Category Archives: Business/Economics

Business/Economics

Buffett kills nearly 5,000 more jobs! ObamaCare offshores more U.S. jobs! No more Hancock Fabrics! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 01 – 03 April 2016

Incomplete list of job loss announcements and shutdowns.

California: More layoffs for the Orange County Register, at least 71 people laid off without warning by new owner Digital First Media.   In San Francisco, KGO Radio laid off as many as 30 people (almost all its newsroom staff) without warning, employees called it a “bloodbath”.  The news came from employees who refused to give their names on account they’ve been threatened with losing their jobs as well.

Florida:  God powerless to stop ‘his’ church organ maker Tadlock Piano Company from shutting down their Dothan store.  They’re consolidating ops to Panama City.

Illinois: College of Lake County eliminating 20 jobs, blaming failed ‘elected lawmakers’ for failing to come up with a budget.   More proof you brick-n-mortar store owners can’t directly blame the internet/high-tech for your demise; maker of hospital administrative software Valence Health suddenly laid off 75 people, including an executive.  I should point out that in 2014 the company got at least $11.9-million USD from state taxpayers to create jobs in Obama’s homie town of Chicago.

Mississippi: Magee based Pioneer Health Services now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  Pioneer Health Services operates hospitals in Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee and Virginia.  Administrators blame ObamaCare reimbursement reductions and the forced shift to outpatient care.  After already shutting down 81 stores Baldwyn based Hancock Fabrics now bankrupt busted and shutting down the remain 185 stores!  For proof there ain’t no economic recovery, the company has lost money every year since 2009!

Nebraska: After 27 years the Athlete’s Edge store in Monument Mall shutting down by the end of April, or when inventory runs out.

New York: Florida based Jabil Circuit issued a shutdown WARN for its Poughkeepsie ops, 45 jobs lost by the end of June due to end of contract.  In Brighton, after 57 years Clover Lanes shutting down Thursday, to be replaced by a grocery store.

Oklahoma: Integris Health notified employees of massive layoffs, blaming Oklahoma’s version of ObamaCare for “…a 25% reduction in  provider fees…beginning June 1…”   attributed to “…the state’s struggling economy….also…the Affordable Care Act…”   Due to an investigation into massive corruption by ‘elected’ officials Yukon City warned employees in all departments of mass layoffs.  City administrators claim they’ve discovered that $1.3-million USD have gone missing from bond sales and that the city is now in the hole by $3-million USD!

Pennsylvania:  The Society Hill Playhouse shutdown after more than 50 years.  There was no reason given.  Medical device maker Teleflex escaping ObamaCare taxes by offshoring 170 jobs to Mexico and Czech Republic, another 190 jobs will be consolidated to other U.S. locations!

Texas: What I call massive Ripple Effect Layoff (REL) as Fort Worth based, Warren Buffett owned, PBS NewsHour sponsor BNSF railway revealed it eliminated 4-thousand 6-hundred jobs in past months! The layoffs exceed the job cuts BNSF made when the ‘recession’ officially began in 2007!  A hiring freeze is in effect, it’s blamed on the oil industry BS!

Virginia: In Charlottesville, after 70 years Kane Furniture has been sold to University of Virginia Health System, who plans on using the building as an administrative office.

Washington: Federal Way based, largest privately operated mint Northwest Territorial now chapter 11 bankrupt busted after losing defamation and invasion of privacy lawsuits.  The coin maker must pay $38-million USD to hundreds of customers in Nevada and California.   The defamation claims involve fake websites that Northwest Territorial Mint is accused of creating for the sole purpose of making competitors look bad.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

31 March 2016: “We have not paid our employees in over a month!”

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed!

Employees of religious non-profits might not qualify for unemployment assistance: “If the non-profit organization is a church, you may or may not be entitled to unemployment. It all depends upon state regulations for church employers. In many cases, churches are allowed to set their own rules regarding unemployment benefits, meaning the church can choose whether to offer benefits to former employees.”

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics, Idaho

“We have not paid our employees in over a month!” Shooting forces business owners to choose family over money! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 31 March 2016

Incomplete list of job loss announcements and shutdowns.

Today is U.S. federal commemorative holiday Cesar Chavez Day.

Industry analysts Challenger, Gray & Christmas report that publicly announced corporate layoffs for the past 12 months are at a 4 years high.

California: In Berkeley, The Bone Room curiosity shop (selling preserved bones of animals, etc) shutting down their brick-n-mortar shop by June, blaming rent and utilities.  They’ll continue on the internet and at local events.  After only two months “high-priced” restaurant Antoinette shutdown due to disagreements with the Claremont Club & Spa hotel.

Colorado: In Steamboat Springs, after 34 years La Montana shutdown today, after being sold off. It’s hoped the new owner will keep the 38 workers employed with a new establishment.

Florida: Yet more medical school shutdowns!  The first victim of non-profit Zenith Education Groups massive cutbacks; Everest University announced it must shutdown campuses in Lakeland, Brandon and two in Tampa Bay, affecting at least 343 medical students: “It’s a slap in the face for everybody really!”-Angela Adams, medical billing student

Idaho: Evil Blue Cross of Idaho ended its ObamaCare exchange coverage of dialysis, resulting in many Idahoans with no way to pay for treatment. The Idaho Statesman newspaper says Blue Cross is refusing to cover any medical service provider that is not willing to take Blue Cross’ cutthroat rates. The Idaho Department of Insurance refuses to comment about the issue, claiming they’re investigating it.  Dozens more Idahoans could die.: “…we were with Blue Cross last year, when I was diagnosed with kidney failure…started…hemodialysis…..then we got a bill for $115,000…..  Blue Cross of Idaho did not re-up our contract…”-Debbie Birch

The Post Register reporting that a yet another newbie to The Gem State (who moved here from a more ‘socialist’ state) got a big shock when he enrolled with Blue Cross through Idaho’s ObamaCare exchange (Your Health Idaho).  The man is suffering from cancer but recently was told by the pharmacy that his prescriptions would not longer be filled because of Blue Cross.  Let me explain how evil Blue Cross of Idaho is; the cancer patient’s treatment is so expensive that he’s getting financial help from charities on top of his Affordable Care Act insurance, however, Blue Cross told him ObamaCare does not allow “third party funding” of medical treatments!  But get this, in a follow up interview with Blue Cross the Post register said that suddenly everything is fine and they will go ahead and pay for the man’s prescriptions! 

