Morning News: No State-Funded Pre-K Puts Idaho Kids Behind, Jobless Claims Increase, Albertsons Closing More Stores

Jobless claims cast cloud on labor market | Reuters The number of Americans filing for jobless aid rose last week to the highest level since January, a development that could raise fears the labor market recovery was stalling after job creation slowed in March. (reuters.com)

Consumer bureau proposes weakening card fee cap | Idahostatesman.com The Obama administration’s consumer financial watchdog agency is proposing to relax a cap on credit card fees. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau acknowledges that the change would increase costs for cardholders and give banks more money from fees. (idahostatesman.com)

Lack of State-run Preschool Puts Idaho Students Behind While other options are available, Idaho is one of 11 states without a state-funded preschool program. Plus, children in the Gem State aren’t required to go to preschool or kindergarten.But the lack of a state program puts Idaho’s youth at an educational disadvantage compared to their peers in other states, according to a new report by the National Institute of Early Education Research. (magicvalley.com)

Albertsons Closing Most Florida Stores, Plant City Distribution Center | TheLedger.com The Boise, Idaho-based supermarket chain plans to close 13 of its 17 remaining stores in Florida by June 9 and will cease operations at a distribution center in Plant City, according to spokeswoman Christine Wilcox. (theledger.com)