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Myanmar Earthquake: Death Toll Climbs to 3,145 Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar nearly a week ago has claimed at least 3,145 lives, with search and rescue teams continuing to recover bodies from the rubble. The 7.7 magnitude quake, which had its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, caused widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings, damaged roads, and destroyed bridges.  Humanitarian aid groups are working tirelessly to provide survivors with medical care and shelter, as thousands remain homeless and vulnerable to disease outbreaks. The United Nations estimates that over 17 million people have been affected by the disaster, with more than 9 million severely impacted.  In response to the crisis, Myanmar's military government has declared a temporary ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts. However, ongoing challenges, including communication blackouts and difficult-to-reach areas, have hindered the full assessment of the disaster's impact.  The coming days will be critical in d...
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US Weekly Jobless Claims Fall More Than Expected

 

The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, suggesting that fears of the labor market unraveling were overblown. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped by 17,000 to a seasonally adjusted 233,000 for the week ending August 3. This marks the largest drop in about 11 months.

Economists had forecasted 240,000 claims for the latest week, but the actual decline exceeded expectations. While claims have been on an upward trend since June, factors like temporary motor vehicle plant shutdowns and disruptions caused by Hurricane Beryl contributed to the volatility. Despite this, layoffs remain generally low, and government data from June indicated the lowest layoffs rate in over two years.

The slowdown in the labor market is primarily driven by less aggressive hiring, influenced by the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes in 2022 and 2023. However, the recent monthly nonfarm payrolls report showed a significant slowdown in job gains in July, raising concerns that the labor market may be deteriorating. The Fed is closely monitoring the situation and may consider reducing borrowing costs in their next policy meeting in September.


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