Economic Analysis Initial Jobless Claims Overall, MI, CA (July 23, 2026)

Monitoring weekly initial unemployment claims provides a quick snapshot of the labor market. It shows whether employers are hiring or laying off workers and offers an early indication of economic trends. Recent national data show unemployment claims trending downward, a positive sign that is also reflected in large states such as California.

In Michigan, recent changes in unemployment claims reflect the state's strong connection to manufacturing. A short-term increase in claims, caused mainly by temporary manufacturing slowdowns, was followed by a quick decline of claims. This suggests that while manufacturing remains vulnerable to short-term disruptions, the sector continues to show resilience.

Strengthening Manufacturing

To keep manufacturing competitive, states should focus on three key areas:

• Support Innovation: Encourage businesses to invest in new technologies and modern manufacturing through policies that promote innovation.
• Develop the Workforce: Expand technical education, higher education, apprenticeships, and job training so workers have the skills needed for advanced manufacturing.
• Invest in Communities: Strong infrastructure, quality schools, housing, environment (trees), recreation, healthcare, and reliable broadband all help attract and retain skilled workers.

Preparing Workers for Change

Manufacturing is becoming more automated and technology-driven, making continuous learning more important than ever.

• Build More Skills: Workers who develop a wider range of skills through training, certifications, and experience are better prepared for changing job markets.
• Encourage Reskilling: Helping workers transition into new careers when industries change reduces unemployment and strengthens the overall workforce. Online education can help in this area. 

Although manufacturing will continue to experience occasional ups and downs, the overall decline in unemployment claims points to a healthy labor market. By investing in innovation, workforce development, and modern infrastructure, states can create a stronger manufacturing sector and a more resilient economy.

Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report (July 23, 2026)

• In the week ending July 18, seasonally adjusted advance initial unemployment claims fell by 22,000 to 187,000, bringing the 4-week moving average down to 207,500.

• Seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for the week ending July 11 decreased by 2,000 to 1,796,000, with the insured unemployment rate remaining unchanged at 1.2 percent.

• On an unadjusted basis, total initial claims dropped by 53,718 (-21.8%) to 192,296 for the week ending July 18.

• Unadjusted insured unemployment for the week ending July 11 rose slightly by 13,891 (0.8%) to 1,853,567.

• For the week ending July 11, the highest unadjusted insured unemployment rates were recorded in New Jersey (2.6%), Puerto Rico (2.6%), Rhode Island (2.3%), Massachusetts (2.2%), and Minnesota (2.2%).

Overall Trends, CA, and MI:

• Overall Trend: Initial unemployment claims showed a notable decline in mid-July, dropping to 187,000 seasonally adjusted, while the 4-week moving average continued its downward slope to 207,500. Insured unemployment levels remained largely steady around 1.8 million with a stable 1.2% rate, indicating stable labor market conditions nationally.

• California (CA) Trend: California experienced a continuous decline in new initial claims, dropping by 2,311 for the week ending July 11 and falling further by 3,932 to an advance level of 39,473 for the week ending July 18. However, continued insured unemployment increased by 9,055 to 347,249 (1.9% insured unemployment rate).

• Michigan (MI) Trend: Michigan experienced a sharp temporary surge in initial claims for the week ending July 11 (+3,143 to 12,538), driven by manufacturing industry layoffs. This spike reversed in the following week with a steep decrease of 4,977 claims to 7,561 for the week ending July 18, alongside a minor increase in insured unemployment (+3,205 to 51,684).

U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. (2026, July 23). Unemployment insurance weekly claims (News Release USDL 26-1263-NAT). https://www.dol.gov

The Benefits of Rowing: A Full-Body Workout for Fitness and Health

(Illustrative Only)

While you might feel 
initially intimidated
if you stick with it, 
then you will look
like the others. 

Rowing is a lot of fun, and I haven’t been able to do much of it lately because I’ve been in Michigan. I would love to get back into it here—maybe find a shell for sculling and get out on the bay on a calm morning or explore some of the quieter areas where the water is clear. That would be a great experience. Unfortunately, where I am now doesn’t offer the same opportunities as one might find in San Diego where the weather is nice most of the year (The UP has other comparable but rowing could be part of the line up eventually just like sailing has grown.)

