Americans applied for fewer unemployment benefits at the end of 2019, the Labor Department announced Thursday. The number dropped by 2,000 to 222,000 in the seven days up until December 28, although the four-week average ticked up by 4,750 to 233,250.
The report beat expectations that had predicted 225,000 new claims, according to Reuters. The result marks the third consecutive weekly decline.
“I think we’re definitely going to see slightly smaller growth month by month than what we saw in 2019 and that’s consistent with economists expectations’ of the macroeconomy weakening slightly,” in the labor market, Beth Akers, Manhattan Institute senior fellow, told Cheddar.
She will be keeping an eye on manufacturing trends and changes in policy regarding trade for indications about how job numbers will grow (or shrink) in 2020.
“If you’re looking to something to be concerned about, you can look at the four-week moving average, which is up from what it’s been over the course of the year,” Akers said. “But, by and large, these are really strong, positive numbers for the labor market.”
As more states begin to legalize recreational marijuana, there's a growing interest in legalizing cannabis cultivation. As the rise in cannabis farms expands across the U.S., more research is being done to examine its impact on the planet. Michael Katz, executive director at Mendocino Cannabis Alliance, joins Cheddar News to talk about the carbon footprint of cannabis farms.
Former 'Real Housewives of New York' star Dorinda Medley is introducing a premium small-batch bourbon, named after her iconic Massachusetts home, Bluestone Manor. The reality TV star joins Cheddar News to talk about her new book, returning to the 'RHONY' franchise, and her new bourbon.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore. 3rd District), the co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, joined Cheddar's "Cannabiz" to discuss the state of marijuana legalization on the federal level as more states continue to greenlight medical and adult use. He stated that there couldn't be a better time to revise the old policies on marijuana with more than 90 percent of Americans, including a majority of Republicans, on board. "This tidal wave of support continues. There were five states that approved in the last general election, and I think, rather than one single event, it is this momentum and the demonstration of broad public support that is making the difference," Blumenauer said.
Disney is warning YouTube TV subscribers that networks under its umbrella, like ABC and ESPN, could be removed from the platform this week if the two companies cannot find a solution to their fight over carriage fees.
Vox Media and Group Nine are expected to merge to form a digital media powerhouse. Some companies under the newly formed umbrella would include New York Magazine, The Verge, SB Nation, The Dodo, and NowThis.
Kroger is eliminating some of its pandemic-era benefits for unvaccinated workers as the grocery chain looks to encourage more of its staff to get the COVID shots. Among the changes, unvaccinated employees will not receive emergency paid leave if they contract the virus.
Apple is on the verge of becoming the world's first-ever $3 trillion company as shares of the iPhone maker are inching closer to $182.86. Joel Hawthorne, head trader and CEO of The Morning Snapshot, joined Cheddar to discuss Apple's success and how the tech giant will continue to innovate. "One thing that we have to keep in mind is this stock somewhat moves like its own ETF," he said, describing the company as almost a "safe bet" for long-term investors.
