April 2026 ISM Manufacturing PMI Report Indicates Continue Growth but Weakening Labor Market

(Illustrative Only)

Cindy is in manufacturing
and builds ships and 
ship products. This
relies on a supply chain. 
She thinks places
like Escanaba could
find their place on the
ship building supply 
chain. Hiring skilled
and qualified employees
in the right location,
with the right investment,
with the right market
makes a difference.

Strong economic health, development, and growth depend on fostering innovation, creating new products and services, and producing goods that can compete globally by delivering greater value than alternatives. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is a key indicator of manufacturing activity and, by extension, overall economic health, making it an important report to monitor as it is released.

Recent data shows the PMI at 52.7 percent, indicating that U.S. manufacturing has expanded for the fourth consecutive month. New orders are increasing, signaling continued demand; however, employment trends present a mixed picture, with hiring stagnating or even contracting in some areas. This reflects the broader pattern of uneven economic signals observed over the past year, likely driven by a combination of complex and overlapping factors.

Human capital development remains critical in this context. Advances in technology may partly explain slower employment growth, as automation can reduce labor demand in certain roles. At the same time, technology can also drive job creation when industries expand and innovate. Ultimately, sustaining long-term economic strength requires a skilled, educated, and adaptable workforce capable of supporting continued growth and competitiveness.

April 2026 ISM Manufacturing PMI Report Summary

• The Institute for Supply Management reported a Manufacturing PMI of 52.7, indicating continued expansion in U.S. manufacturing for the fourth consecutive month (values above 50 signal growth).
• The New Orders Index rose to approximately 54.1, reflecting stronger demand and signs of inventory stockpiling, while production remained in expansion at a moderate pace.
• The Prices Index surged to around 84.6, the highest level since April 2022, highlighting significant inflationary pressure driven by rising raw material costs and supply chain disruptions.
• Employment and backlog indicators weakened, with factory employment continuing to contract and unfilled orders declining, signaling mixed underlying conditions despite overall growth.

Institute for Supply Management. (2026, May). Manufacturing PMI® Report on Business® — April 2026. Retrieved from https://www.ismworld.org/supply-management-news-and-reports/reports/ism-pmi-reports/pmi/april/

Using the Purchasing Managers’ Index to Assess the Economy’s Strength and the Likely Direction of Monetary Policy

• The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is a timely and reliable indicator of economic activity, particularly in manufacturing, with values above key thresholds signaling expansion in manufacturing and overall GDP growth.
• PMI provides predictive insight beyond traditional data (employment, retail sales, industrial production), helping forecast trends in output growth and capturing shifts in economic momentum earlier than many official statistics.
• The index is strongly correlated with Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions, with higher PMI readings often associated with rising interest rates and tighter policy as economic conditions strengthen.

Koenig, E. F. (2002). Using the purchasing managers’ index to assess the economy’s strength and the likely direction of monetary policy. Economic and Financial Policy Review, 1(6), Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. https://www.dallasfed.org/~/media/documents/research/efpr/v01n06a01.pdf

Poll Shows Most People Trust Military Veterans and Their Leadership Capacity in Candidate Selection

The military continues to offer a pathway for personal and professional development that many institutions no longer consistently provide. It instills teamwork, unity, leadership, resilience, and self-confidence—qualities that are widely recognized and valued. While military service is not the only route to developing these traits, for many individuals it creates opportunities they might not have otherwise had, particularly among those who didn't have all the doors open.

Veterans have a meaningful influence on society, and public trust in them tends to be high. This trust is rooted in the perception that they are shaped by a strong set of values—duty, integrity, and service to others. Although these values are not universally practiced or emphasized across society, military culture reinforces them through both formal codes of conduct and lived experience, including a commitment to protecting and supporting others.

In this context, leadership is often defined less by status or financial success and more by a willingness to serve, take responsibility, and stand firm during difficult times. That emphasis on accountability and sacrifice is part of what distinguishes many veterans as leaders.