California is a great place for rowing, especially around Mission Bay. There are several excellent rowing options, including yacht clubs, a women’s rowing club, mixed-gender rowing clubs, and college programs. You’ll see people rowing on the bay all the time. If you don’t have access to a boat, though, you can still get a great workout using a rowing machine. Most gyms have them, and they provide an excellent way to build fitness, especially during the winter months when outdoor rowing is more difficult.

Rowing is an incredible cardiovascular workout because it burns a significant number of calories while also building strength. Similar to high-intensity interval training, it improves endurance, increases oxygen capacity, and challenges the entire body. It also places beneficial stress on the bones, which can help improve bone density. Because rowing engages the legs, core, back, and arms, it is truly a full-body exercise.

You don’t see many dedicated rowers who are out of shape. When you first start, it can feel intimidating because many people around you may already be highly conditioned. Remember, everyone started somewhere. If you stay consistent, continue practicing, and focus on healthy nutrition, you will see progress over time.

If you need help getting started, I’m a fitness trainer by trade. Feel free to send me a message or email, and we can put together a virtual plan with a few check-ins along the way to help you build your fitness and reach your goals. muradabel at gmail dot com

The Physiology of Rowing with Perspective on Training and Health

• Reviews the physiological demands of rowing and explains how the sport requires coordinated use of the legs, core, and upper body while placing high demands on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
• Highlights aerobic capacity as a key factor in rowing performance, with elite rowers demonstrating exceptionally high oxygen uptake and endurance.
• Describes the physical adaptations to rowing training, including improvements in heart function, muscle strength, and overall cardiovascular fitness.
• Discusses how rowing technique, body mechanics, and anthropometric characteristics contribute to efficient performance and competitive success.
• Concludes that regular participation in rowing provides significant health benefits and supports long-term cardiovascular health while identifying areas for future physiological research.

Volianitis, S., Yoshiga, C. C., & Secher, N. H. (2020). The physiology of rowing with perspective on training and health. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 120(9), 1943–1963. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04429-y

Escanaba City Countil Meeting July 16th, 2026: Master Plan, Economic Development and Poised for Investment

 Reviewing Escanaba's recent City Council meeting, it's clear that a great deal is happening. The city appears to be positioning itself for future growth, and that's encouraging to see. From the outside looking in, officials seem to be addressing many of the fundamental elements of long-term economic development. Investments in infrastructure, efforts to attract new businesses, and continued support for community assets such as the waterfront, marinas, rivers, parks, and hiking trails all contribute to making the community more competitive.

One of the most important pieces of any economic development strategy is attracting anchor businesses. These larger employers create an economic ecosystem by generating demand for suppliers, service providers, logistics, and complementary industries. Manufacturing, wood products, transportation, and related industries often reinforce one another through shared infrastructure and supply chains. Bringing in a few high-quality anchor employers can create a ripple effect that supports dozens of smaller businesses throughout the region.

At the same time, it's equally important to cultivate entrepreneurship. Downtown revitalization isn't driven solely by large employers—it also depends on attracting innovative startups and small businesses. Ideally, these companies would appeal to both local residents and tourists while creating products or services that can be sold well beyond the local market. Businesses with export potential bring outside dollars into the community, helping to grow local wealth rather than simply circulating the same dollars within the region (It is possible to brand and market for this demographic.).

For a smaller community to outperform expectations economically, it must look beyond serving only its local population. Sustainable growth comes from combining local manufacturing, entrepreneurship, innovation, and export-oriented businesses with the continual attraction of new talent, investment, and ideas. This creates a diversified economy that is more resilient and capable of generating higher-paying jobs over the long term.

