Tag Archives: education

Business/Economics, Idaho

“I just can’t compete with what’s going on out there…”: U.S. Job Losses & Closings 31 December 2015

https://youtu.be/WeK3jszNf6Y

National Association of Realtors says pending home sales dropped for the third time in four months.  It’s blamed on high prices and low inventory.

Arizona: In Sierra Vista, after 20 years Peacock Restaurant and Z Bar shutdown, the owners blaming many things but especially a crazy hike in rent.  Tucson based Carondelet Health Network laid off 1-hundred people!

California: Drugs maker KaloBios Pharmaceuticals now chapter 11 bankrupt busted after two of its administrators quit when their former CEO (infamous for jacking up cancer drug prices astronomically) was arrested for frauding investors!   More proof internet based businesses are not recession resistant; a day after grocery delivery service Instacart (once valued at $2-billion USD) revealed it laid off 12 employees, administrators announced they are jacking up their delivery fees by 50%!  In San Diego, after 38 years Pacific Beach Community Garden shutdown after selling out to a property developer.

Connecticut: Hartford Health Care eliminating 120 jobs at Windham Hospital!  

Idaho:  The state Public Utilities Commission has accepted monopoly Idaho Power‘s 20 years operation plan.  The plan includes shutting down a coal fired plant and passing on the shutdown costs to captive customers.  The ‘lawmakers’ of The Gem State allow Idaho Power to operate as a monopoly.

Illinois: In Bloomington, Kep’s Country Kitchen shutting down after selling out to a competitor.  God refuses to stop ObamaCare from forcing ‘his’ Hospital Sisters Health System to end inpatient healthcare services at Saint Mary’s Hospital, other services are being consolidated to other hospitals, 3-hundred jobs affected!   Winter Storm Goliath has shutdown historic sites Fort de Chartres, Fort Kaskaskia and Pierre Menard Home with record floding from the Mississippi River.

Indiana: In South Bend, Yummy Cupcakes shutting down Gregorian New Year’s Eve: “Unfortunately traffic hasn’t been….what we hoped it would be. It just came to the point where there’s not enough coming in.”-Larry Katz, owner

Iowa: Bridgepoint Education-Ashford University moving ahead with shutting down its Clinton campus in 2016, at least 50 jobs lost.  In 2011 the university had 959 full time students, in 2015 full time enrollment dropped to 418!    Pier 1 Imports shutting down their 20 years old Crossroads Center Mall store, no further details given, the mall manager told local news that he only just found out himself.   In Ames, after less than two years Julieann’s home decor shop shutdown: “I just can’t compete with what’s going on out there now.”-Julie Brooks, owner

Kentucky: In Bowling Green, after 25 years the Shake Rag Restaurant shutting down after Gregorian New Year’s Day.

Massachusetts: Partners HealthCare System shutdown their Spaulding Hospital for Continuing Medical Care North Shore, 3-hundred jobs lost! 

Michigan: In Eaton Rapids, Davidson’s Old Mill Yarn shutting down their retail operations after 94 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions).  Wholesale operations will continue, at one point they employed 75 people.

Minnesota: In Minneapolis, the Burnet Gallery shutting down.  It’s located in the Le Meridien Chambers Hotel, which was sold-off in August and the new owners apparently don’t like art galleries.

Missouri:  Winter Storm Goliath has shutdown the Smartt Field Airport with record flooding from the Mississippi River.

Montana: A guest writer (and dairy producer) in The Missoulian has revealed that a state regulation is forcing local dairy producers to shutdown.  It’s called Amended Rule for Milk Inspection Fees.  The writer warns even more dairy ops, like his, are about to be shutdown and he wants the public to take action.

New Jersey: More proof internet/high-tech jobs are not recession resistant; Mercer County Community College announced it is eliminating as many as 24 IT jobs.  After 33 years J&G Pet Food and Supply shutdown after the owner was kidnapped and beaten.  To add insult to injury the owner wasn’t even the guy the retarded kidnappers wanted!

New York:  In Albany, after 56 years restaurant Justin’s being shutdown by the A-hole State Liquor Authority.   In Village of Lyons, no more village police department due to the Village merging with next door Town of Lyons.

North Carolina: In Greensboro, after 66 years Cashion’s Furniture and Decorating shutting down in January 2016.  The current owner will continue as an interior design consultant.

Ohio: In Columbus, after 40 years Bernies Bagels & Deli shutdown due to property re-development in the University District.

Oklahoma: Drysdales Western Wear laid off at least 20 people from its Tulsa warehouse.  It’s part of the company’s plan to shift to more internet sales.

Oregon:  In Eugene, after 56 years Serv-U Market shutdown, the owners sold-out to a big grocery store chain and the sale forbids them from saying which chain.

Pennsylvania: No more Manny, Moe and Jack? Philadelphia based auto parts chain store Pep Boys being sold for $1-billion USD to Icahn Enterprises, expect layoffs and shutdowns.

Texas:  Dallas based phone service AT&T ending its two years contract because it can’t afford to continue subsidizing it.  Starting in January 2016 potential customers will have only two choices of plans.  In Wichita Falls, the last full service Shell fuel station (on Taft and Midwestern Parkway) shutting down.  The owner sold the property, which he admitted had “environmental issues”.

Washington: Illinois based KapStone Paper & Packaging laying off 25 people at its Longview operations, blaming crashing demand for paper products.

Washington DC: Restaurant Mio shutdown, supposedly a new “concept” will take its place.

West Virginia: Murray Energy laying off more than 1-hundred coal miners due to the crashing coal market.   State ‘lawmakers’ shutting down the National Guard Armory in Keyser.  The ‘lawmakers’ are trying to save money by consolidating armories.

Wisconsin:  Pastiche Bistro and Wine Bar shutting down its Bay View location in favor of its Milwaukee location.   News reports say Jefferson County suffered at least 1-thousand 42 job loss WARNs, making it the hardest hit of Scott Walker’s Right to Work you over counties in 2015!

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’re not seeing any growth.” Warren Buffett kills more jobs! Investment funds see 2016 as Bad Year! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 30 December 2015

Alabama:  Yet again, Walter Energy eliminated hundreds of jobs, this time 319!  Earlier the bankrupt coal miner eliminated 794 jobs between July and November!

Arizona: After 46 years Oasis Bedroom shutting down all four furniture stores, blaming competition from national chain stores.  In Prescott, Hooligan’s Pub and the bar Swagger shutting down after Gregorian New Year’s Eve.  The owners blame health problems for forcing them to retire early.

California:  More proof internet based businesses are not recession resistant; grocery delivery service Instacart (once valued at $2-billion USD) laid off 12 employees. Administrators also stated they “no longer need to maintain such an aggressive hiring pace”  in 2016.   Cupertino based Apple computers has essentially admitted to tax evasion charges in Italy.  Apple wil pay the equivilant of $347.7-million USD to settle unpaid Italian taxes from 2008 to 2013.

Colorado: In Colorado Springs, after three years Lucha Cantina shutdown.  The operators are consolidating their food ops to fewer restaurants.

Hawaii:  The Fresh Cafe Downtown and Fresh Cafe Kakaako shutdown with little warning.  It’s blamed on a dispute between the co-owners.

