In this week’s Material Insights, Frank Esposito reports that polystyrene is joining PVC and several engineering thermoplastics all moving higher to start 2026. He links the increases to seasonal construction demand, inventory building and higher feedstock costs, while noting a pricing turnaround for nylon after earlier weakness tied to automotive demand.  

Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy, and give us feedback. McALLEN — City and county leaders in the Rio Grande Valley have for years frequently stressed the importance of attracting high-skill, high-paying jobs to the region. Their efforts to attract new industry have been rooted...

The price of oil has dipped and Asian stock markets moved higher after reports that Donald Trump has sent a 15-point framework for peace to Iran, amid hopes of a ceasefire in the Middle East. Oil prices had fallen by 4% in the early hours of Wednesday, with brent crude futures sinking below $100 a...