Overall, Escanaba appears to be moving in a positive direction. Downtown improvements, including current in progress new streets (water main) and sidewalks, are enhancing the city's appeal, while its natural assets remain among its greatest competitive advantages. Few places offer the combination of affordable living, a walkable downtown, access to Lake Michigan, boating, sailing, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. It's one of those communities whose strengths are difficult to fully appreciate until you've actually visited. With continued strategic planning and investment, Escanaba has the opportunity to leverage both its economic assets and exceptional quality of life to attract businesses, entrepreneurs, residents, and visitors alike.

An interesting article Five Factors Driving Economic Growth in Small Cities

If there are any corrections to the summaries below let me know. 

Summary of Escanaba City Council Meeting – July 16, 2026

• The City Council approved resolutions authorizing the city controller to act as the authorized agent for a state disaster relief grant related to March snowstorm reimbursement and officially adopted the 2026 City of Escanaba Master Plan.
• Planning staff highlighted the Master Plan's major priorities, including expanding housing diversity, preserving walkable neighborhoods, promoting place-based economic development centered on the North Shore's deep-water port and infrastructure, and strengthening downtown through higher-density housing and commercial revitalization.
• The Council approved replacing approximately 550 linear feet of deteriorated curb on Washington Avenue North and approved the employment agreement for the incoming city manager, contingent upon a successful background check and allowing only non-substantive legal revisions.
• Board and committee reports included updates on recreation planning, public input for the city's parks and recreation master plan, demand for dedicated pickleball courts, the successful opening of the new splash pad, Planning Commission activities, and Housing Commission discussions regarding employee compensation and a masonry inspection for Harbor Tower.
• During public comment, Delta County Landfill representatives encouraged support for the August 4 recycling millage renewal, explaining that the funding supports recycling, hazardous waste disposal, and composting programs, and warning that failure to renew the millage would likely increase landfill tipping fees. 

Summary of Escanaba City Council Meeting Agenda and 2026 Master Plan Highlights (July 16, 2026)

You can read the July 16th Escanaba Agenda

• The City Council agenda included consideration of a State Disaster Contingency Fund grant related to the March 2026 blizzard, adoption of the 2026 City of Escanaba Master Plan, and approval of Washington Avenue North curb replacement work.

• The proposed 2026 Master Plan establishes a long-term framework for land use, infrastructure, economic development, housing, environmental stewardship, and community investment while guiding future zoning updates.

(This one is of particular interest because it falls in line with what we have been discussing.....)

• Community engagement involving more than 450 residents identified affordable housing, downtown and waterfront revitalization, economic diversification, infrastructure improvements, and expanded recreational opportunities as the city's highest priorities.

(Attracting start-ups and a few anchor businesses could help strengthen the local economy. It's worth considering how our local Opportunity Zone, with its tax-deferred incentives, might be used to attract investment, including anchor industries that are reshoring or expanding operations. We should also explore what it would take to encourage innovative start-ups to locate in our downtown area.

The ideal start-up would appeal to both local residents and tourists while also creating products or services with export potential to domestic and international markets. A business with strong scalability and long-term growth potential would represent a particularly valuable opportunity.

The key is to keep an open mind and continually look for new possibilities that could diversify and strengthen the local economy.)

• Demographic analysis found a declining and aging population, increasing numbers of single-person households, relatively modest educational attainment, lower median household income, and a need for higher-paying employment opportunities to strengthen long-term economic resilience.

• The Master Plan emphasizes protecting natural resources, supporting sustainable growth, expanding housing choices, modernizing transportation and public services, strengthening workforce development, and coordinating public and private investment to improve quality of life.

City of Escanaba. (2026, July 16). City Council meeting agenda and 2026 City of Escanaba Master Plan (Draft). City of Escanaba. 

The Development of Self-Efficacy Leads to Performance Results

 What separates people who achieve their goals from those who only dream about them? More often than not, it isn't raw talent—it's self-efficacy: the belief that you can learn, adapt, overcome obstacles, and ultimately succeed. If you want to accomplish something meaningful, do something interesting, or make a lasting impact, start by believing in yourself instead of listening to the naysayers. You likely have far more talent and potential than you realize, but that potential only becomes reality when you have the confidence to develop it.