Now employee owned Norco in Chubbuck, Idaho

Idaho:  More rebellion against the 30+ years old Right to Work you over laws as yet another company is taken over by its employees.  Boise based Norco, “the nation’s largest privately owned welding, safety, medical and gas supplier”, is now 35% owned by its employees under the ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)!  Utility company Idaho Power begging wealthy customers to make donations to Idaho Power’s privately funded Project Share, which helps low income people pay their winter heating bills.  Between October 2014 and September 2015 a measly $200-thousand USD has been raised for Project Share.  The Gem State does not have taxpayer funded social programs to help people pay their utility bills, yet taxes in the Right to Work you over state are unusually high for so few social programs.

Illinois: Overpriced (at least here in Idaho) Big Lots! shutting down their Rockford East State Street store in January 2016.

Kentucky:  A building collapse has shutdown several businesses in Brooksville, some permanently.   Local news reports say the vacant building along Miami Street had a history of problems, and was last listed as being worth a piddly $1-thousand USD.  City administrators are working with the current owners of the building to figure out what to do.  The owner of next door Carota’s Pizza says “This is devastating to us and other businesses. I hate being closed. We have been trying to shift around employees, but I may lose some employees because they need the work.”

Louisiana:  Department of Wildlife & Fisheries ending deer hunting season early due to radical weather causing record flooding from the Mississippi River.

Minnesota: After 43 years Borgstrom’s Hallmark gift store sutting down in 2016 because “We’re not seeing any growth.”

Mississippi:  Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks ending deer hunting season early due to record flooding from the Mississippi River.

Montana: Signal Peak’s Bull Mountain Mine under threat of shutdown due to state permit problems, 320 jobs threatened!

New York:  NYC based ‘investment’ fund Seneca Capital Investments being shutdown by its owner, all investments supposedly being returned to the investors because 2016 is looking to be a bad year for investments: “I am no longer able to continue making the commitment and sacrifices required to run outside capital. Despite negligible redemption requests and increasing market opportunities that are the result of a challenging year in event-driven investing, I cannot in good faith start next year with the dedication required to manage your capital.”-Doug Hirsch  

North Carolina: DAL (Delta Air Lines) Global Services (aka DGS) laying off 56 employees contracted to work for American Airlines at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.  In Charlotte, after 18 years Cosmo Cafe shutting down in January 2016.  The owner decided he could make more money renting out the property.

North Dakota: In Grand Forks, after 47 years locally owned auto parts store H.E. Everson shutting down, blaming the encroachment of national chain auto parts stores since the oil boom.  At one time there were 19 H.E. Everson stores across two states.

 Pennsylvania:  Once again, God not as powerful as ObamaCare as Saint Joseph’s Hospital is shutting down, at least 675 people unemployed by March 2016!  Because of ObamaCare hospital services are being consolidated into fewer locations.

South Dakota:  Veterans Affairs wants to shutdown the Hot Springs VA Medical Center, 418 jobs lost by 2020!  Analysts say it’ll result in the regional economy losing $55-million per year!

Tennessee: In Memphis, Kroger shutting down their Hickory Hill Road grocery store, blaming 10 years of low sales. Administrators say the 17 years old store has not made a profit since 2006.

Texas:   The second largest U.S. rail company, Fort Worth based and Warren Buffett owned BNSF, laid off 1-hundred people in North Dakota and Minnesota, blaming crashing freight shipments!

Utah: In Logan, the Golden Corral all you can eat buffet shutdown.  According to local news reports this followed a ten week span that saw Gold’s Gym, Dunkin Donuts and Sports Authority shutdown in Logan.  The city’s Economic Development office told local news sources that based on tax revenues the economy is still good there in Logan/Cache County!

Wisconsin: Door County Rubber Stamp & Scrapbooking shutting down their 22 years old Egg Harbor store.  Like many other businesses the owners are consolidating retail operations into fewer stores.

U.S. Job Losses & Closings 29 December 2015: “We were blindsided….It’s like a funeral 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

“We were blindsided….It’s like a funeral here.” 70-thousand U.S. oil jobs gone, more of the same in 2016! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 29 December 2015

Arizona:  In Phoenix, after 30 years Ofelia’s bridal shop shutdown.

California:  More proof video games are not recession resistant; on Xmas day Laguna Hills based Red 5 Studios informed its employees it did not have enough cash to issue their Xmas time paychecks!  Unconfirmed reports that Red 5 Studios also laid off employees in November and December.  All year long clothing maker Hudsloan Enterprises advertised that it was looking for employees for its “rapid growing clothing” operation. Now Hudsloan is shutting down its Los Angeles operations in February, 265 jobs lost!   Upscale sunglasses maker Oakley issued a layoff WARN in Foothill Ranch, 76 jobs lost in February 2016.   Failing to prove its graduated students can find good paying jobs France based Le Cordon Bleu shutting down its Pasadena cooking school in February, 126 jobs lost!  In Fontana, motion control company Parker Hannifin issued a shutdown WARN, 69 jobs lost in February 2016.  In San Francisco, British empire based U.S. taxsucking BAE killing more U.S. jobs, this time 63 people laid off.  Tax sucker Boeing issued several layoff WARNs, 79 jobs lost in February 2016.  TGI Friday’s shutting down their Carlsbad restaurant, 45 jobs lost by the end of February 2016.  In Los Angeles, Hyatt Regency Century Plaza shutting down in March 2016, at least 796 jobs lost!  In Kerman, massive farm layoffs as Gerawan Farming-Prima issued a shutdown WARN for February, 2-thousand 551 jobs lost due to the ongoing drought!

Georgia:  In Atlanta, after five years Cafe Jonah and the Magical Attic shutting down by the end of February 2016: “Our landlord is not renewing our lease and intends to sell the property. I have been searching for the past year for a comparable space that we could call home, but have not found anything…”

Indiana: Michigan based Bagger Dave’s Burger Tavern shutting down seven restaurants due to lack of sales.  Only one Bagger Dave’s will remain in Indiana.

Iowa: In Cedar Rapids, a 30 years old Burger King fast food joint shutting down in January 2016, because of the greedy property owner: “The lease came up and our rates went up. We wanted to do a scrape and rebuild, but we just couldn’t do it economically on a leased piece of ground. It just doesn’t make sense.”-Perry Beaton, franchise owner

Kansas: In Topeka, Mad Eliza’s Cakes & Confections shutting down their brick-n-mortar store and focusing on catering only: “The many extra expenses and workload of keeping and stocking a storefront can only be justified when there is a line at the counter a large portion of the time…”-Mark and Peggy Murnahan, owners

Maryland: The GAP clothier shutting down in the Westfield Annapolis Mall.  After 33 years the last Wavedancer store in Baltimore shutting down in January 2016.

Massachusetts:  After almost six years Persnickety Toys shutdown their Pittsfield location due to down holiday sales: “I did have the option to not close dependent upon the outcome of the holiday season, but I’m afraid that while it was pretty busy, it just wasn’t busy enough.”-Mike Moore, owner of Pittsfield store

Another 30 years old fast food joint shutdown, this time in Hadley.  The KFC (aka Kentucky Fried Chicken) shutdown due to low sales and higher labor costs: “We just can’t make money here anymore with the minimum wage increase and new part-time sick leave. Things weren’t that great anymore, but those things were the final nail.”-Mike Houston, franchise owner

Michigan: Only seven years old Bagger Dave’s Burger Tavern chain shutting down a restaurant in Detroit, blaming lack of sales.   Bankrupt California based American Apparel shutdown its Lansing store without warning.

