Associated Press
US Jobless Claims Plunge to 298,000, as Layoffs Slow
WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits tumbled 23,000 last week to 298,000, nearly a six-year low that shows companies are laying off fewer workers.
Obama to Feds: Boost Renewable Power 20 Percent
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is ordering the federal government to nearly triple its use of renewable sources for electricity by 2020.
White House Pushes for Jobless Aid Extension
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is stepping up efforts to extend jobless benefits to long-term unemployed Americans, arguing that more than a million people will lose the assistance if it isn't renewed by the end of the month, slowing economic growth.
Average US Rate on 30-Year Loan Rises to 4.46 Percent
WASHINGTON (AP) — Average U.S. rates for fixed mortgages rose sharply this week, making home-buying slightly less affordable.
$100,000 Reward Offered for Info in 1973 Murders
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — An anonymous donor is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of whoever is responsible for a double murder in Billings in November 1973.
United States New-Home Sales Jump in October After September Drop
WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans ramped up new-home buying in October after cutting back in September, evidence that the housing recovery is improving fitfully.
United States Service Sector Grows at Slower Pace Last Month
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. service sector firms grew in November at the weakest pace since June, evidence that cautious spending by consumers and businesses may be slowing growth.
Man Charged with Gun Crimes After Connecticut Lockdown
WEST HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Police say they found newspaper clippings about mass shootings at the home of a University of New Haven student arrested near campus carrying two handguns and having an assault rifle in his car.
Florida Man Pleads Not Guilty in Facebook Killing
MIAMI (AP) — A Florida man has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the killing of his wife, whose bloody corpse was shown in photos he later posted on Facebook.
Fort Hood Soldier Convicted in Prostitute Case
FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) — A Fort Hood sergeant convicted for his role in a prostitution ring involving cash-strapped female soldiers has been reprimanded and demoted.
Montana Hunter Charged, Accidentally Shot Colorado Hunter
KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) — A 48-year-old northwestern Montana man who accidentally shot a Colorado hunter in the leg last month is charged with negligent endangerment.
Inquest: Officer Was Justified in Shooting
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A coroner's jury found a Lewis and Clark County sheriff's deputy was justified in shooting an armed man who faced arson charges in Musselshell County.