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https://www.journalstandard.com/story/news/2026/01/23/unemployment-numbers/88299794007/
Initial unemployment filings in Illinois decreased last week. The Labor Department reported this data on Thursday. Illinois saw 10,542 new jobless claims by January 17. This number was lower than the 12,733 claims from the previous week. Across the U.S., total claims for unemployment reached 200,000 last week.
Missouri Jobless Claims Fall, Labor Department Reports
Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Missouri decreased last week. The U.S. Department of Labor reported this decline. New jobless claims fell to 4,871 for the week ending January 17. This was a drop from 7,306 claims the previous week. Nationally, U.S. unemployment claims slightly rose to 200,000.
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/business/2026/01/23/missouri-unemployment-claims-declined-last-week/88299917007/
It seems like there are some disagreements about my previous post on capitalism. Let me explain more, and you don’t have to agree with it — that’s totally fine.
In the last post, some of you said there are many welfare abusers in this country. I do agree there are abusers, but that’s only a small percentage of people. If you work at BNY, you are probably not eligible for any type of benefits.
The government pays for the benefits, but where do the benefits go? Most of them go to the healthcare industry and food stamps. As we all know, healthcare is notoriously expensive in the US because the priority goal for hospitals is to chase maximum profits. Isn’t this capitalism at its peak?
By now, most people would think, “Oh, so you just want communism.” The answer is no. The opposite of capitalism is not communism. We need to fix our current system so that most profits won’t go to the top 1 percent. The benefits that the government spends on people are bananas compared to the taxes that the top 1 percent have avoided.
Capitalism chases monopoly. In this country, our food, water, electricity, banks, and healthcare industries are dominated by very few companies. If you really like competition, then how is this a fair game?
For most companies, there is only one goal for CEOs — the stock price. When companies make money, most of it goes to executives and stock buybacks. Just use our company as an example: our main business hasn’t grown for years, but the stock price is going up. Why? That’s because the executives cut back our benefits and outsourced. They used the money being saved to buy back stock.
We have the most Fortune 500 companies, and yet they only pay 9 percent of all government income taxes. Let that sink in for a moment. Where did all the money go?
Let’s take insulin as an example. The price of insulin is 8 to 10 times higher than in other countries, yet the cost to make insulin is extremely low. The same logic can pretty much apply to other industries as well.
Overall, if this is really capitalism, then it’s not functioning very well — at least for 90 percent of Americans.
The (2) contributors for a Major recession when they do (and have) happened during U.S. economic-financial history are Unemployment, and a Major Downturn in consumer spending; currently (70%) of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) as shown in the PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures Index).
2025 - Worst year of job growth since 2020, just reported.
2025 - Worst year of layoffs since 2020 (1.17 million), just reported.
2025 - The seven (7) U.S. debt bubbles at the highest level in U.S. history with (all of them) at (record) levels, just reported.
The (7) Debt bubbles - Household spending, mortgage loans; credit card debt, automotive loans; student loans, stock purchase financing; and finally the U.S. National debt.
The U.S. National debt (currently) is at $38.6 Trillion (and rising) with Interest paid per year by U.S. taxpayers at $968.0 Billion to outside Investors who finance it per usdebtclock.
Currently (skewed) U.S. GDP (positive data) is from AI corporate infrastructure spending, and higher income household spending.
Both of those things will (not if) revert Downwards over time impacting U.S. GDP negatively.
Note - The stock market, and U.S. economy are (not) the same thing.
It is called Divergence that (currently) exists between them (for now).
The (2) contributors for a Major recession when they do (and have) happened during U.S. economic-financial history are Unemployment, and a Major Downturn in consumer spending; currently (70%) of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) as shown in the PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures Index).
2025 - Worst year of job growth since 2020, just reported.
2025 - Worst year of layoffs since 2020 (1.17 million), just reported.
2025 - The seven (7) U.S. debt bubbles at the highest level in U.S. history with (all of them) at (record) levels, just reported.
The (7) Debt bubbles - Household spending, mortgage loans; credit card debt, automotive loans; student loans, stock purchase financing; and finally the U.S. National debt.
The U.S. National debt (currently) is at $38.6 Trillion (and rising) with Interest paid per year by U.S. taxpayers at $968.0 Billion to outside Investors who finance it per usdebtclock.
Currently (skewed) U.S. GDP (positive data) is from AI corporate infrastructure spending, and higher income household spending.
Both of those things will (not if) revert Downwards over time impacting U.S. GDP negatively.
Note - The stock market, and U.S. economy are (not) the same thing.
It is called Divergence that (currently) exists between them (for now).
