Continuing Unemployment claims rose by 174,000 to 2.96 million

[papau]

Continuing claims rose by 174,000 to 2.96 million

But the media wants to report (Bloomberg)"The U.S. economy has recorded its strongest labor force expansion since 2000 during the first six months of 2004 -- averaging 211,000 new jobs a month. The June increase of 112,000 jobs was the smallest since February. A rebound is likely for July, with 240,000 jobs added, according to a Bloomberg survey of economists."

And then buries:

"Alcoa Inc., the world's biggest aluminum producer, announced plans Monday to fire all 400 workers at its Wenatchee aluminum smelter in Washington State. The cuts will take effect around Oct. 1.

Cray Inc. announced plans this week to cut 15 percent of its workforce, or about 148 jobs, to reduce costs in the face of contract delays that may push its sales under $200 million in 2004. The Seattle-based company was expected to have annual revenue of $257.1 million.

Washington Mutual Inc., the biggest U.S. savings and loan, said last week that it will cut 4,900 jobs and close 100 loan centers. The Seattle-based company reported a second-quarter loss of $63 million compared with profit of $489 million a year earlier. "

[Atman]

1. AH! No wonder we're not getting any new reports from the WH

about the wonderful jobs reports! I shoulda know'd.

[Cocoa]

2. here's the whores' line on the economy

I can't count how many times I've heard variations on, "the economy is recovering, but the question is will the voters feel it?"

[Moderator]

3. Please post a link, thanks

[papau]

4. Link below

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/economy/economies.html

[struggle4progress]

5. kick for putting on a happy face

:kick: