In our 13 Outlier 2009 Predictions we wrote
Crime will rise in a substantial way in most major cities as the unemployment rate rises tremendously among the young, minorities, and disenfranchised. Again, something simmering for years but more desperation will expose these things.
From CBS News 'Tough Economy Fuels Crime, Shoplifting'
- "There are people that may have jobs and when they have jobs aren't predisposed towards crime. But when they don't have jobs -- nothing justifies crime, but they may decide that's an alternative," Rose said. For retailers, it means more shoplifters hurting the bottom line.
- "Now we are seeing a rocket trajectory. And its increasing, not just in Main Street or Wall Street, it's increasing across America," said Paul Jones of the Retail Industry Leaders Association. Shoplifting is up between 10 percent and 20 percent. In fact, one in 11 Americans shoplift, costing stores $35 million a day.
Speaking of 1 in 11 Americans, when last we looked earlier this year - one in 11 Americans was on food stamps. We are now up to one in 10 Americans, up nearly 10% between August and September.
From CBS News 'Sign of the Times: Food Stamp Use Soars'
- In September, more than 31.5 million Americans received food stamps -- up more than 2 million from the month before. That's one out of every 10 U.S. citizens. A family of four must take home less than $1,767 net per month to qualify for food stamps. (that's $21K a year)
- "How bad is it now? What do you see?" Pitts asked Michelle McCarty of the New Hampshire Department of Family and Assistance. "This is probably the worst," she said. "I've been with the state for 16 years."
- "People think 'hunger' and they think of other countries, but it is right here in your neighborhood," said Caroline Vazquez, director of development for the non-profit Feeding America San Diego.
- Reliance of food stamps is up 24 percent in Idaho, nearly 24 percent in Florida, and more than 20 percent in Nevada and Texas.
On the positive front - a family who was in dire straight earlier this year, relying on food banks - is giving back. CBS News 'Getting Back to the American Dream'
Watch CBS Videos Online
We also predicted
Despite ultra low mortgage rates, out of economic necessity a growing trend will be afoot for families to move together under one roof to maintain economic stability (parents moving in with adult children, adult children moving in with parents).
CBS News on a Boarding House Renaissance - struggling homeowners taking on boarders to stay in their homes. A 62% increase in craiglist listings for boarders.
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An awesome story about NBC News viewers reaching out to help a struggling veteran
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
ABC News does not allow embedding so you have to follow this link if you are interested how Americans are making ends meet by being parts of experimental clinical trials. Inquiries up 30%... fertility clinics are also seeing a surge in egg donors and surrogate mothers.
Toledo, Ohio is trying to remake itself as an alternative energy hub (solar) as the auto industry dies off.
Something we've been warning about many times; the coming inability of portions of our society to send their kids to higher education - ABC News: 'Soaring Tuition Puts Colleges Out of Reach' Community colleges are going to be oh so hot in 2009-2010.
