Reserve. A year earlier it was 7.23 percent.

The upper end of the federal funds target range was 4.00 percent on November 8, according to the Federal Reserve. That is where it was a year earlier.

The Secured Overnight Financing Rate was 3.92 percent on November 5, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. That is where it was a year earlier.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.18 percent in the week of November 5, according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey. A year earlier it was 6.22 percent.

The average 15-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.57 percent in the week of November 5, according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey. A year earlier it was 5.50 percent.

The 10-year Treasury yield was 4.84 percent on November 5, according to the Federal Reserve. A year earlier it was 4.11 percent.

In its latest Summary of Economic Projections, the Federal Reserve's median projection for the federal funds rate is 4.1 percent at the end of 2026, 4.1 percent at the end of 2027 and 3.9 percent at the end of 2028. Each rate is shown with the date it is for, and the figures come from FRED.

The economy in four figures

Here is the economy in four official figures. Total U.S. nonfarm payroll jobs were 159.3 million in October 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is up from 159.1 million in September 2026.

It counts jobs at businesses and in government, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' monthly survey of employers. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in October 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is down from 4.2 percent in September 2026.

Consumer prices were up 3.7 percent from a year earlier in September 2026, by the Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Industrial production was up 2.2 percent from a year earlier in September 2026, by the Federal Reserve's industrial production index.

It measures the output of the nation's factories, mines and utilities. The figures come from FRED, the data service of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Home building, state by state

Here is home building across the whole country, from the Census Bureau. Building permits for new U.S. homes were 1.40 million at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in September 2026, according to the Census Bureau. A year earlier it was 1.44 million.

U.S. housing starts were 1.22 million homes at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in September 2026, according to the Census Bureau. A year earlier it was 1.32 million homes.

Among the states, the most homes were authorized in Texas, at 17,166, and the fewest in Alaska, at 58. Through the day, each region gets its own look: the Northeast, the Southeast, the Midwest, the Southwest and the West.

Jobs, state by state

Here are jobs across the whole country, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Total U.S. nonfarm payroll jobs were 159.3 million in October 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A year earlier it was 158.4 million.

Among the states, the most jobs were in California, at 18.15 million, and the fewest in Wyoming, at 0.30 million. Through the day, each region gets its own look: the Northeast, the Southeast, the Midwest, the Southwest and the West.

Northeast: building permits

Here are building permits for new homes in the Northeast, state by state. These are the Census Bureau's seasonally adjusted counts of homes authorized in one month. Building permits for new homes in Connecticut were 400 in September 2026, down from 462 a year earlier.

Maine: 567 in September 2026, up from 514 a year earlier. Massachusetts: 1,409 in September 2026, down from 1,500 a year earlier.

New Hampshire: 364 in September 2026, down from 419 a year earlier. Rhode Island: 154 in September 2026, down from 172 a year earlier.

Vermont: 132 in September 2026, down from 578 a year earlier. New Jersey: 2,257 in September 2026, down from 2,792 a year earlier.

New York: 4,410 in September 2026, up from 3,732 a year earlier. Pennsylvania: 2,191 in September 2026, up from 2,149 a year earlier.

Delaware: 591 in September 2026, up from 552 a year earlier. Maryland: 936 in September 2026, up from 874 a year earlier.

The District of Columbia: 303 in September 2026, up from 259 a year earlier. Added together, these states authorized 13,715 new homes in September 2026, 2.1 percent fewer than a year earlier.

Southeast: jobs

Here are nonfarm payroll jobs in the Southeast, state by state, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nonfarm jobs in Alabama were 2.22 million in September 2026, up from 2.20 million a year earlier.

Arkansas: 1.35 million in September 2026, up from 1.34 million a year earlier. Florida: 10.05 million in September 2026, up from 9.99 million a year earlier.

Georgia: 4.98 million in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier. Kentucky: 2.03 million in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier.

Louisiana: 2.02 million in September 2026, up from 1.99 million a year earlier. Mississippi: 1.20 million in September 2026, up from 1.19 million a year earlier.

North Carolina: 5.13 million in September 2026, up from 5.06 million a year earlier. South Carolina: 2.44 million in September 2026, up from 2.39 million a year earlier.

