21.   Several big retailers reported today that their sales growth tapered in June and the government said first-time unemployment claims rose more last week than economists predicted.

22.   State Farm says claims have risen more than anticipated in part because reconstruction costs are soaring.

23.   The U.S. Labor Department reported first-time jobless claims rose to their highest level in a month, a sign the jobs market may be cooling.

24.   U.S. reports showing economic activity in the northeastern region of the country slipped last month, while unemployment claims rose, did little to offset declines, traders said.

25.   U.S. reports showing economic activity in the northeastern region of the country slipped last month while unemployment claims rose did little to offset declines, traders said.

26.   While claims rose last week, suggesting a deceleration in the economy, the trend in recent weeks had been one of economic strength, economists said.

27.   With the acquistionn of Raging Bull, CMGI claims AltaVista will rise to become the ninth largest portal, surpassing Amazon.com and Time-Warner Inc.

28.   However, some economists had been predicting claims would rise as people dug out from the snow and made it into unemployment offices to file claims.

29.   It marked the first time that benefit claims have risen for two straight weeks since early October.