Each of us is born with unique skills and abilities. The difference is whether we choose to develop them. Being exposed to new experiences as a child certainly helps, but learning shouldn't stop there. We continue mastering our environment by staying curious and actively learning throughout our lives. Success rarely happens by accident. It comes from investing time, putting in the effort, and consistently building the skills that move us toward our goals. That's what self-efficacy is all about—the confidence that you can continue learning, improving, and overcoming challenges.

One thing to remember is that people aren't meant to spend their lives comparing themselves to everyone else. If you're doing something different, especially something worthwhile, you'll almost always have detractors. That's just part of the process. Sometimes people interpret your success or your willingness to try something new as a challenge to their own abilities, even when that isn't your intention. Its wrong but hey were human!

People with strong self-efficacy don't waste time being threatened by others. They learn from them. I know there are things I'm good at and other things where I have a lot to learn. When I see someone excelling in an area where I'm weaker, I try to learn from their experience rather than criticize it. That mindset leads to continuous improvement and personal growth.

Unfortunately, some people respond differently. They may discourage others, offer unnecessary criticism, or spread negativity. Often, that reflects more about their own lack of confidence than it does about the person they're criticizing. People with low self-efficacy may see another person's success as evidence of their own shortcomings instead of seeing it as an opportunity to learn. Negativity rarely helps anyone grow.

We all have a responsibility to develop our talents and use them to contribute to society in meaningful ways. That journey begins with believing in yourself, strengthening your self-efficacy, and staying committed to the things that matter most to you. Minimize the influence of naysayers, but don't ignore constructive criticism. Valuable feedback can help you improve—it just matters who it's coming from and whether it's offered with the intention of helping you grow.

Listen to people who genuinely want to see you succeed. Listen to good mentors, supportive supervisors, caring friends and family, and professors who challenge you because they believe in your potential. Learn from those who offer honest guidance, continue building your self-efficacy, and keep developing the skills that will help you become the person you want to be.

Role of Self-Efficacy in Job Performance and Career Success: Thriving as a Bridge to Sustainable Growth

• Examined data from 301 employees in a textile industry to investigate how self-efficacy influences job performance and career success.
• Found that employees with higher self-efficacy experienced greater thriving at work, characterized by increased learning and vitality, which enhanced workplace outcomes.
• Demonstrated that thriving serves as a mediator, meaning self-efficacy improves job performance and career success largely by increasing employees' sense of learning and energy.
• Confirmed positive relationships among self-efficacy, thriving, job performance, and career success using confirmatory factor analysis and hypothesis testing.
• Concluded that organizations can promote sustainable employee growth by developing workers' self-efficacy and fostering workplace environments that encourage continuous learning and vitality.

Batool, F., Maqsood, S., Shahid, R., & Muhammad, S. G. (2025). Role of self-efficacy in job performance and career success: Thriving as a bridge to sustainable growth. International Review of Management and Business Research, 14(1), 30–37. https://doi.org/10.30543/14-1(2025)-4

Making an Offer on Orignial Painting Artwork-Pending!

8X11"
Untitled. 

You can also check
out some of the other stuff
in My Photo Gallery 
and send me an offer. 

You may also look at set price
on eBay Gallery UP Rower

If you want to buy
direct or have questions
send a message to the right
or email muradabel@gmail.com

 I recently finished this painting, and I think it took me about an hour total. Not one solid hour, though. More like 10 minutes here, 5 minutes there. I'd walk by, add a bird, throw in a sunset, splash a little water around, and call it progress. That's the beauty of these quick paintings—they don't demand a long-term commitment, unlike some home improvement projects.

I've been experimenting with this style because it keeps me from getting trapped in the tiny details. If I want to spend hours perfecting every leaf, I can. But sometimes a painting says, "I'm done," long before the artist does.

I posted this one on Facebook just to see what people thought. I'll admit it—I enjoy hearing, "Hey, I like your painting!" It's cheaper than therapy.

The funny part? Within about 10 minutes, someone emailed me and said, "I want that one." I told them to make an offer, they did, and now it's a pending sale. That's always a good sign. It's nice when someone wants your artwork before you've had time to second-guess it.