Tennessee: 3.39 million in September 2026, up from 3.36 million a year earlier. Virginia: 4.25 million in September 2026, down from 4.28 million a year earlier.

West Virginia: 0.72 million in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier. Added together, these states had 39.78 million jobs in September 2026, 0.7 percent more than a year earlier.

Southeast: unemployment

Here is the unemployment rate in the Southeast, state by state, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate in Alabama was 3.5 percent in September 2026, up from 2.8 percent a year earlier.

Arkansas: 3.9 percent in September 2026, down from 4.2 percent a year earlier. Florida: 4.4 percent in September 2026, up from 4.2 percent a year earlier.

Georgia: 3.3 percent in September 2026, down from 3.4 percent a year earlier. Kentucky: 4.7 percent in September 2026, up from 4.5 percent a year earlier.

Louisiana: 4.0 percent in September 2026, down from 4.2 percent a year earlier. Mississippi: 3.3 percent in September 2026, down from 3.7 percent a year earlier.

North Carolina: 3.4 percent in September 2026, down from 3.9 percent a year earlier. South Carolina: 4.0 percent in September 2026, down from 4.7 percent a year earlier.

Tennessee: 3.4 percent in September 2026, down from 3.5 percent a year earlier. Virginia: 3.6 percent in September 2026, up from 3.4 percent a year earlier.

West Virginia: 4.0 percent in September 2026, down from 4.5 percent a year earlier. In the Southeast, the lowest was Georgia, at 3.3 percent, and the highest was Kentucky, at 4.7 percent.

Northeast: unemployment

Here is the unemployment rate in the Northeast, state by state, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate in Connecticut was 5.1 percent in September 2026, up from 4.2 percent a year earlier.

Maine: 3.3 percent in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier. Massachusetts: 4.3 percent in September 2026, down from 4.6 percent a year earlier.

New Hampshire: 2.6 percent in September 2026, down from 3.2 percent a year earlier. Rhode Island: 3.6 percent in September 2026, down from 4.3 percent a year earlier.

Vermont: 2.6 percent in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier. New Jersey: 4.2 percent in September 2026, down from 5.5 percent a year earlier.

New York: 4.3 percent in September 2026, down from 4.6 percent a year earlier. Pennsylvania: 3.6 percent in September 2026, down from 4.4 percent a year earlier.

Delaware: 4.6 percent in September 2026, down from 5.2 percent a year earlier. Maryland: 3.9 percent in September 2026, down from 4.3 percent a year earlier.

The District of Columbia: 5.6 percent in September 2026, down from 6.6 percent a year earlier. In the Northeast, the lowest was New Hampshire, at 2.6 percent, and the highest was the District of Columbia, at 5.6 percent.

Home prices, state by state

Here is how home prices are moving across the country. The median sales price of houses sold in the U.S. was $393,300 in the third quarter of 2026, according to the Census Bureau and HUD. A year earlier it was $410,100.

Through the day, each region gets its own look: the Northeast, the Southeast, the Midwest, the Southwest and the West.

Southeast: home prices

Here is how home prices changed over the past year in the Southeast, state by state, by the Federal Housing Finance Agency's house price index. Home prices in Alabama were up 3.7 percent from a year earlier in the second quarter of 2026.

Arkansas: up 3.2 percent from a year earlier. Florida: up 1.4 percent from a year earlier.

Georgia: up 1.9 percent from a year earlier. Kentucky: up 4.7 percent from a year earlier.

Louisiana: up 2.9 percent from a year earlier. Mississippi: up 3.7 percent from a year earlier.

North Carolina: up 2.4 percent from a year earlier. South Carolina: up 3.8 percent from a year earlier.

Tennessee: up 2.6 percent from a year earlier. Virginia: up 3.8 percent from a year earlier.

West Virginia: up 8.0 percent from a year earlier. In the Southeast, the biggest change up was in West Virginia, up 8.0 percent, and the weakest was Florida, up 1.4 percent.

Southeast: building permits

Here are building permits for new homes in the Southeast, state by state. These are the Census Bureau's seasonally adjusted counts of homes authorized in one month. Building permits for new homes in Alabama were 1,700 in September 2026, down from 2,018 a year earlier.

Arkansas: 926 in September 2026, down from 1,529 a year earlier. Florida: 14,936 in September 2026, up from 13,622 a year earlier.

Georgia: 5,110 in September 2026, down from 5,254 a year earlier. Kentucky: 1,659 in September 2026, up from 1,234 a year earlier.

Louisiana: 1,024 in September 2026, down from 1,251 a year earlier. Mississippi: 702 in September 2026, down from 729 a year earlier.

North Carolina: 6,018 in September 2026, down from 7,054 a year earlier. South Carolina: 3,791 in September 2026, down from 3,814 a year earlier.

Tennessee: 4,367 in September 2026, up from 3,343 a year earlier. Virginia: 3,274 in September 2026, up from 2,208 a year earlier.

West Virginia: 287 in September 2026, down from 428 a year earlier. Added together, these states authorized 43,794 new homes in September 2026, 3.1 percent more than a year earlier.

Northeast: jobs

Here are nonfarm payroll jobs in the Northeast, state by state, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nonfarm jobs in Connecticut were 1.73 million in September 2026, up from 1.72 million a year earlier.

Maine: 0.66 million in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier. Massachusetts: 3.71 million in September 2026, up from 3.69 million a year earlier.

New Hampshire: 0.70 million in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier. Rhode Island: 0.51 million in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier.

Vermont: 0.31 million in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier. New Jersey: 4.38 million in September 2026, up from 4.37 million a year earlier.

New York: 9.97 million in September 2026, up from 9.95 million a year earlier. Pennsylvania: 6.21 million in September 2026, up from 6.17 million a year earlier.

Delaware: 0.50 million in September 2026, up from 0.49 million a year earlier. Maryland: 2.79 million in September 2026, down from 2.81 million a year earlier.

The District of Columbia: 0.72 million in September 2026, down from 0.75 million a year earlier. Added together, these states had 32.20 million jobs in September 2026, 0.2 percent more than a year earlier.

Midwest: building permits

Here are building permits for new homes in the Midwest, state by state. These are the Census Bureau's seasonally adjusted counts of homes authorized in one month. Building permits for new homes in Illinois were 1,190 in September 2026, down from 1,650 a year earlier.

Indiana: 2,575 in September 2026, up from 2,388 a year earlier. Iowa: 1,020 in September 2026, up from 830 a year earlier.

Kansas: 2,168 in September 2026, up from 662 a year earlier. Michigan: 1,646 in September 2026, down from 2,204 a year earlier.

Minnesota: 2,256 in September 2026, up from 1,570 a year earlier. Missouri: 1,635 in September 2026, down from 1,760 a year earlier.

Nebraska: 901 in September 2026, up from 798 a year earlier. North Dakota: 451 in September 2026, up from 138 a year earlier.

Ohio: 2,040 in September 2026, down from 3,154 a year earlier. South Dakota: 443 in September 2026, up from 403 a year earlier.

Wisconsin: 1,888 in September 2026, down from 2,061 a year earlier. Added together, these states authorized 18,213 new homes in September 2026, 3.4 percent more than a year earlier.

Midwest: jobs

Here are nonfarm payroll jobs in the Midwest, state by state, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nonfarm jobs in Illinois were 6.16 million in September 2026, up from 6.15 million a year earlier.

Indiana: 3.26 million in September 2026, down from 3.27 million a year earlier. Iowa: 1.59 million in September 2026, up from 1.58 million a year earlier.

Kansas: 1.47 million in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier. Michigan: 4.49 million in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier.

Minnesota: 3.06 million in September 2026, up from 3.03 million a year earlier. Missouri: 3.01 million in September 2026, up from 2.98 million a year earlier.

Nebraska: 1.06 million in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier. North Dakota: 0.45 million in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier.

Ohio: 5.69 million in September 2026, up from 5.67 million a year earlier. South Dakota: 0.47 million in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier.

Wisconsin: 3.04 million in September 2026, up from 3.03 million a year earlier. Added together, these states had 33.75 million jobs in September 2026, 0.3 percent more than a year earlier.