Iowa: Chain restaurant Village Inn shutdown its Lindale Mall location without warning, administrators blamed it on high rent.  What automotive industry recovery?  Eaton Corporation revealed it will shutdown its Shenandoah transmission factory by mid-April.  I’m not sure if this is part of the 250 layoffs announced back in February.  Local news reports say employees are already listing their homes for sale.  An unnamed employee says the factory shutdown will kill the community: “There’s no rhyme or reason to much anymore. Shenandoah is already seeing a hit. It will kill this small town.”  

Louisiana: In Lafayette, after 42 years Doucet Heritage Hardware shutting down by mid-May. Despite having the reputation for carrying stuff people can’t find at ‘big box stores’ the owners blame competition with the big box, as well as increasing costs of operations and decreased sales.  But the final straw was when they witnessed people being shot that caused them to realize that family time was more important than trying to make money: “I just never had that kind of panic, never in my life. It just made me realize how fast something can happen. My family is so important to me…….It was a really big eye opener.”-Laura Leblanc, co-owner

Massachusetts: Southcoast Health System laying off at least 95 employees in its hospital chain due to crashing revenues caused by ObamaCare.  It should be noted that Southcoast Health System is trying to merge with another hospital chain that’s also eliminating jobs; Care New England of Rhode Island.  After 32 years Au Bon Pain  shutdown their Harvard Square restaurant apparently because of property remodeling by Harvard University.  Administrators say “We continue to search for a location in this area.”

Michigan: Feeding America shutting down its warehouses in Ishpeming and Sault Set Marie, claiming they’re moving to a larger operation.  However, several food banks are reporting that the move by Feeding America is actually forcing them to shutdown.   The Ishpeming Food Bank and Tom’s Pantry in Quinnesec both point out that even though Feeding America’s is moving to a larger location the delivery times aren’t compensating for the further distance, meaning food banks will have to expanded refrigerated storage and/or hire delivery trucks to make extra food runs: “Because they only come up twice a month, you’re going to have to have a lot more refrigeration space than what I have. You’re going to have to have pickups and trailers in order to pick up your food. This is going to cause us to have to close.”-Mary Dixon, Tom’s Pantry

New York: Too Big to Jail NYC based ‘asset manager’ BlackRock reportedly will eliminate 4-hundred jobs in the next two weeks!  The news comes from unnamed insiders, who pointed out that the company also plans to continue hiring new employees while they layoff old employees.  After more than 30 years of school bus service, Carrier Coach issued a shutdown WARN for multiple locations, 224 jobs lost by the end of June due to “economic” reasons!  In Montauk, the Sloppy Tuna restaurant shutdown due to the co-owners filing lawsuits against each other.

North Carolina: After ten years and without warning the Park West Barber School shutdown four of its campuses.  The school’s website had the following message: “IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS AND REGRET THAT WE MUST INFORM YOU THAT EFFECTIVE TUESDAY MARCH 29, 2016 PARK WEST HAS MADE THE DIFFICULT DECISION TO CLOSE…..THINGS SEEMED PROMISING, BUT UNFORTUNATELY AT THE FINAL HOUR, OUR ONLY OPTION WAS TO CLOSE.”   

Pennsylvania: In Richland, the Planet Ice ice rink shutting down July, it’s blamed on competition and will be re-purposed.

Vermont: In Stowe, after 25 years dog themed restaurant Gracie’s shutting down so the owners can retire.

Virginia: Just short of a year Shoryuken Ramen shutting down its noodle eatery on Virginia Commonwealth University campus in May.

Washington: Socialist yet ‘wants everything for free’ Seattle city leaders are upset that a major homeless shelter is shutting down, even threaten them if they do.  But SHARE/WELL (Seattle Housing Resource Effort, Women’s Housing Equality Enhancement League) says they can’t pay the bills due to drastic cuts in county level funding and the high cost of living in Seattle, so they’re forced to close 15 shelters: “So we can’t pay the money out if we don’t have it, and we’ve fallen behind $75,000 right now, so we can no longer operate. We have not paid our employees and they’re all minimum wage employees. We have not paid our employees in over a month!”-Clint Wade

Wisconsin: In Middleton, Max’s Farm Table shutdown. The pissed-off owner revealed he recently spent $1-thousand USD for one week of advertising, yet still his restaurant went several hours per day without a customer: “Sales aren’t even close to where they need to be to justify continuing to invest. Not even close!”-Max Harn, who also said the rent was too high for the unpredictable location

Wyoming: In Casper, what I call Ripple Effect layoffs (REL) as oil industry equipment supplier Power Service laid off at least 50 people.  And Wyoming Machinery is begging employees at its five locations to retire early.  Missouri based Peabody Energy handed out new layoff notices at its North Antelope Rochelle mine, employees say actual number of layoffs won’t be revealed until Friday.  Earlier this week I revealed that Peabody Energy is threatening bankruptcy as one way to get out of paying for mine waste cleanup in Illinois.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

30 March 2016: Too Big to Jail kills 7,000 additional jobs! Major insurance company admits ObamaCare is a Major Failure! New Obama sanctions against Iran kills Boeing! 

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed!

Employees of religious non-profits might not qualify for unemployment assistance: “If the non-profit organization is a church, you may or may not be entitled to unemployment. It all depends upon state regulations for church employers. In many cases, churches are allowed to set their own rules regarding unemployment benefits, meaning the church can choose whether to offer benefits to former employees.”

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics

Electronics maker Sharp admits it lied about sales, loses $1.5-billion!

