Holiday hiring hangover: More people applied for unemployment benefits last week after retailers shed temporary holiday employees. The Labor Department says the number of people seeking benefits jumped by 35,000 to a seasonally adjusted 445,000 for the week ending Saturday. It was the highest level since late October. The increase comes after applications fell to their lowest levels in two years over the winter holidays. Applications usually rise in early January once the holiday season ends. Separately, the Commerce Department says November exports climbed to their highest level in more than two years, helping to narrow the U.S. trade deficit to its lowest point in more than two years. Overseas sales of commercial aircraft, computers, and farm products such as corn and wheat help boost exports.
Edges out Oprah: Mark Harmon, the star of NCIS, was named the most popular TV star. Harmon topped the Harris Poll, beating out last year’s winner, Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey was tied for second place with Hugh Laurie, the star of House. The poll was based on a survey of more than 2,300 adults.
