Jackman undergoes third cancer treatment

Factory of the future in east Germany

• Germany's industry is among the most successful in Europe


• However, the aging population struggles to meet the demand for workforce


• A new project, Factory of the Future, tries to rethink the role of humans in manufacturing

To mark the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, CNN's week-long special Made in Germany will look at how the country's economy has developed since the momentous event.

(CNN) -- Germany's industrial sector is known for its efficiency.

Its automotive industry is among the most successful in Europe, and stands as the third largest in the world.

But with an aging population, the country is struggling to meet the demand for a skilled workforce which can continue to propel manufacturing forward.

Cue the "Factory of the Future", a 17,000 square foot innovation hub in the city of Chemnitz where researchers experiment with new technologies and machinery in a bid to improve the production process.

Developed by scientists at Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology in Saxony, the factory is particularly committed to rethinking the role of humans in manufacturing lines.

We don't focus on reports, we develop new products and new technologies together with industrial partners.

Matthias Putz

"The processes we are developing today are so much more complex," says Professor Dirk Landgrebe, director of the institute. "The machines and resources are so much more sophisticated that we will need qualified people to handle these processes in the future," he adds.

Virtual training

To ensure future workers are fully prepared, the lab has created a state of the art virtual environment where potential employees can test out the new technologies and intelligent systems that are set to form the building blocks of German industry.

Employees enter a 3D room which can take on the appearance of a factory or even a piece of equipment.

By using a controller, the advanced technology detects head motion, adapts to movement and changes the user's view accordingly.

Funding innovation

Fraunhofer Institute, the brains of the "Factory of the Future" operation, is part of the 70 institutions committed to researching and developing new ways to enhance Germany's industrial landscape. The German government is also involved in funding work that will eventually form the infrastructure of German production.

"Our task at Fraunhofer is to bring as much of our research as possible straight into industrial production," says Matthia Putz, director at Fraunhofer Institute.

"We don't focus on reports, we develop new products and new technologies together with industrial partners," he adds.

Germany's manufacturing industry has long held the standard for innovation, and even though it has faced challenges, it looks like "The Factory of the Future" may keep the country from losing its edge.

CNN Poll: Americans grim on economy

• 38% of Americans say the economy is in good shape, a new CNN/ORC International poll shows


• That's down from 42% who said the economy was performing well in September


• Most predicted the economy will be in good shape a year from now

Washington (CNN) -- Americans' view of the economy is increasingly dour -- though a majority expect things to turn around next year, a new poll shows.

Just 38% of Americans believe the economy is in good shape, a CNN/ORC International poll of 1,018 adults, conducted Oct. 24-26, found. That's down from 42% in September -- and it could hurt Democrats' chances of holding onto the Senate in the Nov. 4 midterm elections.

Wednesday's survey found that 62% rated economic conditions as "somewhat poor" or "very poor".

The poll found that urban Americans have a rosier view of the economy, with 43% saying it's in good shape compared to 39% of those surveyed in suburban areas and 31% in rural areas.

The bigger difference, though, is between the 55% of Democrats who say the economy is performing well and the 28% of Republicans who agree. Just 32% of independent voters say the economy is in good shape.

"With the economy remaining the top issue on the voters' minds, the downturn in positive views of the economy could not have come at a worse time for Democrats," said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland.

The downtick ends what had been a year-long trend of increasingly positive views of the economy.

But a slim majority of those surveyed said they're confident things will improve, with 52% saying they believe the economy will be in good shape a year from now while 46% said it'll be in poor shape.

The economy isn't the only measure of the country's mood ahead of next week's elections. A CNN/ORC International poll released Tuesday found that 68% of Americans say they're angry about the way things are going in the United States.

It also showed that 36% of Republicans are enthusiastic about voting this year, while just 26% of Democrats say they are. That difference could be key in some House districts, and with control of the Senate on the line.

App flags suicidal tweets

• A suicide prevention organization launches a free app


• When person you follow tweets phrases such as "tired of being alone" or "help me," it alerts you


• The organization will also help reach out to those affected

(CNN) -- Suicide prevention organization Samaritans has launched a free app that flags disturbing tweets and sends an alert to friends.