It amazes me that (some) employees at Charles Schwab do (not) even understand basic U.S. economics -
The (2) contributors for a Major recession when they do (and have) happened during U.S. economic-financial history are Unemployment, and a Major Downturn in consumer spending; currently (70%) of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) as shown in the PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures Index).
2025 - Worst year of job growth since 2020, just reported.
2025 - Worst year of layoffs since 2020 (1.17 million), just reported.
2025 - The seven (7) U.S. debt bubbles at the highest level in U.S. history with (all of them) at (record) levels, just reported.
The (7) Debt bubbles - Household spending, mortgage loans; credit card debt, automotive loans; student loans, stock purchase financing; and finally the U.S. National debt.
The U.S. National debt (currently) is at $38.6 Trillion (and rising) with Interest paid per year by U.S. taxpayers at $968.0 Billion to outside Investors who finance it per usdebtclock.
Currently (skewed) U.S. GDP (positive data) is from AI corporate infrastructure spending, and higher income household spending.
Both of those things will (not if) revert Downwards over time impacting U.S. GDP negatively.
Note - The stock market, and U.S. economy are (not) the same thing.
It is called Divergence that (currently) exists between them (for now).
A number of industries relying on in-person interaction and customers have faced steep declines in employment, a new U.S. Census Bureau report has found.
https://www.newsweek.com/us-industries-that-have-suffered-worst-job-losses-11296028
U.S. Government needs the (future) Tax revenue from (New children) born in the U.S.
Since households are having less children over time.
In 2025, it was 1.6 children per household.
1946 - 1964 - Baby boomer generation it was 3.6 children per household.
Inflation expenses.
More than a million Americans have lost jobs in 2025 as the labor market continues to show signs of weakness, including many staying unemployed for longer.
https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-layoff-lost-job-labor-market-holiday-worker-reduction-weak-economy/601548165
I am reminded that we each have a little Karl Marx in us. For someone who is far from a Marx fan, let alone apologist, something inside kinda understands his view point.
How could I not in a world where there will soon be a trillionaire, and we are hearing news that the economy grew 4.3% in a country where months even years go on without adequate employment. For some, being unemployed in a so called best country in the world is hard to grasp, especially if you are able bodied, and willing and want to work.
If you are in precarious situation like so many, where variables that allow for adequate employment such as skills, right training/education, and employers willing to add to their personnel are lacking, news that GDP and the economy growing appear to be a mirage.
This is not whining, but rather a desperate realization that this is the new reality setting in. For so many we have to contend with the fact that sitting in an office, engaging in PI planning sessions, sizing stories, pushing code through production is going to be a thing of the past.
The hiring in today's job environment is happening in areas that people in third world countries would laugh at. I'm talking about jobs that would barely help you pay your mortgage. Jobs that sooner or later will have you dip into your retirement accounts out of desperation because savings have eroded.
I wonder if Karl Marx knew how to count to one trillion. Because as the great book says, those who have abundance will have abundance aplenty, and those who have no two pennies to rub together will continue to have nothing. So many of us are in this last group.
I’m beyond burnt out. I literally can’t stand coming to work anymore. Three years here have felt like ten at other companies in terms of exhaustion, energy drain, toxicity, and the headspin from constant gaslighting. I just can’t do it anymore. I’d rather risk being jobless than keep going. I just hope they pick me for layoffs. If not, I’ll quit. Hats off to the veterans - how have you endured here for so long and stayed sane?
Tennessee is projected to see more than 8,500 layoffs in 2025, nearly a 19% increase compared to 2024. The forecast points to a growing trend of job cuts statewide, without naming any specific companies. Instead, it highlights a broader impact on Tennessee’s employment landscape.
https://fox17.com/news/local/more-than-8500-layoffs-hit-tennessee-in-2025-nearly-19-percent-increase-from-2024-davidson-maury-putnam-williamson-wilson-county-warn-notices-department-labor-workforce-development-economy-tariffs
Layoffs in North Texas are projected to exceed 10,000 individuals by 2025. This substantial figure represents a regional total across various sectors, rather than a single affected company. The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area is the primary region experiencing these job reductions. Despite the high number of job cuts, economic experts assert that the DFW economy remains robust and strong. The impact of these layoffs is therefore distributed across the broader North Texas metropolitan area.
https://www.keranews.org/business-economy/2025-12-12/north-texas-layoffs-top-10-000-in-2025-but-experts-say-dfws-economy-remains-strong
The emperor's new clothes? Nope. The emperor's new car. Enough with the hype already when it comes to EVs amongst other things. Needs and wants. And fools. A fool and his money are soon parted? Nope. They are "always" parted. Depreciation for the sake of newness is a wonderful investment? I have a dime to sell you for a dollar. Why the weird look? It's a very special dime. It is a new dime. Now where did I put that 5 dollar bill. It's a special one. I will sell it to you for a thousand dollars. Not everyone can afford that. That makes you special. Oh look! I have a one hundred dollar bill. It's a very special one!