Missouri: In Jefferson City, after 37 years Kirlin’s Hallmark gift store shutting down by the beginning of January 2016.

Nebraska:  In Lincoln, the Russ’s Market (formerly Food-4-Less) at 70th and Van Dorn streets shutting down by the end of January 2016, the parent company is consolidating grocery ops into fewer stores.

New Mexico: In Silver City, after ten years non-profit fiber art store The Common Thread shutdown.  The operator said sales weren’t high enough to pay the utilities.

New York: In Soho, Italian steakhouse Costata shutdown and looking for a cheaper location.

Pennsylvania:  In York, Metso Minerals issued a WARN saying 71 jobs lost by February 2016.  Too Big to Jail FNB-Metro Bancorp-Metro Bank eliminating 230 Dauphin County jobs by February 2016!  In Pottsville, Ryder issued a WARN saying 95 jobs lost by March 2016.  In Brackenridge, ATI Flat Rolled Products issued a WARN saying they will eliminate 259 jobs by the end of February 2016!  After 101 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) the non-profit Mahanoy City Visiting Nurse Association killed off by skyrocketing costs and lack of donations.    In Wayne, after 34 years Newman and Saunders Galleries shutting down next week.  The owners are selling the property and will focus on internet sales only.   The state Game Commission says not enough hunting licenses were sold and they must furlough two employees.  In Reading, upscale clothier The Archive shutting down, the owner blames low sales on a bad location.  Michigan based DTE Energy shutting down their Shenango coke plant in January 2016, 173 jobs lost: “We were blindsided….It’s like a funeral here.”-Mike Ruane, employees’ union rep

Texas: The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas estimates that since October 2014 at least 70-thousand oil industry jobs have been lost: “Job losses and falling energy prices portend continued distress for the oil and gas sector in 2016…..      If bankruptcies continue at this rate, more may follow in 2016. Upstream firms have also adjusted to low oil prices by slashing capital expenditures; spending is down 51% from fourth quarter 2014 to third quarter 2015.”

Washington: In Bellingham, after 20 years Vis Seafoods shutdown its brick-n-mortar store and shifting to internet orders only.

Washington DC:  After eight years the Hello Cupcake shop in Dupont Circle shutting down.

West Virginia: In Montgomery, after 107 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Elk Furniture shutting down: “It’s um something I have been seeing come, for several years business has slowed down. You can’t run a business without money…..we don’t see how things are going to pick up any time soon.”-Ella Mae Jones, owner

U.S. Job Losses & Closings 28 December 2015: “this will be an humanitarian crisis under the flag of the United States” 

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.”

U.S.

Dumbing Down the United States, 4th Quarter 2015: “Students and their families are also facing steep increases in prices…”

Disappearing Students Syndrome (DSS): A phrase created by me to describe a phenomenon taking place across the United States, affecting both privately and publicly funded schools, from Kindergarten all the way through University levels.

Incomplete list of publicly announced education layoffs & school shutdowns from October to December 2015:

Prestigious France based Le Cordon Bleu shutting down all 16 schools in the United States! In the past decade graduates have been accusing the 115 years old cooking school of ripping them off, saying school recruiters lied about how much a cook can be paid after graduating. The U.S. Department of Education agrees and is ending federal student loan funding for Julia Child’s alma mater.

California: In Santa Rosa, after 23 years the privately run animal shelter and children’s summer camp McDonald Ranch shutting down because evil A-hole city administrators revoked their license to operate.  The owners are looking for homes for everything from guinea pigs to horses.  They’re now forced to sell the property.  In San Diego, Bridgepoint Education laid off six people.  Failing to prove its graduated students can find good paying jobs France based Le Cordon Bleu shutting down its Pasadena cooking school in February, 126 jobs lost!

Florida: Dade Medical College shutdown all its campuses without warning, thousands of students and hundreds of employees out in the cold!  Basically school administrators realized they are flat broke (for numerous reasons)!   In Port Saint Louis, Teacher’s Pet and More education supply store shutting down due to nobody wanting to take over the 30+ years old business.

Idaho: The evil and corrupt School District 25 (aka Pocatello/Chubbuck school district) fired a food service worker for giving a starving child a free lunch valued at a measly one dollar and 70 cents!  On top of that the A-hole District 25 administrators sent the good samaritan (now former) employee a letter stating they consider her act of charity “theft”!  The former food service employee told new sources she offered to pay for the meal herself but that offer was rejected by her supervisor: “…what are you supposed to do when the kids tell you they are hungry and they don’t have any money?”-Dalene Bowden, hero District 25 food service worker fired for trying to feed starving children

The rip off artist known as Your Health Idaho ObamaCare enforcer is being cut loose from federal funding. For 2016 Your Health Idaho is expected to fund itself, which guarantees rates will go up.  And for more proof Idaho lawmakers’ version of ObamaCare is evil: “Students and their families are also facing steep increases in prices for policies offered on the state exchange, with average prices for a minimal coverage ‘bronze’ plan exceeding $200 per month.”-from staff report recently presented to Idaho Board of Education

The U.S. Department of Education says Idaho’s High School graduation rate is 41st out of the 50 states and Washington DC!    College of Southern Idaho revealed that 30% of its student body are still in High School!  The imbecilic Idaho Board of Education realizes that it’s a sign of a ‘significant’ change in college student body demographics (you think?).  What this really shows is a mass exodus of traditional college age students from Idaho!  According to the Idaho Department of Education more than 60 school districts saw decreasing enrollment, even though the overall statewide enrollment levels were up from last year.  For unknown reasons School District 2 (West Ada) is seeing the lion’s share of enrollment increase, far outpacing the next four districts with the top enrollment.    School District 151 is now suddenly short $15-million USD after convincing taxpayers to issue new bonds!  District administrators blame an architect from the School District 25 area for grossly under-budgeting new construction projects!  That architect admitted as much adding that “I feel sick.”   Test score rankings of home educated Idahoans versus traditional schools (yeah, the ones in blue are the homeschooled results).  Homeschooling is one reason why taxpayer funded public schools are losing students.  According to Idaho Coalition of Home Educators there’s an estimated 7-thousand kids being educated at home, in a state with a total official population of 1.5-million.  The reason the number of homeschool kids is an ‘estimate’ is that The Gem State does not have any laws regarding the tracking or even state testing of home educated kids.  In related news (and something I wish happened when my kids were attending School District 25), a local judge has ruled that West Ada School Board violated the state Constitution by charging fees.  In fact the ruling reveals just about all Idaho public schools are violating the state Constitution: “So we’re hoping that moms and dads will ask these questions about ‘Why are you charging fees when they’re unconstitutional?’”-Russell Joki, West Ada School Board member who actually agrees with the court ruling

Illinois:  Black Hawk College warned it must eliminate jobs to cover a $1.5-million shortfall.  Rock Valley College eliminating 30 jobs due to the failed state ‘lawmakers’ failing to come up with a budget.  Richland Community College laying off staff and refusing to pay MAP grants to students, blaming the failed state ‘lawmakers’ for failing to come up with a budget!   In Obama’s homie-town three charter schools being shutdown; Lighthouse Academy, Amandla High school and Betty Shabazz-Barbara A. Sizemore Academy.  Apparently they’ve failed to meet performance standards.   Since October the Illinois State Museum has been closed due to the Failed State ‘lawmakers’ failing to come up with a budget.  Now local news reports say two thirds of the staff have been forced to retire early, or quit!

