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What do you want to see from President Obama in second term

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President Obama was sworn in Monday in front of hundreds of thousands of people.

We talked to people in our area about what they hope to see after all the pomp and circumstance.

The top issues people talked to us about were healthcare and of course the economy.

After the ceremony and celebration, President Obama will be back at work. We looked to see what's on the top of your priority list?

“Really hoping for better employment rates, also like to see this healthcare get off ground,” Kyle Jones commented. “I’ve heard good and bad, heard some things and I just really want to see where he's going to go and what he's going to do about reducing private health care as well.”

Others in York County say they aren't even sure it's Obama himself who they should change.

“I don’t believe the President has any power whatsoever, the President is just a face to the people,” Dave Anderson believes.

Another issue we heard from you, is that it's time to put aside the politics and work together in Washington.

”Hopefully Congress can get together on doing good for people,” Dick Lacy said. “They are fighting each other and it's distressing.”

“I think Obama is doing the best he can, the government has to get together,” Betty Lacy said.

Thousands participated in Days of Service to honor Martin Luther King

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In honor of Martin Luther King, thousands of mid-state residents kept his legacy of service alive Monday.

In Uptown Harrisburg, more than 100 volunteers took the opportunity to turn a wasteland into a community garden.

The Uptown neighborhood on Atlas Street wasn’t very inviting when volunteers showed up Monday morning for the Day of Service. But by lunchtime, it was ready for the rakes and shovels of spring.

"We are here working with our faith community to help improve the look of our city,” commented Barbara Terry, Vice President with Pinnacle Health. “We know that a clean city is also a healthy city."

The weather was cold Monday morning, but spirits were high. Volunteers worked side-by-side trying to clean up one block, finding a lot of brush and more.

"A lot of drug paraphernalia, a lot of dumping that's going on, mattresses, drywall, old tires, a lot of discarded items," Ronnette Martin said, shaking her head.

When someone mentioned snakes, most just smiled and kept working. But three young ladies were serious, they had found three.

What brings someone outside to work on a cold day?

"I was young when the marches were happening so I didn't get to participate that time so it's continuing his legacy I want to participate now and remember," Karen Overly Smith said.

Paris Gregore likes the community of people. “Freedom and peace, peace for our community all coming together for one good purpose," Gregore stated.

Many were feeling good about the legacy of Dr. King.

"People coming together remembering the days of old,” said Jocelyn Troup. “Trying to get better, help the community out."

"People have come together black, white, Puerto Ricans, but God knows he's going to take care of the situation without unity, especially in the city," Charles Mackey urged.

"Martin Luther King is symbolic of equality for all, having a cool opportunity for all people and making no distinguishing features when any person, all people are created equally in the eyes of God,” Pastor Willie Dixon urged.

With students off school and parents off work, many participated in days of service across the mid-state Monday.


Honda recalling thousands of vans, SUV's due to airbag issues

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Honda is recalling thousands of minivans and SUV's in the U.S.

The automaker says its Odyssey minivans and Pilot SUV’s from the 2009 through 2013 model years are involved in the recall.

Honda says the driver's side airbags may have been assembled without some of the rivets needed to secure their cover.

That could prevent them from deploying properly in the event of a crash.

Ceremony honors firefighters, community activists for their service

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Our own Sherry Christian of CBS 21 News celebrated Martin Luther King Day at the 16th Street fire station in Harrisburg at the Day of Service ceremony.

Volunteers from non-profit organizations sponsored projects throughout the day to pay respect to firefighters and others that serve people in our area.

Several people were honored at the ceremony, including the late Reverend Olin Harris.

Harris was the first black broadcaster to be hired in our area and got his start as a weatherman right here at WHP-TV.


Lewis Butts Jr. announces his run for Harrisburg Mayor

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A Harrisburg man announced today his candidacy for Harrisburg Mayor.

Lewis Butts Junior says he will run against Mayor Linda Thompson.

He says he was born and raised in Harrisburg and is looking to make change in the Capital City.

Butts say he has a comprehensive plan that will let everyone in Harrisburg know their part they should play in making the city a better place to live.

Harrisburg robbery thwarted when victim hit robber with his car

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Around 11:15 Saturday night, Harrisburg City Police were dispatched to the first block of Balm Street on a report that someone had been either shot or hit by a car.  When officers got to the scene, they say they found Jelani Finley.  Finley looked to have a head injury and couldn't stand.  Police called an ambulance and Finley was taken to a hospital.

