Newsletter Oct 15, 2021

Amid a string of bad news for the U.S. economy, the recovery got some sorely needed good news about the employment picture on Thursday.

3 things you must know

First-time jobless claims drop to new pandemic-era low
The U.S. economy finally got some much-needed news on the employment front Thursday with the latest Labor Department figures showing the lowest number of new unemployment benefits claims since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
The report shows 293,000 first-time claims for jobless benefits last week, a massive drop from the 326,000 applicants in the previous cycle and well below the projected 318,000. However, the U.S. is still reeling from the September unemployment report and recent news that 4.3 million Americans left their jobs last month as the nation tries to overcome other economic factors slowing the pandemic recovery.
FIND OUT WHAT THE NUMBERS MEAN TO THE RECOVERY

Bitcoin price's volatility keeps crypto investors on their toes
If investing in cryptocurrency makes your stomach feel a little bit like you're riding a roller coaster, it makes perfect sense. All the ups and downs bitcoin and other forms of crypto have taken over the past six months have been as wild (and costly) as any amusement park ride.
Remember back in April when bitcoin crossed the $60,000 mark for the first time, followed by a slip of more than 50% to $30,000? Just when you thought it might be a good time to jump off the bitcoin bandwagon, the leading crypto is currently approaching its April peak again at $57,500 and still rising, but for how much longer?
CHECK OUT THE CHART THAT SHOWS BITCOIN'S WILD RIDE

Oh, Deere: Iconic U.S. farm company workers go on strike
One of America's most recognizable brands -- the green and gold standard of John Deere -- is going through the one of America's oldest traditions -- a worker strike. More than 90% of the 100,000 employees at 14 facilities across the country voted to walk out in protest of pay, benefits and working conditions, among other gripes.
The move comes amid mass supply chain shortages and the fall harvest season, potentially leaving farmers without the needed equipment and parts to bring in their crops. Those factors, along with the ongoing labor shortage, put John Deere's employees in the driver's seat, but will the pressure campaign pay off before harvest?
FIND OUT WHAT DEMANDS JD'S WORKERS ARE MAKING

Markets

DJIA	34,912.56	1.56%
S&P 500	4,438.26	1.71%
Nasdaq Composite	14,823.43	1.73%
Japan: Nikkei 225	28,823.93	0.96%
UK: FTSE 100	7,207.71	0.92%
Crude Oil Futures	81.77	0.57%
Gold Futures	1,796.00	-0.11%
Yen	113.88	0.18%
Euro	1.16	-0.07%
* As of market close

Will pro-Trumpers get RAM-med in 2022?

Like most elections, the upcoming congressional races will pit Democrats vs. Republicans in a quest to gain control of the House and Senate. But 2022 will feature a wild-card wrinkle as prominent GOP leaders are lining up behind centrist Democrats in spite of former President Donald Trump.

Known as RAM ("Renew America Movement," not "Republicans Against MAGA," as some suggest), the group is endorsing more Democrats than GOP colleagues in key 2022 races involving Trump-backed candidates. Led by a pair of former governors (Christine Todd Whitman, R- NJ, and Bill Weld, R- Mass),the 21 "Renewers" say they crossed the party line when Trump crossed a red one on Jan. 6 by inciting the Capitol riot.

FIND OUT WHICH KEY RACES RAM IS ENDORSING DEMOCRATS

CDC expects drop in deaths, hospitalizations

You don't have to be an epidemiologist or a mathemetologist (or is it a mathematician?) for this story to add up: The recent rise in vaccinations, whether by choice or mandate, has prompted an encouraging forecast from the CDC that the numbers of COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths are expected to decrease over the course of the next four weeks.

How can they be so sure? Deaths and hospitalizations are lagging indicators based on the numbers of new cases, which have fallen significantly in recent days. That translates into lower numbers in ICU beds and fewer people admitted to already-stressed hospitals. However, the CDC warns that hot spots will defy the national trends and colder weather is on the way. One thing health officials and number-crunchers can agree on is the importance of avoiding a fifth surge of the virus.

SEE WHY THE COVID NUMBERS ARE STARTING TO COME DOWN

Is Brian Laundrie dead? Crews search swamp

Authorities have been searching the Carlton Preserve in Florida for Brian Laundrie for weeks with no success. Apparently they are starting to work on another theory of why they can't seem to find him; he could be dead.

Search crews with cadaver dogs returned to the swampy nature preserve Thursday, hoping to turn up new signs of Laundrie -- even if he is no longer alive. The 23-year-old has been missing for a month since the remains of his ex-fiance, Gabby Petito, were found in Wyoming. Police have asked his family for help in tracking the fugitive but to no avail.

SEE WHY AUTHORITIES SUSPECT LAUNDRIE MIGHT BE DEAD