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Recession Briefing 8.7: Recession Brings on a Baby Bust

What you need to know today to survive and thrive in the recession.

For the first time since the decade began, Americans are having fewer babies, and some experts are blaming the economy. (New York Times)

The American economy lost 247,000 jobs in July, and in a reversal, the unemployment rate fell slightly, to 9.4 percent, the government reported Friday. (New York Times)

Americans have been losing their jobs in droves, yet one group has gained ground in employment during this recession: workers 55 and older. The reason is economic necessity. (McClatchy)

There’s just something about a recession that makes people want to do funny things. Like wannabe comics who are out of a job and hoping amateur hour at comedy clubs could be the ticket to a paycheck — and maybe stardom. (Associated Press)

Applications for sperm donation are way up across the country. Selling sperm for cash has long been considered a get-rich-quick scheme of sorts for men during recessions. (Minyanville)

White House economic adviser Christina Romer said on Thursday she expects the U.S. economy to return to normal rates of historical growth once the current financial crisis is past. (Reuters)

Federally sponsored summer meals programs are reaching only a fraction of the nation’s children who qualify, and government officials and advocacy groups say the recession has placed millions more children at risk of going hungry. (Associated Press)

In a growing number of cases, recession-related stress in parents has led to child abuse. (Arizona Republic)

In recession-racked Detroit, the lack of food is a serious problem. As the area’s economy worsens –unemployment was over 16% in July — food stamp applications and pantry visits have surged. (CNN/Money)

“If domestic spending has been the engine of US economic growth in the past few decades, then the coming recovery — and the job creation that comes with it — won’t be a smooth ride,” writes Albert Bozzo. “Much like the American auto industry, the broader economy is undergoing a sea change.” (NBC Chicago)

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Tags: children, comics, emplyers, family, jobs, recovery