Category Archives: Idaho

Fukushima, Idaho

Fukushima – WIPP – Radiation Fallout: Daiichi floods Pacific after typhoon! ‘Black’ copters return to California! U.S. will increase radiation contamination limits!

11 September 2015 (20:02 UTC-07 Tango 01, 10 September 2015)/20 Shahrivar 1394/27 Dhu al-Qa’dah 1436/29 Yi-You 4713

United States: “The change is being pushed by a group of pro-nuclear fanatics — there is really no other way to describe them. If implemented, the hormesis model would result in needless death and misery.”-Michael Mariotte,  Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS)

Washington DC: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission wants to eliminate the Linear No-Threshold (LNT) basis of radiation protection.  In other words they want to greatly increase the amount of radiation exposure per person before the government would consider it officially as ‘contamination’!

Kansas: Speaking of exposure, local news reports say about a dozen University of Tulsa’s North Campus researchers were bused to Burlington to be tested for radiation exposure, caused by a cesium 137 spill that occurred last year!

California: Once again, helicopters were seen flying low over the San Francisco bay area, and yes it was confirmed they were checking the air for radiation levels. 

UC San Francisco: Genetic Makeup May Make Radiation Riskier for Pediatric Cancer Patients

Idaho: The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission investigating a company called International Isotopes after an employee was sent to an Idaho Falls hospital for being exposed to more than a years worth of radiation.  Reports say contaminated items fell out of their protective container and the employee picked up the items thus contaminating himself.

The city of Hailey unanimously adopted a resolution opposing anymore nuke waste shipments to Idaho.  Gov’na Butch Otter, with the support of Senators, is waving an agreement between the state and federal Department of Energy banning nuclear waste shipments to The Gem State, in the name of making money (about $20-million USD) for the economically strapped state: “I think Senator Risch’s opinion was, and appears to be, that the economics of the INL [Idaho National Laboratory] are more important than the removal of dangerous nuclear waste that could contaminate the East Snake Aquifer.”-Fritz Haemmerle, mayor

Missouri: “Radiation from the West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton has spread to neighboring properties. That’s according to reports released on Thursday by Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster.”

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (evil DARPA) unveiled a new crowd sourcing radiation detector.  

Texas: Researchers with Chrysalis BioTherapeutics claim their new drug Chrysalis can stop radiation poisoning: “Because radiation-induced damage to the intestines plays such a key role in how well a person recovers from radiation exposure, it’s crucial to develop novel medications capable of preventing GI damage.”-Darrell Carney, University of Texas Medical Branch and ceo of Chrysalis BioTherapeutics

New Mexico:  NASA has, in a round-a-bout way admitted that they really don’t know how much radiation you’re exposed to when you fly on an airliner.  At Fort Sumner, NASA launch a high altitude balloon to test just how much radiation you’re exposed to when flying around the world. 

The shenanigans at WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Project) continue.  There was debate on whether three tonnes (metric tons) of weapons grade plutonium should be stored at the disaster site, until it was revealed that “The reality is that about 3 metric tons of down-blended weapons grade plutonium has already been disposed of at WIPP. As Bill Richardson knows, because it was completed while he was Secretary of Energy.”, according to Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway.

DOE names field office manager at WIPP

More DOE bungling at WIPP

Radiation presentation at WIPP town hall

Critics blame mismanagement for WIPP delay

New York: I’ve got relatives who went through radiation treatment for their cancers, only to have the tumors get bigger, which backs up my argument that treating cancer with radiation is like treating a gunshot wound by pumping a few more bullets into it.  Now there’s yet another study that backs me up.  “…radiotherapy may actually be making it easier for some skin cancer tumors to return and prosper. This may happen, they found, because the applied radiation causes a suppression of the immune system in the area being targeted.”

Japan: In Fukushima Prefecture two tropical storms caused record level rain, flooding hundreds of tons of radiation from Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster reactors into the Pacific Ocean, according to Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCo).

The flooding also damaged thousands of homes and apartments across eastern Japan, which comes at a time when a new study admits that the people forced to flee their homes after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi explosions were not given adequate temporary housing, and that there still isn’t enough temp housing (four years on) for the people who cannot return to their homes due to radiation levels.

Radioactive forest bursts into flames

Siberian fires prove North America blanketed with Japanese radiation!

Business/Economics, Idaho

“We just cannot continue on this road.” California city admits goal of destroying 2nd Amendment Rights! Idaho ignores its own beer/wine sales laws! Pocatello leaders lie about jobs! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 10 September 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Alabama: Richland Golf Course shutdown: “It is with heavy and broken hearts that we announce we have put Richland Golf Center up for sale.  The past fourteen years at Richland have been a true blessing…..The past few years have been rough.  Our rent has more than tripled over the last several years and it has killed us.  We just cannot continue on this road……We have met with banks, private investors, City officials, and more trying to work something out.  Our prayer is to sell the facility.”

California: In San Luis Obispo, after 30 years the owners of Costume Capers say they must shutdown after Halloween due to competition from internet and the seasonal Halloween costume shops.  Cupertino based (but incorporated in Ireland as a tax dodge) hard-disk maker Seagate announced it’s killing off 1-thousand and 50 jobs in time for Xmas!  It’s blamed on crashing computer sales.  In San Francisco, the owner of the last gun store in the city, High Bridge Arms, says the city is about to pass an unconstitutional law that will shutdown his business.  City administrators boasted that they were openly attacking the 2nd Amendment: “What we are doing is essentially closing what amounts to a loophole between federal and state law and making sure that San Francisco continues to stay at the forefront of gun control legislation in our country.”-Mark Farrell

Florida: Avon Park Fire Department laid off 11 firefighters due to local taxpayers demanding an end to the Fire Assessment Fee.

