November 07, 2009
Associated Press -
Jobless rate hits ‘sobering’ levels
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009
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Friday, Nov. 6, 2009
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Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009
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Monday, Nov. 2, 2009
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Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009
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Friday, Oct. 30, 2009
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Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009
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Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
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Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009
Chargers thrash Chiefs
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009
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Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009
More than 100 state parks positions eliminated
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009
WASHINGTON — Just when it was beginning to look a little better, the economy relapsed Friday with a return to double-digit unemployment for only the second time since World War II and warnings that next year will be even worse than previously thought.
The jobless rate rocketed to 10.2 percent in October, the highest since early 1983, dealing a psychological blow to Americans as they prepare holiday shopping lists. It was another worse-than-expected report casting a shadow over the struggling recovery.
President Barack Obama called it “a sobering number that underscores the economic challenges that lie ahead.” He signed a measure to extend unemployment benefits and to expand a tax credit for homebuyers.
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009
FORT HOOD, Texas — Pfc. Marquest Smith, on his way to Afghanistan in January, was completing routine paperwork about a bee-sting allergy when the sounds erupted.
A loud, popping noise. Moans. The sudden, urgent shout of “Gun!”
Smith poked his head over the cubicle’s partition and saw an extraordinary sight: An Army officer with two guns, firing into the crowded room.
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009
The unemployment rate has surpassed 10 percent for the first time since 1983 — and is likely to go higher.
Nearly 16 million people can’t find jobs even though the worst recession since the Great Depression has apparently ended. Many economists worry that persistently high unemployment could undermine the recovery by restraining consumer spending, which accounts for 70 percent of the economy.
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009
NEW YORK — Consumers, looking to outfit themselves for cooler weather and enticed by an improving economy, spent a little more in October, handing the retail industry its second consecutive monthly sales gain after more than a year of declines.
Don’t lose that home -- rent itFriday, Nov. 6, 2009
WASHINGTON — Thousands of borrowers on the verge of foreclosure will soon have the option of renting their homes from Fannie Mae, under a policy announced Thursday.
Army says 12 killed in Fort Hood attackThursday, Nov. 5, 2009
The U.S. Army says 12 people have been killed and 31 wounded in a shooting rampage on the Fort Hood Army base in Texas. Lt. Gen Bob Cone said at a news conference that one shooter has been killed and two suspects were apprehended on Thursday. He says they are all U.S. soldiers.
Retail sales see small gain in OctoberThursday, Nov. 5, 2009
Consumers, enticed by cooler weather, early holiday discounts and an improving economy, spent a little more in October, handing the retail industry its second consecutive sales gain after more than a year of declines.
Productivity surges but job picture remains grimThursday, Nov. 5, 2009
Productivity surged in the third quarter at the fastest pace in six years while labor costs continued to drop sharply, a combination that will bolster companies' profits but leave workers with stagnant incomes.
Election lessons will shape 2010 campaignThursday, Nov. 5, 2009
WASHINGTON — Lessons from the off-year elections: The president’s influence is limited, independents rule, incumbents beware, issues trump ideology and, once more, “It’s the economy, stupid.”
Also: Republicans can win — even if they lack a leader and their base is cracked. And this certainly isn’t the Democratic-friendly political environment of 2006 and 2008 when the party captured control of Congress and the White House.
The first Election Day of Barack Obama’s presidency was a big night for Republicans, who recaptured governorships in the swing state of Virginia and the Democratic stronghold of New Jersey. Democrats won two races for vacant congressional seats, including one in upstate New York that had been long held by Republicans and that exposed a GOP divide.
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009
Local companies and cattle producers are gathering next Monday for a fundraiser to benefit Soaring Hope Equestrian Center — and to learn some of the latest information on livestock handling.
Fed pledges to keep interest rates lowThursday, Nov. 5, 2009
WASHINGTON — With the recession apparently over, the Federal Reserve on Wednesday held a key interest rate at a record low and again pledged to keep it there for an “extended period” to foster the fragile economic recovery.