30 March 2016 (12:28 UTC-07 Tango 01) 11 Farvardin 1395/20 Jumada t-Tania 1437/22 Xin Mao 4714

On the verge of a takeover deal from Republic of China’s (Taiwan) Hon Hai (Foxconn), Japan’s Sharp has admitted it’s been cooking its books to make itself look like a good buy.

Up ’til now Sharp claimed it was going to make a profit for 2015, but now it estimates a loss of $1.5-billion USD!  Amazingly, Hon Hai says it will go through with the takeover, officially by this weekend.  However, Hon Hai will pay $1-billion less than what it originally offered.

No more electronics maker Sharp! Foxconn beats out Samsung! 

Business/Economics

Too Big to Jail kills 7,000 additional jobs! Major insurance company admits ObamaCare is a Major Failure! New sanctions against Iran kills Boeing! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 30 March 2016

Incomplete list of job loss announcements and shutdowns.

Arkansas: In Fayetteville, the AQ Chicken Express suddenly shutdown without warning and the AQ Chicken House shutting down next week, according to an unnamed employee.

Colorado: In Durango, 39 years old Hassle Free Sports shutting down next month. The owner is hoping to sell the building.

Illinois: In Obama’s homie town, Chicago based Blue Cross Blue Shield Association released the results of their latest study on ObamaCare; it’s a total failure, grossly underfunding the actual costs of healthcare: “What we don’t know is where we go from here.”-Alissa Fox, Blue Cross Blue Shield senior vice president, this comes after hundreds of healthcare facilities have shutdown and thousands of healthcare employees have become unemployed!

And another Obama homie town based company, Boeing, announced even more massive layoffs (on top of what I’ve reported on so far this year).  An additional 4-thousand plus employees will become unemployed due to expected crashing sales!  Administrators didn’t say it, but you can blame their expected crashing sales on the fact that the U.S. government imposed new sanctions on Iran.  Iran had expressed interest in buying hundreds of Boeing airliners, which could have saved Boeing’s financial ass. 

Indiana: In Bloomington, after 45 years Caveat Emptor bookstore shutting down in August. The owner is hoping to sell the business.

Maine: Major healthcare shutdowns due to the state’s version of ObamaCare (MaineCare) slashing funding by as much as 100%! Merrymeeting Behavioral Health Associates shutting down in Brunswick, 170 jobs lost due to 80% funding cuts! Non-Profit bus service Coastal Trans ceasing to exist due to 100% funding cuts for disabled passengers!  In Bangor, social service agency Getchell Agency now chapter 11 bankrupt busted blaming long term lawsuits and MaineCare: “I made the decision to file for bankruptcy after long hours of deliberation and legal consultation….I cannot continue to move forward shackled by mounting legal fees and under constant threat of multimillion-dollar judgments over which only the state has control.”-Rena Getchell

Massachusetts: Just two weeks after Too Big to Jail Boston Weak based money changer in the temple State Street Corporation upped their layoffs to 852,  administrators revealed just how bad the economy is by announcing today that they will eliminate another 7-thousand jobs by 2020!!!

Nevada: Olin Corporation laying off 1-hundred workers at their chlorine factory in Henderson!  This is will greatly affect the tax base for the small town.

North Carolina: In Durham, Bar Lusconi shutting down next week.  More proof you brick-n-mortar store owners can’t directly blame the internet/high-tech for your demise; reports that video game and pop-culture website The Escapist has laid off employees and shutdown their Durham HQ.  Apparently the new HQ is in Seattle, Washington.  Employees were laid off last year, as well.

Oregon: In Portland, Discourage Records suddenly shutdown their 22 years old brick-n-mortar store, will continue as mail order only.   What automotive industry recovery?  Aftermarket vehicles accessories maker Lund International issued a shutdown WARN, 156 jobs lost by the end of May!  It might be the result of Lund’s 2015 takeover of Bushwacker.

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia based preggy chain store Destination Maternity going down after 2015 losses of $10-million USD, 30 stores being shutdown!  In Wilkes-Barre, Book and Spy Shop shutting down mid-April.  The owner is selling the building saying the costs to maintain the building have become too expensive.

Rhode Island: Care New England eliminating a minimum of 58 jobs at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, as well as shutting down the baby factory and the intensive care unit, blaming reduced payments caused by ObamaCare.   Union reps say they were told as many as 2-hundred employees were being let go, hospital administrators told local news sources “If there are any additional workforce reductions, we would report it publicly at the time it occurs.” 

Tennessee: Memphis based bug killer Terminix has been caught using banned chemicals in your homes!  They’ve been fined $10-million USD!  The use of banned chemicals was revealed after an “entire family” of four in U.S. Virgin Islands became permanently brain damaged when the apartment below theirs was fumigated!

Texas:  In Waco, the Hancock Fabrics store shutting down as part of the company’s bankruptcy.

Vermont: In Rutland, the BROC’s Good Cents Store store shutting down by the end of April.

Virginia: In Danville, Bubba’s Ice Cream shutting down and selling the property. Irony; the ice cream shop owner is selling the property so he can retire, and he’s selling it to a nursing home.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

29 March 2016: “This worked for many years but times have changed”

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed!

Employees of religious non-profits might not qualify for unemployment assistance: “If the non-profit organization is a church, you may or may not be entitled to unemployment. It all depends upon state regulations for church employers. In many cases, churches are allowed to set their own rules regarding unemployment benefits, meaning the church can choose whether to offer benefits to former employees.”

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics, Idaho

“This worked for many years but times have changed” Bose revealed secretly offshoring hundreds of U.S. jobs! British empire abandons Texas! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 29 March 2016

Incomplete list of job loss announcements and shutdowns.

A study by ValuePenguin says 80% of High-Deductible Health Insurance Plans don’t qualify for the ObamaCare Health Savings Account tax break!