According to a press release, witnesses told police that Finley was hit by a car during a robbery, and that he dropped a handgun.  Police say Finley robbed a local couple when they were walking to their car.  He took cash from the man, and the woman ran off and Finley ran after her.  The man jumped into his car and sped after them.  The man hit Finley when he ran out between parked cars, police say.

Neither victim was hurt and the money stolen was recovered.  Finley faces several charges, including robbery and possession of a firearm by a fugitive.  Police say they are also investigating the handgun that Finley dropped for ownership and history.

The investigation is ongoing.

63-year-old arrested for raping a seven-year-old girl

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State Police have arrested a Leacock Township, Lancaster County man and charged him with raping a young girl.

The incidents occurred in December at a home in the 3700 block of East Newport Road.

Michael Harley, 63 of Leacock Township, was arrested Monday. He was charged with rape of a child, indecent assault, corruption of minors, unlawful contact with minors and sexual abuse of children.

Harley was taken to Lancaster Police Department to await arraignment.

Elderly woman tells lottery scam artist to get a job and quit bothering her

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Scam artists have been targeting a small community in Lancaster and police are warning residents to be aware.

The phone scams are concerning, especially for older people, and also nearly impossible to prosecute. Most of the time the person on the other line, is not in this country.

In the past week, two people have gone to the Manor Township Police saying that someone tried to scam them over the phone. One person was told their son was in an accident and they needed to send money to help him.

The other person, an 80-year-old woman, was told she won $900,000 in a lottery and only had to send $300 to collect the prize money. She told the person on the other line to get a job and quit bothering her. A quick check revealed the call came from Jamaica.

“If it sounds too good to be true, a lot of times it is,” explained Sergeant Carolyn Gundel of Manor Township Police. “There’s no way for us to catch who’s doing it.”

To avoid being a victim, Sgt. Gundel recommends several precautions. Never give any personal information over the phone like your social security or credit card numbers; never wire money, because once it’s gone it’s gone; and ask questions, if it is a scam you will know quickly.

“They are frightening, these older people in their own homes and they’re not even possibly in this country,” Gundel said. “But these people are now fearful that somebody knows where they live and if they don’t pay the money they are going to come after them.”

Sgt. Gundel went on to say a while back one person in Manor Township fell for one of these scams to the tune of $5000.


Woman steals over $120,000 from local EMS company where she worked

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Police are charging a local woman with stealing over $100,000 from a non-profit EMS service in Dauphin County.

Court documents show she stole the money over a four year period using a company credit card.

South Central Emergency Medical Services says that one of their employees who retired last April continuously stole money from the company using a credit card. It was discovered when the CEO of the company looked over the financial records and saw that something didn't add up.

45-year-old Virginia Stapf of Lewisburg retired from her position as an administrator for South Central Emergency Medical Services in April after police say she stole more than $120,000. State Police arrested Stauf on

January 11 for charges including theft and unlawful use of a computer.

Stapf hid the thefts by making it look like they were part of equipment purchases. The thefts were only discovered after CEO Jason Campbell looked over financial records and found the missing money.

He told CBS 21 that Stapf used the credit card to pay for everything from shoes to her taxes but never charged more than $4,000 at a time.

South Central Emergency Medical Services released a statement saying, "This act of dishonesty has not nor will it enable or hinder the ability of South Central EMS. South Central EMS is and continues to be one of the most profitable and successful independent EMS organizations throughout the region."

The insurance company has covered the lost money but South Central EMS says they want Stapf prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

A preliminary hearing is set for March 11.

Horse being walked dies suddenly, traps woman underneath it

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REVERE, Pa. (AP) — A woman walking a horse up a hill in eastern Pennsylvania has become trapped after the animal died suddenly and fell on top of her.

Authorities say the bizarre incident happened Sunday afternoon at the Bucks County Horse Park in Upper Black Eddy. Firefighters who responded to the scene were told to turn off their sirens so the other horses wouldn't be spooked. They lifted the animal off the woman, and she was transported to a hospital.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that she suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

It's not immediately clear why the horse died.

The 123-acre horse park is located in Revere and hosts a variety of equestrian events for all ages and disciplines.

 

©2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Blue Monday: Monday known as the most depressing day of the year

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If you're feeling a little down Monday, you're apparently not alone.

A study by an English doctor finds the third Monday of January to be the most depressing day.

The study was conducted by a psychologist in England who said there were several factors.
It also was used as a marketing campaign for a travel company.

So the big question is, is this so-called ‘Blue Monday’ true?

We asked numerous people, but most have never heard of Blue Monday.

January 21, the third Monday of the year, is said to be the most depressing day of the year.
It's a dreary day and there's no sun.

Psychologist Cliff Arnall developed a ‘Blue Monday’ equation for a travel company.