For organizations looking to hire, veterans can be a strong talent pool. Connecting with veterans’ organizations or networks can help identify candidates who bring discipline, adaptability, and mission-focused thinking—benefiting both the organization and the individuals transitioning into civilian roles. 

You may want to look at this poll below, 

Military Experience Tops Candidate Credentials

• A majority of Americans (55%) say they are more likely to vote for a candidate with prior military experience, compared with only 7% who say it makes them less likely.
• Military service is viewed more favorably than other common credentials such as government or business experience, giving it the strongest net positive impact.
• Veterans are widely perceived as strong leaders, with about 83% of Americans agreeing they possess strong leadership qualities.
• Large majorities believe veterans put the country ahead of personal or partisan interests (78%), work well with diverse groups (77%), and understand global security challenges (75%).
• Americans express higher trust in veterans for roles such as disaster response, foreign policy advising, and community leadership.
• Overall, military experience signals integrity, leadership, and public service, giving veterans a measurable advantage in political candidacy and leadership roles.

Jones, J. M. (2025, October 2). Military experience tops candidate credentials. Gallup. https://news.gallup.com/poll/695648/military-experience-tops-candidate-credentials.aspx

Rowing and Running for Fitness

(Illustrative Only)

Rowing versus running is an interesting comparison because I have done both within my life. While I can still run, I do not enjoy it as much as I used to, and my body usually reminds me the next day if I have not been consistent. Rowing, on the other hand, offers a different kind of workout and is generally easier on the joints, which can help reduce the risk of injury. Whether using a sculling shell or a regular rowboat, rowing provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, though sculling and sweeping tend to be faster and more enjoyable.

One idea I continue to consider is finding a sculling shell to bring to Escanaba, Michigan, and using it on Little Bay de Noc. There are a few universities within a couple of hours that have rowing programs, but I may need to purchase one myself and bring it back. It is like glass some mornings. We will see. 

Rowing is an effective way to build cardiovascular endurance and improve overall fitness. It is a full-body workout, so beginners will likely experience some muscle fatigue and soreness at first, but over time it develops strength, muscle tone, and endurance. If you look at experienced rowers, they are typically in excellent physical condition, much like athletes in sports such as volleyball, swimming or sprinting.

Beyond the physical benefits, rowing offers a connection to the water and nature that many other workouts cannot provide. I usually go out in the mornings before the water gets busy, when everything is calm and quiet. The water is crystal clear, ducks are taking off, and there is very little outside noise. It creates a sense of peace and connection that can change your perspective and set a positive tone for the day. Much like surfing or snorkeling, being on the water has a way of helping you feel refreshed and mentally recharged.

Rowing is a great option for anyone looking to improve fitness while protecting their joints and enjoying the outdoors. As a certified fitness trainer, I also work with people as a hobby. If you are interested in getting started with rowing or developing a fitness plan, feel free to send me a message, and we can discuss virtual coaching or building a customized program together.

How Rowing Affects Heart Health Compared to Running

• Both rowing and running improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of heart disease, and help lower blood pressure.
• Rowing strengthens the heart by increasing stroke volume and engaging the full body, often resulting in larger heart adaptations compared to running.
• Running may improve VO₂ max and arterial flexibility more effectively during moderate exercise due to its weight-bearing and impact-related demands.
• Rowing provides a low-impact alternative that reduces stress on joints while still delivering strong cardiovascular and muscular benefits.
• The choice between rowing and running depends on individual fitness goals, physical limitations, and personal exercise preferences.

Gora, A. (2025, March 13). How does rowing affect your heart, and is it different to running? Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/health/exercise/how-does-rowing-affect-your-heart-and-is-it-different-to-running

San Diego 2026 Adopted Budget (Rafael Strategic Cost Optimization With Seashells)

(Illustrative Only)

Rafael thinks of
ways to use
strategic cost optimization
by looking at operations,
expenses, efficiencies,
, opportunities, patterns, etc. 
to improve performance
and reduce costs.

