Jobs optimism lifts consumer sentiment in May

(Reuters) - Consumer sentiment improved in May as job gains offset high gasoline prices, while inflation expectations diminished, a survey released on Friday showed.
Consumers were also more upbeat about the longer term outlook for the economy, the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan survey showed. Even so, income expectations remained at low levels.

The final reading on the overall index on consumer sentiment was 74.3, up from 69.8 the month before and higher than the preliminary reading of 72.4.

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600,000 Young Adults Now Have Healthcare

Some 600,000 young adults have taken advantage of a healthcare reform provision allowing them to stay on their parents’ insurance policies, according to a new report from the Commonwealth Fund.

“To ensure a more stable future for graduates and their families, it is critical that federal and state policymakers continue implementing all provisions of the Affordable Care Act over the next three years,” the Commonwealth Fund said.

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Suburbs using art in vacant storefronts to help revitalize communities

More suburban downtowns are burdened with empty storefronts, an unfortunate consequence of the lackluster economy. But a growing number of area communities are encouraging artists to dress up the vacant buildings –– in much the same way urban residents have long embraced outdoor murals to help brighten empty lots.

"We're trying to transform these storefronts into something positive," said Pam Hamilton, a graphic designer and artist who is leading a project to use the inside of an empty storefront in south suburban Romeoville to display public art, starting in June.

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Siemens Energy announces wind jobs in Oklahoma

Siemens Energy announced  plans to start construction on a new wind service warehousing operation in Woodward, Oklahoma, that the company says will eventually lead to 40 new jobs during the next five years.

The Germany-based company said it will build two new facilities in the northwest Oklahoma city that will be the company's largest wind power service distribution center in the country. Siemens Energy is part of Siemens AG, which focuses on a range of industrial and other industries.

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