Midwest: home prices

Here is how home prices changed over the past year in the Midwest, state by state, by the Federal Housing Finance Agency's house price index. Home prices in Illinois were up 6.0 percent from a year earlier in the second quarter of 2026.

Indiana: up 4.6 percent from a year earlier. Iowa: up 3.2 percent from a year earlier.

Kansas: up 3.8 percent from a year earlier. Michigan: up 4.6 percent from a year earlier.

Minnesota: up 3.0 percent from a year earlier. Missouri: up 3.6 percent from a year earlier.

Nebraska: up 3.2 percent from a year earlier. North Dakota: up 4.7 percent from a year earlier.

Ohio: up 4.3 percent from a year earlier. South Dakota: up 2.2 percent from a year earlier.

Wisconsin: up 5.6 percent from a year earlier. In the Midwest, the biggest change up was in Illinois, up 6.0 percent, and the weakest was South Dakota, up 2.2 percent.

Midwest: unemployment

Here is the unemployment rate in the Midwest, state by state, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate in Illinois was 4.6 percent in September 2026, up from 4.5 percent a year earlier.

Indiana: 3.4 percent in September 2026, down from 3.7 percent a year earlier. Iowa: 3.2 percent in September 2026, down from 3.4 percent a year earlier.

Kansas: 3.8 percent in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier. Michigan: 5.0 percent in September 2026, up from 4.9 percent a year earlier.

Minnesota: 4.5 percent in September 2026, up from 4.1 percent a year earlier. Missouri: 3.6 percent in September 2026, down from 3.9 percent a year earlier.

Nebraska: 2.9 percent in September 2026, unchanged from a year earlier. North Dakota: 2.2 percent in September 2026, down from 2.6 percent a year earlier.

Ohio: 3.4 percent in September 2026, down from 4.3 percent a year earlier. South Dakota: 2.0 percent in September 2026, down from 2.1 percent a year earlier.

Wisconsin: 3.2 percent in September 2026, up from 3.1 percent a year earlier. In the Midwest, the lowest was South Dakota, at 2.0 percent, and the highest was Michigan, at 5.0 percent.

Southwest: building permits

Here are building permits for new homes in the Southwest, state by state. These are the Census Bureau's seasonally adjusted counts of homes authorized in one month. Building permits for new homes in Arizona were 2,450 in September 2026, down from 3,891 a year earlier.

New Mexico: 736 in September 2026, up from 538 a year earlier. Oklahoma: 990 in September 2026, down from 1,218 a year earlier.

Texas: 17,166 in September 2026, down from 18,854 a year earlier. Added together, these states authorized 21,341 new homes in September 2026, 12.9 percent fewer than a year earlier.

Southwest: home prices

Here is how home prices changed over the past year in the Southwest, state by state, by the Federal Housing Finance Agency's house price index. Home prices in Arizona were up 0.9 percent from a year earlier in the second quarter of 2026.

New Mexico: up 2.1 percent from a year earlier. Oklahoma: up 2.8 percent from a year earlier.

Texas: up 1.6 percent from a year earlier. In the Southwest, the biggest change up was in Oklahoma, up 2.8 percent, and the weakest was Arizona, up 0.9 percent.

Southwest: jobs

Here are nonfarm payroll jobs in the Southwest, state by state, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nonfarm jobs in Arizona were 3.28 million in September 2026, up from 3.26 million a year earlier.

New Mexico: 0.90 million in September 2026, up from 0.89 million a year earlier. Oklahoma: 1.80 million in September 2026, up from 1.79 million a year earlier.

Texas: 14.46 million in September 2026, up from 14.31 million a year earlier. Added together, these states had 20.44 million jobs in September 2026, 1.0 percent more than a year earlier.

Where building permits rose most

Here are the states where building permits for new homes rose most over the year to September 2026, from the Census Bureau. First was North Dakota, up 227.5 percent. Next came Kansas, up 227.3 percent, Hawaii, up 125.8 percent, Virginia, up 48.3 percent, and Minnesota, up 43.7 percent. At the other end were Vermont, down 77.2 percent, Arkansas, down 39.5 percent, and Arizona, down 37.0 percent.

