Human Times
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North American Edition
16th January 2026
 
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THE HOT STORY

U.S. jobless claims dip unexpectedly

The Labor Department reported on Thursday that the number of applicants for unemployment benefits in the seven days to January 10th fell by 9,000 to 198,000, well below the 215,000 expected among analysts polled by FactSet. The four-week average of claims fell by 6,500 to 205,000, while the total number filing for jobless benefits, reported with a one-week lag, declined by 19,000 to 1.88m. Notable increases in claims were seen in California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Texas, and Tennessee, offsetting a 4,382 drop in filings in New York. "Initial jobless claims are still subject to seasonal volatility, but the surprises have been more to the downside," said Nancy Vanden Houten, lead U.S. Economist at Oxford Economics. "Looking through the noise, we see no signs that labor market conditions are worsening," she added. "The claims data offer no reason to change our outlook for the economy or Fed policy."
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WORKFORCE

NYC nurses strike enters critical negotiation phase

New York City nurses are resuming negotiations with hospital administrators after a four-day strike, the largest in decades. The New York State Nurses Association is meeting with NewYork-Presbyterian and other hospitals to address issues like health care benefits, staffing levels, and workplace safety. Nurse Sheryl Ostroff highlighted the violence nurses face, stating: "It's not acceptable, and we want our hospitals to protect us." Hospitals claim the union's pay demands are unrealistic, with proposals suggesting significant salary increases. The union continues to advocate for a fair contract that acknowledges the challenges in healthcare.

New Jersey expands paid family leave

New Jersey has approved a significant expansion of its paid family leave program, reducing the employer threshold from 30 to 15 workers. This change aims to extend job-protected benefits to thousands more employees. Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, a sponsor of the bill, said: “The number of people helped by this bill reaches far beyond just the individual workers.” While supporters argue that the expansion is overdue, business groups have expressed concerns about the potential strain on small employers. The New Jersey Business and Industry Association's lobbyist, Christopher Emigholz, noted that “15 still sweeps up too many small businesses that will have to comply with this onerous new mandate.”
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REMUNERATION

Federal workers face smallest pay raise

Most civilian federal workers will receive a modest 1% pay raise this month, the lowest annual increase in years. President Trump signed an executive order in December to implement this raise, which is a significant drop from previous years, where increases ranged from 2% to 5.2%. The last time federal workers saw a raise as low as 1% was in 2021. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, certain law enforcement positions will receive a total increase of 3.8% due to additional adjustments. The agency emphasized that these special rates are crucial for recruiting and retaining personnel in mission-critical roles.

Hawaiʻi public defenders face pay delays

Hawaiʻi's initiative to increase public defender salaries has hit a snag due to staffing shortages at the Department of Budget and Finance. Despite a $1.6m allocation for a 20% pay raise, attorneys have faced 12 consecutive pay periods with insufficient pay. Rep. David Tarnas expressed frustration, stating: “The fact that the administration has not followed through on that is troubling.” Entry-level public defenders now earn $91,140, still below their counterparts in county prosecutor offices. Jon Ikenaga, head of the public defender's office, noted that the raises were essential for attracting talent, especially on neighbor islands.
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REMOTE WORK

Remote work woes at the DOW

According to a U.S. Government Accountability Office report, approximately 62,000 civilians, or 8%, at the Department of War (DOW) did not return to in-person work by July 31, 2025. The report highlighted that 45,000 civilians have deferred resignation status, while 17,000 have waivers. The GAO was tasked with reviewing telework and remote work programs at the DOW, revealing that between 65% and 68% of positions were eligible for remote work during the review period. The DOW has faced criticism for conflicting reports on remote work numbers and lacks formal processes to ensure data accuracy. The report recommends establishing clear requirements for evaluating telework's effects on departmental goals.
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HIRING

Oregon's mental health crisis deepens

Oregon's mental health and addiction system faces a significant workforce shortage, primarily due to cumbersome processes that hinder new workers from entering the field. A draft bill aims to alleviate these issues by reducing paperwork, expediting credentialing, and addressing licensing bottlenecks. Governor Tina Kotek's Behavioral Health Talent Council reported that since the pandemic, waitlists for treatment have extended for months. The proposal seeks to create a centralized credentialing system to streamline approvals and reduce administrative burdens. Additionally, it aims to address the lack of clinical supervisors, which has stalled many new professionals from completing licensing requirements. 
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LEGAL

Starbucks faces lawsuit over supply chain

Hagens Berman, a Seattle-based law firm, has filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Starbucks, alleging unethical supply chain practices and harmful chemicals in its decaffeinated coffee. The lawsuit, representing plaintiffs Jennifer Williams and David Strauss, claims that some overseas coffee farms, while certified as ethical by Starbucks, violate labor laws and mistreat workers.