Georgia: Atlanta based NBC owned Weather Channel laying off an undisclosed number of employees due to a radical change in programming.

Idaho: The Idaho Statesman revealed that Idaho police have not been enforcing state laws regarding the sale of beer and wine.  One rule says all brands of beer/wine must be available to all retailers who want to sell it, no “private label” sales.

In Bannock County the Mormon dominated Bannock Development Corporation outright lied about jobs saying “The demand is here but the workforce isn’t.”  Bullshit!  I’ve been unemployed since April (when I got laid off after the USPS shutdown their postal processing center in Pocatello on Flandro Drive).  I got no severance and the Idaho Department of Labor gave me no unemployment assistance.  I’ve got 13 years military experience, decades in retail/warehousing/delivery and six years in television, yet in the past few months I got three rejection notices for entry level jobs say I “didn’t have the qualifications they were looking for”!  Where are these jobs Bannock Development Corporation?  I’ve been told my problem is my age, I’m over 45 years old which seems to be the unwritten cutoff for hiring workers.  Most of the young adults in the area flee due to the lack of good paying jobs, so is what the Bannock Development Corporation really saying is that ‘the demand is here but the YOUNG MORMON workforce isn’t.’?

Illinois: In Washington, Tractor Supply Company shutting down its Washington Road location in October, due to “many business factors”.  The Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon shutdown after 18 years on Route 50, at least 50 jobs lost.  It’s blamed on the property owner who wants to redevelop the land.  The Top of the Hill Bait Shop in Murphysboro shutdown.

Iowa: In Shell Rock, farm equipment maker Unverferth Manufacturing joins the downsizing club: “As commodity prices have plummeted over the last year and investment tax credits have subsided, so has the demand for farm equipment. As such, we have had to make the hard choice of laying off workers to better meet current demand. Being family owned, we keep any specific numbers private.”

Louisiana: Too Big to Jail Capital One announced major changes for its Pelican State operations that will result in shutdowns and hundreds of layoffs: “We are transforming the bank with a focus on efficiency and simplifying our organization. We notified assistant branch managers in Louisiana that their roles are being eliminated.”

Maryland:  Bethesda based tax-sucker Lockheed Martin announced they will eliminate 5-hundred IT jobs! It’s connected to their $9-billion USD takeover of Sikorsky Aircraft.  Lockheed Martin has already eliminated hundreds of jobs this year.

Michigan: After 35 years The Lark restaurant shutting down by Xmas in West Bloomfield Township.  The owners said it’s getting harder to run a business and the returns continue to fall.

New Jersey: In Toms River, Harris’ clothing store shutdown after 87 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions).   After 100 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) Metzler’s Sporting Goods shutdown: “We made it to 100 years and that was very important to me. I’m going to be 65, it makes sense. Now is a good time for me to pack it in while everything is still OK and to go out on my terms.”-Billy Meltzer

New York: In Orchard Park, after 80 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) Eckl’s Restaurant shutting down by the end of the month.  It’s up for sale.

North Carolina: Duke Energy shutting down their Allen Steam Station coal fired electricity factory by 2024, due to a federal lawsuit.

Oklahoma: In Tulsa, Lil’ Reasor’s convenience store on 15th Street and Lewis Avenue shutdown.

Pennsylvania: Too Big to Jail BB&T (Branch Banking & Trust) laid off 89 people at its new Lititz location.  It’s part of BB&T’s $2.5-billion takeover of Susquehanna Bancshares.  More layoffs could happen once more redundancies are identified.

South Dakota: Wyndham Hotel Group shutting down their Aberdeen call center, 250 jobs lost by January 2016!

Texas: In Austin, after 34 years Cozzoli’s Pizza shutdown.

Washington: The state Charter School Commission forced to shutdown after the state Supreme Court ruled charter schools “unconstitutional”!

Wyoming: In Pavillion, Miss Ginny’s Roost Steak House shutting down: “Yes, Saturday lunch will be our last day of operation. There is no one to blame but myself: I made very bad business decisions, based on bad information. I take full responsibility for the demise of my once proud Roost.”

09 September 2015: It’s official, Albertsons killed Haggen!

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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

“the numbers just didn’t add up” Mormons biggest ‘donors’ to Idaho politicians! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 08 September 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California: After 40 years the Big Sur Coast Gallery up for sale, asking price $3.7-million USD!  In Fresno, after 75 years Martin’s Flowers shutting down: “If someone wanted to buy the business that would be great because that would make a lot of people happy.”–Catherine Soligian

Florida: The Jacksonville Day Resource Center for homeless people shutting down after two years of operations.  Administrators blame lack of taxpayer funding.

Idaho:  The Idaho Statesman investigated which companies and organizations are ‘bribing’ (political ‘donations’) failed-false-conservative Right-to-Work (you over) Idaho politicians.  The top three ‘bribers’ are major utility company Idaho Power (so that’s where a lot of our utility payments go), east Idaho based Mormon owned “wellness company” Melaleuca, and out-o-state Washington DC based ‘conservative’ lobbyists Club for Growth.  

Mississippi: In Vicksburg, reports that Texas based oil service company Schlumberger is about to layoff 222 people after selling off their recently acquired Cameron ops to a rival: “Due to the current declining business conditions, the company has decided to substantially reduce its operations at the Vicksburg facility. As a result, we anticipate that we could potentially permanently layoff up to as many as 222 employees, beginning as early a November, 2, 2015.”

Missouri: In Springfield, Price Cutter shutting down its Grand Street grocery store.  Local news reports say no official explanation was given.

New York:  NYC Parks shutdown city pools after Labor Day blaming lack of taxpayer funding.   After more than 100 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions, and even a fire in the 1960s) the Wanakena General Store shutting down in October because “the numbers just didn’t add up”.

