Jobless

Strong consumer demand and supply shortages test economy with rapid uptick in inflation

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits moved up last week to 332,000 from a pandemic low, a sign that worsening COVID-19 infections may have slightly increased layoffs.

Events this weekend showcased the intense bifurcation of America into two separate realities. As our country observed the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, former presidents gathered, sans Donald Trump, in New York for a solemn ceremony — wearing masks even though they are fully vaccinated and were outside.

'Often paid better than working'

The expiration of jobless benefits could fuel a sharp spending pullback.

More than 7 million unemployed people will lose their jobless benefits on Monday after federal programs expire, according to the Washington Post.

340K Americans filed for first-time jobless benefits in the week ended Aug. 28.

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose for the first time in five weeks even though the economy and job market have been recovering briskly from the coronavirus pandemic.

States with Republican governors are leading the U.S. economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, while those run by Democrats – which tended to impose lengthier and stricter lockdowns on businesses – are faced with significantly higher unemployment rates. 

For Fadi Achour, the general manager at Delta Hotels in suburban Detroit, September can’t come soon enough. He is operating with less than half his normal staff. Room service and overnight cleaning has been nixed. The restaurant has limited hours and a bare-bones menu.