Indiana: In Terre Haute, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ John Paul II Catholic High School.  The school was opened in 2000 but cannot generate enough cash to continue operating.  (so money is the true god?)

Iowa: In West Des Moines, Kingdom Kids Academy shutdown. News reports say administrators refuse to say why, but employees say new management suddenly backed out and quit.  Bridgepoint Education-Ashford University moving ahead with shutting down its Clinton campus in 2016, at least 50 jobs lost.  In 2011 the university had 959 full time students, in 2015 full time enrollment dropped to 418!

Kentucky:  In Louisville, after 35 years the Parent-Teacher Store & Toys Too shutting down in 2016, blaming crashing sales and skyrocketing operating costs.

Massachusetts: In Ware, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ Saint Mary’s School after 91 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) of education.  It’s blamed on what I call The Rapture, I mean what I call Disappearing Students Syndrome (they’re down to just 32 students). 

Michigan:  Kent City Community Schools shutdown their elementary school, blaming water service problems.   Detroit Public Schools selling off 16 schools and eliminating bilingual jobs!  News reports indicate that the elimination of bilingual personnel could lead to students being taken out of school, which will further reduce funding for the dip-noodle school district.  East Jackson School District announced they must layoff six teachers due to unexpectedly low student enrollment.

Minnesota: In Austin, Riverland Community College joins the new trend of eliminating nursing programs and laid off six nursing instructors and halted the enrollment of new nursing students!  Administrators blame ObamaCare saying “We’re making changes in the curriculum so that our program is more reflective of the health industry today.” 

Missouri: God refuses to stop ‘his’ Evangel University from using attrition to eliminate 44 jobs by next school year.  33 faculty and staff have already been forced into early retirement.

Montana: The University of Montana eliminating 201 jobs due to what I call Disappearing Students Syndrome.  Since 2011 the University of Montana has lost nearly 5-thousand students!

New Jersey: More proof internet/high-tech jobs are not recession resistant; Mercer County Community College announced it is eliminating as many as 24 IT jobs.  

New York: God refuses to stop ‘his’ College of Saint Rose from laying off 23 people after Xmas.  Briarcliffe College issued a shutdown WARN, 294 jobs lost by December 2018!

North Carolina:   College apartment complex operator Campus Crest shutting down their HQ and eliminating 70 jobs by February 2016. Campus Crest is being sold-off.

Ohio: In North Olmsted, the Butternut Primary School shutting down after this school year.  Administrators are playing a property shell game promising to eventually build a new school.

South Dakota: In Sioux Falls, after 38 years non-profit Kilian Community College announced they’re shutting down in May 2016. Administrators blame a rapidly changing higher education environment.  God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ Christian Center School (after 35 years of service) at the end of this school year.

Tennessee:  In Union, Deb ‘n Heir kids clothing store shutting down after 55 years.  When asked why he didn’t have barcodes on his merchandise the owner proved the new tech age is actually dumbing people down when he responded “Most of it I just kept in my head.”

3rd Quarter 2015:  “To save that kind of money, you have to do something drastic….It’s a necessary evil.”

Dumbing Down Japan: ‘Secret’ order to eliminate ‘thinking’ classes revealed! 

Business/Economics

U.S. cities declare war on homeless people! “this will be an humanitarian crisis under the flag of the United States” : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 28 December 2015

In 2015 dozens of evil U.S. cities, and even states, ‘declared war’ on homeless people despite the fact that the Failed State policies of ‘lawmakers’ are creating more and more homeless families: Portland, Oregon.  Seattle, Washington. Boise, Idaho. Denver, Colorado. Hawaii. Etc.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors recently released their 33rd annual assessment of hunger and homelessness in 22 U.S. cities.   The capital of the United States, Washington DC, leads the pack with an explosive 60% jump in homeless families!  Families becoming homeless far outpace individuals becoming homeless, and many city administrators see no change for 2016.  If that isn’t proof your system qualifies as an official Failed State, then you’re a proverbial Frog in a Boiling Pot.

Alaska: Proof of a Failed State; ‘lawmakers’ in The Last Frontier state are now considering a personal income tax for the first time in 35 years, blaming crashing revenues from the oil industry.  Never mind the fact that ‘lawmakers’ just spent bookoo bucks on building themselves a “palatial” new legislative building.

Arkansas: After 25 years Mister Magic brick-n-mortar shop shutting down and shifting to internet sales only.

California: Abercrombie Kids shutting down their Milpitas clothing store in January 2016, at least 41 jobs lost.   New York based clothier Suchman issued mass shutdown WARNs for several locations across The Golden State, 204 jobs lost by April 2016!    In Santa Clara, more proof high-tech not recession resistant as Citrix Systems issued a layoff WARN, 54 jobs lost in January 2016. In Brea, customer management company Alta Resources laid off 121 employees!  In San Diego, Bridgepoint Education laid off six people.  What construction industry recovery?  In Fresno, PPG laying off 45 people from their residential glass factory in January 2016.  In Carson, HVAC company Anemostat revealed they laid off 89 people. Morrison Healthcare Food Service ended their Chico operations, 87 jobs lost.  In Rancho Santa Margarita, RSM Automotive & Towing issued a layoff WARN, 77 jobs lost by February 2016.   The Montecito Country Club issued a layoff WARN, 44 jobs lost in February 2016.  In Pleasanton, Albertsons-Safeway continues with the layoffs, this time 66 people unemployed by February 2016.

Georgia:  In Gainesville, after 31 years Frames You-Nique shutting down due to the owner’s health problems.

Florida: In Mission Bay, the Toys R Us shutting down by the end of January 2016.

Illinois:  Since October the Illinois State Museum has been closed due to the Failed State ‘lawmakers’ failing to come up with a budget.  Now local news reports say two thirds of the staff have been forced to retire early, or quit!

Indiana: After 45 years the Mark III Tap Room shutting down at the end of the month.

New Jersey:  Bankrupt California based American Apparel shutting down their Newport Centre store in January 2016.  It should be noted that the bankruptcy documents partly blame skyrocketing rents.

New York: In Buffalo, Dog é Style hotdog joint shutting down by January 2016.

North Carolina: In Oak City, the owner of Klub Xplosion shutting it down due to increasing violence.  In Cary, Firewurst sausage joint shutting down: “After nearly 3 years of toil and sacrifice to build a local brand that could ultimately become a national franchise, we have come to the conclusion that our brand is…..not sustainable.”

Puerto Rico: The governor of the U.S. territory stated they cannot continue making payments on the government debt: “We’re out of cash…..there are no more tricks…this will be an humanitarian crisis under the flag of the United States very soon if Congress do not act.”-Alejandro Garcia Padilla, interviewed by CNN

South Carolina:  More proof internet/high-tech is not recession resistant; 3D Systems shutting down its Cubify.com website and ending its retail 3D printed operations.

U.S. Job Losses & Closings 25 – 27 December 2015: Nevada penalizes homeowners for going ‘Green’!

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

Idaho employees still behind the 8-Ball despite 3% pay raise! Nevada penalizes homeowners for going ‘Green’! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 25 – 27 December 2015

Japan based Toshiba concluded an internal investigation into book-cooking and discovered that past corrupt administrators ripped off the company by at least $1.3-billion USD.  The result is that 7-thousand 8-hundred people around the world will lose their jobs!  This affects Toshiba ops in the United States, such as the South Texas Project (Toshiba owns 87% of Pennsylvania based nuclear power plant maker Westinghouse).