The app, Samaritans Radar, is currently available for Twitter users. Once downloaded, it sends an alert to your email address when a person you follow tweets phrases such as "help me," "tired of being alone," "hate myself" and "need someone to talk to."

Academic experts helped compile the words commonly used during difficult times, it said.

In addition to flagging tweets, the UK-based organization will help contact anyone you're concerned about 24/7.

"Samaritans Radar is in its infancy and won't get it right every time," the organization said in a statement Wednesday. "It's not good at sarcasm or jokes yet! But there's a way for you to give feedback on whether a Samaritans Radar alert was correct, so the service improves for everyone."

Every 40 seconds, someone in the world takes their own life, a global tally of more than 800,000 suicides a year, according to a United Nations report released last month.

Suicide kills more people annually than conflicts and natural catastrophes, the U.N. said.

The report analyzed suicide data from 172 countries and took a decade to compile.

Sighting of fugitive in cop ambush?

• Eric Matthew Frein is suspected in the September 12 ambush of two officers


• One of the officers died; the other was wounded


• The possible sighting was reported by a resident

(CNN) -- Pennsylvania State Police reported Tuesday a possible sighting of fugitive Eric Matthew Frein, who has been on the run for more than six weeks.

Frein, 31, is accused in the September 12 ambush shooting that left Cpl. Bryon Dickson dead and Trooper Alex T. Douglass wounded outside the Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Blooming Grove.

He has eluded capture despite a large manhunt around Canadensis, Pennsylvania, where his family has a home.

Police shift area after possible sighting

How is Eric Frein staying alive?

"The possible sighting was by a resident. No further information regarding the sighting will be released at this time," police spokeswoman Connie Devens said in an e-mail.

Buck Hill Falls, a private community in the Pocono Mountains, said that security had been increased after a possible sighting. It urged people living in the community to safeguard themselves and their property.

Search for suspected cop killer yields pipe bombs

Police have not spoken about a possible motive, other than that Frein has talked and written about hating law enforcement. Authorities have said a review of a computer hard drive used by Frein shows that he had planned the attack for years.

The manhunt has involved as many as 1,000 officers at times, some from other states. It has cost several million dollars.

Police read excerpts of notes they say suspect left

U.S. beefs up security at fed buildings

• The United States is enhancing security measures at federal buildings


• The move comes after attacks on Canada's government last week


• Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson called the enhanced security precautionary

Washington (CNN) -- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson is ordering more security for more than 9,500 federal government buildings and their 1.4 million daily visitors.

Johnson said in a statement Tuesday that the Federal Protective Service's new security measures are a precautionary guard against "continued public calls by terrorist organizations for attacks on the homeland and elsewhere" after two attacks last week on Canada's government.

But Johnson didn't reveal the details of the new security measures, saying they'll vary by location.

U.S. boosts security at federal buildings

"The precise actions we are taking and the precise locations at which we will enhance security is law-enforcement sensitive, will vary and shift from location to location, and will be continually re-evaluated," Johnson said in the statement.

A Homeland Security official told CNN there is "no new intelligence" suggesting that U.S. government buildings face additional threats, and emphasized that the changes are a "precautionary measure" that only apply to buildings secured by the Federal Protective Service.

CNN's Evan Perez contributed to this report.

Ferguson chief expected to resign

• Asked whether there's a plan for police chief to step down, Ferguson mayor says no


• Jackson has faced criticism over his department's handling of the Michael Brown case


• He apologized last month but said he would not resign

(CNN) -- The police chief in Ferguson, Missouri, is expected to step down as part of the effort by city officials to reform the police department, according to government officials familiar with the ongoing discussions between local, state and federal officials.

But Chief Thomas Jackson and the city's mayor say the reports aren't true.

Under the proposed plan, after Jackson leaves, city leadership would ask the St. Louis County police chief to take over management of Ferguson's police force.

The announcement could come as soon as next week.

