Jobless rate 10.2 percent and climbing

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. More

Building Association sues over bylaws

The Desert Chapter of the Building Industry Association is suing its larger trade group sibling to try to stop it from passing a series of bylaw changes that would shift all decision-making authority, assets and cash reserves to Diamond Bar. More

'Call of Duty' sales explosion expected

This holiday season's biggest entertainment blockbuster likely will be a sequel to a popular franchise, with jarring depictions of war and an intricate story of good versus evil. More

Consumer borrowing drops $14.8B

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. More

Valley business briefs for Nov. 7

International Food Fest benefits local YMCA, Governor signs bill restoring small business loan program ... More

Beware of Windows 7 catch

Question: I was going to buy Windows 7. I know Microsoft was offering discounts for preordering. But I missed out. Is Microsoft running any deals now? More

Bono Mack hosts job fair at Workforce Center

U.S. Rep. Mary Bono Mack will host a job fair at the Workforce Development Center, 44-199 Monroe St., Indio, on Nov. 13. More

Home purchase credit good for valley

Congress sweetened the deal for house-hunters on Thursday, extending the deadline beyond Nov. 30 for first-time homebuyers to collect up to $8,000 and beefing up the tax credit pool to include a $6,500 credit for owners of existing homes who are buying a new home. More

• Obama signs homebuyer, jobless bill assistance

Mobile center offers help applying for jobs online

The Mobile Workforce Development Center team visited Coachella City Hall on Thursday to assist residents in applying for jobs online. More

Productivity gains may be bad news for jobless

Companies across the economy are finding ways to do more with fewer workers, dimming hopes that hiring will take off anytime soon. More

Stocks surge on jobs data, Cisco forecast

A bright forecast from Cisco Systems and upbeat economic news sent stocks soaring Thursday and propelled the Dow Jones industrials back above 10,000. More

Fannie Mae offers borrowers option to foreclosure

Can't pay the mortgage? You still might be able to stay in your home. Government-controlled mortgage company Fannie Mae is going to give borrowers on the verge of foreclosure the option of renting their homes for a year. More

Panel to decide on funeral home

Plans for a funeral home along Indio Boulevard are heading to the Indio Planning Commission for approval. More

Furniture store focuses on basics

At a time when furniture stores across the valley are closing, Mathis Brothers Furniture has no plans of shutting down. More

Chaghos brings car wash to your home

When Raul Orozco wiped down cars at his former job, he often worked with one eye on the vehicle and another on his impatient customer. More

Retail sales picking up

The early picture of October retail sales shows more signs of a spending recovery, lifting hopes for a slightly merrier holiday season and for the overall economy. More

Data show many 'clunkers' were traded in for not-so-fuel-efficient trucks, SUVs

The most common deals under the government's $3 billion “cash for clunkers” program, aimed at putting more fuel-efficient cars on the road, replaced old Ford or Chevrolet pickups with new ones that got only marginally better gas mileage, according to an analysis of new federal data by... More

House OKs credit card crackdown

The House voted Wednesday to impose immediately tough new rules for credit card companies after voters complained of increased interest rates and steep new fees. More

Shop caters to Santa set

Christmas arrived two months early in La Quinta with the opening of a seasonal holiday store in the Washington Park shopping plaza. More

Fitness studio offers diverse training

In stressful times, certified personal trainer Angi Long says that the most important thing in life is balance. More

Dodge City gains new life as Hyundai dealership

A Hyundai dealership has opened in La Quinta. Hyundai of La Quinta opened last month at the site of the former Dodge City Chrysler Jeep in the Auto Centre at La Quinta along Highway 111. More

Pet salon gives dogs VIP care

Dan Barton, owner of Hollywood Premier Pets in Palm Desert. Omar Ornelas The Desert Sun" />

Desert pooches who require a glamorous grooming experience now have a new salon at Hollywood Premier Pets. More

Buffett to spend $26B for railroad company

Warren Buffett, the second-richest American, agreed to acquire Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. in a deal that values the Fort Worth-based railroad at $34 billion — Buffett's largest acquisition ever. More

• Rail another piece in investment 'masterpiece'

Top automakers report sales are starting to stabilize

After months of roller coaster-like sales, the auto industry offered signs of recovery from its yearlong slump on Tuesday, as most automakers reported higher levels of U.S. sales in October. More

White House: Job creation will lag U.S. recovery

The pace of job creation will lag even as the U.S. economy recovers, White House budget director Peter Orszag warned Tuesday, adding that the coming months “will continue to be difficult ones for American workers.” More

Rail another piece in investment 'masterpiece'

Warren Buffett likes to compare his company to a masterpiece that he's been painting for nearly five decades, and the deal he announced Tuesday will permanently alter the color of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s portrait. More

• Buffett to spend $26B for railroad company

Ford surprises with $1B income; sees profit in '11

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. More

Hardest-hit areas recovering slowly

The economic recovery is proceeding unevenly in its early stages, with areas hurt most by the housing slump still lagging behind other regions, according to The Associated Press' monthly analysis of economic stress in more than 3,100 U.S. counties. More

Strong economic reports lift hopes

Hopes for the fledgling economic recovery got a boost Monday from better-than-expected news on manufacturing, construction and contracts to buy homes. More

County hosting job fair today in Cabazon

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors and the Riverside County Workforce Investment Board will host a job fair in Cabazon today. More