California: An investment company with way too many cooks in the kitchen (their website lists 10 ‘presidents’) Cetera Financial Group now chapter 11 bankrupt but not busted, it’s all part of their plan to go private in connection with RCS Capital.  At Camp Pendleton, tax sucker TransitAmerica Services eliminating 30 jobs by the end of June. 40 years old industrial metal fabricator Paris Precision issued a layoff WARN for their Paso Robles ops, 130 jobs lost by mid-May!  What housing construction industry recovery?  Home builder ZETA Communities suddenly shutdown their McClellan Park operations, 122 jobs lost, no explanation!  More proof you brick-n-mortar store owners can’t directly blame the internet/high-tech for your demise; British empire United Kingdom based software solutions company (according to Bloomberg) nobody heard of, Mycom North America, revealed it suddenly shutdown their Santa Fe Springs ops, two weeks ago.  138 jobs lost, no explanation!  Boeing issued more layoff WARNs, this time 49 jobs in El Segundo and Huntington Beach gone by mid-May.

Florida: In Tampa, distribution company Hapag-Lloyd America eliminating 55 jobs by the end of May.

Georgia: In Atlanta, employees of Thirteen Pies pizza joint reporting they’ve been told they will become unemployed within 60 days.  The company that owns Thirteen Pies, Raised Palate Restaurants, says no final decision has been made, however local news reported that Raised Palate Restaurants shutdown another food joint in the same plaza back in January.

Idaho: What timing! After ‘christian lawmakers’ shit-canned a bill to close the ObamaCare healthcare gap for at least 78-thousand people (also attributed to killing 1-thousand Idahoans) a new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report shows Idaho is the second worst state for lack of healthcare for low-income people with mental problems or addictions.    Interestingly the top two offenders, Utah (ranked at 40% of low-income disabled residents uninsured) and Idaho (ranked 39% uninsured), are both densely packed with Mormons/Christians (U.S. Census Bureau data), who also dominate their government services.

Illinois: In Bradely, after six years Impact Fitness shutting down on Thursday because the owner can’t afford to make the facility accessible to disabled people: “…due to circumstances out of our control stemming from complaints filed against Impact Fitness with the Illinois AG office for violations and anti-business practices of the city of Bradley…”-Charles Navarro

Iowa: After more than 1-hundred years (surviving The Great depression and numerous recessions) Kingston Hill old folks home shutting down in May, administrators say that after all this time ObamaCare reimbursement reductions render Kingston Hill  “financial unsustainable”.

Maryland: Meritus Health shutting down their 30 years old Hagerstown child Learning Center in June. 125 children affected.  Local news did not indicate a reason saying only that the decision to shut it down was made suddenly.

Massachusetts: Non-profit Mayo Clinic shutting down its 20 years old Andover lab, 105 jobs lost by the end of 2016!  Work is being shifted to labs in Minnesota.  Without warning audio equipment maker Bose began layoffs at their Framingham call center.  Local news reports say Bose administrators claim it’s because more customers are using the internet to complain rather than the phone, but employees revealed that at least 2-hundred call center jobs are actually being offshored: “They have the Philippines up and running now. They will be letting more of the call center go in waves after May 6, as they bring more people online in the Philippines. They are sending our own people to train them, three months at a time.”-unnamed Bose employee

Minnesota: In Minneapolis, Maison Darras sandwich shop and the U.S. Postal Service extension office being forced to shutdown on Thursday, due to massive $20-million USD remodeling of Baker Center.  News reports say the sandwich and postal operations will not resume because the ‘Skyway’ is being eliminated by the remodel work.

Montana: In Great Falls, the Teton County Nursing Home shutting down in May, 34 jobs lost.  ObamaCare reimbursement reductions forced the county to beg the cash-strapped voters to approve a levy to fund the home, but it was rejected.

New York: Manhattan Beauty Supply shutting down at the end of April. No explanation, but locals who shop in that area lamented that most of the kitschy shops that lined the street in the 1990s are gone.   In Rochester, Corner Bakery Cafe suddenly shutdown after the owner posted a sign that said “will be closing early tonight.”  Local news reports blame it on property developers.   The Broome Developmental Center for disabled people shutting down on Thursday, 6-hundred jobs lost! Officially it’s blamed on federal rules changes and ObamaCare reduction in reimbursements, however, I should point out that last year at least one employee was arrested for sexually abusing the tenants.

North Dakota: Dickinson State University shutting down their Strom Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation due to the loss of $1-million USD in grants and taxpayer funding.

Oklahoma: Main stream news media is confused about unemployment data.  They know tens of thousands of Okies have been laid off due to the oil industry BS, but state unemployment numbers are showing unemployment going down.  Here’s what I’ve been saying for the past few years at the end of every Job Losses report; if an employee gets laid off but gets severance they are not counted as unemployed. The overwhelming majority of oil industry workers are getting severance, therefore their unemployment is not being counted!  While I don’t advocate for Donald Trump as president (he’s just a salesman, will say whatever he has-to to close the deal, then files bankruptcy, study his history) he’s correct when he estimates true unemployment around 50%!

Texas: In Dallas, after 16 years Monica’s Hallmark gift store shutting down.  More proof you brick-n-mortar store owners can’t directly blame the internet/high-tech for your demise; British empire United Kingdom based software solutions company (according to Bloomberg) nobody heard of, Mycom North America, revealed it suddenly shutdown their Dallas office, two weeks ago.  At least 22 jobs lost, no explanation.  British empire’s Too Big to Jail bank-investment company Barclays issued a shutdown WARN for their McKinney operations, 196 jobs lost by mid-May! British Petroleum (BP) issued three layoff WARNs, 5-hundred jobs in Houston and Coppell lost by the end of May! Rotary Drilling eliminating 65 jobs in Beasley by mid-May.  Boeing revealed it laid off 15 people in Houston.

Washington: After 39 years Kathy’s Studio of Dance shutting down: “This was a very difficult decision for me to make but the dance world is changing and I am no longer up for the challenge. I started my studio with the idea that anyone should be able to dance – no matter their size, talent or ability to pay…….This worked for many years but times have changed….”-Kathryn Lahey

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

27-28 March 2016: “tiny 4-inch fish” killing economy?

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed!