He said the cold weather, debt, time after the holidays and breaking New Year’s resolutions are key factors.

As for shoppers at Colonial Park Mall, they said they will stay happy.

“In lieu of the blue you make your day what you want to make it, for me at our age, it'll take a lot to depress,” one person commented.

“Today is a Blue Monday because people are upset that New England lost, Atlanta lost but my team won so not a blue Monday for me,” another shopper told us.

However, if you are feeling blue, there are a few ways you can feel better. One way to start is to engage in your favorite activity.

Politicians, speech professor sit down to examine President's Inauguration speech

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This inauguration was different from President Obama's first in many ways and not just the smaller crowds.

The second inaugural address of President Barack Obama was held Monday on Martin Luther King Day.

Our sister station out of Baltimore, WBFF, sat down with two Maryland lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and a professor of rhetoric at Towson University.

“I thought this was the anti-Kennedy inaugural,” stated Dr. Richard Yatz, Towson University Professor of Rhetoric. “This inaugural was all about what your country can do for you.”

“He talked about a little girl,” commented Maryland State Republican Pat McDonough. “Well that little girl will be paying for the debt that's creating by President Obama and other politicians for many years to come.”

“Am I disappointed about certain things, yeah,” admitted Curt Anderson.

Delegate Curt Anderson, an Obama supporter, admits the president didn't accomplish all that he had hoped in his first term. But he believes the president still has the best vision for the country.

“I'm completely satisfied, and pumped up to see President Obama in office, talking about what we need to do to bring all Americans up,” Anderson exclaimed.

“In this inaugural you know that he's not going to tackle the debt. He's not going to tackle foreign policy,” Yatz stated.

“He talked about hope and change, and people had belief in what he would do, but now we have a record. He talked the talk, but doesn't walk the walk,” countered McDonough.

Now the nation watches to see if the president who inspired so much hope four years ago can in fact, turn hope, into change in his second term.

Number of exhibitors withdrawing from Outdoor Show continues to climb

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Over the weekend we informed you that Cabela’s has dropped out of the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show.

This all comes after the event organizer announced they won't allow assault-style weapons and high capacity ammunition magazines this year.

Reed Exhibitions imposed the ban in light of the deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut

Monday night, we've learned about more businesses boycotting the event.

Some of the big names include Fred Eichler Fulldraw Outfitters, New Cumberland-based Atlantic Tactical, Direct Action Tactical Firearms in Lancaster County and Can-cooker.

We've posted the entire list on our website, just click on the attached link or on Find It.

Hiker found safe Monday night, but cold weather is dangerous inside and outside the home

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A hiker is safe in York County after getting lost for hours in the extremely cold temperatures.

Authorities say the man went missing in the 2000 block of Fishing Creek Road in Wrightsville.

CBS 21 spoke with first responders about the role weather plays in a rescue like this and what you need to know to stay safe.

The young man Monday night was lucky enough to be found before it was too late, but in cold temperatures like this you need to make sure you’re prepared. Not only when you’re heading outside for a long period of time, but also if you’re just driving from point A to point B or even just trying to heat your home.

“When you’re going out, of course take along some matches, lighters, something in a dry container so you can start a fire if you’re going to be out,” explained Fred Smeltzer, Hellam Township Fire Chief.

The ability to stay warm is one of the most important things you can do in these cold temperatures.

“Dress in layered clothing and of course keep your feet as dry as possible,” Smeltzer advised.

Wearing a warm cotton or wool hat as well as a facemask or turtle neck can make a big difference out in the cold, but it’s also important to be prepared to be stuck with what’s only in your car.

“In your automobile you’ll have a first aid kit and an emergency kit with food and plenty of drinking water which is whether you’re on foot or in you’re vehicle, water is one of the most important things you can have with you,” Smeltzer told us.

Along with water, you want to make sure you have blankets, extra clothes such as heavy coats, and warm boots.

And while many of us will be staying at home to stay warm, it’s important to take steps to stay safe.

“Probably the biggest thing in these type of temperatures that causes dangers is going to be the supplemental heating that we tend to buy at hardware stores to help heat our home,” Smeltzer continued.

The biggest culprit is wood stoves, but anything you can plug into a wall to heat your home can also be a hazard.

“Put them where they can’t be knocked over, keep them away from anything flammable, table clothes, curtains, babies, even small toddlers that can turn these over and burn themselves and burn the house,” the Fire Chief advised.

The best words of advice for a cold week like this are simple, “dress warm, that’s about it, and not go out unless you have to.”

