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Assessing Layoffs in Four Midwestern States during the Pandemic Recession

We use WARN data to assess layoffs in four Midwestern states during the current pandemic-induced recession—Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The data come from the advance layoff notices filed under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. We find that the number of workers affected by layoff announcements rose sharply in the second half of March and April, and unexpected changes in economic conditions meant that workers received little advance notice before layoff. Layoff announcements have affected workers across these four states, and workers in mining and leisure and hospitality have been affected the most. Most recently, the number of workers affected by WARN notices has almost returned to prerecession levels. Read More  

Community Support Gives Small Businesses Strength in College Hill, Ohio

Through investment in its community, one organization is helping its business district remain a local economic driver—even during a pandemic. Read More  

Consumer Attitudes, Face Coverings, and COVID-19

Policymakers are exploring ways to reduce the number of novel coronavirus infections without resorting to broad-based economic shutdowns. Face coverings can help reduce the spread of the virus, but only with widespread use. Read More  

The Fed’s Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility, explained

The Fed is lending up to $100 billion to lenders to enable them to bundle and sell loans they’re making so they can lend more to people and businesses in the communities they serve. Read More  

Measuring Evictions during the COVID-19 Crisis

Temporary policies put in place to protect renters are beginning to expire. To understand how the crisis is affecting evictions, our researchers measured eviction filing activity in 44 cities and counties across the nation. Read More