Employees of religious non-profits might not qualify for unemployment assistance: “If the non-profit organization is a church, you may or may not be entitled to unemployment. It all depends upon state regulations for church employers. In many cases, churches are allowed to set their own rules regarding unemployment benefits, meaning the church can choose whether to offer benefits to former employees.”

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics, Idaho

“tiny 4-inch fish” killing Wisconsin economy? ‘Christian’ school closed for breaking kid’s bones! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 27 – 28 March 2016

Incomplete list of job loss announcements and shutdowns.

California:  New York based Corning issued a shutdown WARN for their Axygen Scientific Union City operations, 193 jobs lost by November!  More proof you brick-n-mortar store owners can’t directly blame the internet/high-tech for your demise; in Aliso Viejo, video game maker Carbine Studios laying off 18 people in May.  And video game maker NC Interactive (NCsoft) already laid off 11 people.  Evil student loan debt collector Collection Tech shutting down their Monterey Park location and eliminating jobs in Rancho Cucamonga, 55 jobs gone by mid-May.  In Santa Monica, GMRI shutting down their Seasons 52 restaurant next month, 70 jobs lost.  The Yamashiro restaurant in Los Angeles shutting down by the end of May, 88 jobs lost.  In Camarillo, Alma Farms finally issued an official WARN revealing they shutdown back on 01 January, 73 jobs lost. Retailer Williams-Sonoma issued layoff WARNs for several Golden State locations, 77 jobs lost by mid-May.  Georgia-Pacific shutting down their San Leandro operations, 65 jobs gone by mid-May.

Connecticut:  The state Department of Administrative Services revealed that the average state employee has 177 hours of unused paid vacation time, money that will be owed them when the Malloy regime lays them off.  The Malloy regime is now working to find a ‘legal’ way to steal that vacation pay from the employees they want to layoff.  (and he’s considered Obama’s favorite governor! more reason to stop saving up your paid vacation days!)

Florida: In Tampa, Zenith Education revealed they laid off 123 people, last week! It’s part of their plan to consolidate operations.  It should be noted that Zenith Education Group was created in 2015 as a non-profit to accept students from the criminal and now defunct Corinthian Colleges, yet Zenith began laying off employees in the same year they were created!

Idaho: More fraud in The Gem State; a waiter at a restaurant (mostly likely a Christian going by U.S. Census Bureau data) in Ammon stole a customer’s credit card and went shopping at the Idaho Falls Home Depot.  It happened last month, the waiter managed to buy $740 USD worth of home improvement items before Idaho Falls police caught up with him.

Massachusetts: In the state of Boston Weak; a school for disabled boys was shutdown after the ‘christian’ (the school hosts the traditional Great Barrington Christmas Party) employees were arrested for abusing those students, and even threatening witnesses.  Eagleton School also had a contract with the state of Vermont, which is now scrambling to find a new school.  One student had his sternum broken: “Eagleton staff continue to place residents at risk by utilizing physical force and unwarranted restraint techniques to control emotionally and mentally disabled individuals.”-Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care

Michigan: In Saint Clair, after eight years Sweet Pea’s Yarn & Gifts shutting down: “There was a combination of factors, sales were down last year, but mostly, we’ve had a lot of family illness….”-Patty Armstrong

New York:  Macy’s shutdown three stores in the Eastern Hills Mall and McKinley Mall, 160 jobs lost!  Local news reports say only a dozen employees transferred to other Macy stores.  In Buffalo, after three years Butterwood Sweet & Savory restaurant suddenly shutdown and will be auctioned off in April.

Pennsylvania: In Philadelphia, after three years Fireside Camp Supply shutting down their brick-n-mortar store after 01 April, they’re shifting to internet sales only.

Texas: The remaining four franchised Blockbuster video stores in El Paso shutting down after 02 April: “We opened our first El Paso stores back in 1992. It’s been a great run, but over the past few years more and more people have changed how they watch movies.”-Alan Payne, owner

Virginia:  Washington County Adult Skill Center shutting down in June, people needing job training will have to go to Virginia Highlands Community College.  It was revealed that the plans to shutdown the skill center began seven years ago.  Due to increasing numbers of people losing their jobs the skill center was overwhelmed and needed larger facilities.

Wisconsin: The Menasha lock being shutdown permanently to prevent the spread of invasive species, local business owners say blocking ship traffic will force them to shutdown: “This is huge to have something like this happen. We’ve had a locks system since 1855 or somewhere around there, and it’s never been anything like this. Who would ever think a tiny 4-inch fish would do it?”-Diane Schabach, Menasha’s harbor master

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

26 March 2016: “we have given away every dollar.”

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed!

Employees of religious non-profits might not qualify for unemployment assistance: “If the non-profit organization is a church, you may or may not be entitled to unemployment. It all depends upon state regulations for church employers. In many cases, churches are allowed to set their own rules regarding unemployment benefits, meaning the church can choose whether to offer benefits to former employees.”

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics, Idaho

“we have given away every dollar” Florida screws the healthy & employed Homeless! Coal company says ‘fuck you’ to Illinois taxpayers! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 26 March 2016

Incomplete list of job loss announcements and shutdowns.

Arizona: More proof you brick-n-mortar store owners can’t directly blame the internet/high-tech for your demise; in Phoenix, internet medical check up scheduling service Zocdoc laid off 33 people and is consolidating its sales team to its NYC HQ.   Local news reports say its part of a larger plan by the high-tech industry to drastically cut back because they expect the economy to get much worse!

California: Martial Law as Chase Bank blocked a disabled San Francisco man access to his account because his service dog’s name is on the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control list of possible terrorists!  The dog’s name is Dash, and the Chase Bank’s automatic online search program for possible terrorists linked it to the name Daesh (the incorrect ‘western’ news media created acronym for DAIISH-Islamic State-ISIS-ISIL, etc. DAIISH=DA for al-DAwla, I for al-Islamiya, I for al-Iraq, SH for al-SHam [al-Sham=Syria])!  11 months after going out of business Corinthian Colleges lost a lawsuit brought by the state.  They must now fork over $1.1-billion USD after being caught lying about employment placement after graduation, running ads for education programs that didn’t exist, illegal debt collections, and using U.S. Department of Defense promotional material without permission!   It’s also hoped that the thousands of students who were suddenly dropped will get some restitution to help them pay back their student loans (individuals can’t claim bankruptcy protect against student loans, yet the school was about to file bankruptcy to protect its own ass).