Texas:  Goodrich Petroleum sold-off $116-million USD worth of its Eagle Ford Shale oil stake in order to pay down its debts!

06 – 07 September 2015: “…members haven’t been paid at all this year…”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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

“…members haven’t been paid at all this year…” ObamaCare continues to pay for banned medical care! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 06 – 07 September 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

“Premiums for Obamacare plans are expected to increase substantially in 2016, with many insurers requesting double-digit rate hikes. For example, in June Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina proposed an overall rate hike of 26 percent for 2016 Obamacare plans, and two months later raised the hike to 35 percent.”–Agile Health Insurance

The British empire’s taxpayer funded BBC announced massive funding and program cuts.  The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is the shadow owner of the United State’s PBS (Public Broadcasting Service, public meaning funded by donations), if you haven’t noticed all those British programs clouding up the PBS airwaves.

Alaska: After four years film and commercial production company Piksik shutting down by the end of the month.  It’s connected to a controversial tax credit for the movie industry.

California: In San Gabriel, after 32 years the People to People food bank shutting down due to massive lack of cash donations: “Staff members haven’t been paid at all this year, and some have taken from their own pockets to help cover expenses.”-Robert Ries, president

In San Francisco, popular Zapata Mexican Grill shutting down after 22 years: “Unfortunately our landlord has decided not to renew our lease, so we will be closing our doors permanently on October 15.”

Florida: Sun and Skin Care Research-Ocean Potion Suncare-No Ad-Bull Frog eliminated 130 jobs!  Local news reports say the sun-block company was sold to a Canadian outfit which plans on moving production to Georgia.  In Titusville, after 55 years The Coffee Shoppe shutdown due to the greedy landlord tripling the rent from $1-thousand USD per month to $3-thousand!

Idaho:  It’s been revealed that after certain medical care providers were cut-off from Idaho’s Medicaid that taxpayers are still shelling out money to those banned service providers!   At least six providers have been paid $820-thousand USD since they were banned!  Another two banned providers did not get payments but are still on the list of approved healthcare providers!  It’s not just Idaho, the revelations come from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Illinois:   In Carbondale, after 36 years Pick’s Liquor shutdown.

Kansas: In Topeka, Big’Uns Grill shutting down soon, the owners say they will focus on catering only, basically because they are having a heck of a time finding reliable restaurant employees.  In Salina, sports clothing store Finish Line shutdown “based on sales results and demand in the market”.  In Parson, after 50 years second-hand store Red Barn shutting down by the end of the month: “I’m working 60 hours a week, and I’ve been doing it since 2005. I’m tired.”-Joyce Zinn

Maryland: The Old Line State joins a growing list of states warning residents that Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) insurance rates are about to skyrocket.  The state insurance exchange warned that premium rates will go up as much as 26%!

Massachusetts: Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) is being directly blamed by Cambridge Endoscopic Devices for their chapter 11 bankruptcy.  The company has been for sale for the past two years, but nobody wants to buy due to the draconian Affordable Care Act.

Michigan: In Detroit, Olga’s Kitchen on One Campus Martius shutdown without warning.  Local news reports say the property owner ended the lease early, apparently because they have plans to build a huge new shopping center.  In Grand Rapids, the Fresh Coast Kitchen shutdown their sandwich shop on Iona.

Missouri:  After 11 years the World Aquarium of Saint Louis shutdown.  The president told local live morning newscast they are looking for a new place.   In Kansas City, the Local Pig restaurant shutting down mid-month: “I only a signed a one-year lease last year because I didn’t want to get locked in for a long time. I think Westport has a lot of potential as a nightlife venue, but for a traditional restaurant, there are issues here.”-Alex Pope

Texas: In Austin, Sandra Bullock’s Bess Bistro shutting down by the end of the month.  It sounds like the property has been sold.

Washington DC: The National Park Service is ending the Buzzard Point Marina contract, claiming it’s not “a financially viable business”.

04 – 05 September 2015: “You can’t keep fighting the economy…”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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

“…liquidate the assets…” “You can’t keep fighting the economy…” Idaho taxpayers forced to support teacher’s union! Paypal abandons Puerto Rico! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 04 – 05 September 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California: San Jose based internet payment service paypal has notified users that after October they will no longer allow person to person money transfers in or out of Puerto Rico!  Foster City based Marvel superhero video game maker Gazillion laid off an undisclosed number of employees, one employee tweeted it was “A LOT”.  In San Francisco, after 15 years restaurant Pesce shutting down next week, some people question the recent move into a bigger (and more expensive) place.

Connecticut: How can we track unemployment numbers?  The state Department of Labor is shutting down five unemployment centers and eliminating 95 jobs.  

Florida: Palm Beach County eliminated healthcare jobs due to massive state funding cuts for the Adults with Disabilities program.

Idaho:  Once again, taxpayers are being raped in The Gem State!  It’s been revealed that the teacher’s union known as Boise Education Association is being funded with taxpayers dollars: “Every dollar that taxpayers are asked to put into public schools ought to go to public schools, not into feeding the union machine!”-Wayne Hoffman, Idaho Freedom Foundation

It’s also been revealed that Idaho is one of several states that allow the employers of home healthcare workers to pay them less than minimum wage and avoid overtime pay!

Interestingly, the Right to Work you-over Gem State is finally realizing just how much Right to Work is actually resulting in a labor shortage.  The Department of Labor admitted there is not enough workers for expected new jobs (because people are leaving), so they started a new website inviting college grads to get screwed-over in the Right to Work state.