Atlanta race for mayor headed for runoffWednesday, Nov. 4, 2009
An Atlanta councilwoman could become the city's first white mayor in a generation, facing off against a black state senator in a runoff next month.
Same sex marriage loses in MaineWednesday, Nov. 4, 2009
PORTLAND, Maine — Cecelia Burnett and Ann Swanson had already set their wedding date. When they joined about 1,000 other gay marriage supporters for an election night party in a Holiday Inn ballroom, they hoped to celebrate the vote that would make it possible.
Strong auto sales show industry stabilizingWednesday, Nov. 4, 2009
DETROIT — GM reported its first monthly gain in U.S. sales in almost two years while Toyota and Ford also improved, a sign the auto industry it starting to crawl back from a yearlong slump.
Buffett’s Berkshire buying railroadWednesday, Nov. 4, 2009
NEW YORK — Legendary investor Warren Buffett is making what he calls an “all-in wager” on the U.S. economy — $34 billion to buy a major railroad that hauls everything from corn to cars across the country.
Factory orders continue upward trendTuesday, Nov. 3, 2009
Orders to U.S. factories rebounded in September, helped by strength in autos, heavy machinery and military aircraft. The fifth increase in six months bolsters hopes that a revival in manufacturing will help support an overall economic recovery. The worry is that if consumer spending falters in coming months, orders will slump again.
Ford surprises with $1B profitTuesday, Nov. 3, 2009
DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford, the only Detroit automaker to dodge direct government aid and bankruptcy court, surprised investors with net income of nearly $1 billion in the third quarter and forecast a “solidly profitable” 2011.
Study: Half of U.S. kids will get food stampsTuesday, Nov. 3, 2009
Nearly half of all U.S. children and 90 percent of black youngsters will be on food stamps at some point during childhood, and fallout from the current recession could push those numbers even higher, researchers say.
The estimate comes from an analysis of 30 years of national data, and it bolsters other recent evidence on the pervasiveness of youngsters at economic risk. It suggests that almost everyone knows a family who has received food stamps, or will in the future, said lead author Mark Rank, a sociologist at Washington University in St. Louis.
“Your neighbor may be using some of these programs but it’s not the kind of thing people want to talk about,” Rank said.
Monday, Nov. 2, 2009
Hopes for the fledgling economic recovery got a boost Monday from better-than-expected news on manufacturing, construction and contracts to buy homes.
Construction spending increases, led by jump in housingMonday, Nov. 2, 2009
Construction spending in September posted a better-than-expected performance, powered by the largest jump in housing construction in more than six years.
Abdullah plans runoff boycott to delay Afghan voteSunday, Nov. 1, 2009
President Hamid Karzai’s challenger plans to call for a boycott of next weekend’s runoff election in an attempt to force the vote’s postponement until spring, his campaign manager said — a move that would dim U.S. hopes for a stable Afghan government for months.
Karzai rejected Abdullah Abdullah’s conditions for next Saturday’s vote, including removing top election officials whom the challenger accused of involvement in cheating in the first-round balloting in August.
Abdullah has called a press conference for 10 a.m. today to announce his final decision after Afghans and Westerners close to the challenger said he would withdraw. His campaign manager Satar Murad said the candidate might still change his mind, but that “as of now” he planned to call for a boycott.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009
WASHINGTON — Nearly 650,000 jobs have been saved or created under President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus plan, the government said Friday, and the White House declared the nation on track to meet the president’s goal of 3.5 million by the end of next year.
Dow falls 250 pointsSaturday, Oct. 31, 2009
NEW YORK — Grim signals about consumer spending ripped through the markets Friday, sending stocks tumbling as investors raced for safe havens.
Consumer spending falls as "Clunkers" program endsFriday, Oct. 30, 2009
Consumer spending plunged in September by the largest amount in nine months, reflecting the end of the government's Cash for Clunkers auto sales program. Incomes, the fuel for future spending, were flat.
