In other news, former Texas governor and current energy secretary Rick Perry is reportedly planning to resign next month for unspecified reasons.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has agreed to take up its first abortion rights case with two Trump justices on the bench. A ruling is expected next summer just a few months before the 2020 election.
Finally, private sector employers added just 114,000 jobs in September according to the Labor Department. Trump's trade war and the retail apocalypse are leading the way in job losses.
Private payrolls increased by 114,000 jobs in September after rising by 122,000 in August. Manufacturing shed 2,000 jobs last month, the first decline in factory payrolls since March, after hiring 2,000 workers in August.
Last month’s decline in manufacturing payrolls was led by the automotive sector, which lost 4,100 jobs. There were also job losses in machinery, fabricated metals products and primary metal industries.
Construction employment increased by 7,000 jobs last month after rising by 4,000 in August. Retail payrolls dropped by 11,400 jobs, shedding employment for an eight straight month. [...]
Government employment increased by 22,000 jobs in September after surging by 46,000 in August. Hiring was boosted by state and local governments.
I remember when Republicans decried government employment at every turn, but now it's the last remaining lifeline.
Have a good weekend, folks.
If you're a regular reader, please consider donating during this week's quarterly fundraiser. I can't think everyone who has already donated enough. You make this possible.