California: In Newark, bio-company StemCells warned 25% of its employees of impending layoffs due to “restructuring” caused by legal tangles involving the state stem cell funding agency CIRM.    In South San Francisco, drugs maker Threshold Pharmaceuticals announced layoffs that would leave it with only 20 employees! It’s blamed on their Phase 3 failed drugs.  Another drugs maker, KaloBios Pharmaceuticals, in big trouble after two of its administrators were arrested for frauding investors!  The company now faces NASDAQ de-listing.

Connecticut:  Failed golf TV network Back9Network now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  Back9 went off the air in February and laid off most of its employees.

Georgia: In Decatur, after 39 years the 17 Steps gift shop shutting down by the end of January.

Idaho: State ‘lawmakers’ decided to give state employees a 3% pay raise, yet the Idaho Press-Tribune says state employees are still paid 22% below the ‘market average’ for state government employees across the U.S.  My own short experience working with state employees at Idaho State University revealed that the pay disparity gets even worse when you break it down by region, yes, state employees are not paid uniformly across The Gem State.  It was also revealed that the state Department of Health and Welfare experienced a 15% employee turnover rate in 2015, blamed mainly on low pay rates!  So much for Right to Work you over laws!  For more news on the sad state of Idaho, the U.S. Department of Education says Idaho’s High School graduation rate is 41st out of the 50 states and Washington DC!

Indiana: What automotive industry recovery?  New car parts maker Indiana Marujun (IML) shutting down its Winchester factory, 750 jobs lost by the end of 2016!  It’s blamed on the planned shutdown of the Honda factory.

Kansas: In Topeka, the non-profit health care Marian Clinic shutting down affecting at least 4-hundred low income patients.  Local news reports say the Shawnee County Health Agency is experiencing a steady increase in patient inquiries since the announcement that Marian Clinic was shutting down.

Maryland: In Westminster, after 25 years the Hickory Stick bangle shop shutdown: “Expenses are up, and the sales are not following suit.”-Sandy Scott, owner

Nevada: Proof government doesn’t want ‘green’ businesses and there is no such thing as ‘free market economics’ in the United States; California based solar panel maker SolarCity leaving The Silver State because the state Public Utilities Commission jacked up fees charged to people who put solar panels on their homes, and reduced how much electric power companies have to pay those home owners for extra power generated by the solar panels.  The net result is that people who put solar panels on their homes will actually see their electricity bill go up by about $40 per month!  Up till now analysts say Nevada homeowners with solar power panels had reduced their electricity bill by a measly $15 per month.  Evil utility companies demand that even people who go off the power grid should still have to pay to support that evil grid!  SolarCity’s exit from The Silver State could affect at least 2-thousand jobs!

New York:  In Manhattan, restaurant City Hall shutting down on New Year’s Eve.

North Carolina: Morrison Healthcare Food Service shutting down their Pinevale operations, 80 jobs affected by February 2016.   Morrison lost their contract with Carolinas Healthcare System.

Ohio: God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ 1-hundred years old (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Saint Matthew Lutheran Church in Mansfield.  Supposedly it’s being taken over by a competing version of christianity.

Oklahoma: The state Board of Equalization predicts $900.8-million USD less in tax revenues for next fiscal year due to the collapsing oil industry.

Texas: In Austin, it was revealed that Mijos Tex-Mex Cantina shutdown without warning, back in November.

Utah: In Orem, after 53 years the Vineyard Garden Center shutdown, the owner said “Too old, too tired.” 

Virginia: In Alexandria three local mom-n-pops shutdown; Bradlee Shoe Repair, Monroe’s Shoe Repair and Mancini’s Cafe & Bakery.

Wisconsin: In Wausau, after 51 years Hadley Office Products shutting down.  The retiring owners found a buyer for the business, hoping to keep the employees employed.    Reports say the new owner will keep on ten employees.

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

“Since December 1…business has dropped precipitously!” Taxpayer funded Green biofuel plant shutdown! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 24 December 2015

Alaska:  In Bethel, the non-profit Association of Village Council Presidents must eliminate 30 jobs blaming crashing revenues.  Remaining employees will see pay cuts ranging from 5% to 10%.  However, local news reports point out the jobs cuts come after the federal government paid the non-profit $9-million USD to settle a contract dispute!

Arkansas: Bentonville based Walmart announced it will adopt the Sears Holdings plan of action and shutdown 30 stores in the South American country of Brazil!  Many of those stores would then be rented out to other retailers.  In North Little Rock, after only 11 months Sassy Cake Lady bakery shutdown without warning.  The owner said the rent is too high and she will return to operating a bakery out of her house.

California:  In the midst of economic disaster state ‘lawmakers’ just gave Senate employees a pay raise!  Aren’t you happy taxpayers overjoyed?  San Ramon based oil giant Chevron revealed it laid off 1-thousand 2-hundred people in Australia!   It’s part of Chevron’s plan to eliminate 7-thousand jobs around the world!  In San Francisco, 1960s iconic patty melt maker Lucky Penny Coffee Shop shutting down on Xmas Eve, because of a greedy property developer.  In Huntington Beach, after 70 years Unicorn Sports Center shutting down after Xmas.   Bankrupt busted American Apparel shutting down their original store in Echo Park after Xmas, administrators call the shutdown of their first store a “turning point”.

Connecticut: After 65 years DeCarlo’s Thrifty Cleaners and Formal Wear shutdown, the owner blames skyrocketing unemployment and taxes: “We used to have two pick-up and delivery trucks on the road in the 1960s. We were the only cleaner on this side of Naugatuck. There was another cleaner on the other side of town. We basically were very busy during the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s.  Uniroyal started eliminating the jobs in town, so business started slowing down…….The taxes in Naugatuck are way too high and unfortunately you can’t make a living profit anymore. So I just decided to actually retire.”-Rocco DeCarlo junior

Florida:  Trash collectors Frederick J. Hanna & Associates issued a WARN saying 13 people in Plantation will become jobless in February 2016.

Georgia: In Atlanta, Manuel’s Tavern shutting down after being sold-off to a property developer.

Illinois: In Kankakee, Space Center Distribution Chicago warehouse is shutting down, 46 jobs lost by March 2016.  It’s blamed on the loss of a contract with Big Heart Pet Brands.

Iowa: In Shell Rock, farm equipment maker Unverferth Manufacturing conducting another round of layoffs, this time an undisclosed number of employees will become unemployed in January 2016.  Last month Unverferth laid off about 48 people, blaming crashing sales.  At a campaign rally in Keota High School, Hillary Clinton stated she would shutdown at least half of the schools in the U.S.: “…I wouldn’t keep any school open that wasn’t doing a better than average job.”

Louisiana: More proof the internet is not recession resistant; newly created New Orleans based “pop-up” elitist events dining sensation Dinner Lab already eliminating jobs.  30 employees let go as company administrators shift to contract workers.

Massachusetts: Without warning trucking company Crystal Motor Express laid off 75 employees, saying “Since December 1, 2015, Crystal Motor’s business has dropped precipitously…”

Michigan: In Detroit, after 35 years The Lark restaurant shutting down on Xmas Eve.  In Calumet, after 27 years Rowe Furniture shutting down when the inventory is gone, the owners said “The economic conditions haven’t been the best. We’re getting to where we want to retire.” 