The ranking is worked out from the published figures from the Census Bureau.

Where jobs grew fastest

Here are the states where jobs grew fastest over the year to September 2026, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. First was South Carolina, up 2.3 percent. Next came Louisiana, up 1.8 percent, Nevada, up 1.6 percent, Utah, up 1.5 percent, and North Carolina, up 1.3 percent. At the other end were the District of Columbia, down 3.5 percent, Montana, down 1.0 percent, and Virginia, down 0.6 percent.

The ranking is worked out from the published figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Lowest unemployment, by state

Here are the states with the lowest unemployment rates in September 2026, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. First was South Dakota, 2.0 percent. Next came North Dakota, 2.2 percent, New Hampshire, 2.6 percent, Vermont, 2.6 percent, and Hawaii, 2.8 percent. At the other end were the District of Columbia, 5.6 percent, California, 5.1 percent, and Connecticut, 5.1 percent.

The ranking is worked out from the published figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Mortgage rates, two years

Here is the 30-year mortgage rate over the past two years. The latest figure, for the week of November 5, 2026, is 7.18 percent, according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey.

At the start of this period, in the week of October 31, 2024, it was 6.72 percent. The high point in that time was 7.40 percent, in the week of October 8, 2026. The low point was 5.98 percent, in the week of February 26, 2026. It is a national average. The rate any one borrower is offered depends on the loan and the borrower.

Retail sales, two years

Here are two years of U.S. retail and food service sales. The latest figure, for September 2026, is $745.0 billion, according to the Census Bureau's advance estimate.

At the start of this period, in September 2024, it was $676.0 billion. The latest figure is the highest in that time. That starting figure was the lowest in that time. It is the first, seasonally adjusted estimate of spending at stores and restaurants, and it is revised later.

Factory construction, two years

Here is construction spending on manufacturing plants over the past two years. The latest figure, for September 2026, is $170.2 billion, according to the Census Bureau.

At the start of this period, in September 2024, it was $250.2 billion. That starting figure was the highest in that time. The low point was $169.9 billion, in July 2026.

Construction spending, two years

Here is total U.S. construction spending over the past two years. The latest figure, for September 2026, is $2.19 trillion, according to the Census Bureau.

At the start of this period, in September 2024, it was $2.26 trillion. The high point in that time was $2.27 trillion, in February 2025. The low point was $2.17 trillion, in April 2026.

It counts residential, nonresidential and public construction together.

Housing starts, two years

Here is housing starts over the past two years. The latest figure, for September 2026, is 1.22 million homes, according to the Census Bureau.

At the start of this period, in September 2024, it was 1.36 million homes. The high point in that time was 1.52 million homes, in March 2026. The low point was 1.18 million homes, in May 2026.

A housing start is counted when excavation begins for a new home's foundation.

Approval and Promulgation of State Plans for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; Arizona; Control of Emissions From Existing Municipal Solid Waste…

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On November 5, the Environmental Protection Agency published a proposed rule: Approval and Promulgation of State Plans for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; Arizona; Control of Emissions From Existing Municipal Solid Waste…. In its own summary, the agency says this.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a State plan submitted by the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD). This plan pertains to the regulation of landfill gas and its components from existing municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills.

Maricopa's county plan was submitted in response to the EPA's promulgation of Emissions Guidelines and Compliance Times for MSW landfills.

Air Plan Approval; California; Revised Format for Materials Incorporated by Reference

Air Plan Revisions; Arizona; Maricopa County Air Quality Department; New Source Review; Emission Reduction Credits

Air Plan Approval; District of Columbia; Enhanced Vehicle Emission Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program Revision and Basic I/M Program…

Approval and Promulgation of State Plans for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; West Virginia; Control of Emissions From Existing Municipal Solid…

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On November 5, the Environmental Protection Agency published a final rule: Approval and Promulgation of State Plans for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; West Virginia; Control of Emissions From Existing Municipal Solid…. In its own summary, the agency says this.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a Clean Air Act (CAA) section 111(d) plan revision submitted by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP). This revision updates the plan to include changes made to Emissions Guidelines and Compliance Times for municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills.

