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Sluggish US jobs report raises question of how much Fed will cut rates this month

WASHINGTON — Hiring by America’s employers picked up a bit in August from July’s tepid pace, and the unemployment rate dipped for the first time since March in a sign that the job market may be cooling but remains sturdy. Employers added a modest 142,000 jobs last month, up from a scant 89,000 in July, the Labor Department said Friday. The unemployment rate ticked down to 4.2% from 4.3% in July, which had been the highest level in nearly three years. Hiring in June and July, though, was revised sharply down by a combined 86,000, and July’s job gain was the weakest since the ...

Marshall, Parker & Weber attorneys named best lawyers

WILLIAMSPORT — Marshall, Parker & Weber, LLC, an elder law, and estate planning law firm, has announced that Managing Principal Tammy A. Weber and Principal Matthew J. Parker, have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2025 Edition. Both Attorney Weber and Attorney Parker were selected in two fields: Elder Law and Trusts and Estates. Attorney Weber said, “Matt and I are honored to receive this designation and share the recognition with our excellent staff. We are grateful to have a caring team with whom we work to serve our ...

Walmart grows more optimistic about 2024 as bargains prove a powerful lure for the inflation weary

NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart had another quarter of strong sales that topped almost all expectations with its comparatively low prices proving a powerful draw for millions who have struggled with rising costs for housing, groceries and almost everything else. The nation’s largest retailer raised its full-year outlook and executives said their customers may still be holding out for deals, but they’re not seeing any signs that they’re fraying. “So far, we aren’t experiencing a weaker consumer overall,” CEO Doug McMillon told industry analysts Thursday. Evidence of a ...

US shoppers sharply boosted spending at retailers in July despite higher prices

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans stepped up their spending at retailers last month by the most in a year and a half, easing concerns that the economy might be weakening under the pressure of higher prices and elevated interest rates. The Commerce Department reported Thursday that retail sales jumped 1% from June to July, the biggest such increase since January 2023, after having declined slightly the previous month. Auto dealers, electronics and appliance stores and grocery stores all reported strong sales gains. The July retail sales data provided reassurance that the U.S. economy, ...