World War 3, Economic Front: U.S. job losses & store closings 26 February 2013. Tens of thousands let go!

Too Big to Jail, JP Morgan, announced they are cutting 15000 employees by the end of 2013!  They need to save $3 billion USD!

In Minnesota, Best Buy laying off 400 people at their Richfield HQ!  Company officials said they needed to eliminate $15 million in administrative costs!  Also, the State Patrol will close its Baxter Dispatch Center.

In California, the Walnut Valley Unified School District laying off at least 15 teachers. The school district is trying to save $12 million over the next two and a half years.  And the Calexico Unified School District are considering laying off employees as well. 16 people could lose their jobs. School officials blame decreased federal funding.

In Alabama, the Birmingham Board of Education considering laying off 133 employees and closing seven schools!  They need to save $8.8 million!

In Virginia, the Richmond School Board will close two schools and layoff 42 people. They blame a multi-million dollar budget shortfall.

In Greenwood, South Carolina, Lander University expects a big drop in student enrollment and a $1.2 million shortfall.  They will layoff employees and raise tuition: “Tuition went up probably $2,000 since last school year, so it’s a pretty big increase.”-Tanner Poore, student

In Connecticut, the Middlesex Community College ended its preschool programs. They blame reductions in state funding.

In Louisiana, the Orleans Parrish Criminal District Court will layoff employees and cut pay.  The reason? There ain’t no mo money: “It’s no secret that money’s running out.  Clearly, we have to make drastic cuts.”-Robert Kazik, court adminstrator

Lockheed Martin laying off more people, again.  This time 68 people lost their jobs at the Forth Worth, Texas,  operation.  After 27 years in business, the RSO Sports Bar in Houston closed down.  Also in Houston, the DePelchin Children’s Center shut down its Elkins residential treatment center.  44 people unemployed. The owners blamed the closing on the changes being made to how federal and state governments reimburse for the treatment of children with severe mental, emotional and behavioral problems.  In Victoria, the Rings-N-Things store closed down.  After 30 years the owners decided it was time to retire.

In Michigan, Menards hardware store closing its Centerpointe location.  Company officials say they want to find a better location.  And in Bay City, the Rudy’s Red Lion Diner closed.

No more Lionel Trains in TennesseeDream Machines Lionel Trains in Collierville shut down.  The owner blames internet competition.

Restaurant Señorita Burrita closed down in The Shoppes at Landis Valley.  It’s the second Señorita Burrita to close in Pennsylvania.

In New York, Queensbury’s Montcalm Restaurant will close after this summer.  The property is being sold to a shopping center developer.  And in Bay Shore, the Smokin’ Al’s BBQ Joint closed due to legal problems involving the sewer system.

Scandinavian goods dealer, Viking House, closed in Concord, New Hampshire.  The owners say the retail market is so bad, that they’re better off focusing on their landscaping business.

In Illinois, the Winnetka Antique Emporium shut down after 40 years in business.

In Ohio, the Bravo Brio closing two restaurants. Company officials blame the bad economy: “Either the market just didn’t develop as we expected or, frankly in certainly one case, the market just moved away.”-Saed Mohseni, CEO

The West Oaks Mall, in Ocoee, Florida, announced it will shut down. The mall is being sold, and it’s hoped the new owner will revive it.

In Colorado, the Sleep-N-Aire closed after 23 years. They made custom mattresses.  The store manager blamed increased competition and the bad economy.