California: In San Francisco, Roosevelt Tamale Parlor shutdown due to the owner’s “health issues” (so much for ObamaCare).  In Mission Viejo, five years after making a “comeback” Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour shutting down after the Gregorian New Year’s Day.

Georgia: In Decatur, after two years Sobban restaurant shutting down so the owner can focus on his restaurant in Atlanta.

Hawaii:  The Children’s Place in the Windward Mall shutting down after Xmas.  No explanation by administrators, but it’s a clothing store so it should be obvious.

Illinois:  The Sugar Mama Bakery shutting down their Bloomington store, to “be more efficient”.  Japan based train maker Nippon Sharyo eliminating an additional 60 jobs in February 2016.  They already killed off 181 jobs due to problems with their prototype!  In Lakeview, after 39 years The Alley counterculture store shutdown, the pissed-off owner Mark Thomas says “This construction here just slaughtered us….somebody walked in and made an offer I just could not say no…”

Iowa: The Gap, GapKids and babyGap stores in the Kennedy Mall shutting down after Xmas.  They’re clothing stores, so it should be of no surprise.  What automotive industry recovery? Commercial Vehicle Group shutting down their Edgewood factory and moving production to Mexico.

Maryland: Giant Food shutting down their prescription drugs distribution center, 90 jobs being lost to a contractor.

Michigan: Bain Capital affiliated Toys R Us shutting down their 45 years old Southfield store after Xmas.

Minnesota: In Saint Cloud, SNAP Fitness shutting down after Xmas.

Nebraska: In Lincoln, after 23 years music venue Knickerbockers shutting down, the owners blaming it on a property development conspiracy by city administrators: “…we kind of got the impression the city was very interested in this happening.”-Chris Kelley, co-owner

New Jersey: After 70 years Mattson’s Family Market shutdown, the owners blamed competition by corporate grocery stores.

New York:  In Ulster, Sports Authority shutting down the day before Xmas.  Local news media said administrators refuse to explain, it’s a sportings goods store so it should be obvious.  In Ridgewood, after 17 years 1/2 Price Kids clothing shop shutting down after Xmas.  After 57 years the suck-ass economy killing-off Slaterville Volunteer Ambulance Service.  It will cease ops after Xmas due to lack of volunteers. In Glen Falls, after only one year Rare Earth Wine Bar shutting down after Xmas because “…we have not made one penny of profit and it’s simply time to throw in the towel.”

Oregon: After 14 years Hood River Sewing & Vacuum shutdown: “I would have liked to have sold, but I put the word out and in the industry the consensus is that stores like this, unless they’re a lot bigger, just don’t sell. Based on talking to vendor reps and other owners I know, I decided to close.”-Eileen Utroske, co-owner

Pennsylvania:   Strawberry Patch Hallmark card store shutting down after Xmas.  Woods n Water furniture and pool store shutting down next week, due to the owner’s health problems.

Tennessee: Dupont shutting down the last of their Chattanooga  factories after Xmas.

Virginia: Taxsucker Newport News Shipbuilding laying off an additional 7-hundred people in February 2016, blaming decreased spending by a broke U.S. government!

Wisconsin: After 132 years (surviving The Great Depression and several recessions) Ashland Jewelers shutting down after Xmas.  Bank Mutual shutting down four locations, as well as suspending its employee retirement plan!  Administrators say the economy is so bad they need to cut costs by at least $1-million USD per year!   

01-03 December 2015:  “Before Christmas…we’re all going to lose our jobs!”

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.”