He uses a makeshift
seashell abacus on
his surfboard.

Strategic Cost Optimization
and
Perpetual Sustainable Economic
Systems

Budgets are complex, especially at a large scale, where decisions extend far beyond simple trade-offs between cost and performance. They involve multiple stakeholders, differing perspectives, union and non-union workforces, talent recruitment, capital investments, depreciation, and other layered considerations. Because of this complexity, individuals often propose different solutions based on their own priorities and assumptions.

Reflecting on discussions from District 2 candidates, there appear to be several thoughtful ideas worth considering. Rather than adopting any single proposal outright, an effective approach is to evaluate each idea on its merits—examining potential benefits, trade-offs, stakeholder impacts, and long-term implications. Taking a broad view of these perspectives allows for an informed and balanced assessment of what adjustments may be viable. Once you find a process you can apply it to most cities to foster synergy and parity. 

Another important dimension is shifting focus from simply cutting costs to optimizing them. While reductions may sometimes be necessary, optimization involves a deeper look at how systems operate. This can include analyzing information flows, procurement strategies, supplier relationships, service routes, and workforce utilization—such as overtime patterns. In some cases, small operational changes can yield meaningful efficiencies without reducing service quality.

Ultimately, addressing a large and complex budget requires both openness to diverse ideas and a willingness to examine the underlying mechanics of how resources are allocated and used. This kind of approach may also depend on improving data systems and analytics to better support decision-making. Understanding the system and its internal-external mechanics can lead to strategic alignment. 

City Of San Diego Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget Overview

1. The total adopted budget is $6.10 billion, a $288.0 million (5.0%) increase from FY2025, driven mainly by growth in enterprise, special revenue, and internal service funds.
2. The structural budget deficit decreased significantly from $203.7 million in FY2025 to $38.0 million in FY2026—an 81% reduction.
3. Departmental restructuring and consolidation reduced 31 positions and generated over $6.6 million in annual savings while improving efficiency and accountability.
4. General Fund revenue totals $2.17 billion, increasing by $90.9 million (4.4%), with property tax gains offsetting declines in sales tax and franchise fee revenues.
5. Major revenue sources (property tax, sales tax, transient occupancy tax, franchise fees) account for 69% of General Fund revenues but collectively declined slightly by 0.2%.
6. New and expanded revenues include higher hotel taxes (Measure C), cannabis tax increases, parking fee expansions, and user fee adjustments.
7. Public safety remains a priority, with maintained or increased funding for Police and Fire-Rescue staffing and programs such as firefighter wellness and lifeguard training.
8. Homelessness initiatives are expanded through rental assistance, eviction prevention, outreach programs, and shelter services.
9. The Capital Improvement Program includes nearly $843 million in investments, such as $650.5 million for water/sewer infrastructure and 388.8 miles of street repairs.
10. Budget reductions include shorter library hours, scaled-back sustainability programs, reduced park maintenance, and cuts to lower-priority code enforcement activities.
11. Technology modernization receives over $17.7 million to improve city operations and digital services.
12. The budget reflects a balanced approach combining spending cuts, efficiency reforms, and new revenue sources while prioritizing essential services and long-term financial stability.

*Any inaccuracies let me know by sending me a message to the right and I will correct. 

City of San Diego. (2026). Mayor’s message: Fiscal Year 2026 adopted budget. https://www.sandiego.gov/finance/annual

Two Nautical Marina Pictures from Shelter Island

Here are a couple of my latest photos. This one was taken in San Diego—a beautiful view of the bay just as the sun began to set. The wind had calmed, and for a few hours everything felt still and peaceful.

If you’d be interested in this photo for your home, office, or even a restaurant space, feel free to reach out or leave a comment. Photography is a hobby of mine, so I’m happy to work with you on pricing. You can let me know your preferred size, printing style, and even make an offer—I have several options available.