This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA).

Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (25-3.5e)

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On November 5, the Environmental Protection Agency published a final rule: Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (25-3.5e). In its own summary, the agency says this.

EPA is issuing significant new use rules (SNURs) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for certain chemical substances that were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMNs) and are also subject to an Order issued by EPA pursuant to TSCA. The SNURs require persons to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing the manufacture (defined by statute to include import) or processing of any of these chemical substances for an activity that is designated as a significant new use in the SNUR.

The required notification initiates EPA's evaluation of the conditions of that use for that chemical substance.

Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (26-7)

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On November 2, the Environmental Protection Agency published a proposed rule: Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (26-7). In its own summary, the agency says this.

EPA is proposing significant new use rules (SNURs) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for certain chemical substances that were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMNs) and are also subject to an Order issued by EPA pursuant to TSCA. Once finalized, the SNURs would require persons who intend to manufacture (defined by statute to include import) or process any of these chemical substances for an activity that is proposed as a significant new use by this rulemaking to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity.

The required notification initiates EPA's evaluation of the conditions of that use for that chemical substance.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide in Pesticide Formulations; Exemptions From the Requirement of a Tolerance

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On October 30, the Environmental Protection Agency published a final rule: Dimethyl Sulfoxide in Pesticide Formulations; Exemptions From the Requirement of a Tolerance. In its own summary, the agency says this.

This regulation establishes exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of dimethyl sulfoxide (CAS Reg. No. 67-68-5) when used as an inert ingredient (solvent/cosolvent) in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest, in pesticide formulations applied to animals, and in antimicrobial formulations applied to food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy-processing equipment, and food- processing equipment and utensils.

Spring Regulatory Sciences on behalf of Gaylord Chemical Company, LLC submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance.

National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Polyvinyl Chloride and Copolymer Production Reconsideration; New Major Source Process…

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On November 9, the Environmental Protection Agency published a final rule: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Polyvinyl Chloride and Copolymer Production Reconsideration; New Major Source Process…. In its own summary, the agency says this.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing amendments to the national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) for the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Copolymer Production source category ("PVC NESHAP") under Clean Air Act (CAA) section 112. For new major sources, the EPA is finalizing the removal of the total non-vinyl chloride organic hazardous air pollutant (HAP) process wastewater emission limit and the associated testing, monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements.

The EPA is also finalizing that the new major source vinyl chloride emission limit acts as a surrogate for non-vinyl chloride organic HAP emissions from process wastewater.

Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for the State of Texas

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On November 4, the Small Business Administration published a notice: Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for the State of Texas. In its own summary, the agency says this.

This is notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of Texas (FEMA-4935-DR), dated October 30, 2026. Incident: Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding.

The Small Business Administration sets the size standards and loan program rules that decide which businesses qualify for federal help.

Administrative Disaster Declaration of a Rural Area for the State of South Dakota

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On November 3, the Small Business Administration published a notice: Administrative Disaster Declaration of a Rural Area for the State of South Dakota. In its own summary, the agency says this.

This is notice of an Administrative disaster declaration of a rural area for the state of South Dakota dated October 29, 2026. Incident: Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding.

The Small Business Administration sets the size standards and loan program rules that decide which businesses qualify for federal help.

30-Day Notice Waiver for Continuum of Care Program (CoC); Notice of Waiver

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On November 3, the Housing and Urban Development Department published a notice: 30-Day Notice Waiver for Continuum of Care Program (CoC); Notice of Waiver. In its own summary, the agency says this.

This notice announces a waiver, granted by the Secretary, through the Deputy Secretary, of the minimum 30-day application period required under section 102(a) of the HUD Reform Act for the FY2026 Continuum of Care Program (CoC) notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), which was re-opened for application submission on September 18, 2026 (CPD-2600-DC-0025). HUD's rules shape how housing and community development money reaches cities and towns.

The full text, with the background on how it came about, is at federalregister.gov.

Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Under Office of Management and Budget Review

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On November 3, the Small Business Administration published a notice: Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Under Office of Management and Budget Review. In its own summary, the agency says this.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) will submit the information collection described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, as amended, on or after the date of publication of this notice. SBA is publishing this notice to allow all interested members of the public an additional 30 days to provide comments on the collection of information. Public comments are open until December 3.