Economy grows at 3.5%Friday, Oct. 30, 2009
WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy grew at a better-than-expected 3.5 percent annual rate from July through September, the government reported Thursday, the clearest sign yet that the deep recession that’s gripped the nation is over.
Nixon names new economic development directorThursday, Oct. 29, 2009
Kansas' secretary of commerce will be crossing state lines to lead economic development in Missouri.
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009
The economy grew at a 3.5 percent pace in the third quarter, the best showing in two years, fueled by government-supported spending on cars and homes.
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009
Gov. Jay Nixon cut an additional $204 million from Missouri’s budget Wednesday and eliminated nearly 700 jobs in an attempt to offset a continued decline in state tax revenues.
The wide-ranging cuts will reduce busing aid to public schools, Medicaid payments to some health care providers and subsidies to the arts and humanities. Grants for life sciences research will be eliminated, funding for the state’s online school will be halted during the second semester, and no new clients will be accepted for certain mental health care services.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
KANSAS CITY — Running back Larry Johnson, who made two gay slurs within a 24-hour period and has a history of poor behavior both on and off the field, was given what amounts to a one-game suspension Wednesday night by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Missing one game check will cost the troubled former Pro Bowler about $213,000.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
MILWAUKEE — Johnson Controls Inc. said Tuesday that cost cuts and operational improvements bolstered its profit in the fourth quarter, helping to offset the effects of the continued weak economy on its sales.
October index a bad sign?Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
CHICAGO — Consumer’s confidence about the U.S. economy fell unexpectedly in October as job prospects remained bleak, a private research group said Tuesday, fueling speculation that an already gloomy holiday shopping forecast could worsen.
Consumer confidence dipsTuesday, Oct. 27, 2009
Consumer's confidence about the U.S. economy fell unexpectedly in October as job prospects remained bleak, a private research group said Tuesday, fueling speculation that an already gloomy holiday shopping forecast could worsen.
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009
KANSAS CITY — Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson used a gay slur for the second time in as many days Monday, the Kansas City Star reported on its Web site.
Reid: Senate running the optionTuesday, Oct. 27, 2009
Health care legislation heading for the Senate floor will give millions of Americans the option of purchasing government-run insurance coverage, Majority Leader Harry Reid announced Monday, although he stopped short of claiming the 60 votes needed to pass a plan steeped in controversy.
Chargers thrash Chiefs
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009
All that talk about San Diego getting better may not be all talk.
Six days after a disappointing Monday night loss to Denver in which they insisted they’d made strides, the Chargers swatted away the flu bug and stomped on Kansas City 37-7 Sunday, dominating in virtually every phase.
Philip Rivers threw three touchdown passes, LaDainian Tomlinson had a season-best 71 yards rushing and Nate Kaeding, who was vomiting with flulike symptoms Saturday, kicked three field goals.
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009
President Barack Obama declared the H1N1 virus outbreak a national emergency, giving his health chief the power to let hospitals move emergency rooms offsite to speed treatment and protect noninfected patients.
Fire damages office at industrial businessThursday, Oct. 22, 2009
An electrical fire in a maintenance building destroyed an office and the contents of part of a storage area Thursday at Ventura Foods.
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009
Tens of thousands of people may have taken advantage of the first-time home buyer tax credit to defraud the government, an IRS watchdog office said Thursday, in testimony that could jeopardize efforts to extend the popular program.
Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration J. Russell George told a House panel that more than 19,000 people filed 2008 tax returns claiming the credit for homes they had not yet purchased. Russell said his office had identified another $500 million in claims, by some 74,000 taxpayers, where there were indications of prior home ownership.
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009
WASHINGTON — The number of Americans who believe there is solid evidence that the Earth is warming because of pollution is at its lowest point in three years.
