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U.S. Shed 467,000 Jobs In June

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:00:00 -0400 - The Labor Department reported Thursday that U.S. businesses shed a bigger-than-expected 467,000 jobs in June. The unemployment rate rose slightly to 9.5 percent, the highest in nearly 26 years. The Dow Jones industrial average fell more than 200 points on the news.

Obama Disappointed By Jobs Numbers

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:00:00 -0400 - President Obama said Thursday he is "deeply concerned" about unemployment. The remarks to The Associated Press came after the Labor Department said U.S. businesses shed 467,000 jobs in June and that the unemployment rate increased to 9.5 percent.

Marines Battles Taliban In Helmand Valley

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:00:00 -0400 - Thousands of Marines have descended upon the Helmand River valley in Afghanistan, a Taliban stronghold that is known for poppy growing. The Marines plan to stay, one of the first concrete examples of the Obama administration's new strategy for Afghanistan.

Hundreds Of Calif. Homeless March For Land Rights

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:47:00 -0400 - In Sacramento, hundreds of homeless demonstrate in hopes of securing land to sleep on. In recent months a tent city and a city shelter have closed. With laws that prohibit sleeping in public places, these individuals say it is now illegal for them to exist.

July 4 Becomes Silent Night In Cash-Strapped Places

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:02:00 -0400 - You may want to double-check before you head out on July 4 for the annual fireworks show. Dozens of towns are canceling their Fourth of July celebrations this year owing to lack of funds.

Politicians Reconsider Drilling Off Florida Coast

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:01:00 -0400 - For years, oil production has been largely banned in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida. In large part, that's because of concerns that a spill could devastate the state's tourism industry. But now, some elected officials seem willing to take another look at offshore drilling after years of opposition.

Saddam's Fear Of Iran Trumped Fear Of U.S.

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:05:00 -0400 - In a series of interviews between February and June of 2004, the late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein told an FBI interrogator that he falsely let the world believe Iraq had weapons of mass destruction because he feared revealing that weakness to Iran.

Serena, Venus Reach Wimbledon Final, Again

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:14:00 -0400 - One Williams or the other has won seven of the past nine championships at the All England Club. Serena beat Venus in the 2002 and '03 finals here, while Venus came out on top against her younger sister last year.

Military Says U.S. Soldier Captured In Afghanistan

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:12:00 -0400 - Insurgents have captured an American soldier in eastern Afghanistan, according to U.S. military officials, who did not release details on where he was captured or the circumstances. The news broke as thousands of Marines launched a major anti-Taliban offensive in southern Afghanistan. The missing soldier was not part of that operation.

Q&A: Rising Unemployment Clouds Outlook

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:10:00 -0400 - The increase in the unemployment rate to a 26-year high of 9.5 percent doesn't bode well for a smooth transition to economic recovery. Economists said they expected to see job losses; however, the 467,000 job cuts in June exceeded the consensus of analysts' projections.

Unemployment Up To 9.5 Percent, A 26-Year High

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:34:00 -0400 - Payrolls dropped a larger-than-expected 467,000 in June and the unemployment rate rose to 9.5 percent, a 26-year high, the Labor Department said Thursday. Meanwhile, new jobless claims dropped to 614,000 last week, while continuing claims fell unexpectedly.

First U.S. Casualties Reported In Afghanistan Push

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:21:00 -0400 - At least one Marine has been killed and several others injured as a predawn operation launched Thursday continued in Afghanistan's volatile Helmand province. About 4,000 Marines are setting up positions in a river valley that has been Taliban stronghold. The operation is the first test of the Obama administration's new counter-insurgency strategy.

Employers Cut More Jobs Than Expected In June

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:16:00 -0400 - The nation's jobless rate is up to a 26-year high of 9.5 percent. The Labor Department says 467,000 jobs were eliminated last month. June's payroll reductions were deeper than the 363,000 that economists expected.

Marine General Takes Fight To The Taliban

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:45:00 -0400 - Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson, a veteran of Iraq, is leading the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in its fight against the Taliban in Afghanistan. He exhorted his troops in a recent speech to besiege the enemy until the Taliban is dead or surrenders.