Administrative Declaration of a Disaster for the State of Nebraska

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On October 30, the Small Business Administration published a notice: Administrative Declaration of a Disaster for the State of Nebraska. In its own summary, the agency says this.

This is notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the state of Nebraska dated October 27, 2026. Incident: Remnants of Hurricane Polo.

The Small Business Administration sets the size standards and loan program rules that decide which businesses qualify for federal help.

Administrative Declaration of a Disaster for the State of California

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On October 30, the Small Business Administration published a notice: Administrative Declaration of a Disaster for the State of California. In its own summary, the agency says this.

This is notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the state of California dated October 27, 2026. Incident: East Oakland Apartment Fire.

The Small Business Administration sets the size standards and loan program rules that decide which businesses qualify for federal help.

Data Collection Available for Public Comments

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On November 4, the Small Business Administration published a notice: Data Collection Available for Public Comments. In its own summary, the agency says this.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the collection of information described below. The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) requires Federal agencies to publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information before submission to OMB, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice.

This notice complies with that requirement.

Request for Information To Promote the Success of the Melania Trump Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On October 30, the Housing and Urban Development Department published a notice: Request for Information To Promote the Success of the Melania Trump Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative. In its own summary, the agency says this.

HUD is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to solicit feedback from stakeholders on the Melania Trump Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative. Public comments are open until December 14.

HUD's rules shape how housing and community development money reaches cities and towns.

Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for the State of Florida

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On November 4, the Small Business Administration published a notice: Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for the State of Florida. In its own summary, the agency says this.

This is notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of Florida (FEMA-4955-DR), dated October 27, 2026. Incident: Hurricane Isaias.

The Small Business Administration sets the size standards and loan program rules that decide which businesses qualify for federal help.

Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee Request for Member Nominations; Extension of Comment Period

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On November 5, the Housing and Urban Development Department published a notice: Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee Request for Member Nominations; Extension of Comment Period. In its own summary, the agency says this.

On September 1, 2026, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published in the Federal Register a document titled "Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee Request for Member Nominations". This request seeks to reopen the comment period by 30 days to allow for more nominations. Public comments are open until December 4.

Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Florida

Here is a closer look at one item from the Federal Register. On November 4, the Small Business Administration published a notice: Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Florida. In its own summary, the agency says this.

This is notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the state of Florida (FEMA- 4955-DR), dated October 27, 2026. Incident: Hurricane Isaias.

The Small Business Administration sets the size standards and loan program rules that decide which businesses qualify for federal help.

Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Small Research Grant (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)

Feasibility Clinical Trials of Mind and Body Interventions for NCCIH High Priority Research Topics (R34…

Investigator Initiated Clinical Trials of Complementary and Integrative Interventions Delivered Remotely or…

NCCIH Multi-Site Feasibility Clinical Trials of Mind and Body Interventions (R01 Clinical Trial Required)

Business Trends and Outlook Survey Data Release — November 5, 2026

U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services

The nation's international trade deficit in goods and services decreased to $105.0 billion in September from $105.7 billion in August, as exports increased more than imports.

Manufacturers' Shipments, Inventories, and Orders

New orders for manufactured goods in September, up three consecutive months, increased $12.2 billion or 1.8 percent to $677.2 billion.

Construction Spending

Total construction spending for September 2026 was 1.9 percent below the revised August 2026 estimate.

Housing Vacancies and Homeownership

The homeownership rate of 65.5 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the third quarter 2025.

The NESO bid board listed 45 postings from 37 public boards, in Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, Georgia, Connecticut, Alabama, Arkansas. Every listing is free to read, with no account, at nesohq.com. Agencies amend and cancel, so the issuing portal governs.

What a data center is

Next, a lesson. A data center is a building filled with computer servers, along with the power and cooling equipment that keeps them running. It is where websites, online services and stored files physically live.

The Department of Energy calls data centers one of the most energy-intensive building types. They can use 10 to 50 times the energy per floor space of a typical commercial office building.

The Department of Energy reported that data centers used about 4.4 percent of all U.S. electricity in 2023. Its report projected they could use about 6.7 to 12 percent by 2028.