The Fire Chief also told me that if you have not cleaned out your chimney recently, don’t use it! Just use common sense and try to stay warm.

UPDATE: Missing woman in Franklin County found safe

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UPDATE: Petrilla was found safe on Tuesday.

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Police and a concerned family are looking for a missing woman out of Hamilton Township.

On Sunday evening just before 8 p.m., Angela Petrilla, 60 of Hamilton Township was reported as an endangered and missing person.

At this time there is no information about where she may be located.

Anyone with any information is asked to call State Police Chambersburg at 717-264-5161.


Warrant issued in shooting near Pa. playground

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LEBANON, Pa. (AP) — Police have issued a warrant in a shooting that happened near a playground in central Pennsylvania earlier this month.

Investigators say they responded to the Beautex playground in Lebanon around 10:45 a.m. on Jan. 9 and found 33-year-old Christopher Barrett with a gunshot wound to his lower back. Witnesses told police they saw Barrett running from another man, who was shooting at him at the playground.

The Lebanon Daily News reports on Monday (http://bit.ly/Xwf8Af) police issued an arrest warrant for 22-year-old Lebanon resident Angel Franqui-Pagan. Police say he faces charges of criminal attempt to commit homicide and other counts. He remains at large.

Barrett is recovering from his wounds. Investigators have said they don't think the shooting was random.

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Information from: Lebanon Daily News, http://www.ldnews.com

 

©2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Equipment failure leads to Adams Co. power outage

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Officials from Adams Electric and Met Ed say a freak equipment failure has led to a power outage for some residents in Franklin Township, Adams County.  They are working to get power back to customers and will update the situation throughout the morning.

Ben Allatt announces run for Harrisburg City Council

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Ben Allatt, a local business leader and resident of midtown Harrisburg, has announced his candidacy for City Council in the City of Harrisburg.  He made a public pronouncement at a Capital Region Stonewall Democrat fundraiser held at The LGBT Center of Central PA located in midtown Harrisburg.  Allatt, a Democrat, has lived in Harrisburg for more than 14 years and is employed as Vice President of JFC Medical, based in Camp Hill.

Allatt maintains several board appointments for organizations here in Central PA, including currently serving as President of Open Stage of Harrisburg and Vice President of the Human Resource Professionals of Central PA, a local chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management.  He also currently serves on the board for the Capital Region Stonewall Democrats.  Allatt is a volunteer with The LGBT Center of Central PA and is a Democratic Committeeman for the 12th ward.

Game Commission releases final 2012 bear harvest

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Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that the final bear harvest results from the state’s recently concluded seasons show that hunters harvested 3,632 bears, which ranks as the third highest in Pennsylvania history.


The record bear harvest was set in 2011, when hunters took 4,350 bears. In 2005, hunters harvested 4,162 bears, which was the second highest in history.


The final harvest tallies by season are: 13 in the new, early seasons in Wildlife Management Units 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D; 262 bears taken during the statewide, five-day archery bear season; 2,685 bears taken during the four-day bear season, which included a Saturday-opener; and 672 bears taken during the extended bear season held in various WMUs during all or portions of the first week of the deer season.


In the 2005 bear season, hunters harvested 4,164 bears, and stood as the record harvest until 2011.


Other recent bear harvests include: 3,090 in 2010; 3,512 in 2009; 3,458 in 2008; 2,362 in 2007; 3,124 in 2006; 2,976 in 2004; 3,000 in 2003; 2,686 in 2002; 3,063 in 2001; 3,075 in 2000; 1,740 in 1999; and 2,598 in 1998.


The final bear harvests by Wildlife Management Unit (with final 2011 figures in parentheses) were: WMU 1A, 4 (13); WMU 1B, 38 (64); WMU 2B, 6 (1): WMU 2C, 268 (226); WMU 2D, 162 (150); WMU 2E, 50 (79); WMU 2F, 285 (345); WMU 2G, 829 (1,086); WMU 3A, 342 (564); WMU 3B, 279 (479); WMU 3C, 146 (299); WMU 3D, 305 (318); WMU 4A, 139 (72); WMU 4B, 84 (70); WMU 4C, 163 (148); WMU 4D, 403 (355); WMU 4E, 110 (79); WMU 5A, 1 (1); WMU 5B, 2 (0); and WMU 5C, 16 (1).


Bears were harvested in 56 of the state’s 67 counties; which also marked a record for the number of counties included. The top five bear harvest counties this year, once again, all come from the Northcentral Region: Lycoming, 341 (336 taken in 2011); Clinton, 265 (205); Tioga, 227 (381); Potter 179 (399); and Centre, 143 (129).


