Massachusetts Unemployment Agency Computers Breached, Information Compromised

Cnet reports that a virus infecting some 1,500 computers in the state's unemployment office may have compromised the personal and private business information, including Social Security and Taxpayer Identification Numbers.

The virus lived on the computers between April 19 and May 13 and may have harvested addresses, e-mail addresses and even banking information of businesses filing quarterly reports.

Among major U.S. cities, Vegas has the highest rate at 14.7 percent

California's Central Valley Hardest Hit Overall

According to the August BLS (maybe they should just shorten it to "BS") report ranking U.S. cities by unemployment rate, Vegas remains the worst U.S. city in which to find a job.

President proposes half-steps as usual, Rome continues to burn

Last week new unemployment claims rose to 500,000, the highest level in nine months, according to the Labor Department.

The drop is attributable to three factors, in order of importance:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics realeased its June, 2010, jobs report, which clearly shows a worsening employment situation, even though the official unemployment rate dropped to 9.5 percent.

Total non-farm employment dropped by 125,000 thanks to the layoffs of temporary census workers. The private sector added 83,000 jobs -- good news and likely the angle the media will play up.

Citing concerns about the national debt, the U.S. House of Representatives has rejected the standalone unemployment extension bill introduced by Representatives Levin (D-MI) and McDermott (D-WA).

Democrats introduced the bill under a special procedure that limited debate, disallowed amendments, and would have required a 2/3 majority to pass.

The bill would have prevented 200,000 people from falling off the unemployment rolls each week, extending coverage until the end of November at a cost of $33.9 billion.

---------