For a data center or any large load, the interconnection queue — the line to connect to the grid — is usually the binding constraint, more often than land or zoning.

What the federal funds rate is

Here is a short lesson. The federal funds rate is the interest rate charged by banks to borrow from each other overnight.

The Federal Reserve sets a target range for it. Changes to that target range influence short-term interest rates for other financial instruments, which in turn affect the spending decisions of households and businesses.

How CDFIs and SBA loans work

Here is a short lesson. Community Development Financial Institutions, or CDFIs, are specialized organizations that provide financial services in low-income communities and to people who lack access to financing.

They include community development banks and credit unions. A 7(a) loan is the Small Business Administration's main loan program for small businesses.

Lenders make the loans and the SBA provides a loan guarantee to them; it does not lend to borrowers directly.

What a brownfield is

A short lesson, in plain words. Federal law describes a brownfield as real property whose expansion, redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence, or potential presence, of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.

Common contaminants at these sites include lead, asbestos and petroleum. Addressing the real or perceived threat of contamination prevents or limits harmful exposure.

The Environmental Protection Agency's brownfields program has converted once neglected sites to boost local economies and enhance quality of life for nearby residents.

Reading a public bid

Here is a short lesson. With any public bid, read the solicitation on the issuing agency's own portal.

Agencies amend and cancel, and the portal is what governs. Agencies amend and cancel solicitations, so the issuing portal is always the source that governs.

Every listing links to it.

Sizing a market from the bottom up

Next, a lesson. Bottom-up market sizing starts from real counts of customers and prices in your area, rather than a slice of a national headline number.

A capital stack is every source of money in a project, from senior debt to equity, in the order each gets repaid. When the sources do not add up to the cost, the shortfall is called the gap.

Where data centers go, and why

Here is a short lesson. Virginia's legislative research agency, JLARC, reported that Northern Virginia is the largest data center market in the world.

JLARC found that data centers chose the region for a strong fiber network, a supply of reliable, cheap energy, available land, and the state's data center tax incentive. Those are the same things any large site is screened for.

The Department of Energy calls data centers one of the most energy-intensive building types. They can use 10 to 50 times the energy per floor space of a typical commercial office building.

For a data center or any large load, the interconnection queue — the line to connect to the grid — is usually the binding constraint, more often than land or zoning.

Wetlands and the Section 404 permit

Next, a lesson. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act sets up a program to regulate the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands.

The activities it covers include fill for development, and water resource projects such as dams and levees. Individual permits are reviewed by the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers. Three environmental red flags worth checking early on any site are wetlands, floodplain, and being next to a historic property.

The capital stack and DSCR

A short lesson, in plain words. A capital stack is every source of money in a project, from senior debt to equity, in the order each gets repaid.

When the sources do not add up to the cost, the shortfall is called the gap. DSCR, the debt service coverage ratio, divides a building's net operating income by its loan payments.

Lenders use it to ask whether the building can carry its debt.

Reading a parcel before you commit

Next, a lesson. An entitlement path is the list of approvals a project needs, and the order they come in.

Knowing it before you go under contract is the point. An overlay district adds its own conditions on top of a parcel's base zoning, so two parcels with the same zoning can face different rules.

Three environmental red flags worth checking early on any site are wetlands, floodplain, and being next to a historic property.

The grid and large loads

A short lesson, in plain words. For a data center or any large load, the interconnection queue — the line to connect to the grid — is usually the binding constraint, more often than land or zoning.

The Department of Energy reported that data centers used about 4.4 percent of all U.S. electricity in 2023. Its report projected they could use about 6.7 to 12 percent by 2028.

The Department of Energy calls data centers one of the most energy-intensive building types. They can use 10 to 50 times the energy per floor space of a typical commercial office building.

Reading flood risk before you build

Here is a short lesson. Flood maps show a property's flood risk.

Floods can happen anywhere, but some areas are at higher risk than others. Knowing a site's flood zone before you buy or build helps you make the choice to stay safe and protect the property.

Three environmental red flags worth checking early on any site are wetlands, floodplain, and being next to a historic property.