Illinois:  The state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity reports that, officially, 2,140 people lost their jobs in August!  In Arlington Flats, Microsoft owned cell phone maker Nokia laying off 139 people in October!  In Chicago, sports medicine and clothing maker McDavid eliminating 115 jobs in November!  It’s the result of their merger with Minnesota based Shock Doctor Sports.  Too Big to Jail investment banker Piper Jaffray eliminating 41 jobs in October.   In Rochelle, Japan based bullet train maker Nippon Sharyo Manufacturing laying off 1-hundred people due to problems with their latest prototype.  In Kankakee, after 34 years Paperback Reader shutdown: “The last couple years have been harder and harder. You can’t keep fighting the economy and technology all the time.”-Paula Goodwin

Kansas: In Wichita, the last Metro Grill shutdown, owner Victor Hammond lamented “We worked so hard. Maybe if we’d been in a different location.”   In Topeka, after more than 40 years Health Food Mart shutting down: “We just don’t have enough business to keep the doors open….”-unnamed manager

Minnesota:  Pub operator Chatterbox Enterprises now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.

Mississippi: The YMCA shutting down its Jackson Deville Plaza ops, it’s blamed on a lack of local support.

Missouri: Restaurant Applebee’s moving its Kansas City HQ to California, affecting 220 jobs!  Reports say 90 people will continue operations in Kansas City and about 30 will be offered transfers to The Golden State.

Nevada: Canada owned Robinson Nevada Mining Company eliminated 36 jobs. 

New Hampshire: In Lebanon, after 45 years shoe store Shoetorium shutdown, blaming crashed sales and skyrocketing operating costs: “Business has dropped off…..You have people come in the store, look at your stuff and then they go and buy it online.”-Marty Carlton

New Jersey: Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) forced insurance company MetLife to issue a mass layoff WARN for operations in Somerset, 136 jobs lost by the end of October!

New York: Affordable Care Act probably had a hand in Liberty Healthcare losing their contract to operate the Westchester Behavioral Health Center, at least 199 jobs lost right after Thanksgiving!  Affordable Care Act probably had a hand in Morrison Management Specialists losing their food service contract at the Nostrand Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 40 jobs lost by the end of the month.  In NYC, Too Big to Jail Misys International Banking Systems joining mass exodus out of The Empire State, 54 jobs relocating out of state between December and June 2016.  At the Griffiss International Airport, Switzerland based Midair USA will conduct mass layoffs and is in danger of shutting down.  It’s blamed on declining aircraft maintenance contracts, which are expected to get worse as their biggest customer, in Russia, was just taken over by a rival.  The county run Griffiss Airport is owed more than half a million dollars by Midair.

North Carolina: In Siler City, after 20 years non-profit Hispanic Liaison of Chatham County shutting down, blaming “an increasingly difficult economic and funding climate for nonprofits.”

Pennsylvania: TV shopping channel QVC issued a shutdown WARN for their West Chester HQ/distribution center, 147 jobs lost by the beginning of November!  Is it connected to QVC’s $2.4-billion USD takeover of Zulily?  In Lancaster, after 35 years law firm Hartman Underhill & Brubaker shutting down, at least 48 jobs lost.

South Carolina: In Florence, Porter’s Gift Shop shutting down: “We had hoped to pass the store on to someone who would continue its wonderful service and traditions. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, this has not happened.”-facebook posting

South Dakota: In Custer, after almost 50 years The Flintstones Bedrock City Theme Park and Camping Resort shutting down due to change of ownership.  The new owners have yet to sign a deal with Warner Brothers to continue using the Flintstones theme.

Tennessee: In Nashville, the Dollar General store shutting down on Fifth Avenue North, due to a change in property owners.  North Knoxville, after 22 years Kitts Cafe shutdown: “A year and a half ago, I had cancer, chemo all that, a double mastectomy and I just thought ‘you know it’s probably time for me to be thinking about retiring.’”-Joyce Kitts

Vermont: In Burlington, after 75 years Bove’s Restaurant shutting down in December, the owners will focus on wholesale and catering.

Virginia: In Lynchburg, the Apple Market shutdown and has been for sale for a while, with no takers.  What construction industry recovery?  Once one of Virginia’s fastest growing companies, 20 years old Capital Door Systems now chapter 7 bankrupt busted: “We are going to let the bankruptcy trustee put everything in order and liquidate the assets and pay out what is possible to the creditors.”-Roy M. Terry Jr., attorney

Wisconsin:  In Whitewater, CNC machining company HyPro shutting down, 62 jobs lost by November.  After 33 years the Chancery restaurant on South 27th Street, in Milwaukee, shutdown and now up for sale.  The Chancery restaurant on Gas Light Drive, in Racine, has been sold.  The YMCA shutdown their Wausau childcare center “due to unforeseen circumstances”.

03 September 2015: “We just could not sustain it any more…”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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 just could not sustain it any more…” Boat builder for the 1% proves “there is no alternative” to economic collapse! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 03 September 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

A new study shows that low income people are making even less money now than in 2009!  The National Employment Law Project says overall wages have been collapsing since 2009. 

Another study shows that since 1973 all the benefits from increased worker productivity have gone to the 1%!  The Economic Policy Institute says the people who actually make the money for the executives and shareholders, the workers, have gotten nothing for their efforts to be more efficient! 

California: Reports that Palo Alto based Hewlett Packard (HP) is forcing employees who don’t get laid off to take a 50% cut in pay!  Basically some HP employees are being pushed into contractor jobs (I know what that’s like).

Colorado: Glaze, the Baum Cake Shoppe shutdown, the owner refused to say why.

Connecticut: In Newington, after 54 years T-Bowl Lanes-Fun Squared shutdown.  The owners got an offer for their property from Ashley Furniture they couldn’t refuse.  Specialty healthcare provider The Kent shutting down by the end of the month, blaming three years of financial losses, 80 jobs lost.

Idaho: Boise based Syringa Networks announced it is ending its Syringa Wireless service after Xmas: “….Syringa Wireless has fought hard to maintain low prices and high quality service for our Idaho communities…..Over the last 3 years we have made extensive financial investments…..As a small, locally owned and operated provider, we have arrived at a point where it’s simply not feasible to continue to operate.”