It would be one step in what local officials hope will help reduce tensions in the city as the public awaits a decision on whether the St. Louis County grand jury will bring charges against Officer Darren Wilson in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown.

"The animosity that existed in Ferguson were way before Mike Brown's shooting, justified or not. So, unfortunately, the leadership in the police department has to change," said CNN legal analyst Mark O' Mara. "And if he's sort of a sacrificial lamb to get this started, it's going to have to be. Ferguson's going to have to more forward. And it doesn't seem they can move forward with this police chief in place."

Denials

Jackson said Tuesday he is not being pushed out.

Ferguson police chief denies resignation

Ferguson police chief speaks to CNN

Ferguson police chief apologizes

More arrests and protests in Ferguson

"Nobody in my chain of command has asked me to resign, nor have I been terminated," he said on the phone to CNN.

And Ferguson Mayor James Knowles said there is no plan in place for the police chief to step down.

When asked whether the federal government was pressuring the city to force out the police chief, he told CNN: "People have been saying that for months, I mean for him to step down. But we've stood by him this entire time. So there is no change on that."

Grand jury

The St. Louis suburb drew national attention after protests erupted following Wilson's shooting of Brown, an 18-year-old unarmed African-American.

Wilson, who is white, hasn't been charged in the case, though a grand jury is hearing evidence that could lead to an indictment.

CNN analyst Michael Smerconish think Jackson's removal, if true, is indication that the grand jury may decide not to indict the officer.

"To me this is all calibrated and intended to take the temperature down of the community," Smerconish said. "I'm absolutely convinced we're headed for no indictment in this case.

Criticism

Jackson had faced criticism over his department's handling of the Brown shooting and the protests in its aftermath.

Last month, weeks after the Justice Department announced it was investigating Ferguson police, Jackson told CNN he would not step down despite calls for his ouster.

"I've talked to a lot of people who have initially called for that and then changed their mind after having meetings and discussions about moving forward," he said. "Realistically, I'm going to stay here and see this through."

Speaking about his job and the fallout over the Brown shooting, he said, "This is mine, and I'm taking ownership of it."

Investigation

Justice Department investigators are looking at the Ferguson Police Department's use of force, analyzing stops, searches and arrests and examining the treatment of individuals detained at Ferguson's city jail, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has said. That complicates plans expressed by some officials who want to dissolve the entire Ferguson Police Department and turn over law enforcement to county police.

In an interview with CNN last week, Holder said the Justice Department was looking at the leadership of the Police Department as part of its ongoing investigation of the department's practices.

"We have an ongoing -- having a practice investigation into the Ferguson Police Department. And we're looking at a whole variety of things, including the leadership of that department, the practices that the department engages in, the nature of the interaction between the department and the community that it is supposed to serve," Holder said. "So I think it's a little premature for me at this point to comment on the leadership of the Ferguson Police Department. That is certainly something that we are looking at."

Apology

Last month, Jackson released a video apology he said was directed at Brown's parents and the peaceful demonstrators who took to Ferguson's streets to protest the teen's death.

"The right of the people to peacefully assemble is what the police are here to protect. If anyone who was peacefully exercising that right is upset and angry, I feel responsible and I'm sorry," he said.

He also acknowledged that the incident had sparked a larger conversation about societal issues.

"Overnight I went from being a small-town police chief to being part of a conversation about racism, equality and the role of policing in that conversation. As chief of police, I want to be part of that conversation. I also want to be part of the solution," he said.

He conceded that Ferguson and the surrounding areas have "much work to do."

"For any mistakes I've made, I take full responsibility. It's an honor to serve the city of Ferguson and the people who live there. I look forward to working with you in the future to solve our problems, and once again, I deeply apologize to the Brown family," he said.

Later that day, he waded into the crowd at a protest and apologized again.

Some people seemed satisfied by his apologies. But not everyone was anxious to hear from him.

One man shouted into a bullhorn: "If you are not resigning tonight, go home."

Complete coverage on Ferguson shooting and protests

CNN's Sara Sidner, Meridith Edwards, Eliott C. McLaughlin, Ana Cabrera and Catherine E. Shoichet contributed to this report.