Unemployent Claims Fell a Little Week Ending September 19th, 2026: Labor Market Shows Continued Stability (Employees are More than an Asset)

September 24th, 2026

ESCANABA MI.-The U.S. labor market showed signs of continued stability in the week ending September 19, as initial unemployment claims declined slightly.

Michigan also recorded fewer claims in the previous week, while California saw a modest increase in the latest reporting period. However, California had reported roughly 4,800 fewer claims the week before, underscoring the importance of looking beyond week-to-week fluctuations when assessing labor-market conditions.

(Illustrative Only)

These ladies
know they couldn't
have had such a nice
life if they didn't
take care of their
employees and understand
their suppliers, vendors,
and others involved
in their business. 

An advantage of 
a small town. 

Small business
understand how they
contribute and
are connected to
their communities.

Their employees
are more
than an asset.

Unemployment remains an important measure of how effectively an economy is using its available workforce. Employment provides more than income—it can offer people purpose, meaningful engagement, and opportunities to develop skills, particularly when workers find jobs that match their interests and abilities.

The benefits extend beyond individual workers. Employment strengthens communities by giving people opportunities to contribute their skills and talents. Employers, in turn, have a responsibility to make productive use of those abilities in ways that benefit workers, businesses, and the broader community (They are part of our society as well and have responsibilities to that society that helped them get wealthy. They couldn't have done it alone. Corporate philanthropy could be more and focused on developing whole communities.).

A healthy labor market ultimately requires a balance between individual development and organizational productivity. The goal is not simply to fill positions, but to create opportunities for people to contribute, grow, and participate meaningfully in society.

U.S. Unemployment Claims Remain Low, With Michigan and California Showing Changes

• Seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims fell to 197,000 for the week ending September 19, down 1,000 from the revised 198,000 the previous week. The four-week average declined to 202,250.
• Michigan recorded 3,809 unadjusted initial claims for the week ending September 19, up 176 from the prior week. Insured unemployment totaled 40,831, compared with 40,271 the previous week.
• For the week ending September 12, Michigan had 2,169 fewer initial claims than the previous week. The state reported that the decline reflected fewer manufacturing layoffs.
• California recorded 35,101 unadjusted initial claims for the week ending September 19, an increase of 2,522 from the prior week. Insured unemployment rose to 313,226 from 302,050.
• For the week ending September 12, California had 4,809 fewer initial claims than the previous week, while its insured unemployment rate was 1.7%. Nationally, the latest claims data remain near historically low levels.

U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. (2026, September 24). Unemployment insurance weekly claims—September 19, 2026. https://www.dol.gov/ui/data.pdf

Elks Legacy Awards-Helping Provide College Scholarships (The Value of Social Clubs)

September 24th, 2026

ESCANABA MI.-Social clubs can play an important role in strengthening communities. They provide opportunities to socialize, build relationships, and work together on charitable and community projects. Escanaba has many active clubs where people can connect with others and get involved (San Diego has a lot of social clubs as well but they are a different type. Elks is in a lot of places and there is one in San Diego but I have it on my list to visit.) 

One example is the Elks Legacy Award, which provides college scholarships to eligible children and grandchildren of Elks members. With the rising cost of higher education, scholarships like these can make a meaningful difference and help students pursue their educational goals. You can read more about the eligibility requirements and application process by clicking the link.

Summary Elks Legacy Awards:

The Elks Legacy Awards provide college scholarships to eligible high school seniors who are children or grandchildren of Elks members. For 2027, applications opened September 1, 2026, and are due February 1, 2027; Michigan has five designated awards, with additional scholarships available nationally

Elks Legacy Program

Federal Reserve Governor Michael S. Barr Discusses Housing Affordability (Local Communities Count)

Septbeber 24th, 2026

ESCANABA MI-Federal Reserve Governor Michael S. Barr’s recent speech on housing affordability raises an important issue for communities and hometowns: where wealth, opportunity, and decision-making are concentrated can have a significant effect on local economic development.

For communities to remain strong, local businesses, downtowns, and residents need opportunities to participate in economic growth. When wealth and investment become increasingly concentrated, smaller communities can lose businesses, housing opportunities, and some of their ability to shape their own economic future.

Housing affordability is an important part of that equation. Programs that help communities reinvest locally, expand housing options, support small businesses, and encourage private investment can strengthen the economic foundation of a hometown.

These efforts are not a complete solution. They are, however, part of a broader conversation about how communities can create opportunity and ensure that economic development benefits more than just a small portion of the population.