Connecticut: Gov’na Malloy shutting down two nursing homes,  Ella T. Grasso Center and the Meriden Center, 171 jobs lost by June!  At least 40 aging and disabled residents kicked to the curb!  Gov’na Malloy claims the shutdowns will actually help the state ‘care’ for more people!

Florida: In Gulf Breeze, God powerless to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ more than 60 years old WaterFront Rescue Mission for women, and consolidate ‘his’ men’s shelters, and sell off ‘his’ Olive Road Career Development Center and lay off 20 paid staff.  The homeless shelter funded itself mainly with recycling projects, but because of the crash in prices of recycled goods they’re now broke: “We’ve been in the business of trying to help people, so we have given away every dollar.”-Devin Simmons

“Yeshua [Jesus of Nazareth] said to him, ‘Foxes have lairs and birds of the sky have shelters, but The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’”-Matthew 8:20, Aramaic Bible

Local news media pointed out that most homeless shelters are packed to capacity with homeless people with disabilities, mental problems or addictions, and as a result the growing number of healthy and employed, yet homeless, people (mainly women) are being kicked to the curb: “We just don’t have the beds available for women who don’t have a substance abuse problem or mental health.”-John Johnson, EscaRosa Coalition

In Jacksonville, after eight years O’Brothers Irish Pub shutting down tomorrow: “I tell people that restaurants are like martinis: One isn’t enough and two is too many. We’re going back to one. It’s time to slow down.”-Drew Cavins, co-owner

Idaho:  Right to Work ‘elected christian lawmakers’ have killed the bill to expand healthcare coverage to those in The Gap, proving they’re evil sadistic genocidal maniacs!  I’ve reported how the director of an east Idaho hospital directly blames Idaho’s version of ObamaCare for killing at least 1-thousand Idahoans, due to The Gap!

Illinois:  Missouri based coal company Peabody Energy has essentially told Illinois taxpayers to ‘fuck off’!  That’s in response to state administrators asking Peabody how it would pay the estimated $92-million USD to clean up its shutdown mining operations.  Reports say the world’s largest privately held coal company Peabody Energy is about to go chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  After making a fool of themselves and telling readers that the Lake Zurich Sports Authority was not shutting down, local news media now eating their words as the Lake Zurich Sports Authority announced it is shutting down. It’s blamed on the recent Sports Authority bankruptcy, a corporate rep said they cannot pay the rent.

Indiana: Indianapolis based sports shoe store Finish Line revealed it has shutdown 54 stores and will continue until they’ve shuttered 150 stores across the U.S.! It’s because the athletic apparel industry expects the economy to get worse! Finish Line administrators also blame supply chain problems for its 3rd quarter loss of $21.8-million USD.

Montana: In the city of Billings there’s a growing number of residents who are employed, but now homeless! 

New York:  Mitt Romney wunderkind Staples shutting down one of its two Binghamton stores by mid-April.

North Carolina: In Beaufort County, after 18 years the Golden Corral suddenly shutdown on Friday, rented Uhaul trucks were carting away the contents of the restaurant.  Local news media said there was no explanation from the corporate office.

Virginia: Martin’s shutting down three grocery stores by Summer, they are not part of the shutdowns due to the merger of Giant Food and Food Lion, but are the result of a decision back in 2015.  Another ten Martin’s stores in Virginia will be sold off as part of the merger!  Hundreds of jobs lost! In Lynchburg, after two years art co-op 5th Street Art House shutting down, the owner is “moving on”.

Washington: In Spokane, after almost 60 years Williams Seafood suddenly shutdown on Saturday.  The owner blames increasingly low quality of imported seafood and damage from a windstorm back in November.   More proof you brick-n-mortar store owners can’t directly blame the internet/high-tech for your demise; Rosetta Stone owned Seattle based critically acclaimed internet language service Livemocha shutting down by mid-April.

Washington DC: CityBikes shutdown their five years old store on 8th Street SE on Sunday, due to jacked up rent.  However, the store owners are opening a new ElectricCityBikes in an abandoned VW dealership.  Popular bar, known for its model planes and Starship Enterprise, Millie & Al’s shutting down in April, the property was sold.

Wyoming: More of what I call Ripple Effect Layoffs (REL); local TV news KCWY reported that the massive oil and coal industry shutdowns and layoffs are having Ripple Effect on the overall state economy.  Truck stops/convenience stores and local manufacturers of specialty oil field trucks all reporting a crash in sales: “Right now, I think it could be said were probably at about 50% of what we were last year this time.”-Rick McFall, Ameri-Tech Equipment

“Over the last year we have seen a steady decline so just month to month it gets a little worse, a little worse.”-Tiffany Mortimer, business advisor

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

24-25 March 2016: “Catastrophic!” 

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed!

Employees of religious non-profits might not qualify for unemployment assistance: “If the non-profit organization is a church, you may or may not be entitled to unemployment. It all depends upon state regulations for church employers. In many cases, churches are allowed to set their own rules regarding unemployment benefits, meaning the church can choose whether to offer benefits to former employees.”

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics

“Catastrophic!” Tax revenues crash! More international banks flee United States! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 24 – 25 March 2016

Incomplete list of job loss announcements and shutdowns.

Japan based Too Big to Jail Nomura Holdings joins Credit Suisse in eliminating thousands of North American jobs, at least 2-thousand 5-hundred jobs in Canada and United States! In 2008, Nomura was tricked in buying failed Lehman Brothers Holdings and lost big-time money as a result.

California: Maker of natural gas tanks Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.

Georgia: In Liburn, after 37 years restaurant Mama Mia’s sold-off, the new owners are changing the menu but swear they’ll keep the most popular of Mama Mia’s dishes.