Illinois: Affordable Care Act forcing Blue Cross-Blue Shield to layoff 60 people, affecting eight communities.  The jobs were contracted out.  American Coal laid off 110 people, the third round of layoffs at the Galatia mine this year, in the first two rounds 257 people lost their jobs!  Challenger, Gray & Christmas says  U.S. corporations announced 41-thousand 186 planned layoffs in August! 

Indiana: What automotive industry recovery?  In Winchester, Japan owned car parts maker Indiana Marujun warned 765 employees of plant shutdown by November 2016, saying “conditions gave us no other options.”

Kansas: In Independance, Affordable Care Act forcing Kansas Mercy hospital to shutdown, 190 jobs lost in October: “This was not the outcome we had sought or expected at the beginning of the discernment process, and our hearts are heavy. However, like many other rural health care providers today, we have struggled to remain viable in the face of a changing environment and economy.”-Lynn Britton, ceo

Maryland: Crown Cork & Seal shutting down their factory in Essex, 47 jobs lost in October.

Massachusetts: After 115 years (surviving The Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) the iconic Colonial Theater shutting down in October.  It was intimated that it has been losing money big time for awhile now. It’s final fate is in the hands of Emerson College.

Minnesota: The Boys & Girls Club eliminating its staff at its La Crescent Community Arena location. It’s blamed on a lack of boys and girls.

Nebraska:  In Omaha, the No Frills grocery store shutting down in time for Xmas.  The owner, SpartanNash, claims all 42 employees will be offered jobs at other stores.

North Carolina: The Michael Waltrip Racing Management Company shutting down two locations in Cornelius, between November and April 2016, at least 217 jobs lost due to loss of revenue!

Pennsylvania: In Downingtown, Stauffers Market shutting down mid-month ’cause the owners want to retire.  In Philipsburg, after five years Fezell’s County Market and the Sunoco fuel station shutting down by mid-month: “It’s just cash flow reasons. Just simply not able to cash flow the store.”-Tim Fezell, owner

Texas:  ION Geophysical Corporation eliminating an additional 168 jobs, on top of the 225 people they’ve already laid off this year!  Administrators don’t have any hope of recovery, at least in the short run: “The difficult cost reduction initiative we are undertaking today is necessary to prudently scale the company during this period of significantly decreased revenues, which we believe will extend into 2017.”-Brian Hanson, ceo

Washington DC: Law firm Dillworth Paxson shutting down its DC office, apparently due to a defection of lawyers to another law firm.   The U.S. Department of Labor said last week’s new unemployment claims hit 282-thousand!

West Virginia:  Affordable Care Act is the final straw for mental healthcare provider Process Strategies, so they laid off 37 employees: “We just could not sustain it any more…”-Jim Strawn

Wisconsin: Elitist Palmer Johnson Yachts shutting down their Sturgeon Bay facility due to lack of ‘trickle down’ orders from the super-rich, 1-hundred jobs lost: “Our operation and employment levels have continued to diminish, sales have diminished, offshore competitive pressures have escalated, and as a result this action becomes a necessity…..there is no alternative.”

02 September 2015: “It’s mind boggling!”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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

Property speculators massacring mom & pops! More successes equaling failures! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 31 August 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Florida: After 28 years Jacksonville’s Maritime Museum shutting down after Xmas. It’s blamed on crashing donations.  In Palm Beach the owners of Blondies, a restaurant known for serving ‘breakfast’ for ‘dinner’, shut it down after four successful years blaming the greedy landlord.  In Miami Beach, the operators of restaurant Piola South Beach say they’re being shutdown by the greedy landlord, after 15 years: “There was no form of negotiation nor effort made from the other party to come to a civilized agreement amongst partners who had been together for over a decade.”-Angelo Angiolliori, manager

The South Florida Business Journal also blamed greedy landlords: “Investors are having to justify their record-high purchases with record-high rents. And it’s becoming increasingly difficult for restaurants and independent companies to make a profit while paying more than $300 per square foot….”

Idaho: Taxpayers are funding $467,435 USD in utility connections for the new Inn at 500 Capitol in Boise.  As usual the taxpayer funding is going to a ‘foreign’ outfit, Obie Development Partners in Oregon.  What’s really interesting is how news outlets in Boise can’t seem to get the story right; in March, Boise Weekly said it’s a ten story hotel with 180 rooms.   But then in April, Boise Weekly said it was a seven story hotel with 104 rooms.  The latest Idaho Business Review report says it will have 113 rooms.  The new hotel, partially funded by local taxpayers, isn’t expected to be completed until December 2016.  Also in Boise, the taxpayer owned 8th and River streets property will be developed into a condominium (“Prices will start in the high 200s [that’s $200-thousand], he said, and escalate from there.”)  The property is owned by taxpayer funded Capital City Development Corporation, the condominium (to be called The Afton) will be built by Mike Hormaechea who refuses to say how much it will cost (he also claims to already have buyers for the condos).  The first phase might be finished by early 2017.

Illinois: In Shiloh, after six years Lacefield Music store shutdown. The owners say they are forced to look for a new location, but will continue to teach piano in the meantime.  Farm and construction vehicle maker Deere (John Deere) notified employees at their Davenport Works and Harvester Works of impending layoffs due to crashing sales.  180 jobs lost by the beginning of October (that’s on top of the 1-thousand 5-hundred Deere employees already laid off).  Deere administrators also forecasted that sales would crash another 21% before the end of 2015, directly blaming a lack of recovery in the construction industry: “We thought construction would be up, but that hasn’t happened, yet.”-Ken Golden

Louisiana: Oil services company Baker Hughes issued a layoff WARN for 28 employees in Shreveport.