I also try to give back by donating at least half of what I earn from these projects to charity. Over time, I’d love to grow this passion further—spending more time capturing moments, traveling, and sharing more of these images. 

Wishing you a wonderful day—and remember, there are always people out there capturing moments to share with others. You can view Murad Abel's Gallery

If your not interested in a picture but would like to donate to a charity consider Orphans in Mexico

The pictures are sent unframed but I can frame them for a price. 

Shelter Cove 04192026-1

Shelter Cove 04192026-2

District 2 San Diego City Council Candidate Forum (Coconut Water at the Beach)

(Illustrative Only)

Todd and Sally
each have their opinions.
So they want to
know more about the
candidates before
making a choice. 

Drinking delisious coconut
water while being
informed citizens. 

They think best when at the
beach. 🙃

 Understanding the issues that matter to communities—and how potential candidates approach them—helps create a more informed citizenry. When examining the challenges communities hope to address and the goals they aim to achieve, it is important to consider multiple perspectives and how those viewpoints are shaped. This includes analyzing the reasoning candidates use to propose solutions, where they place their priorities, and what outcomes they seek. Approaching these discussions without preconceived notions allows for a more balanced and thoughtful evaluation, encouraging a genuine effort to understand both the issues and the diverse ways people attempt to resolve them. Before soldifying your conclusions on who you would vote for just take a moment to reflect and gain more insight. Active and open listening is a positive approach.

This meeting and discussion were hosted by the following two organizations. Please review the summary below, and if you notice any inaccuracies, feel free to send a message—I would be happy to make corrections.

Point Loma Association: Caretakers of Point Loma

San Diego League of Women Voters: Empowering voters and defending democracy.

The Candidates: 

Richard Bailey: Former Mayor of Coronado and financial analyst.
Joshua Coyne: Former city employee and educator.
Nicole Crosby: Deputy City Attorney and PTA president.
Mandy Havlik: Planning board member and community volunteer.
Jacob Mitchell: Fourth-generation San Diegan and policy researcher.
Paul Supa: Focused on budget reform and public safety data.

Budget and Fiscal Management:

Richard Bailey argued that the city has a spending and management problem, not a revenue problem, noting record tax collections alongside a structural deficit. Paul Supa specifically targeted police spending, claiming it consumes over 32% of the general fund—double the national average—and suggested reducing overtime to close the budget gap. Nicole Crosby emphasized her experience managing government grants and budgets to deliver reliable services.

Measure A: The Vacancy Tax:

Support: Nicole Crosby and Joshua Coyne supported the tax to address the impact of short-term rentals and vacant homes on community stability. Jacob Mitchell gave a "yes," though he questioned the city’s ability to enforce it.

Oppose: Richard Bailey called the tax intellectually lazy and likely unconstitutional. Mandy Havlik argued the city should instead focus on fining corporate interests and billionaires rather than homeowners.

Housing and Density:

The candidates criticized the city’s implementation of density bonus programs. Mandy Havlik and Nicole Crosby argued that "one-size-fits-all" zoning ignores the unique needs of coastal communities and puts strain on infrastructure. Richard Bailey criticized "Complete Communities" for allowing high-rises without parking. Jacob Mitchell highlighted "loopholes" that allow developers to build ADU complexes that bypass the safety and habitability standards required of traditional multi-family housing.

Candidate Priorities:

Joshua Coyne stressed the need for a leader who can navigate City Hall to end the homelessness crisis. Mandy Havlik positioned herself as a grassroots neighbor rather than a career politician. Jacob Mitchell advocated for data-driven solutions and pre-approved multiplex designs to create "missing middle" housing. Nicole Crosby pledged to be a champion for neighborhood-led leadership against outside interests.