Illinois: Due to crashing taxpayer revenues Rock Island County eliminating at least four jobs, saying they must prepare for the long term.

Iowa: In Granger, God powerless to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ 87 years old (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Assumption Catholic School.  15 years ago there were 150 elementary students, this current school year only 62!

Kentucky: Virginia based Magic Mart shutting down their South Side Mall store, directly blaming the suck-ass economy: “…the current economic conditions here in the heart of the coalfields leave us with no alternative. We have tried very hard over the past few years to find ways to keep our store open here and we just haven’t been able to…”-K.A. Ammar III (Trey), president

Louisiana: What recovery from Hurricane Karina? Dean Foods-Brown’s Dairy shutting down their New Orleans operation, 185 jobs lost over the next several months!  Like the rest of corporate America the company is consolidating production elsewhere.

Minnesota: In White Bear Lake, after 27 years Borgstrom’s Hallmark gift store suddenly shutdown. The owner blamed crashing sales, 10 jobs lost.

Missouri: After 56 years Sansone Floral shutting down next week.

New York:  More proof you brick-n-mortar store owners can’t directly blame the internet/high-tech for your demise; NYC based ‘digital news media’ International Business Times laid off at least 15 people in New York and California, without warning. Employees had 10 minutes to vacate the premises!  Unnamed sources say more layoffs could be on the way.

Ohio:  Proof we’re in a Depression; Blue Ash City Council shutting down the Sycamore Senior Center by April.  It’s blamed on massive tax funding cuts to Medicaid/Medicare, and on the fact that the majority of dues paying members are unable to pay their dues!  Services for old people are being consolidated to other senior centers.  The Canton Fire Department eliminating at least 10 jobs and shutting down Fire Station No.2, due to the city’s $5.1-million USD shortfall caused by a crash in local and state tax revenues!  Local news reports pointed out that Canton Fire Department never recovered from layoffs back in 2009.

Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Public Schools eliminating 208 teaching jobs due to lack of taxpayer funding, the situation is being describe by superintendent Rob Neu as “catastrophic”!

Wisconsin: Another example of what I call Ripple Effect Layoffs (REL). Texas based Superior Silica Sands laying off 69 employees at their New Auburn sand mine ops.  Sand is used in the oil industry’s fracking ops, and demand for sand is crashing.  It’s so bad that Minnesota based Unimin WARNed that it will shutdown its Tunnel City sand mine, 65 jobs lost by mid-May.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

23 March 2016: “the pleasure has just gone out of it.” ” the model is no longer sustainable.” 

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed!

Employees of religious non-profits might not qualify for unemployment assistance: “If the non-profit organization is a church, you may or may not be entitled to unemployment. It all depends upon state regulations for church employers. In many cases, churches are allowed to set their own rules regarding unemployment benefits, meaning the church can choose whether to offer benefits to former employees.”

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics

“the pleasure has just gone out of it.” ” the model is no longer sustainable.” : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 23 March 2016

Incomplete list of job loss announcements and shutdowns.

Switzerland based Too Big to Jail Credit Suisse eliminating 2-thousand marketing jobs “mostly in London and New York”!

California: More proof you brick-n-mortar store owners can’t directly blame the internet/high-tech for your demise; Redwood based smartwatch maker Pebble already in trouble, eliminating 40 jobs due to lack of “support” from those idiots who throw their money at tech startups.  Administrators blame it on increasing competition from other tech companies for that “support”.  In other words; tech companies don’t make money off actually selling something, it comes from geeks who “support” those companies (hey, why doesn’t anybody want to support Blind Bat News? hit the donate button).  Japan owned Sony Pictures Entertainment eliminating 20 marketing-distribution jobs due to money losing movies.  Non-profit Memorial Care Health System shutting down their Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, 194 jobs lost by May!  It’s blamed on failed attempts to get state ‘lawmakers’ to pass a bill that would’ve turned the medical center into an outpatient operation (no thanks to ObamaCare).

Georgia: In Atlanta, after more than five years H. Harper Station bar shutting down next week.  The owner blames the landlord: “While signs point to the area’s impending development coming to fruition, it also brings the pressure of increased costs. After a great five-year run, we feel the model is no longer sustainable. We wish the best to the new tenant…”-Jerry Slater

Illinois: After 27 years Monticello Drugs shutting down next week. ObamaCare was the final straw for the owner: “…after a burden of 27 years of ownership, the pleasure has just gone out of it.”-Marty Woodruff

Indiana: In Terre Haute, after ten years Guitar Center shutting down due to increased rent, 11 jobs affected.

Kentucky: Printer maker Lexmark issued a WARN, 143 Fayette County jobs lost by the end of May! Company administrators did not give a reason.  India based office management company Firstsource Group issued a shutdown WARN for their Jefferson County operations, 282 jobs gone by mid-May!

Massachusetts: In Agawam, after only two years the YMCA shutting down by the end of May due to lack of membership.  Since opening in 2014 a grand total of only 550 people signed up!

New Jersey: Trenton Board of Education shutting down Stokes Early Childhood Center and eliminating a net 164 jobs! It’s the second year in a row for shutdowns and layoffs due to lack of students and taxpayer funding.

New York:  In DeWitt, a combined Office Max-Offcie Depot store shutting down by mid-May.  Oceanside Institutional Industries issued a shutdown WARN for their food service linens operations, 171 jobs lost by mid-June!  After 47 years, God powerless to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ Elmira Christian Academy due to The Rapture of students (what I call Disappearing Students Syndrome).  At the school’s peak there were 220 students, this year there’s only 80, the pastor blames the parents: “It’s hard to compete with families who feel that it would be more advantageous for them to educate their kids from home.”-David Leandre

Ohio: In Hebron, Lakewood Digital Academy shutting down in June due to cancelation of taxpayer funding. The local school district must also payback $150-thousand USD to the state Department of Education.  It’s blamed on changes in laws affecting charter schools.

Pennsylvania: Radio Shack-Sprint shutting down their Schuylkill Mall store next Monday, due to lack of “performance”.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

22 March 2016:  Low-tech girls in low-cut shirts can’t stop the high-tech bubble from bursting! 

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed!

