WASHINGTON — The weakest month of hiring in three years ended 2013 on a sluggish note and raised questions about whether the U.S. job market can sustain its recent strong gains. Employers added a scant 74,000 jobs in December after ...

Tagged with: breaking news Economy jobs Unemployment united states

WASHINGTON — Makers of a weight loss additive called Sensa will return more than $26 million to consumers to settle federal charges that the company used deceptive advertising claiming that consumers could lose weight by simply sprinkling the powder on ...

Tagged with: lawsuit Settlement united states

WASHINGTON — White House-backed legislation to renew benefits for the long-term unemployed unexpectedly cleared an initial Senate hurdle on Tuesday, clearing the way for bipartisan negotiations in the opening days of an election-year session of Congress. The vote was 60-37 ...

Tagged with: business news Economy Government Unemployment united states white house

WASHINGTON — U.S. home prices rose in October from the previous year at the fastest pace in almost eight years. But price gains slowed in most U.S. cities from September to October, suggesting the increases are leveling off. The Standard ...

Tagged with: breaking news home prices october Real Estate united states

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans who signed contracts to buy existing homes in November was essentially unchanged from October, suggesting sales are stabilizing after several months of declines. The National Association of Realtors said Monday that its seasonally adjusted ...

Tagged with: breaking news Economy home sales Real Estate united states

NEW YORK — The average amount of electricity consumed in U.S. homes has fallen to levels last seen more than a decade ago, back when the smartest device in people’s pockets was a Palm pilot and anyone talking about a ...

Tagged with: efficient electricity Energy united states

NEW YORK — Outside the view of paying customers, people accused of shoplifting at Macy’s huge flagship store are escorted by security guards to cells in “Room 140,” where they can be held for hours, asked to sign an admission ...

Tagged with: consumers crime Law legal news Retail united states

WASHINGTON — His health care plan facing a dicey transition, President Barack Obama said Friday that insurance sign-ups are surging now that the government’s website is working better for consumers. A total of more than 1 million people have enrolled ...

Tagged with: Affordable Care Act breaking news obamacare united states

NEW YORK — Sparse crowds at malls and “50 percent off” signs at The Gap, AnnTaylor and other stores give a clue as to how the holiday season is going. This is shaping up to be the most discount-driven holiday ...

Tagged with: black friday Business Economy holidays october Retail retail sales united states

WASHINGTON — The growing gap between the richest Americans and everyone else isn’t bad just for individuals. It’s hurting the U.S. economy. So says a majority of more than three dozen economists surveyed last week by The Associated Press. Their ...

Tagged with: americans breaking news Economy united states wealthy