Minnesota: In Moorhead, after 16 years the Tesoro fuel station on 8th Street shutting down on Xmas Eve.  The family owners blame an upcoming road construction project.  What auto industry recovery? In Perham, after 90 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) the Matz and Greiff autoshop/car dealer shutdown.  The current owner essentially blamed it on the computerization of cars.  Up until 2004 Matz and Greiff was a Chrysler new car dealer.

New York: Only ten months after its creation outrageously priced drugs maker Turing Pharmaceuticals now eliminating an undisclosed number of jobs, after their A-hole CEO and founder was arrested for ripping off investors.   The founder of Turing Pharmaceuticals is the guy who jacked up the price of a cancer drug from $13.50 per pill to $750.00 per pill!   In Bronx, after 55 years Zaro’s Bakery shutting down after Xmas, the owner blames the greedy property manager: “After almost 60 years, this is the notice we get? No chance to bid on the space, no chance to try to keep business?”-Michael Zaro

Ohio: EnerSys Delaware shutting down their Cleveland battery factory, by May 2016, 95 jobs lost.  In North Olmsted, the Butternut Primary School shutting down after this school year.  Administrators are playing a property shell game promising to eventually build a new school.  In Findlay, the Brazier Dairy Queen on Lima Avenue shutdown.

Tennessee: In Chattanooga, after 40 years The Book Rack shutting down.  The current owner now understands why the previous owner sold her the store for only one dollar, back in 2013!  In Vonore, chemical giant DuPont shutting down its taxpayer funded renewable ethanol refinery after Xmas.  No reason has been made public, so far (I found an article from last week that revealed that DuPont is shifting focus to a new patented biofuel tech called the C1 platform by Dyadic International).  It should be noted that state taxpayers shelled out $70-million USD to help DuPont and the University of Tennessee build the ‘green’ Vonore refinery in 2007.

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

“cash flow negative” “…time to pack up.” “This is absolutely a trend.” No more Jamba Juice? Idaho schools get mean, fires people over $1.70 lunches! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 23 December 2015

What housing market recovery?  The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that sales of existing homes crashed in November, down 10.5% from October (which, by the way, were revised downward from previous reports), and down by 210-thousand sales compared to November 2014!  By region: NorthEast down by 9.2%, South down by 6.2%, MidWest crashed by 15.4% and the West also crashed by 13.9%.

California: Emeryville based Jamba Juice announced it is shutting down 30 stores in Illinois and New York, 104 jobs lost!  Administrators said the stores “are cash flow negative”.  The evil city of Oakland spent $72-thousand tax dollars evicting homeless people from 162 homeless camps!  That’s a lot of homeless people, gee I thought there was an economic recovery Barack Obama?   A famous ‘Hollywood’ junkyard that nobody knows about is shutting down.  The Aadlen Brothers Auto Wrecking (aka U Pick Parts) junkyard has been used in dozens of TV shows, especially police/crime shows, over the years but is now shutting down due to crashing revenues.  Another problem is that the junkyard is also an unofficial abandoned cat refuge estimated to have dozens of homeless cats.  Efforts are being made to capture the cats and find homes for them.  In Santa Monica, restaurant Cadet shutting down after the Gregorian New Year’s Day: “…it was not financially viable and will be doing their best to reposition the staff…”-official statement

Florida:  MV Transportation issued a WARN saying 80 people in Orlando will lose their jobs by mid-February 2016.

Idaho:  More proof public school systems are covert Concentration Camps! The evil and corrupt School District 25 (aka Pocatello/Chubbuck school district) fired a food service worker for giving a starving child a free lunch valued at a measly one dollar and 70 cents!  On top of that the A-hole District 25 administrators sent the good samaritan (now former) employee a letter stating they consider her act of charity “theft”!  The former food service employee told new sources she offered to pay for the meal herself but that offer was rejected by her supervisor: “…what are you supposed to do when the kids tell you they are hungry and they don’t have any money?”-Dalene Bowden, hero District 25 food service worker fired for trying to feed starving children

More proof Idaho’s version of ObamaCare is meant to kill you.  The state Department of Health and Welfare is slashing Medicaid payments for in-home care of mentally disabled people.  Already, in-home care operation A New Leaf, in Meridian, is shutting down and eliminating 39 jobs as a result.  Many more in-home care operations will be shutdown as the draconian state ‘lawmakers’ want to warehouse disabled people in institutions.  (better do your research to find out what happened the last time people were warehoused in institutions, it not pretty)

For more proof your Gem State ‘lawmakers’ are out to get you, a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals court judge ruled that your ‘elected’ lawmakers act with extreme hatred (“animus”) regarding things like animal rights: “The overwhelming evidence gleaned from the legislative history indicates that (the statute) was intended to silence animal welfare activists, or other whistleblowers, who seek to publish speech critical of the agricultural production industry….a review of the (statute’s) legislative history leads to the inevitable conclusion that the law’s primary purpose is to protect agricultural facility owners by, in effect, suppressing speech critical of animal-agriculture practices.”-B. Lynn Winmill

Wild turkeys seen near Inkom, Idaho

Did you pay too much for your holiday turkey?  Producers blame a shortage of the big birds for high store prices but the state Department of Fish and Game claims there are so many wild turkeys in eastern Idaho that they’re asking for a special “expanded” hunting season.  Turkeys are not native to Idaho and their growing population is considered a threat to native game birds.

Now to northern Idaho where the city of Dalton Gardens wants to spend local taxpayer funding on birth control, not for humans but for deer!   Despite the fact the deer were there first city administrators say there are too many and they’re destroying property values, so they want to spend tax dollars on a vaccine that will prevent pregnancies for at least two years.   This is the same animal-people hating city that gave us politician “…Vito Barbieri, who famously asked a physician during a February House committee hearing if doctors could perform gynecological exams remotely by having patients swallow tiny cameras.”

Indiana: The girls prison called Muskegon River Youth Center, in Ladoga, shutting down 20 jobs threatened.  News reports gave this ominous reason; “….will close for a few months and will re-open as a slightly different type of facility.”

Kansas: News reports say Overland Park based cell phone company Sprint has begun its planned $2-billion USD in layoffs/cost cutting a month early!    The layoffs were originally to take place by the end of January 2016, now Sprint administrators say the undisclosed number of massive layoffs will be “largely completed” by the end of January.  Don’t forget, Sprint administrators claim they’re hurting for money so much that for employees laid off after January 2016 the severance package will be cut in half!

Montana: State ‘lawmakers’ are shutting down the Montana Developmental Center.  State representative Denise Hayman (who is opposed to shutting MDC down) says mentally handicapped patients are already being transferred to prisons!     

New Jersey:  The Tenafly Swim Club chapter 7 bankrupt busted.  The New Jersey Pool Manager’s Association says it’s proof there ain’t no economic recovery: “This is absolutely a trend.  We’ve gone from having 54 pool clubs to 45 in our association in about 10 years.”-Ray Roig

New Mexico: In Farmington, after five years the SNS Skate Shop shutting down when the inventory is gone: “The year’s been very slow for everyone that I’ve talked to. I just decided that it was time to pack up.”-Daniel Diswood, owner

Ohio: Forrester’s on the River shutdown after a quagmire of lost business and legal battles.   Railroad operator Norfolk Southern shutting down one of its coal docks, blaming crashing demand for coal, 30 jobs lost as soon as the coal is gotten rid of.

