ALERT! NEW UNEPLOYMENT NUMBERS

ConocoPhillips, the second-largest U.S. refiner, announced after the markets closed that it plans to cut 4 percent of its workforce, or about 1,350 jobs.

Clear Channel Communications Inc. will lay off 1,500 employees on Jan. 20, mostly in ad sales, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the situation. Clear Channel is the largest U.S. radio broadcaster.

WellPoint, the second-largest U.S. health insurer, will end 1,500 jobs, which include 600 workers and 900 open positions.

At least 21,000 jobs were targeted for elimination yesterday as employers from Hertz Global Holdings Inc. to Advanced Micro Devices Inc. grappled with recession-choked demand.