Maine: Lincoln Paper & Tissue shutting down one of three tissue machines, eliminating 25 jobs.  The shutdown will take place over the next few days.  The tissue is made for napkins, towels, table covers and health care products.

Maryland: Gaithersburg based Hudson Trail Outfitters announced it is shutting down all stores after almost 50 years of sales, blaming the crashing economy: “The retail landscape has changed so much within the last 36 months and the company has decided that the time has come to begin to ‘wind down’ all company affairs.”-Sandy Cohan, ceo

Massachusetts: Electronics retailer Best Buy continues to shut down stores, this time their Hampshire Mall and Berkshire Mall stores. 127 jobs affected by the end of October!

Mississippi: Electronics retailer Best Buy continues to shut down stores, this time their Jackson store on Ridgewood Court shutting down by the end of October, 61 jobs affected.

New York: Bankrupt Coyne International Enterprises issued a shutdown WARN for all four of their Commercial Laundry Services, 150 jobs lost by the end of October!  Despite the Affordable Care Act, taxpayer funded disabled persons’ care home Broome Developmental Center being shutdown in 2016, patients being forced into privately run care centers.  One percenter former NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg to eliminate an additional 80 jobs at his Bloomberg news media ops, by Labor Day.  God refuses to stop ‘his’ College of Saint Rose from instituting layoffs and program cuts due to a $9.3-million USD shortfall caused by The Rapture, I mean what I call Disappearing Students Syndrome: “Like many institutions across the country, enrollment at the College of Saint Rose has declined….”-Lisa Haley Thomson

North Carolina: In Burlington, after two years Verona Italian Restaurant shutdown.  In Greensboro, Graffiti’s Bistro shutdown due to the owners realizing they can make more money selling it off.  In Eden, after five years 912 Bethlehem Restaurant shutdown “for personal reasons”.

Pennsylvania: Stupid state ‘lawmakers’ have contracted with evil Too Big to Jail US Bank to provide debit cards for residents who meet strict qualifications as being ‘officially’ unemployed.  Redner’s Warehouse Market grocery store in Trexlertown shutting down, 74 jobs lost by the end of September.  It’s blamed on too much competition.

Texas: It’s been revealed that California based Hewlett Packard (HP) has been eliminating jobs in Houston since May!   In total 70 people will be jobless by the end of the week.  They’re getting severance so they won’t be counted as unemployed.

Virginia: In Richmond, after almost ten years successful doggy treat store Three Dog Bakery shutting down.  Despite being a successful operation the operators haven’t been able to raise the funding necessary to become a full franchise store, as required in their license agreement with Missouri based Three Dog Bakery.

Washington DC: After seven years the Crime Museum shutting down due to the greedy landlord: “The Crime Museum’s landlord has decided to execute their rights under the lease agreement and request that we vacate the premises.”-Janine Vaccarello, coo

30 August 2015:  “You are firing the wrong people here!”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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

“You are firing the wrong people here!” Economists suspect mass exodus of workers! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 30 August 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California: In San Francisco, restaurant Bugaloo’s shutdown by “whacked out Valencia Street rent”, the tiny location is now available to anybody who is stupid enough to shell out $17,500 per month.  Too Big to Jail Bank of America essentially admitted to ripping off employees of overtime pay when it made the biggest overtime settlement ever; $36-million USD!  It involves employees of BofA’s LandSafe Appraisal, which is now being sold-off.

Connecticut: “Under a cloak of secrecy, the university’s board of trustees approved a spend-heavy budget. This was an irresponsible move, and it adds justification to calls to bring transparency to the budget process.”-rep-am.com, concerning the 50 layoffs at University of Connecticut

Florida: Local news reports say the state unemployment fund is running out of money, and might have to borrow money from Uncle Sam: “Florida has a poorly financed program and one of the strictest programs in the country.”-Rick McHugh, National Employment Law Project

Idaho:   According to the Idaho State Journal, many of southeast Idaho’s school districts have shifted to a four day week realizing a huge savings in school bus transportation costs.  However, a study done by the Rural Opportunities Consortium of Idaho says that overall costs to taxpayers actually went up: “Contrary to expectations, some districts saw their costs rise as a result of the need for additional enrichment activities and after-school snacks during the extended day.” 

Indiana: In Clay County, employers and state unemployment administrators are confused as the unemployment rate is going up despite increased hiring.  All the industry and employment ‘experts’ can do is speculate that what jobs that are available are not jobs that people are willing to take: “We see those numbers, they tend to have us look internally as to what could we be doing more to be attracting people that may be looking for work.”-Jeff Deaton, administrator with Great Dane who claims they need 150 laborers

Kansas: Economists at Wichita State University might have discovered the true reason why overall unemployment rates are going down; mass exodus of workers from the U.S. market.  Economists say recent data actually conflicts concerning whether employment is going up or down, and that it seems more and more people are working more than one job and that more newly unemployed people are not registering as unemployed: “….there is still something going on. You look at it, and it just doesn’t make sense. The question is, why did it happen all of a sudden in Kansas?”-Jeremy Hill, WSU economist

“Because most of the people surveyed are leaving employment but not entering unemployment, it appears they are leaving employment for personal reasons….choosing not to work”-Justin McFarland, Kansas Department of Labor

Kentucky: In Louisville, after 52 years the Fern Valley Hotel and Conference Center shut down due to numerous “fire safety issues, electrical and plumbing violations, and general sanitation and plumbing violations.”  The current owners took over in 2011 and refused comment to local news media

Maryland: “These are very capable people being shown the door. You are firing the wrong people here!”-Peter Franchot, state comptroller concerning the recent layoffs of dozens of prison employees

Missouri: Local news reports say only one fifth of the 179,058 people counted as unemployed are getting unemployment assistance!  Despite that state ‘lawmakers’ are trying to cut back on unemployment assistance even more, the gov-na recently vetoed a bill that would limit assistance to just 13 weeks!

Montana: In Bozeman, outdoor sports store Northern Lights Trading Company shutdown, the Babcock Street location sold-off.  The remaining brick-n-mortar stores will focus on water sports only.

New York: In Canton, North Country Neighbors Too flea market shutting down in September due to the greedy property owner selling the building.  In Troy, The Grocery store shutdown, the owner admitted to a lack of focus saying “It evolved into an ineffective sandwich shop. It’s not working out.”  Supposedly the location will now become a cafe.  In Fishkill, after 22 years of providing landscaping material the Plant Depot shutdown: “It’s an intense business. It takes a lot of out you. We’ve been here seven days a week for the last 22 years. It’s just time for a break.”-Lou Paggiotta, co-owner

Ohio: Too Big to Jail Fifth Third Bank shutting down two Butler County offices, as part of their plan to shutdown 130 offices by the end of the year.

Rhode Island: “I sadly inform you that the District’s financial position may force us to layoff all of our firefighters because we will be unable to pay them.  A collective bargaining meeting is scheduled with the union at 6:30 PM on Monday, August 31st.  If this last ditch effort is unsuccessful, layoffs will be discussed….”–Coventry Fire District

The non-profit mental illness Oasis Wellness & Recovery Center laid off seven employees and cut operating hours due to the loss of a state grant for “The peer support model”.   (don’t be surprised if there’s an increase in mass shootings in Rhode Island)

Tennessee: In Green County, contractor Renfrow Brothers suddenly lost their US Nitrogen contract, 350 jobs lost! Apparently the new contractor is not hiring on any of the Renfrow Brothers employees.  US Nitrogen administrators issued this statement “Changes to US Nitrogen’s contractor levels are a necessary and planned step in the complete of its state-of-the art facility.”  Local news reports make it sound like it was a surprise to Renfrow Brothers.  I’ve also discovered that US Nitrogen is fighting multiple lawsuits.  One plaintiff stated to news media that “They simply came on our land and proceeded to dig……The No Trespassing signs were removed by the workmen.”

Texas: Irving based animated pizza joint Chuck E. Cheese’s shutting down their Kingston, Ontario, Canada restaurant.  In 2014 Chuck E. Cheese’s was taken over by Apollo Global Management.  Administrators with Apollo Global told Canadian news media that the Kingston shutdown was the result of a “period of growth.”

Wisconsin: Johnson Controls halting Project Unity and eliminating 197 jobs in October!  In New Berlin, The Sportsman’s Channel laying off seven people in October.

29 August 2015: “…had to sell our three horses and three pigs, next it will be the Harley.” 

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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’ve never made money…I can’t go any further.” Idaho jacks up ObamaCare rates! Pro ObamaCare health service admits ObamaCare can’t pay the bills! Haggen, Ralph’s & Safeway reveal mass California grocer kill-off! : U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 26 August 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California: Washington based Haggen Foods issued mass shutdown WARNs for the following locations; 2 stores in Simi Valley, 2 stores in Tustin, 2 stores in Chula Vista, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Santa Clarita Valley (I previously reported on), La Mesa, San Marcos, San Ysidro, Bakersfield (I previously reported) and Los Osos, 620 jobs lost by October!    Kroger owned Ralph’s issued shutdown WARNs for their following grocery stores; Hermosa Beach, Santa Ana and Pico Rivera, 210 jobs lost by October!  Albertsons-Safeway issued yet another layoff WARN for Pleasanton, and a shutdown WARN for their Walnut Creek grocery store, 1-hundred jobs lost by October!   A company that claims to be “…the largest supplier of botanical ingredients in the U.S., for use in dietary supplements, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care…”, BI NUTRACEUTICALS, issued layoff WARNs for Emeryville and Santa Clara, 79 jobs lost by September.   ObamaCare probably was the real reason for two dental companies merging back in May, now Zimmer Biomet Dental issued shutdown WARNs for their Carlsbad ops, 279 jobs lost by the end of October!  Mountain View based tech company Intuit eliminating more jobs, this time 249 laid off!

Florida: Too Big to Jail American Express issued a WARN for their Weston office, 86 jobs lost in time for Thanksgiving.

Idaho: The state Department of Insurance has approved ObamaCare (Affordable Care Act) health insurance rate increases by as much as 26% in 2016!  It was also revealed that ObamaCare Idaho insurance rates have already gone up by as much as 15%!  Health insurance providers claim that they still payout far more than what they get in premium payments under ObamaCare, which means from the insurance industry perspective their own ObamaCare (they wrote the law folks) is a failure!   The wimp-ass state Department of Insurance director feebly said “In spite of our best efforts in working with carriers, health insurance rates will be increasing for some Idahoans in 2016….we urge consumers to review their plans and shop wisely…”

Illinois: Heavy vehicle maker Caterpillar killing even more jobs, this time 475 people to become unemployed as sales continue to crash!

Iowa: Unnamed news sources say Dethmers Manufacturing (aka Demco) eliminated a “substantial” number of jobs.

Maine: ObamaCare forcing the new owners of Mid Coast Health Services walk-in medical clinic to shutdown in September.  Administrators said ObamaCare is “…realigning health care services.”

Maryland: Sears Holdings revealed they will shutdown their California Kmart right before Thanksgiving, 71 jobs lost.

Montana: Slow internet service provider CenturyLink shutting down their Kalispell retail store in September.

Nevada: ObamaCare created Nevada Health Co-Op shutting down, admitting that it cannot make enough money under ObamaCare to pay for day-to-day operating costs! 

