The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week, another sign that the job market remains resilient in the face of high interest rates.  Jobless claims dropped by 7,000 to 227,000 last week, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The four-week average of claims, which smooths out week-to-week ups and downs, fell by 4,500 to 236,500. In the week that ended Aug. 3, 1.86 million Americans were collecting jobless benefits, down by 7,000 from the week before. Weekly filings for unemployment benefits, which are a proxy for layoffs, remain low by historic standards. From January through May, claims averaged a rock-bottom 213,000 a week. But they started rising in May, hitting 250,000 in late July and adding to evidence that high interest rates are taking a toll on the U.S. job market.

US unemployment claims fall 7,000 to 227,000 in sign of resiliency in job market

The Independent

The rate at which house prices were rising in the UK steadied in June, as tenants continued to be squeezed by soaring rentsThe average price tag for a home increased by 2.7% in the 12 months to June, unchanged from May, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.It marked the fourth month in a row that prices have increased annually, as momentum returned to the market following eight months of annual price falls.The average cost of a home in June was £288,000 and private rents across the country jumped 8.6% in the year to July, averaging £1,319.Annual price rises in...

House prices grow steadily as ‘eye-watering’ rent increases hit

The Guardian

ONS data shows strong performance in second quarter with the service sector helping drive growth

UK economy continues recovery from recession with GDP growth of 0.6%

A court hears Paul and Dean Mathews made £136,000 through their illegal refunds scheme.

Father and son jailed for steam iron returns scam

Polk County, FL

Contributors represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. They have also demonstrated their experience writing hard news for other outlets. Contributors are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

contributor

Fort Meade, FL

Uncovering Florida

The Polk County Sheriff's Office has made an arrest after conducting an investigation into a case of credit card fraud involving 28-year-old Burger King employee, Kellyn Miley. The incident was discussed in detail during this morning's briefing with Sheriff Grady Judd.

Burger King Employee Caught Using Customer's Credit Card for Food at Former Job

South Carolina State

Four people have been arrested in Los Angeles for allegedly killing American actor Johnny Wactor while trying to steal a part from his car. Three - Robert Barceleau, Leonel Gutierrez, and Sergio Estrada - were arrested for murder. A fourth, Frank Olano, faces a charge of accessory to murder, according...

Four arrested in fatal shooting of US actor in Los Angeles

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting Colombia following an invitation from the vice-president.

'We are no longer debating facts', says Harry in Colombia

Two men are arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug following the discovery.

Drugs arrests after woman found dead

WASHINGTON (AP) — The great inflation spike of the past three years is nearly spent — and economists credit American consumers for helping slay it. Some of America’s largest companies, from Amazon to Disney to Yum Brands, say their customers are increasingly seeking cheaper alternative products and services, searching for bargains or just avoiding items they deem too expensive. Consumers aren’t cutting back enough to cause an economic downturn. Rather, economists say, they appear to be returning to pre-pandemic norms, when most companies felt they couldn’t raise prices very much without losing business.

Americans’ refusal to keep paying higher prices may be dealing a final blow to US inflation spike

Christopher Taggart and Rhys McDonald were tracked down by police after the posts were spotted.

Pair who posted race hate messages on Facebook jailed

Las Vegas, NV

Bellingham Metro News

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck areas near Las Vegas on Tuesday night, according to the United States Geological Service (USGS). The quake, which occurred at 8:06 p.m., was centered approximately 45 minutes from Las Vegas, near Indian Springs.

Magnitude 4.4 Earthquake Shakes Areas Near Las Vegas

Saint Petersburg, FL

Writers represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. Writers are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

writer

Akeena

Hey foodies and diner lovers! It looks like the beloved Metro Diner in St. Petersburg, known for its hearty portions and Guy Fieri's endorsement, has hit a bump in the road. This popular spot, famous for its pancakes, fried chicken and waffles, and mouthwatering meatloaf, has had to temporarily shut its doors due to some serious issues flagged by a recent state inspection.

Green mold, live roaches and live flying insects - Popular diner closed down in Florida

Tina Peters was found guilty of four felony charges related to the election interference case.

Ex-county clerk found guilty of election interference

People are leaving New Zealand in record numbers as unemployment rises, interest rates remain high and economic growth is anemic, government statistics show. Data released by Statistics New Zealand on Tuesday showed that 131,200 people departed New Zealand in the year ended June 2024, provisionally the highest on record for an annual period. Around a third of these were headed to Australia.

People leave New Zealand in record numbers as economy bites

While still saying he is "entitled to personal attacks", Donald Trump seeks to shift his campaign focus to policy.

A different kind of Trump goes on display

J. Souza

According to cruise industry reports, the world's largest cruise ship is sailing well above 100% capacity, thanks to more beds being filled on recent sailings. Royal Caribbean’s newest flagship, the Icon of the Seas, is proving to be an unprecedented success, with occupancy rates far exceeding expectations.

The Largest Cruise Ship in the World is Sailing at 132% Capacity: How This is Even Possible

Joseph Ley, a 30-year-old father-of-two, was heard saying: "You got a problem with us English, bro?".

'Violent racist' who kicked black man in riot jailed

Florida State

Jacksonville Today

Republican Donald Trump has a 7-point lead over Democrat Kamala Harris among Florida voters, 49% to 42%, according to a new poll from the University of North Florida. Four percent are backing another candidate, and 6% are undecided or didn’t answer.

New Florida poll: Trump leads; support strong for abortion and recreational weed

Colorado State

David Heitz

A bill quietly introduced this spring in the Colorado legislature to decriminalize the possession of drug paraphernalia obtained by harm reductionists has become law. As low-key as the legislation was introduced, the bill was signed into law without fanfare June 6. It garnered little to no media attention.

Colorado legalizes needles, pipes for meth and crack if obtained by harm reduction group

Colchester Utd supporters found their vehicles had been locked away during Tuesday night's cup tie.

Fans have to break padlocks to retrieve their cars

NewsBreak

UK unemployment falls slightly as pay growth slows

The UK's unemployment rate has fallen slightly, official figures suggest. Unemployment was 4.2% in the three months to the end of June, down from 4.4% over...

UK unemployment falls slightly as pay growth slows

Comments / 0