Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Ukrainian forces liberate 9 eastern settlements as Russian troops face Starlink disruptions -- What to do if you spot an Iranian Shahed drone -- At least 337 Ukrainian POWs brutally executed by Russia -- To confront Iran, US must also confront Russia ... and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2026/03/wednesday-march-4-2026/

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index dipped to 98.2 in October, remaining above its long-term average, while the Uncertainty Index fell to its lowest level this year, highlighting persistent labor shortages and modest declines in sales and profits among U.S. small businesses.
#YonhapInfomax #NFIB #SmallBusiness #OptimismIndex #UncertaintyIndex #LaborShortages #Economics #FinancialMarkets #Banking #Securities #Bonds #StockMarket
https://en.infomaxai.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=90326
Italy's right-wing government unveils new work permit plan to address labor shortages http://newsfeed.facilit8.network/TP31zn #Italy #WorkPermit #LaborShortages #RightWingGovernment #EconomicMigration
New Data Shows Labor Shortages are Blocking a US Freight Boom

The shortage of logistics staffers remains the biggest concern in the industry, Tech.co's latest survey finds.

Tech.co
Transforming Japan’s Rice Farming: The Rise of Water-saving Dry Direct Seeding (WDDSD)

Rice prices in Japan have now increased for 14 consecutive weeks, highlighting deeper systemic issues within the agricultural sector. The rice farming industry faces unprecedented challenges driven…

Medium
Part 2, #GaryStevenson explains why Donald #Trump’s economic plans—focused on #tariffs and #immigration restrictions—will fail. While these policies sound “#AmericaFirst,” #Stevenson explains why they are unlikely to be fully implemented, and if they are, they could backfire on working #Americans.

The Immigration Illusion

#Trump vows to cut immigration, but key industries like #agriculture, #FoodService, and low-wage #jobs depend on #migrant workers. The #UK’s #Conservatives made similar promises but ended up increasing immigration to keep the economy running. Without a workforce to replace #migrants, the U.S. will face #LaborShortages, higher costs, and economic disruptions.

The #Tariff Trap

History shows #tariffs can work—but only when applied strategically. Countries like #Japan and #SouthKorea successfully protected industries, but broad, untargeted tariffs raise #consumer prices. If the U.S. lacks the domestic industries to replace imports, tariffs will cause inflation and reduce purchasing power, hitting working-class Americans the hardest.

The Real Threat: #TaxCutsfortheRich

One policy Trump will implement is massive tax cuts for the wealthy, just like in his first term. #Billionaires like Elon #Musk and Trump’s financial backers will benefit, while spending cuts will offset lost revenue, leading to job losses and reduced services. Even if taxes on workers don’t rise, their cost of living will.

Why It All Fails

#Trump ignores the core issue—rising inequality. His tax cuts, flawed tariffs, and unrealistic immigration plans will worsen economic conditions for most Americans while benefiting the ultra-rich. No matter who wins, the #economy fails for the majority.

#Economics #Politics #Inequality #WealthInequality #FinancialCrisis #CostOfLiving #RichGetRicher #TaxTheRich #WealthDistribution #GlobalEconomy #USPolitics #Tariffs #ImmigrationPolicy #GovernmentFailure #PoliticalEconomy #TrumpEconomy

Gary's YouTube - https://rb.gy/gi9yzk
Before you continue to YouTube

Arkansas has one of the 'most severe' workforce shortages, according to analysis

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas has one of the most severe workforce shortages in the country.

KATV

Romania's demographic decline damages the economy.

With a population of 19 million, Romania is sinking into a worrying demographic decline. Over 5 million Romanians have left their homeland, searching for a better life in Western Europe.

Meanwhile, companies investing in the country struggle to recruit workers.

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/economy/article/2023/08/28/romania-s-demographic-decline-is-crippling-its-economy_6111720_19.html

#Romania #Population #Demographics #LabourShortages #LaborShortages

Romania's demographic decline damages economy

Five million Romanians have emigrated while companies investing in the country struggle to recruit workers.

Le Monde

Well, this won't come as a surprise to a lot of folks here, but a new Statistics Canada report states that there may not be a labour shortage in Canada for many positions.

Employers simply have to pay people.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/statcan-report-casts-clouds-on-claims-of-a-widespread-labour-shortage-in-canada-1.6415810

#Canada #economy #laborshortages

StatCan report casts clouds on claims of a widespread labour shortage in Canada

A new report is casting doubt on the idea that Canada is facing a widespread labour shortage and bolsters the arguments by some labour economists that high job vacancies aren't due to a shortage of workers.

CTVNews
To Tap Federal Funds, Chip Makers Will Need to Provide Child Care

The move seeks to help more women join the work force as industry leaders complain of labor shortages.

The New York Times