I'm certainly not claiming to be the world's greatest artist, but I have sold a few paintings here and there. Lately I've been trying a "make an offer" strategy. I list the paintings on eBay with a price, but I'm happy to entertain reasonable offers. Sometimes a painting has been sitting around waiting for the perfect owner, and I'd rather see it hanging on someone's wall than collecting dust in my studio.

Illustrative Only

Since I paint for fun and donate a portion of the proceeds to charity, I'm perfectly happy if someone gets a good deal. I can always paint another one.

That's another advantage of these quick paintings. If one sells, fantastic! If it doesn't, I can paint over it and give the canvas a second chance. And if all else fails... well, it might become the world's most artistic piece of fireplace kindling. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

Speaking of art, I came across an interesting article about art galleries that got me thinking about how artists sell their work. Feel free to check out my gallery. You might find something you like—and if you do, don't be shy. Make an offer. The worst I can say is, "Nice try!" The best outcome is that you'll end up with a painting, I'll have an excuse to create another one, and everyone wins.

I thought this was interesting, 

Should I make an offer for Original Artwork?

Managing Corruption Through Transactional Incentives-Disincentives

 Corruption is, unfortunately, a recurring part of human society. We may not always recognize it, but from an economic perspective, corruption often becomes embedded in the cost of goods, services, and public administration. In some places the hidden cost may be less than one percent, while in others it may be substantial. The extent of corruption depends on a society's institutions, incentives, policies, and shared values.

(Illustrative Only) 

Joe demonstrates to
his party guests
the parlor trick
highlighting how 
easy it is to get 
favors when people
neglect anchoring values
passed on through 
the generations. 

Each person must decide what is 
important to them. 

Pick the best and brightest
and not the most connected.

Reducing corruption is important because it weakens trust, undermines social cohesion, and erodes the values that allow communities to thrive. Individuals who engage in corruption are typically responding to incentives, while others may knowingly or unknowingly create opportunities that encourage corrupt behavior. In this sense, corruption is fundamentally about transactions. Every interaction, exchange of money, favor, or decision involves a transaction. When those transactions are transparent, ethical, and mutually beneficial, in alignment with certain societal values they create value for individuals and society. When they are manipulated for personal gain, they impose hidden costs on everyone. Corruption functions like an invisible tax, reducing efficiency, fairness, and public confidence.

Because of these hidden costs, institutions must strive to operate with integrity. As we explore the Allegory of the Clan, modeled after Plato's Allegory of the Cave, we see how greater understanding reveals patterns that were previously hidden. In this learning example, corruption influences decision-making, while fundamental principles such as human rights, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion are not consistently respected. The result is a society that experiences a net loss rather than a collective gain.

Each character in the allegory must decide which values are most important. By the conclusion of the story, the corruption is addressed and many of the harmful practices are reversed. However, this change does not occur overnight, nor is it driven solely by every individual embracing higher ideals. Instead, change occurs because enough people value integrity, while social institutions and incentives evolve to make corruption less rewarding and ethical behavior more advantageous. As accountability increases, practices such as protecting wrongdoing, blaming victims, or rewarding unethical conduct become more difficult to sustain.

This perspective aligns with research showing that reducing corruption requires more than punishing individual offenders. It also requires strengthening institutions, improving transparency, aligning incentives with ethical behavior, and fostering a culture where integrity is rewarded. By understanding corruption as both an individual and systemic challenge, we gain a clearer picture of how societies can reduce its influence and create stronger, more trustworthy institutions. Normalization of corruption should be discouraged.

There are greater responsibilities then self gain.......

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." — Pericles

*The Allegory of the clan is a philosophical thought experiment for learning purposes so take with a grain of salt. 

Seven Steps to Control Corruption: An Evidence-Based Road Map

• Corruption should be viewed as a systemic governance problem rather than simply a collection of individual illegal acts, requiring reforms that address institutions and incentives.
• Effective anti-corruption strategies begin with diagnosing whether corruption is the norm or the exception, allowing governments to tailor reforms to their specific institutional context.
• Sustainable reform depends on strengthening domestic institutions, civil society, transparency, judicial independence, and accountability rather than relying solely on external pressure or legal enforcement.
• The author argues that corruption is best controlled by reducing opportunities for abuse while increasing legal, political, and social constraints through public integrity systems.
• International donors should coordinate long-term support with local reformers, focusing on evidence-based policies that empower domestic actors to build lasting ethical governance.