A strong downtown, a healthy small-business sector, and affordable housing can give residents a greater opportunity to participate in—and benefit from—the economic life of their community.

Housing Affordability Faces Long-Term Challenges

• Federal Reserve Governor Michael S. Barr said housing affordability has deteriorated significantly, with high home prices, mortgage rates, rents, insurance costs, and property taxes putting pressure on households.

• The Atlanta Fed’s housing affordability index fell to 68 in July 2026, its lowest level in 21 years. Barr noted that real home prices have risen much faster than household incomes since 2000.

• Barr identified limited housing supply as a major contributor to high prices, with estimates of the national housing shortfall ranging from about 2 million to 5.5 million units.

• Construction productivity has grown slowly, while shortages of skilled workers, higher material costs, regulations, and the long recovery from the 2007–2009 housing downturn have constrained new housing production.

• Barr highlighted public-private partnerships, the Community Reinvestment Act, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, modular construction, financial innovation, and local efforts to reduce regulatory barriers as potential tools for expanding affordable housing.

Barr, M. S. (2026, September 23). A long-term view on the costs of shelter [Speech]. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/barr20260923a.htm

OECD September 2026: US Economy Doing Fairly Well (Digital GDP, Economic Platforms, Apple Pies and Maple Syrup)

(Illustrative Only)
They wonder
if global expansion
means they can
export their maple 
syrup and apple
pies globally.
The first thought
that comes to mind
is getting more
of their products
listed online
and connect to 
a distribution company.
They think 
about 
Economic Platforms
and 
Digital GP

September 23rd, 2026

ESCANABA, MI.-The OECD Economic Outlook offers some encouraging signs. Global economic growth is projected at about 2.9% in 2026 and 3% in 2027, while U.S. growth is expected to reach about 2.2%.

Inflation remains a concern, but continued investment in artificial intelligence and other technologies appears to be supporting economic activity. As businesses update technology and invest in productivity, these changes may continue to influence growth and create new opportunities across the economy.

Also this article seemed interesting Irwin, N. (2026, September 23). OECD: U.S. economy to grow faster than its allies. Axios.https://www.axios.com/2026/09/23/oecd-us-economy-to-grow-faster-than-its-allies

OECD Economic Outlook: Global Growth Continues

• Global growth is projected at 2.9% in 2026 and 3.0% in 2027.

• U.S. growth is expected to reach 2.2% in 2026 and 2.1% in 2027.

• Inflation remains a concern but is expected to ease in 2027.

• Energy prices, tariffs, trade restrictions, and geopolitical tensions remain key risks.

• AI investment is supporting economic activity while higher interest rates create challenges.

OECD. (2026). OECD economic outlook, interim report September 2026: Weathering successive shocks. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/f751d02b-en⁠

(Illustrative Only)

When Systems Need to Improve, Speaking Up Matters (Allegory of the Clan)

 UTOPIA I, ME, WE-Every system in society can be improved, including the justice system. Openly discussing both what works and what needs attention is part of maintaining public trust. Some people may tell you if you are a certain race or religion you have no say and should have few rights- these are exactly the reason why these checks and balances exist. Let us continue a learning discussion.....

The Allegory of the Clan is a hypothetical philosophical learning story designed to explore how favoritism, closed networks, religious hate, and racial bias can mix with corruption to derail a system designed to serve the public. A type of justice default that in the end is reversed in the spirit of justice. The technicalities of law circumvented its very purpose known as the "legal game" (..too many lawyers and not enough philosophers in systems argument.). 

Yet justice is not a game and is serious business where generations of people sacrificed to build fairness. The very root of society is tied to this striving of togetherness. Disregarding justice can open the door to discarding of essential purpose.

(Illustrative Only)
The next generation 
seeks knowledge
and opportunities.
They are thirsty and
will some day become
next generation leaders.
Perhaps some in our generation 
think we have
invented the concept of
justice and freedom. 
It was born from the
natural systems and
from societal
shared values. Our 
brand was spawned
from those ancient
traditions. We 
were only the stewards
of those generational 
values and strivings
and will be judged in our
duties there.
Philosophical Symbolic Artifacts

In the allegory people are brought through a series of events that lead to a final moment of clarity on why we should support strong functional institutions. Even protecting themselves from themselves as trust declines (...just thinking devil's advocate). Encouraging people to think about their purpose and role in society (....Let us not put people we disagree with on lists just because they may or may not have a more logical or moral opinion than our own.)

The lesson is simple: strong institutions need checks and balances, transparency, and accountability. Supporting a country also means supporting the principles of fairness, freedom, and the rule of law—and recognizing when changes are needed. List or not and popular philosophy or not. 

Political, religious, racial, or other group identities should not come before the broader needs of society. When wrongdoing occurs, correcting the problem rather than ignoring it can help strengthen institutions and rebuild public trust (Espoused and Enacted Values )

If your not on board with the higher principles/moral conscious then one might ponder what is important. 

*The Allegory of the Clan is a philosphical, theoretical, learning thought experiment so take with a grain of salt.

Judicial Corruption and Economic Development

• Judicial corruption can reduce trust in the legal system and discourage investment.
• Weak courts can increase business costs and create uncertainty.
• Complex procedures and limited transparency can increase corruption risks.
• Fighting corruption requires both enforcement and institutional reform.
• Data and measurable standards can help identify problems and evaluate reforms.

Buscaglia, E. (1999, July 1). Judicial corruption in developing countries: Its causes and economic consequences. Hoover Institution. https://www.hoover.org/research/judicial-corruption-developing-countries-its-causes-and-economic-consequences

US Business Activity Expands in September 2026-Inflation and Supply Chains Still Pose Risk

September 23rd, 2026

ESCANABA, MI.-Business activity is showing encouraging signs for companies looking for a reason to remain optimistic. Recent indicators point to stronger demand, expanding business activity, and renewed momentum in U.S. manufacturing.

The outlook is not without challenges. Rising costs, inflation, and continuing supply-chain pressures could create difficulties for businesses as demand increases. However, a growing market also creates opportunities.

For business leaders, understanding where the economy is expanding can provide valuable information for planning. Stronger demand may influence decisions about staffing, production, investment, inventory, and the allocation of other business resources. In a changing market, knowing where opportunities and risks are developing can help businesses prepare for what comes next. Whatever that is. 🤷

U.S. Business Activity Accelerates in September, but Inflation Pressures Intensify

• The S&P Global Flash US Composite PMI rose from 56.0 in August to 58.4 in September, marking the fastest business expansion since July 2021.
• Services remained a major source of growth, while manufacturing also strengthened. The Manufacturing PMI increased from 53.9 to 57.0, its strongest reading since May 2022.
• Employment increased sharply, with job creation reaching its fastest pace since June 2022 as businesses worked to meet stronger demand and growing backlogs.
• Supply-chain constraints are becoming more significant. Backlogs increased rapidly, delivery times lengthened, and companies reported difficulty finding suitable workers, limiting operating capacity.
• Inflation pressures also intensified. Input costs rose at the fastest rate in four years, driven particularly by higher fuel and transportation costs, while raw-material shortages and supply delays added pressure on manufacturers.

S&P Global. (2026, September 23). S&P Global flash US PMI: Business growth surges to fastest for over five years and job gains accelerate, but price pressures also intensify amid spike in costs [News release]. S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Richmond Feds' Barkin Discusses Inflation

Federal Reserve officials continue to watch several forces shaping the U.S. economy, including inflation, tariffs, energy costs, supply-chain pressures, and rising investment in technology. Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin offers an important perspective because Federal Reserve leaders rely on extensive economic research and analysis when considering monetary policy.

For businesses and consumers, these economic pressures can influence prices, investment decisions, borrowing costs, and demand. Technology investment may improve productivity over time, but higher costs elsewhere in the economy can continue to put pressure on prices. Following the views of financial leaders such as Barkin provides a useful window into how policymakers are interpreting these competing forces and the challenges facing the economy.

Richmond Fed’s Barkin Explains Why the Fed Raised Interest Rates

• Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Tom Barkin explained that the recent 25-basis-point rate increase reflected concern that inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, while the labor market continues to show relative strength.
• July headline PCE inflation was 3.7% and core PCE inflation was 3.3%, with more than 60% of the PCE index increasing at an annual rate above 3%.
• Barkin noted that consumer spending and business investment remain strong, with substantial investment in artificial intelligence, improving manufacturing activity, and healthy business pipelines.
• He argued that inflationary pressures may be becoming more persistent as tariffs, energy costs, Middle East disruptions, AI-related supply-chain pressures, and other costs encourage businesses to pass higher expenses to customers.
• Looking ahead, Barkin said the Fed remains committed to returning inflation sustainably to 2%, while leaving open the possibility of additional rate increases depending on how inflation, employment, consumer demand, and investment develop.

Barkin, T. I. (2026, September 22). Why hike? Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Read the full speech