Pennsylvania:  After 43 years of feeding hundreds of hungry families every week the Chester County Food Kitchen shutdown.  The operators blame crashing donations and skyrocketing costs of operation.

Texas: In Fort Worth, after 25 years Shelton’s Barber Shop shutdown.

Virginia: In Fredericksburg, after 11 years Hop & Wine shutting down in January 2016.  The owner blamed many factors including state booze laws.

Wisconsin: Chieftain Sand & Proppant Barron revealed it laid off 63 people.  It’s connected to the oil industry’s fracking operations.

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

Idaho screws over firefighters! Scott Walker reigns supreme as layoff king! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 21 – 22 December 2015

Alaska:  Snow Goose Restaurant and Sleeping Lady Brewery shutting down after being sold to a competitor.

California: In Laguna Woods, the Albertsons-Safeway owned Vons grocery store shutting down in January 2016, officially blaming the greedy landlord.  ITT issued a shutdown WARN for its Perris office, at least 18 jobs lost by February 2016. In Bakersfield, C&J Well Service issued a layoff WARN, 161 people jobless by February 2016! KVS Transportation issued a layoff WARN, 111 people jobless by February 2016! In Foothill Ranch, clothier The Wet Seal laying off 20 employees by February 2016.  In Santa Clara, Marvell Semiconductor eliminating 13 jobs by February 2016.  In San Mateo, Sony Mobile eliminating 80 jobs in February 2016.  Medical vascular care company Abbott Vascular shutdown their Redwood City ops, 144 people now jobless!   In Sonoma, El Darado Hotel & Kitchen issued a shutdown WARN, 113 employees will become unemployed in February 2016!   Sun Edison eliminating 20 jobs by February 2016.

Connecticut:  In Wallingford, after 25 years Furniture Solutions shutting down after Xmas, blaming radically changing buying trends.

Idaho:  Avista Utilities jacking up both electricity and natural gas rates for its Gem State customers.  The increase was approved by the evil Idaho Public Utilities Commission.  It’s been revealed that the incompetent Idaho ‘lawmakers’ spent $715-thousand of your tax dollars fighting legal cases to prevent ‘gay marriage’!  Guess what, don’t fight a fire if you’re expecting to be paid by the state! It’s been revealed that The Gem State lawmakers do not normally pay firefighters hired at the last minute to fight wildfires! This year state ‘lawmakers’ have agreed to pay last minute local fire fighting hirees 65% of what is considered “standard rate” for contracted firefighters!  The rip off artist known as Your Health Idaho ObamaCare enforcer is being cut loose from federal funding. For 2016 Your Health Idaho is expected to fund itself, which guarantees rates will go up.  And for more proof Idaho lawmaker’s version of ObamaCare is evil: “Students and their families are also facing steep increases in prices for policies offered on the state exchange, with average prices for a minimal coverage ‘bronze’ plan exceeding $200 per month.”-from staff report recently presented to Idaho Board of Education

Illinois: In Chicago, the 25 years old event center Redmoon Theater shutdown without warning saying “There is no funding model for this civic and social artistic vision…..” 

Massachusetts:  Brockton based office furniture supplier W.B. Mason laying off 2-hundred people right before Xmas!  Administrators admitted it was the result of their takeover of 13 competitors!

New Jersey:  After 140 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Kirby Bros animal feed and supply store shutting down after Xmas.  The owners blame ‘Global Warming’ saying the warmer weather allows farmers to graze their livestock longer, obviating the need for feed.  Japan based drugs pusher Daiichi Sankyo issued a WARN saying 24 people will be laid off in February 2016.

New York:  In New Dorp, a 16 years old Wendy’s burger joint shutdown without warning.  News reports say employees were telling customers the greedy landlord would not agree to a new affordable lease.  NRG Energy issued a shutdown WARN for their Huntley Generating Station, 72 jobs lost by June 2016.  Switzerland based Credit Suisse Securities issued a mass layoff WARN for their NYC employees, 307 jobs affected by March 2016!

North Carolina:  Legal software company LexisNexis is eliminating at least 2-hundred jobs over the next five years!  How many of those job losses will take place in North Carolina is important because in 2012 state ‘lawmakers’ gave LexisNexis $9-million USD in tax breaks in exchange for creating 350 new jobs by 2017.

Ohio: Lakewood Hospital being shutdown in favor of a smaller clinic operation.

Pennsylvania: The GAP and GAP Kids shutting down their Palmer Park Mall clothing stores in January 2016.  In Montgomery, Conair issued a WARN saying 44 people will become jobless by the end of February 2016. What automotive industry recovery?  In Lehigh, Westport Axle issued a WARN saying 50 people will be laid off by February 2016.  In Lackawanna, Master Halco issued a WARN saying 50 people to become unemployed in February 2016.

South Carolina: In Simpsonville, JB’s Barbeque forced to shutdown due to the owner’s head injuries.

Texas:  In Atascocita, after 24 years Gifts & Silver shutting down in January 2016.

Washington: What construction industry recovery?  Omak Wood Products issued a shutdown WARN, 184 employees unemployed in February 2016!   Hoquiam Plywood Products issued a layoff WARN, 90 people jobless in February 2016.

West Virginia: In Charleston, after 51 years the Fas-Chek grocery store shutdown, blaming competition.

Wisconsin:  Manitowoc Cranes shutting down its Port Washington operations, 80 jobs lost by August 2016.  2015 is on its way to being the biggest year for layoffs under Right to Work you over govna Scott Walker’s reign of terror, more than 12-thousand jobs lost, and that’s going just by the official WARNs!

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

“….all companies need to create real business.” Too Big to Fail banks killed by Oil Industry! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 14 – 20 December 2015

Prestigious France based Le Cordon Bleu shutting down all 16 schools in the United States! In the past decade graduates have been accusing the 115 years old cooking school of ripping them off, saying school recruiters lied about how much a cook can be paid after graduating. The U.S. Department of Education agrees and is ending federal student loan funding for Julia Child’s alma mater.

Arizona: Phoenix based The Room Store now bankrupt busted and will conduct mass layoffs by February 2016.  At least 10 stores could be shutdown, it’s blamed on crashing sales.

Arkansas: In Little Rock, the Brown Sugar Bakery shutdown, the owners said brick-n-mortar stores don’t work anymore and will try running a bakery out of a food truck.  After 30 years Silvek’s European Bakery shutting down in March 2016.   Sweet Love Bakery shutting down in January 2016, the owner blames lack of holiday sales: “Normally December we make enough money to float us through that slow time. This year we just weren’t seeing the same orders.”-Kelli Marks (normally they have 6-hundred cookie/cupcake orders for December, but this year only about 1-hundred orders were placed!)

California:  Texas based Halliburton laid off 16 more Bakersfield oil industry workers.  In San Francisco more evidence the internet is not recession proof, internet furniture seller One Kings Lane laid off 89 employees.  Administrators said it was the only way they “…can further accelerate the pace at which we innovate and execute on behalf of our customers and vendors while continuing to meet our financial goals.”