Mungiu-Pippidi, A. (2018). Seven steps to control of corruption: The road map. Dædalus, 147(3), 20–34. https://doi.org/10.1162/daed_a_00500

Golf Balls, Fish Memos, and Fitness: Spear Fishing Adventures

 Someone gave me a tip about a creek where you can literally park your car, walk into the water, and start exploring. That sounded promising, so the next day I grabbed my camera, geared up, and headed out.

(Illustrative Only)

Whiefish

Well...let's just say the fish must have gotten the memo that I was coming.

The spot was fantastic for swimming, but as an underwater sightseeing destination, it was about as exciting as watching paint dry. There were a couple of rock beds, a little vegetation, and enough fish habitat to make you think, "Maybe there's something here..." But after swimming around for a while, I think the fish were all attending a meeting somewhere else.

I did learn something helpful from one of our local resource officers. Since spearfishing is only allowed on the south side of the Ford River, I started looking across the river and thinking, "That side actually looks a whole lot fishier." Apparently, the river is fairly shallow, so one of these days I may just wade or swim across with my gear like some budget version of Jacques Cousteau.

The other side has overhanging branches, submerged cover, and all the things fish seem to put on their real estate wish list. Even if I don't spearfish there right away, it looks like a great place to scout. Once I figure out where the fish are hiding, I might bring my little retractable fishing rod and see if they're willing to cooperate. If they are of the right species perhaps the spear.

7 golf balls on the bottom.

Speaking of discoveries, I found something today...just not fish.

Golf balls.

Lots of golf balls.

Apparently, I accidentally discovered the spawning grounds of the Titleist. Before long, I had golf balls stuffed in every available pocket of my wetsuit. I probably looked less like a spearfisherman and more like I had lost a bet at a miniature golf course. That's when I realized I really need a mesh dive bag. It's a lot more professional than using your wetsuit as an underwater cargo van.

One thing is certain, though. Whether you catch fish or just collect enough golf balls to open your own driving range, you're getting an incredible workout. I easily spend 40 minutes swimming, kicking, diving, surfacing, and exploring. By the time I'm done, I've burned a lot of calories—and I never once had to step on a treadmill.

That's one of the best parts about spearfishing. Even if the fish refuse to participate, you still get fresh air, time in nature, underwater adventure, and a solid workout. Some people pay good money for a gym membership. I just chase invisible fish around the lake until I'm exhausted.

As a certified fitness trainer, I appreciate activities that don't feel like exercise but still get you into great shape. If you'd like help improving your fitness, swimming endurance, or overall conditioning, send me a message using the link to the right or the email below. Just don't ask me where the fish are yet—I can tell you exactly where to find golf balls.

Spearfishing and Public Health Promotion: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Hawai'i Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey

• The study analyzed data from 12,737 adults in Hawai'i to determine the prevalence of lifetime spearfishing participation and its relationship to health and demographic characteristics.
• Approximately 25% of respondents reported participating in spearfishing at some point in their lives, with the highest participation rates among men, Native Hawaiians, other Pacific Islanders, and residents of rural islands.
• Individuals with a high school education or less were more likely to have participated in spearfishing than those with higher educational attainment.
• Spearfishing participation was significantly associated with meeting recommended physical activity guidelines, suggesting it may contribute to healthier lifestyles.
• The authors conclude that supporting culturally meaningful activities such as spearfishing represents a strength-based public health strategy that can promote physical activity, social connection, and community well-being.

Hansen, L., Wu, Y. Y., Sentell, T. L., Thompson, M., St John, T. L., Schmid, S., & Pirkle, C. M. (2025). Spearfishing and public health promotion: A cross-sectional analysis of the Hawai'i Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey. PLOS ONE, 20(3), e0319169. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319169