Topic: U.S. Department of Labor

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Unemployment rate: How many Americans are really unemployed?

It depends on which measurement you use. For most people, the ability to find a job is the most basic sign of a healthy economy. Changes in the unemployment rate signal whether getting a job is becoming harder or easier for US workers. But other numbers, also sent out by the Labor Department on the first Friday of each month, offer additional barometers to watch. Here are five ways to measure the jobless problem, with the latest numbers plugged in.
Unemployment rate giving you the blues? Try these top five cities for jobs.

Here are five large metro areas with the lowest unemployment rates and where unemployment is down at least half a percentage point over last year:
Job market's still tough. Seven ways to reenergize your job search.

For America's jobless, the labor market is sending conflicting signals. On one hand, unemployment in December dropped to 9.4 percent, its lowest rate in 19 months, the US Department of Labor reported Friday. On the other hand, a separate Labor survey showed that the economy added only 103,000 jobs, when economists were expecting about 150,000 new nonfarm jobs. What to make of it all? In fits and starts, the economy is staging a very modest recovery, but it may take years before the nation regains the jobs it lost during the Great Recession. To find a job, many unemployed Americans may need to reenergize their own job search. Here are seven ways to do it:
Recession over? Not in these four cities.

America's longest postwar recession officially ended more than a year ago. But in some places, the recession still looks alive and well. Here are four cities that over the past year have seen the biggest drops in employment and at least a 1 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate, according to the US Department of Labor. Is your city on the list?
Unemployment up? Not in these four maverick cities.

The US lost jobs in September and the unemployment rate remains at a high 9.6 percent, the US Department of Labor reported Friday. But some metropolitan areas are bucking the trend and adding jobs. By making everything from food to music and band instruments, these four metros have seen the biggest year-over-year decline in their unemployment rates. Is your city on this list?

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The New Economy
Unemployment rate hits three-year low. Hooray? No, boo!

The unemployment rate for April was 8.1 percent, the lowest rate since President Obama took office. But the unemployment rate is falling for all the wrong reasons. 
Harvard and MIT to offer online courses. A step in lowering college costs?

On Wednesday, Harvard and MIT announced they're forming a new organization called edX to deliver online courses to learners around the world. Each school is investing $30 million.
Modern Parenthood
Ann Romney working mom debate obscures value of child care (+video)

Somebody needs to take care of the kids, and the Ann Romney working mom debate is evidence that child care is mostly invisible in economic and political discussion – until someone misspeaks.
Drug testing: Florida aims to be first to test public workers

New Florida drug-testing law allows agency heads to randomly test public workers for illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and alcohol. But it exempts the governor and state legislators.
Stocks fall. Greece weighs on markets.

Stocks are down in Asia and Europe ahead of a key European summit. S&P futures are also lower. Investors shun stocks as concerns linger about Greece's long-term solvency.
Stock market divide: Asia down, Europe up

Stock market indexes in Asia close lower on bad news out of Europe. But European stock market indexes rise on hopes for stronger US job data.
Unemployment rate: How many Americans are really unemployed?

It depends on which measurement you use. For most people, the ability to find a job is the most basic sign of a healthy economy. Changes in the unemployment rate signal whether getting a job is becoming harder or easier for US workers. But other numbers, also sent out by the Labor Department on the first Friday of each month, offer additional barometers to watch. Here are five ways to measure the jobless problem, with the latest numbers plugged in.
Super committee failure threatens key tax breaks

Super committee deal would have made it easier for Congress to extend temporary tax breaks that are buoying the economy. The likely debacle of the super committee could trim growth by ending those tax breaks.
Rick Perry jobs plan: Make rest of America more like Texas

Texas Gov. Rick Perry, in an address in Pennsylvania, says the energy sector could create jobs in plenty of states where there are resources, and vows to lead charge to clear regulatory hurdles.
The Entrepreneurial Mind
Small businesses: Building community through hiring

Many entrepreneurs choose to use their businesses to become building blocks to help improve their community, taking steps like hiring rehabilitated convicted felons.
Difference Maker
Judith Heumann: from 'fire hazard' to top advocate for disabled people

Judith Heumann learned early on that if she was going to be part of society she'd have to fight for the right.
Oil futures rebound, but losses for quarter loom

Oil futures gain 93 cents a barrel in US to close at $82.14. Brent crude oil futures rise to nearly $104 a barrel.
Rick Perry's 'Texas miracle': a demographic quirk?

Since Gov. Rick Perry entered the presidential race, his state's touted economic gains have come under closer scrutiny. Demographics have played an important role in the Texas story.
How the lessons of Columbine may have stopped a Tampa massacre

Authorities say they foiled a Columbine-style school attack in Tampa, Fla., thanks to an anonymous tip. The school had encouraged students to speak up about anything suspicious.
Unemployment rate giving you the blues? Try these top five cities for jobs.

Here are five large metro areas with the lowest unemployment rates and where unemployment is down at least half a percentage point over last year:
In Congress, a bid to make US firms take steps against modern-day slavery

A new bill in Congress would require large companies to reveal any efforts to ensure that child labor, forced labor, and other forms of modern-day slavery did not contribute to their products.
Stefan Karlsson
The official unemployment rate, and the hidden one

As the official unemployment rate rises, so does the number of people who quit looking for a job out of discouragement
Obama touts auto industry recovery while GOP asks 'What jobs?'

Obama says his administration took the right steps in preventing the auto industry from total collapse. But the US economy is slow to add jobs, and that's a major political target for Republicans.
Bleak teen jobs outlook: 25 percent unemployment and stiff competition

Teen jobs are hard to find as they compete with laid-off adults and fewer public-sector jobs. Some cities are raising cash to fund summer jobs.
Commodities plunge: good news for consumers

Commodities like oil, gold, and copper all fell this week. Silver led the plunge in commodities with a 28 percent decline.
Michigan unemployment benefits cut short: 'Huge win' or 'reckless'?

A new Michigan law shortens the duration of unemployment benefits from 26 to 20 weeks. A similar measure is before the Florida legislature.
Robert Reich
A governor destroys history in the name of promoting business

Maine Governor Paul LePage is one of many Republicans across the country who is assaulting workers' rights and history to encourage business growth.
Hyperinflation led to Hitler and Mao. What will China's currency manipulation lead to?

China's currency manipulation aggravates US politicians, but it could also upend its own economic gains. By keeping the yuan artificially low, China increases inflation to dire levels. Instead of whining about the policy, the US must emphasize this dangerous tradeoff to China.
Women's share of jobs slipping

Once poised to become a majority of the workforce, women haven't found as many jobs as men during the recovery. But some signs point to an eventual rebound.
Nine states don't give maximum unemployment benefits: Does yours?

Extended unemployment benefits – after the first 26 weeks – are paid by Uncle Sam, but only if states pass legislation allowing it. So far, 37 states and D.C. are on board, four have unemployment levels too low to qualify, and nine just haven't taken action.