Back in January, I told myself I'd be out of Verizon by the following year, and I really thought that was realistic. Instead, it's nearly 2026, I've been applying nonstop, and the only real movement I got was almost being pushed out instead of leaving on my own terms. The job market's been rough for a long time, way longer than most people acknowledge.
Economists are still waiting on fresh federal job stats, but other indicators are already pointing to the possibility of a recession in New Jersey next year.
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/could-layoffs-in-nj-preview-a-recession-in-2026/
Layoffs Tick Up Slightly as Job Market Remains Steady Through October
The U.S. labor market demonstrated resilience through the fall, despite a marginal increase in job separations, according to the Labor Department’s latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The report, released Tuesday, indicates that the layoff rate rose to 1.2% in October. This represents a slight uptick from the 1.1% rate recorded in both August and September, suggesting a modest shift in workforce reduction activity as the year progressed.
Despite the small increase in layoffs, the broader employment landscape appears fundamentally stable. The data shows that the hiring rate held firm at 3.2% in October, unchanged from previous months. This consistency in recruitment suggests that while some employers were shedding staff, the overall demand for labor had not significantly deteriorated, maintaining a steady equilibrium in the market since the summer.
The release of these figures fills a gap in economic data caused by the government shutdown that began in early October. The budget impasse forced a postponement of federal statistical reports, delaying insights into the late summer and early autumn economy. With the backlog now clearing, the October figures provide a belated but necessary view of the labor market's trajectory leading into the winter.
Layoffs happening around the organization. Merry Christmas, you are out of a job in the worst economy, but our CEOs bonuses are going to be ah-mazing.
South Dakota’s labor market continues to show strong job availability and low unemployment.
Proposed (new) U.S. retirement plan.
Wall Street will love this.
Sometimes, a stock market crash can take a full decade to recover from; it (has been proven throughout U.S. economic-financial history).
*** Example - The "Lost Decade" from 2000-2009 whereby the S&P 500 had a Negative average return (-0.95%).
Australia is a much smaller country.
Australia also operates differently than the U.S. without having $38.4 Trillion in U.S. National debt (add $3.74 Trillion from the Trump Tax bill) with $969.0 Billion a year in Interest being paid (almost a Trillion a year) by the U.S. taxpayer to outside Investors (U.S. based, Japan; China: etc.) who finance it, per usdebtclock.
On a side note -
ACA Healthcare subsidies are set to expire with 24 Million U.S. citizens having 100% increased healthcare premiums (on average) or (no) healthcare (at all), with (no) replacement in sight from the Trump administration.
ACA enrollees include small business owners (and their employees), lower income-poor; etc.
This will (also) weigh on the U.S. economy, with Trump tariffs potentially leading to a Major recession in 2026.
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.4 percent in October. The October rate was up three-tenths of a percentage point from the September rate of 3.1 percent.
https://dlt.ri.gov/press-releases/rhode-island-based-jobs-fell-1200-september-october-unemployment-rate-increases-34
I contacted his office about the Comcast layoffs. They say they are working diligently to get the economy back on track and welcome feedback on ways to improve. They also recommend discussing with state and local officials.
It doesnt hurt to reach out .. takes 30 seconds on his website
Everything down..... Wtg btc
Justice is coming back to US workers. But the dam age maybe too bad to recover from unless they start reversing statuses.
https://www.newsweek.com/h-1b-visa-update-department-labor-americans-11104262
https://www.newsweek.com/h-1b-visa-update-department-labor-americans-11104262
ADP data shows private companies cut an average of 13,500 jobs per week in the four weeks ending November 8, signaling faster layoffs.
The latest ADP Pulse contrasts with October, when private firms added 42,000 jobs.
U.S. companies eliminated more than 150,000 jobs in October, the highest October total since 2003.
Economists are relying more on ADP reports because federal labor data has been delayed by the recent 43 day government shutdown.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics will fold some missing October data into the November report and will not release an October unemployment rate.
New Orleans mayor-elect Helena Moreno warned there will be cuts and layoffs from city government as it battles a projected $222 million budget deficit in 2026.
