Numbers in the News

* New unemployment statistics have been released by the state of Ohio. The Plain Dealer has a story about the numbers:

New county-by-county unemployment rates released today show that the four sharpest increases statewide are in four Greater Cleveland counties.

Lorain County's unemployment rate for February was 11.2 percent, up 2.3 percentage points since January. In Lake County, it was up 1.8 percentage points to 8.9 percent.....

In central Ohio, the February unemployment rate for Franklin County was 7.7% and 6.3% in Delaware County. These numbers represent real people losing their incomes and health insurance.

>>>> There was a surprise of sorts today. Marketwatch.com:

A surprising pickup in demand for big-ticket manufactured goods as well as the unexpected rise in new home sales last month were among the rays of hope delivered Wednesday for the troubled economy and the stock market -- and analysts say the recent rise in oil prices also underscores the potential durability of Wall Street's rally.....

The Commerce Department reported demand for machinery and other capital goods climbed in February, driving orders for durable goods up 3.4%.
Later data from the department had sales of new homes rebounding by 4.7% last month after falling to a record low in January.....

This is one small hopeful sign.

* The sad part about all of this is that the Republicans are hoping and praying that more businesses collapse, more people lose their jobs, and the country as a whole fails. The Republicans say they will be offering a budget of their own soon. Please do not hold your breath waiting for their plans.