Biden ignores disappointing December jobs figure, focusing instead on unemployment decline

President Joe Biden speaks from the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, on the August jobs report. ((AP Photo/Susan Walsh))

President Biden on Friday glossed over weak job growth in December that marked the worst month for hiring in a year, instead focusing on a surprise decline in the nation’s unemployment rate. 

The Labor Department reported Friday morning that private businesses and other employers added just 199,000 new jobs in December, well below the 400,000 gain forecast by Refinitiv economists – a troubling sign that hiring slowed even before the highly contagious omicron variant began rapidly spreading across the nation. 

WHERE ARE SURGING CONSUMER PRICES HITTING AMERICANS THE HARDEST?

But other aspects of the report painted a brighter outlook. The unemployment rate unexpectedly plunged to 3.9% from 4.2%, indicating that more Americans found jobs last month than the report suggested, and

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Briefs: December 30th, 2021 – South Philly Review


Tickets are on sale for the Philadelphia Flower Show running from June 11-19.

Flower show tickets available

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society announced that tickets are on sale for the Philadelphia Flower Show.

The theme is In Full Bloom. The show will take place at Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park, 1500 Pattison Ave., from Saturday, June 11, through Sunday, June 19.

For tickets, go to PHSonline.org/the-flower-show.

Theatre Exile opens new play in February 

Theatre Exile at 1430 S. 13th St. will present The Motherf**ker with the Hat by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis from Feb. 3-27 with Theatre Exile’s new theater limited-capacity audience of 60 guests, reduced from the usual 125 seat capacity.

After his release from prison, Jackie moves in with his childhood sweetheart Veronica as he tries to start his life anew. He’s working to overcome his addictions with the help of his sponsor, Ralph D, but

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Briefs: December 20th, 2021 – South Philly Review


Whitman Library hosts virtual stitching sessions every Wednesday.

Whitman Library hosts Virtual Stitch Meetup on Zoom

Want to share what you’re making with other crafters from the comfort of your own home? Join Whitman Library’s new stitching group. All forms of “stitching” are welcome (knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, quilting). Email Rebecca at mccauslandr@freelibrary.org with questions or to register. Virtual meetups are every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Comcast in 2021

Comcast is looking back at its 2021 milestones, including introduction of advanced Wi-Fi technology capable of delivering the fastest speeds.

In addition, Comcast invested $26 million in the last two years to expand its network throughout Greater Philadelphia and New Jersey, directly reaching nearly 4,000 businesses and benefiting thousands more by making the network more accessible and affordable.

Also, Comcast launched streaming services like Disney+ and ESPN+ on X1 and Flex and enhanced its Xfinity Mobile service. That same service was provided

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