WASHINGTON » New claims for unemployment benefits jumped last week to a 16-year high, the Labor Department said Thursday, providing more evidence of a rapidly weakening job market expected to get even worse next year.   Full Story

NEW YORK » Fresh worries about widening unemployment added to investors' list of concerns about the economy Thursday. The major indexes each fell more than 1.   Full Story

As the United States spirals into an all but certain recession, Utah will be a good place to ride out the storm, a prominent economist suggested Wednesday.   Full Story

Holiday parties don't have to be a lot of work. The new "Good Housekeeping Step By Step Cookbook," written by Susan Westmoreland, has tips and hints to get organized, choose your menu and have a successful, stress-free bash.   Full Story