Cops cash in on misconduct

A recent report from the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller revealed that numerous police officers have been allowed to retire and collect full pensions despite serious misconduct. Acting State Comptroller Kevin Walsh said: “These findings expose a serious gap in efforts to protect underfunded pension funds and deter misconduct by law enforcement officers.” The investigation sampled nearly 60 officers, finding that 21 had not faced hearings regarding their misconduct, which included criminal charges. The report criticized the state’s pension system for its lack of oversight and transparency, allowing officers to evade accountability.

Fraud cases rise as Witzburg exits

In her final quarterly report, retiring Inspector General Deborah Witzburg revealed that three more Chicago Police Department employees, including a sergeant, are facing termination for fraudulently obtaining federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the pandemic. This brings the total number of sustained PPP fraud cases to eleven, stemming from Witzburg's internal investigations.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Walmart International CEO to step down

Walmart International CEO Kathryn McLay will step down at the end of the month and assist with the transition through the first quarter, the company announced Thursday. McLay, who took on the role in 2023, has been with Walmart for nearly a decade, including serving as CEO of Sam’s Club and holding roles in U.S. strategy and supply chain. Her resignation aligns with a broader leadership shift as John Furner prepares to succeed Doug McMillon as Walmart CEO next month. A successor to McLay will be named soon.
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INTERNATIONAL

Diplomat expelled after spying allegations arise

Russian authorities have expelled a British diplomat, accusing them of espionage without providing evidence. The Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed the diplomat was affiliated with British intelligence. The diplomat's accreditation was revoked, and they must leave within two weeks, as stated by Russia's Foreign Ministry. Danae Dholakia, the U.K.'s charge d'affaires in Russia, was summoned to receive the notice. “Moscow will not tolerate the work of undeclared British intelligence officers in Russia,” the ministry said. This incident is part of ongoing tensions between Russia and NATO allies, which have seen multiple rounds of mutual expulsions since the Ukraine conflict began in February 2022. Previously, two British diplomats were expelled in March 2025 over similar allegations, which the U.K. dismissed as “malicious and baseless.”

Aid workers acquitted after long trial

In a landmark ruling, a Greek court acquitted 24 aid workers, including Sara Mardini and Sean Binder, of charges related to rescuing migrants on Lesbos. The volunteers, who worked for the Emergency Response Centre International (ERCI) from 2015 to 2018, faced accusations of human trafficking and other offences. Presiding judge Vassilis Papathanassiou stated: "All defendants are acquitted of the charges" as their actions were aimed at providing humanitarian aid. Prosecutor Dimitris Smyrnis noted that "no independent basis establishing the criminal liability of the defendants has been demonstrated." Amnesty International welcomed the decision, urging protection for humanitarian efforts.

Denmark's seniors embrace longer working lives

Denmark is witnessing a significant rise in the number of seniors working beyond retirement age, now exceeding 100,000. This trend is attributed to tax breaks, flexible working options, and supportive government policies. Employment Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek noted that changes in pension rules have made it "more economically attractive" for seniors to remain in the workforce. Jesper Rangvid, a finance professor, highlighted the appeal of tax-free bonuses for older workers. Despite the benefits, the government acknowledges that not all seniors can continue working until the state pension age of 70.
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AND FINALLY.....

Secrets of a century-long career

Walter Orthmann, who worked for 84 years at the RenauxView company, shared his secrets to longevity in the workplace. He emphasised the importance of "staying curious, learning constantly, and really doing what you love." Walter advised maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing stress, stating: "Don't get nervous, do everything laughing." His colleagues viewed him as a mentor, appreciating his kindness and leadership. Born in Brazil in 1922, Walter began working at 15 to support his family and adapted through various roles until his retirement at 102 in August 2024, never intending to stop working.
 
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