Employees of religious non-profits might not qualify for unemployment assistance: “If the non-profit organization is a church, you may or may not be entitled to unemployment. It all depends upon state regulations for church employers. In many cases, churches are allowed to set their own rules regarding unemployment benefits, meaning the church can choose whether to offer benefits to former employees.”

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”

Business/Economics

Low-tech girls in low-cut shirts can’t save high-tech companies! Court orders employer to reveal layoffs! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 22 March 2016

Incomplete list of job loss announcements and shutdowns.

More proof you brick-n-mortar store owners can’t directly blame the internet/high-tech for your demise; British empire United Kingdom based software solutions company (according to Bloomberg) nobody heard of, Mycom North America, is apparently dead in the water as it suddenly issued shutdown WARNs for all its offices around the United States, to close next week!  Last week a lawsuit was filed by a U.S. contractor accusing Mycom of failing to pay them for work rendered, and last year Mycom was sued by a U.S. property management company for failing to pay rent on property in West Virginia!  I have yet to find anything explaining why Mycom is suddenly shutting down.   Mycom’s website has been disabled.

Arkansas: In Fayetteville, after 24 years Big Red Razorbacks Fan Shop shutting down so the owner can start his second retirement.

California: More proof you brick-n-mortar store owners can’t directly blame the internet/high-tech for your demise; Palo Alto based credit card validating e-reader Jumio now chapter 11 bankrupt busted and for sale. Administrators blame lack of ‘crowd funding’ (guess those low-tech girls in low-cut t-shirts didn’t work).  This is more proof that most tech companies were never successful, playing the accounting shell game of including that ‘funding’ in their earnings reports which made it look like people were buying their products/services.

Colorado: Denver based oil company Venoco now bankrupt busted with 50% of “production curtailed” and $1-billion USD in debt, partly blaming it on the massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California .   Another Denver based oil company legally bankrupt busted, Emerald Oil.  They first defaulted on their debts due to low oil prices.  

Analysts have warned that if oil prices remain low for too long there will be a dominos effect of collapsing oil industry related companies. (what I call Ripple Effect Layoffs [REL])

Florida:  Mycom North America suddenly announced they’re shutting down their Orlando office next week.  Interestingly the WARN list the company as “construction”, but Bloomberg’s Company Overview calls it a UK based privately held software-engineering company.  In Hollywood, Schumacher Clinical Partners issued a WARN, 163 people will be laid off between May and December!

Illinois: Peoria School District 150 laying off about 78 teachers, most under “honorable discharge” and some due to lack of “performance”.  A Freedom of Information Act court order forced Kishwaukee College to reveal it eliminated at least 24 jobs, due to lack of students and taxpayer funding.  Note that it took a Freedom of Information Act court order to get the publicly funded college to reveal the layoffs!

Missouri: An Office Max shutting down in Saint Loius, and an Office Depot shutting down in Brentwood.  It’s part of the merged Florida based office supply sellers’ plan to shutdown more than 7-hundred stores, so much for “Now More Choice”!

New York:  In NYC, insurance company AIG (American International Group) issued a mass layoff WARN, 242 people being laid off between now and September!  The Clifton Park Office Max shutting down in May.

North Carolina: In Durham, after 140 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) ‘black owned’ Scarborough & Hargett Funeral Home now chapter 11 bankrupt busted claiming more than $1-million USD of debt.  However, in 2013 state regulators fined the funeral home and put it on probation for two years after being caught lying about its ‘advance sales’ of funeral services.   Mycom North America suddenly announced they’re shutting down their Bessemer office next week.  Ecolab issued a shutdown WARN for its Charlotte location, 60 jobs lost by May.  Tuscarora Yarns issued a shutdown WARN for its China Grove operations, 123 jobs lost by May!

Oregon: Mycom North America suddenly announced they’re shutting down their Portland office next week. India based office management company Firstsource Group issued a shutdown WARN for their Eugene operations, 275 jobs gone by mid-May!

Pennsylvania:  Malvern based grocery chain ACME shutting down three stores, two in New Jersey and one in Pennsylvania, by the end of April.  Hundreds of jobs lost! Administrators said the economy is so bad that it’s not worth it to renew the leases on those locations!

South Carolina:  Charleston Cooks shutdown their stores in Greenville and Columbia, the owner suddenly “made the decision to retire”.  Cooking classes will continue until the end of April.   In Columbia, after one year in their new location formal dress shop Carolina Couture suddenly shutdown their Gervais Street shop, due to an ‘undisclosed legal action’.

Texas: In Dallas, Dealertrack Tech issued a WARN, 56 jobs gone by mid-May.  Shade Structures revealed they laid off 54 employees last month.  In Coppell, Japan based Panasonic Avionics issued a WARN, 51 jobs gone by the end of June.  And for Ripple Effect Layoffs caused by the oil industry: Cudd Energy Services issued a WARN, 60 jobs lost in San Antonio by mid-May.  And in Longview, Trinity Rail-Tank Car issued mass layoff WARNs saying 609 people will become unemployed by mid-May!

Vermont: Q Burke Mountain Resort said it must layoff employees, blaming weather for delaying the opening of a new $50-million USD conference center.

Washington: Mycom North America suddenly announced they’re shutting down their Redmond office next week.  And for more proof that you brick-n-mortar store owners can’t directly blame the internet/high-tech for your demise;  Bellevue based video game maker 5th Cell forced to layoff 45 people under orders from publisher Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment.  Initial reports say Warner Brothers was shutting 5th Cell down.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

21 March 2016: “an economy in distress” Gem State kills thousands of jobs & tens of millions in revenues!

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed!

Employees of religious non-profits might not qualify for unemployment assistance: “If the non-profit organization is a church, you may or may not be entitled to unemployment. It all depends upon state regulations for church employers. In many cases, churches are allowed to set their own rules regarding unemployment benefits, meaning the church can choose whether to offer benefits to former employees.”

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”