Moreno posted a video discussing the deficit Sunday (Nov. 23). She vowed to prioritize essential services -- especially public safety -- before the Dec. 1 budget deadline.
https://www.fox8live.com/2025/11/25/new-orleans-mayor-elect-helena-moreno-warns-222-million-deficit-2026/
U.S. companies cut more than 150,000 jobs in October, the highest number of layoffs for that month since 2003.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/11/25/ADP-jobs-economyq/2961764076980/
An inbred, crooked, hillbilly run monopoly that was never equipped to compete in the modern telecommunications economy. Big Ed, with his ginormous golden parachute passing the baton to his simpleton son in law, Randall, who effs it all up and passes the baton to an incompetent flunky named Stankey. Who in their right mind would think that what was AT&T could possibly succeed?
Getting laid off from WF is BAD for local businesses. Neighborhood liq-or store doesn't sell as much booze .... folks leaving WF=less drinking.
Then there is the late-night munchies sessions that are cancelled. Less groceries being bought by the now-not-drinking WF employees.
Local GYM is empty and losing $$. Since no drinking, no late night snacking, no exercise is now needed.
Don't even get me started on the local pharmacy sales being down.....ex WF employees have no more depression, no more high blood pressure, frankly.....no more problems.
So, in a nutshell - getting laid off by WF is just plain bad for business....period.
The Fed, AI; and the (Real) U.S. economy -
In this U.S. economy.
A spending spree (most likely) will (not) happen.
Lowering Interest rates in a Major Recession (type) of environment for now, but reality mid-2026; which I still project (if current trends continue).
In fact, it takes Fixed Income Interest gains (out) of the U.S. economy.
Won't matter, the Unemployment rate will continue to rise into 2026.
Several factors have (and are) contributing, Trump tariffs; AI, pandemic overstaffing; and High Inflation for the U.S. consumer.
There are positives to AI, but the Negatives are -
Replacement of entry-level white-collar jobs (taking away opportunities) less employees means less Tax revenue paid, and Increasing utility prices (electricity) due to Increased strain on the power grid by AI data centers.
The U.S. National debt (currently) stands at $38.2 Trillion (exponentially rising over time) with Interest paid of $969.0 Billion a year (almost a Trillion a year) by U.S. Taxpayers (not AI) to outside Investors (U.S. based, Japan, China; etc.) who finance it over time.
These are the facts.
Even the wealthy 1% are not spending at Neiman Marcus, they are getting sticker shock as well. Look at the prices compared to just 5 years ago, it’s two and three times what they use to be. $6,000 for a Prada bag that was $3,200 in 2020….come on’.
60 for 6, right? Well, we don’t get that any more. 59 for 6 from now on? Or maybe 50, 40, perhaps, 30? ;)
Technology Sector layoffs -
Here are the (current) numbers, year-to-date; which includes Verizon laying off; 15,000 employees next week.
2025 - Total (thus far).
644 Layoffs - 201,675 employees affected (624 people per day).
2024 - Total (for comparisons).
1,115 Layoffs - 239,101 employees affected (655 people per day).
The stock market, and the U.S. economy are (2) different things (ultimately) the stock market will catch-up.
I still project a Major Recession enroute for the U.S. economy by mid-2026 (should current trends continue).
These are the facts.
what is happening with the AI factories folks? Is the AI bubble unravelling or it is only Dell which is suffering? Thankfully I am away from the AI bubble which soon I expect to turn into doom and gloom. Time to park all your AI investments (incl. NVIDIA) into money market. Sell everything!
So much for jobs coming back to the US. Mid and entry level jobs are disappearing by the tens of thousands and the trend is accelerating thanks to enhanced AI and its adoption across the jobs universe. Finance, law, entertainment are all in its crosshairs and the only people benefitting are those who can afford to play in the stock market. It’s time to rethink what’s happening around us.
https://www.reddit.com/r/economy/comments/1oxfmpa/900000_white_americans_have_lost_their_jobs_since/?rdt=45344
I’m thinking at least a year in this economy.
My last day January 30, 2026. There were 142 associates on the call. Associates from Virginia, Georgia, California, Missouri. God help us all with the economy.
Ingraham on Fox: “Does that mean the H1-B visa thing will be deprioritized for the administration”
Trump: “We you have to have Talent”
Ingraham on Fox: “Sir, we have plenty of Talent here in America”
Trump: “No, you don’t, no you don’t, no you don’t”
Ingraham on Fox: “We’ll how did we do it before - for the entire history of our nation?”
(300,000 more jobs are expected to be lost before end of year, brining the total loss to 1,500,000 net jobs loss in 2025).