Jobless: 10 percent is tougher than it used to be

It hurts more to be unemployed now than the last time the jobless rate hit 10 percent. 1257623208

Holiday airfares close to last year and climbing

If holiday travelers on the same plane compare what they paid to fly, they're likely to find quite a spread, depending on when they bought their tickets. 1257619258

Philly transit union says pact reports 'premature'

A national spokesman for the Philadelphia transit system's largest union says reports of a tentative agreement were "premature" and the negotiations aimed at ending a five-day strike continue. 1257624068

China offers Africa more trade, investment

China is offering to abolish import duties on some commodities from Africa and make sure Chinese exports to the continent are safe as part of a package to boost already thriving economic ties, China's commerce minister said in an article published Saturday.

G-20 finance officials: Too early to end stimulus

Finance officials from rich and developing countries pledged Saturday to maintain emergency support for their economies until recovery is assured, but failed to reach a clear agreement to bear the cost of fighting climate change. 1257620780

South Korean workers protest gov't labor policy

Tens of thousands of South Korean workers rallied Saturday to protest the government's plan to begin implementing contentious labor laws.

Obama to House: Time to finish job on health care

In a private meeting on Capitol Hill and from the presidential podium in the Rose Garden, President Barack Obama on Saturday pressed for House passage of a health overhaul bill and told lawmakers "to rise to this moment" and "answer the call of history." 1257625873

Chinese premier: Africa trade push is 'selfless'

China's premier stressed Saturday that his country's push to boost already burgeoning trade ties with Africa was "sincere and selfless," as the Asian powerhouse battled criticism its quest for natural resources was at the expense of the poverty-ravaged continent. 1257622267

Obama: Gov't working to ease pain of joblessness

President Barack Obama said new figures released Friday showing national unemployment has hit the double-digit mark are a sobering reminder of the challenges still facing the U.S. economy.

Consumer borrowing drops $14.8B in September

Consumers borrowed less for a record eighth straight month in September amid rising unemployment and tight credit conditions. Economists worry the declines in borrowing will drag on the fledgling recovery.

U.S. jobless rate tops 10% for first time since '83

The national 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. The Labor Department said Friday that the economy shed a net total of 190,000 jobs in October, less than the downwardly revised 219,000 lost in September. August job losses were also revised lower, to 154,000 from 201,000.

Sedano's expands to Orlando

Three Albertson's stores in Orlando will become Sedano's. It's part of a growth plan for the Miami company.

Alabama credits 3,600 jobs to Kia's Georia plant

Alabama is benefiting from Kia's assembly plant on the Georgia state line.

Threshold Pharmaceuticals 3Q loss widens on costs

Threshold Pharmaceuticals Inc., a development-stage biotechnology company, said late Thursday its third-quarter loss widened on higher research, development, and interest expenses.

Meltdown 101: When unemployment last hit 10 pct

The last time unemployment climbed past 10 percent, "The A-Team" was one of the top 10 TV shows and Michael Jackson was about to release "Thriller."

A&E: Reality show about Jacksons premieres Dec. 13

A reality show miniseries about the Jackson family will premiere Dec. 13 on A&E, the network says. Back-to-back hour episodes will air that night at 9 p.m. EST.

One Liberty Properties 3rd-qtr FFO up 22 percent

One Liberty Properties Inc. on Friday said its third-quarter funds from operations rose 22 percent as rental income rose.

Business Highlights

Jobless rate tops 10 pct. for first time since '83

ND oil lease auction brings record $71.6M

An auction of oil drilling rights on North Dakota state land has fetched $71.6 million, a record haul that will go mostly to benefit public schools.