New York: Sears Holdings revealed they will shutdown their Appliance Repair Division in Melville, 31 jobs lost in time for Thanksgiving.  What construction industry recovery? San Mateo Construction is closing up shop in White Plains after losing their contract with utility con artist ConEd, 90 jobs lost by the end of the month.  Sterling National Bank issued WARNs for several offices, at least 11 jobs lost right before Xmas.  In Brooklyn, after six years Bergen Street Comics shutting down in September.  The owner refused to comment to news media, but there are reports that rents in that neighborhood have gone through the roof.  Taxpayer rip-off artist NRG Energy finally shutting down the money-pit Huntley coal fired electricity power plant, 90 jobs lost in 2016.  It was revealed the power plant has lost millions of dollars over several decades!  NRG Energy will also idle their Dunkirk power plant in January 2016.

North Carolina:  After 115 years (surviving The Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ Sutton Park Baptist Church.  Because of The Rapture, I mean declining membership, there are only about 18 members left.  But maybe it’s racism, after all the remaining members are ‘white’ and apparently no ‘black’ or ‘brown’ people want to join the church, according to local news reports.

Ohio: ObamaCare(?) forced taxpayer funded Ashtabula County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to layoff 17 people and reduce working hours for others.  Fluor BWXT warned 1-thousand 4-hundred people of mass layoffs at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant uranium decontamination operation in Piketon!  570 could be let go by 01 October!  Flour BWXT administrators blame a lack of taxpayer funding.  In Huber Heights, after six years Granny C’s Bakery shutting down due to skyrocketing operating costs: “A lot of my good friends, who’ve worked for me and who are still here are going to be jobless. We’ve never made money……When I get to the point where I don’t have any more money in my personal fund to switch over into the bakery funds to pay salaries, to pay ingredient costs, I can’t go any further.”-Rebecca McDaniel

Pennsylvania:  God refuses to stop what I call Disappearing Students Syndrome at ‘his’ La Salle University, 23 employees laid off due to a $12-million USD shortfall caused partly by crashing freshmen enrollments.

South Carolina: Greer based restaurant food supplier Ovation Brands was taken over by Texas based Food Management Partners (FMP).  As a result an undisclosed number of Ovation employees were laid off without warning: “FMP offered zero severance to the laid-off employees. No advanced notification was given either.”-unnamed former employee

The takeover of Ovation Brands will affect restaurant chains Ryan’s, Fire Mountain, Country Buffet, Old Country Buffet, Hometown Buffet and Tahoe Joes Famous Steakhouse.

25 August 2015: More A&P, Haggen shutdowns!

“If we weren’t a food desert before, we certainly are now!”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

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

More A&P, Haggen shutdowns! Idaho says solar & wind power cost customers mo money! : U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 25 August 2015

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California: In Santa Clarita Valley, only four months after its grand opening Haggen Foods announced it is shutting down within the next 60 days.  It’s part of Washington based Haggen’s plan to dump dozens of former Albertsons and Safeway stores they were tricked into buying.

Idaho: Since 1978 renewable energy contracts with the Public Utilities Commission lasted 20 years, but not anymore.  Contracts will now be as short as two years.  An investigation by state regulators discovered that 20 years contracts actually increased renewable energy prices for customers.  Solar and wind power companies argued against shortening the contracts.

Kentucky: In Owensboro, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ Precious Blood Catholic Church daycare center.  Church administrators say the daycare center is $60-thousand USD in debt.

Maine: After 17 years the Aqua City Actors Theater shutting down blaming the landlord for jacking up the rent.

Massachusetts: Tufts University laid off four people, reports say more layoffs are in the planning. More proof tech is not recession resistant, Boston based fitness app maker RunKeeper laid off 16 of its employees.  The CEO said they have to start selling more stuff.  In Westfield, Soup’s On has been put up for sale, will shutdown at the end of the month.  The owner is recovering from an injury.

Minnesota: In International Falls, after more than seven years the Ben Franklin Crafts store shutting down by September.  The owner tried to sell the store, but nobody wanted it.

New York: Too Big to Jail First American International Bank issued a shutdown WARN for their Forest Hills office.  Restaurant Associates lost their contract with Too Big to Jail Capital One, 37 jobs lost by October.

North Carolina: Charlotte based 127 years old upscale department store Belk has been sold-off for $3-billion.  Administrators swear no stores will be shutdown or employees laid off.  Famous last words as I’ve yet to see the sale of a company not result in at least employee layoffs.

North Dakota: In Fargo, farm vehicle maker CNH Industrial launched a fourth round of layoffs since last year, this time 34 people will become jobless in September, bringing the total layoffs to almost 2-hundred since November 2014!  Also in Fargo, after 27 years One World Boutique shutting down in September, due to the owner’s health problems.

Pennsylvania: The Education Plus Cyber Charter School in Abington shutdown without warning, 1-thousand families affected!  The state Department of Education did not like the charter school’s “education model”, even though parents reported great success with their ‘special needs’ children.  In York County, the Department of Labor & Industry published a shutdown WARN for Coyne Textile Services, however they did not reveal how many people will become unemployed.  In Philadelphia County, the Department of Labor & Industry published a mass shutdown WARN for A&P (The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company) grocery stores, without revealing how many people will be laid off.

Washington: Tax sucker Boeing warned its employees of mass layoffs in connection to military spending cuts for satellites, and recent failures of commercial launches of Boeing satellites.  “Several hundreds” could be laid off by Xmas!   Haggen Foods announced they will shutdown their Spanaway grocery store in October, 62 jobs lost.  What construction industry recovery?  In Tacoma, lumber provider Interfor suddenly shutdown, 127 jobs lost!  And China (Taiwan) based tech company HTC killing more jobs in the U.S., this time 85 people were laid off in Bellevue.  15 days ago HTC laid off 47 people throughout Washington.

23-24 August 2015: “Go Donald Trump! You’re nothing compared to me!”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

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.”