Connecticut:  In Manchester, after 67 years the Optical Style Bar shutting down after Xmas.  The retiring owner said his three adult children are not interested in taking over the business.  What housing market recovery?  Stamford based Seaboard Properties now bankrupt busted after two of the owners discovered their books were being cooked: “Recent events caused …..to become increasingly concerned that the operations and finances of the company were not as they had been represented…..”-company statement

Florida:  In Tallahassee, Proof Brewing shutting down their Tennessee Street location, the owners want to focus on just one brewing operation at a time.  So much for ObamaCare; health insurance company Preferred Medical Plan issued a layoff WARN saying they lost so many customers that they must now eliminate 162 jobs in February 2016!  In Port Saint Louis, Teacher’s Pet and More education supply store shutting down due to nobody wanting to take over the 30+ years old business.

Illinois: In Chicago more evidence the internet is not recession proof, internet advertising company Centro laid off 29 employees.   CEO Shawn Riegsecker admitted corporate America is bullshitting everybody about profits and said “We’re at a moment where all companies need to create real business.”  The company that owns The Dispatch and Rock Island Argus newspapers is moving printing ops to Iowa, at least 18 jobs lost.

Iowa: In Des Moines more evidence the internet is not recession proof, electronic payment company Dwolla eliminated 12 jobs, and like most corporations, said it’s necessary for “growth”.   Farm vehicle maker Deere (John Deere) continues to kill jobs, this time 45 people in Waterloo will be let go in January 2016.  In Boone, after 116 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Eckstein’s Jewelry shutting down after Xmas.  The current owners blame crashing sales.  In Newton, Don’s Town & Country appliance repair shop shutdown after more than 40 years of service.

Kansas: In Hillsboro, Nancy’s Fashions shutdown after 27 years.  The Kansas Aviation Museum is drastically reducing operating hours for 2016, resulting in at least two people losing their jobs.   Wichita based Spirit AeroSystems is bribing its Kansas and Oklahoma employees to quit or retire early.  Administrators would only say it’s necessary “…to meet the current needs of our business.”

Kentucky:  In Saint Matthews, The Feed Bag shutdown after 28 years of yummy Reubens.  The property was sold, the owner said it was time to try something new.  In Louisville, after 35 years the Parent-Teacher Store & Toys Too shutting down in 2016, blaming crashing sales and skyrocketing operating costs.

Maine: In Augusta, Stacy’s Hallmark gift store shutting down after 43 years.  The family owners revealed sales have been crashing and burning for several years now.

Massachusetts:  24 years old Nantucket based Island Airlines shutdown without warning.   In Ware, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ Saint Mary’s School after 91 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) of education.  It’s blamed on what I call The Rapture, I mean what I call Disappearing Students Syndrome (they’re down to just 32 students).

Michigan:  East Jackson School District announced they must layoff six teachers due to unexpectedly low student enrollment.

Minnesota: In Aurora, Zup’s Food Market forced to shutdown in January 2016, the owner Jim Zupancich bemoaned the crashing mining industry “We did everything we could. We’ve really been fighting this since May…..      ……a bundle of things that led to the closing, including LTV Mining near Hoyt Lakes shutting down in 2000/2001, with 1,500 employees losing their jobs. Then about a year ago, Mesabi Nugget shuttered for at least two years if not permanently. Meanwhile, now only half of the six taconite mines on the Range are operating, and about 2,000 mine workers are unemployed!” 

In Winona, the 65 years old West End Bait shop shutting down after Xmas, the property was sold-off.

Nebraska: In Fremont, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ First Christian Church after 125 years of service (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions).  The property is for sale and there are indications that competition from other churches done them in (so much for ‘christian’ charity and brotherly love).

New York: Community Papers now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, it affects 21 newspaper operations across The Empire State!  Too Big to Jail Citigroup will begin eliminating at least 2-thousand jobs in January 2016!  The latest reports blame huge money losses from loans to the oil industry! The town of Hamburg eliminating 29 jobs and blaming it on ObamaCare!  ObamaCare (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) resulted in jacking up healthcare costs for the city so much that the only way they can pay for it is to eliminate jobs!

North Carolina: In Asheboro, after 43 years Southern Wholesale shutting down before Xmas.  In Elkin, after 25 years Carol’s Wedding Shop shutting down after Xmas, due to the owner’s health problems.

North Dakota: Yet another Fargo business going down, Garden Hut shutdown, the owner blamed climate change (mild winters & major flooding in Spring) for destroying his sales.

Ohio: In Dayton, the Denny’s restaurant shutdown without warning, the administrators were not happy with the lack of sales.   In Windham, after 35 years the Sparkle Market grocery store shutdown, the owner blamed declining local population for his declining sales.  What automotive industry recovery? Titan Tire (GoodYear) issued a layoff WARN saying at least 130 employees will become unemployed by February 2016!  Administrators say the outlook for industrial tire sales in 2016 is bad!  The city of Lorain eliminating 40 jobs, mainly cops and firefighters.  City administrators blame crashing tax revenues for a $2.3-million USD shortfall, the crashing tax revenues are the result of major employers conducting mass layoffs/shutdowns.  In Colerain Township, the Big Lots overpriced discount store shutting down.  Their lease is expiring and they weren’t able to find a better location so they’re shutting it down.   In BeaverCreek, Stride Rite shutting down their Greene Town Center shoe store by March 2016.  In Findlay, after 60 years Groman’s Music shutting down, the owner lamented “The world has changed, and I haven’t changed with it.”  Lakewood Hospital Foundation shutting down their Thrifty Peddler resale shop after Xmas.  Administrators said “circumstances change”.

Oklahoma: Tulsa based oil company New Gulf Resources now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.

Pennsylvania: What automotive industry recovery, what construction industry recovery? In McConnellsburg, construction vehicle maker JLG notified 55 contracted employees of layoffs in January 2016.  It’s connected to parent company Oshkosh’s declining sales.  North Carolina based truck maker Mack will eliminate 4-hundred Lower Macungie Township jobs in January 2016!  In DuBois,  after more than 50 years Ben Rossi Jeweler shutting down after Xmas.  Trib Total Media shutting down newspapers The Valley Independent and The Daily News after Xmas, 87 jobs lost.  In Dickson, the Ethan Allen furniture store shutting down in February 2016.

South Carolina: Century Aluminum continues to kill jobs, this time their Berkeley County potlines being shutdown, resulting in an undisclosed number of layoffs right before Xmas.

South Dakota: In Sioux Falls, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ Christian Center School (after 35 years of service) at the end of this school year.  Administrators would only say to news media that they prayed a lot.

Tennessee: In Knoxville, after 34 years The Lunchbox restaurant shutdown.  In Union, Deb ‘n Heir kids clothing store shutting down after 55 years.  When asked why he didn’t have barcodes on his merchandise the owner proved the new tech age is actually dumbing people down when he responded “Most of it I just kept in my head.”

Texas:  Irving based oil company Magnum Hunter Resources now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, claiming $1.4-billion USD of debt!  Houston based oil industry tool maker Cameron International issued a layoff WARN saying 55 people will be let go by February 2016.

Virginia: Coal mining giant Alpha Natural Resources continues killing jobs, this time 138 people in Raleigh and Boone counties learned they were being laid off right before Xmas!  British empire based U.S. tax-sucking BAE laid off 160 people at its Norfolk shipyard!  Last month BAE laid off 185 people.  In Lynchburg, the Odd Fellows retirement home shutting down due to violations of state licensing standards.

Wisconsin: In Madison, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ British empire based Salvation Army Thrift Store.  Administrators said it was not worth it to renew the lease.

12-13 December 2015:  oil industry is full of shit, hands out $100,000 bonus to all employees! 

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.”