MID-DAY UPDATE: The Senate could vote today to send $26 billion to the states…

… The “jobs bill“would avert state worker layoffs.

• New unemployment claims rise

• Sales for big retailers like Costco, Macy’s, & Target are sluggish

• Russia bans grain exports because of drought. U.S. wheat prices hit a two-year high

• Law would help Chinese workers unionize

• You might have to pay extra for “premium” web content

• Mortgage rates hit another record low

• Sell the right to immigrate to the highest bidder?

• Are Internet apps killing the telephone number?