Candidate Closing Statements (Summary of Themes):

Bailey: Focuses on fiscal accountability and opposing new fees.
Supa: Focuses on re-prioritizing the budget away from excessive police overtime.
Havlik: Emphasizes her years of local service and "people-powered" campaign.
Mitchell: Advocates for pragmatic, data-driven solutions for housing and homelessness.
Crosby: Promises to be a "champion for neighborhoods" and protect quality of life.
Coyne: Highlights his experience inside City Hall to address the homelessness crisis and cost of living.

Couple of Other Sources:

San Diego Council candidates clash over Midway Rising, Liberty Station, empty homes tax

D2 candidates face-off on Liberty Station leasing, Midway Rising and mayor’s budget at forum

Who Will Represent the Peninsula? District 2 Candidates Take Questions at Liberty Station

The Allegory of the Clan: From Systemic Abuse to Institutional Renewal

(Illustrative Only)

"We can easily forgive

a child who is afraid of

the dark; the real tragedy

of life is when men

are afraid of the light."

Plato

Vote your conscous.

Economic and social systems depend on the ability to uphold shared values that benefit society as a whole. At times, however, individual cases can reveal deeper systemic issues such as corruption, which can have lasting negative effects on economic development and social cohesion. This can be illustrated through a hypothetical learning thought experiment called the"Allegory of the Clan” in which an in-group targets and exploits out-group members—damaging reputations, leveraging social and professional networks, misuse of public funds to harm others, and retaliating against those who report wrongdoing. Over time, patterns of abuse emerge, including intimidation of witnesses, normalization of mistreatment, and enrichment of those responsible, often fueled by bias, extremism, partisanship or discriminatory beliefs. Such environments tend to marginalize victims further, particularly when differences in race, religion, or political perspective are involved, despite existing legal and ethical standards meant to ensure fairness (Discardable for the right price and ism). Some fail to grasp the significance of it and that can be an issue.

These dynamics are not confined to any one place and can occur in various contexts worldwide. However, individuals and institutions that remain committed to ethical principles and accountability play a critical role in challenging misconduct. The vast majority of officials and decision makers know the importance of strong shared values and seek to uphold it. Those that don't have few checks and balances creating systemic problems that have reduced trust as issues take precedence. In the allegory, once corruption is confronted, positive changes follow: economic conditions improve, social cohesion strengthens, and overall quality of life increases. This underscores a broader truth—corruption and exploitation ultimately harm entire communities, even if perpetrators fail to recognize it. While such systems may initially resist change, accountability and sustained ethical action can lead to institutional reform, reduced crime, and stronger, more resilient societies built on trust. Or not? 🤷

The "Allegory of the Clan" is for learning so come to whatever conclusion you wish in so long as you thought about it. 

You may be interested in this piece below....

 Managing A Hostile Court Environment: Common Challenges And Recommendations

• Hostile court environments often arise in corruption cases where powerful defendants can influence proceedings, delay trials, and pressure legal actors.
• Three primary challenges are identified: bias, delays, and threats, each affecting fairness and efficiency in judicial processes.
• Bias may stem from judicial discretion, lack of accountability, limited expertise, resource constraints, and external pressures such as bribery or career concerns.
• Delays—whether justified or not—can weaken cases over time by reducing evidence quality, losing witnesses, and diminishing public interest.
• Threats against prosecutors, investigators, and judges can be overt or subtle, including intimidation, surveillance, reputational attacks, or career interference.
• Recommended strategies include building strong, evidence-based cases, planning early for hostile conditions, and documenting proceedings carefully.
• Institutional improvements such as specialized courts, better case management systems, and performance monitoring can reduce bias and inefficiencies.
• Addressing delays requires clearer procedural rules, better scheduling practices, and systematic tracking of case timelines.
• Mitigating threats involves collaboration, distributing responsibility across teams, engaging media strategically, and ensuring personal and organizational security measures.
• Broader support from international organizations and networks can strengthen resilience and provide protection for those handling sensitive cases.

U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre. (2018, August 7). Managing a hostile court environment: Common challenges and recommendations. https://www.u4.no/managing-a-hostile-court-environment-common-challenges-and-recommendations