Final county harvests by region (with 2011 figures in parentheses) are:


Northwest: Warren, 94 (119); Clarion, 77 (47); Venango, 62 (56); Forest, 56 (90); Jefferson, 51 (45); Butler, 11 (9); Erie, 7 (7); Crawford, 6 (16); and Mercer, 1 (6).


Southwest: Somerset, 94 (75); Fayette, 79 (67); Westmoreland, 37 (24); Armstrong, 35 (66); Indiana, 24 (33); Cambria, 11 (35); and Allegheny, 4 (1).


Northcentral: Lycoming, 341 (336); Clinton, 265 (205); Tioga, 227 (381); Potter 179 (399); Centre, 143 (129); McKean, 134 (258); Clearfield, 102 (154); Union, 82 (49); Elk, 76 (153); and Cameron, 67 (100).


Southcentral: Huntingdon, 125 (73); Bedford, 86 (44); Mifflin, 62 (48); Blair, 50 (32); Juniata, 37 (33); Perry, 32 (13); Fulton, 25 (15); Franklin, 14 (13); Snyder, 14 (29); Adams, 2 (0); and Cumberland, 2 (4).


Northeast: Pike, 108 (116); Monroe, 102 (88); Luzerne, 100 (99); Bradford, 86 (126); Wayne, 73 (208); Carbon, 67 (45); Sullivan, 60 (180); Wyoming, 57 (57); Susquehanna, 41 (92); Lackawanna, 37 (25); Columbia, 36 (26); Northumberland, 26 (11); and Montour, 3 (0).


Southeast: Dauphin, 48 (46); Schuylkill, 39 (34); Northampton, 21 (4); Lehigh 3 (3); Berks, 7 (2); and Lebanon, 4 (13).


According to final reports, 45 bears weighing 500 pounds or more were legally harvested during the four seasons, and 5 bears surpassed the 600 pound mark. The top 10 bears processed at check stations all had estimated live weights that exceeded 561 pounds. Joseph A. Spano, of East Stoudsburg, has harvested the largest bear so far this season. Taken Nov. 21, in Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County, the male bear weighed an actual live weight of 709 pounds.


Other large bears (all but one, are estimated live weights) included: a 706-pound male taken by James R. Weisbrod, of Quakertown, in Greene Township, Pike County, on Nov. 20; a 699-pound male taken by William M. Rising, of Indiana, in Hamlin Township, McKean County, on Nov. 19; a 652-pound (actual live weight) male taken by Timothy J. Moffett, of Barto, in Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County, on Nov. 17; a 620-pound male, taken by Robert A. Pitts, of Meadville, in Roulette Township, Potter County, on Nov. 17; a 598-pound male, taken by Michael P. Intallura, of Renovo, in Noyes Township, Clinton County, on Nov. 17; 586-pound male, taken by Brian K. Stuebgen, of Renfrew, in Sergeant Township, McKean County, on Nov. 19; a 576-pound male, taken by Dana L. Landis, of Chambersburg, in Southampton Township, Bedford County, on Nov. 19; a 573-pound male taken by Michael J. Kelly, of Pittsburgh, in Harmony Township, Forest County, on Nov. 21; and a 562-pound male taken by Bryan L. Leabhart, of Dudley, in Carbon Township, Huntingdon County, on Nov. 19.


“While the Game Commission is not qualified to provide specific food safety advice, bear hunters need to be aware of the need for proper preparation of any bear meat,” said Dr. Walter Cottrell, Game Commission wildlife veterinarian. “In addition to the advice already provided on safe handling of game in the field, certain recommendations can be made. If in the course of field dressing and processing game a successful hunter encounters no abnormal odors, colors, or textures to the meat it should be safe to consume if cooked to an internal temperature of 135F for mammals, and 165F for birds as determined by a meat thermometer used according to the manufacturers recommendations.”

Pa. jobless rate rises in Dec., payrolls shrink

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's payrolls shrank and its unemployment rate rose slightly in December, a month after reporting the biggest monthly drop in joblessness in nearly 30 years. Meanwhile, a separate survey found more people working or seeking work.

The state Department of Labor and Industry said December's unemployment rate rose to 7.9 percent from 7.8 percent. The national unemployment rate is 7.8 percent.

A survey of Pennsylvania households found that the number of people working or seeking work grew by 17,000, while the number of people working grew by 12,000.

A separate survey of employers showed payrolls dropped by almost 5,000 jobs to about 5.75 million total nonfarm jobs.

Pennsylvania payrolls dropped below 5.6 million after the recession began in December 2007. Payrolls remain below 2008's peak of 5.8 million jobs.

 

©2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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