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009
The federal government originally promised 120 million doses of H1N1, or swine flu, vaccine by now. Only 13 million have come through. As nervous Americans clamor for the vaccine, production is running several weeks behind schedule, and health officials blame the pressure on pharmaceutical companies to crank it out along with the ordinary flu vaccine, and a slow and antiquated process that relies on millions of chicken eggs
Greinke picks up pitcher of the year honorsWednesday, Oct. 21, 2009
Zack Greinke nabbed the first of what could be a slew of postseason honors Wednesday.
Chiefs owner Hunt feels more comfortable with roleWednesday, Oct. 21, 2009
KANSAS CITY — Shortly after his father died three years ago, Clark Hunt realized he wasn’t fully prepared to be an NFL owner.
He thought he would be. He and the late Lamar Hunt, the founder of the Kansas City Chiefs and an iconic figure in professional sports, had planned carefully for the day.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009
Facing Taliban threats and approaching winter snows, Afghan election officials must now scramble to organize a runoff presidential election on Nov. 7 after a grim President Hamid Karzai bowed to intense U.S. pressure and acknowledged Tuesday that he fell short of a majority. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said it will be a “huge challenge” to pull off new balloting without repeating the widespread fraud that caused U.N.-backed investigators to strip Karzai of nearly a third of his votes from the Aug. 20 first-round election. Although Karzai’s capitulation was a relief to American officials and averted a constitutional crisis, new balloting carries with it the risk of low turnout or another round of wholesale ballot-stuffing and voter intimidation. Another failed election would bring the Obama administration no closer to its goal of a credible, legitimate Afghan government necessary to win public support in the U.S. for the war and reverse the Taliban rise.
Building permits declineWednesday, Oct. 21, 2009
WASHINGTON — Applications for home building permits, a key gauge of future construction, fell in September by the largest amount in five months — a discouraging sign for the housing industry. A rebound in housing is needed to support a broader economic recovery.
Holiday sales expected to rise ... slightlyWednesday, Oct. 21, 2009
NEW YORK — ShopperTrak, a retail research firm, predicted Tuesday that total holiday sales will rise 1.6 percent compared with a year ago, which would be good news for retailers compared with last year’s steep decline.
Runoff ordered in AfghanistanTuesday, Oct. 20, 2009
Afghanistan's election commission Tuesday ordered a Nov. 7 runoff in the disputed presidential poll after a fraud investigation dropped incumbent Hamid Karzai's votes below 50 percent of the total. Karzai accepted the finding and agreed to a second round vote.
Baby food recall announcedTuesday, Oct. 20, 2009
Plum Organics of Emeryville, Calif., is recalling some of its apple and carrot portable pouch baby food because of concerns over possible botulism contamination. The product was sold individually throughout the country at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us stores. The recalled product is sold in 4.22-ounce pouches, with a "best by" date of May 21, 2010, and UPC 890180001221.
Here comes the pain againTuesday, Oct. 20, 2009
Despite persistently low demand, prices for gasoline have spiked over the past week along with crude oil, threatening one of the very few points of relief for the recession-striken U.S. consumer: Cheap gas.
More than 100 state parks positions eliminated
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009
Employees in Missouri’s parks system learned Monday that more than 100 positions are being eliminated because of declining tax revenues that finance that agency.
The cuts would get rid of roughly one out of every seven jobs in the Division of State Parks and Historic Sites, which manages more than 80 locations around the state.
An e-mail sent Monday to division employees by Department of Natural Resources Deputy Director Bill Bryan said the job reductions will be spread across the state, from the central office down to individual parks. He blamed the cuts on “challenging economic times.”
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009
WASHINGTON — European astronomers have found 32 new planets outside our solar system, adding evidence to the theory that the universe has many places where life could develop.
Scientists using the European Southern Observatory telescope didn’t find any planets quite the size of Earth or any that seemed habitable or even unusual. But their announcement increased the number of planets discovered outside the solar system to more than 400.
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