Latest Headlines

Battered consumers play new card: Paying down debt

For the first time in 10 years, the national credit card delinquency rate fell from the second to the third quarter, more evidence that Americans are trying to pay down their debt as the recession continues to claim jobs. » read more

Study: Faulty Chinese drywall causes corrosion

Initial findings from a study of 51 homes by the Consumer Product Safety Commission links corrosion in homes with Chinese drywall to the imported product, the agency said Monday. » read more

California state agency's green car fleet could cost millions

The State Compensation Insurance Fund, the workers' compensation insurer, is shopping for 600 new hybrid vehicles for its automobile fleet — an expense that could top $14 million. The fund is contemplating the major purchase at the same time it's hitting its own customers with a 5 percent increase in premiums in January, blaming that recently announced boost on "medical inflation." » read more

Flu-related absences provide challenges to businesses

U.S. employers are bracing for more flu cases this winter. Whether they’re prepared is another question. Many — particularly small and medium-size companies — don't have business continuity plans in place for dealing with significant flu-related absences, surveys indicate » read more

Economy in Turmoil

• · Spare change: Salvation Army kettles now take credit cards
• · 'Cash for Clunkers' had mixed results in California's capital
• · Senate health care bill about to enter a political minefield
• · World awaits U.S. plan to help curb global warming
• · From DC to SC, bitter dispute over stimulus jobs
• · Senate votes to begin debate on health care overhaul
• · Hog farmers struggle as pork producers go belly up
• · Shoe drive helps homeless across the U.S.
• · Pork buyers go bankrupt leaving farmers with excess of pigs
• · Cosmetic surgeons frown on Senate's 'botax' plan
• · Analyst's solution for BofA: Rehire Ken Lewis as chief
• · Survey: Florida has second worst tax system
• · California's top officials to take 18% pay cut in December
• · California to raise undergraduate fees by 32 percent