Yahoo! News: Top Stories
Top Stories
Jobless claims jump unexpectedly to 16-year high
(AP)
AP - 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.
Perino: Bush would sign jobless benefits extension
(AP)
AP - With weekly jobless claims benefits at a 16-year high, the White House said Thursday that President George W. Bush would quickly sign legislation pending in Congress to provide further unemployment benefits.
Dems: Napolitano emerges for Homeland Security job
(AP)
AP - Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, an early Barack Obama supporter from the southwestern part of the country, is the likely choice for the job of secretary of homeland security, a top Obama adviser said Thursday.
Judge orders release of five terror suspects at Guantanamo
(AP)
AP - A federal judge has ordered the release of five Algerian terror suspects who have been held without charges almost seven years at Guantanamo Bay.
Bipartisan group working to revive auto bailout
(AP)
AP - A bipartisan group of auto-state senators reached a last-ditch compromise Thursday to throw Detroit's Big Three a government lifeline worth billions, but the plan faces an uphill battle in a reluctant Senate.
Stocks reverse losses on hopes for car makers
(AP)
AP - Stocks have reversed steep morning losses to push higher Thursday after aides to a bipartisan group of senators say they have reached a compromise to funnel emergency loans to Detroit's car makers.
Staffers weep as Ted Stevens gives last Senate speech
(AP)
AP - "Uncle Ted" Stevens, an old-style Senate giant and the chamber's longest-serving Republican, delivered his swansong address and yielded the floor for the final time Thursday. He was saluted by his colleagues as a staunch friend and teacher.
Web ad sales rise slightly from prior quarter
(AP)
AP - Despite the bad economy, U.S. Internet advertising revenue rose in the third quarter, according to an analysis released Thursday.
Madonna, Ritchie to begin divorce in London Friday
(AP)
AP - A court schedule says Madonna and Guy Ritchie will be granted the first stage of their divorce in London Friday.
Yankees control shifts to Steinbrenner's son Hal
(AP)
AP - George Steinbrenner's 35-year reign as boss of the New York Yankees ended Thursday when he passed control of the New York Yankees to his youngest son, Hal.
Four senators reach bipartisan auto aid deal
(Reuters)
Reuters - Four senators have reached a bipartisan agreement on a bill to assist the struggling automotive industry, the lawmakers announced in a joint statement on Thursday.
Weekly jobless claims surge to 16-year high
(Reuters)
Reuters - The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for jobless benefits surged last week to their highest level in 16 years, Labor Department data showed on Thursday, as a harsh economic environment forces employers to cut back on hiring.
Obama eyes Arizona governor for Homeland Security
(Reuters)
Reuters - President-elect Barack Obama is considering Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano to be U.S. Homeland Security secretary, heading a sprawling agency formed to bolster civil defense in the wake of the September 11 attacks, a senior Democrat said.
U.S. judge: Five Algerians at Guantanamo can be freed
(Reuters)
Reuters - Five of six Algerians must be released after nearly seven years of captivity at the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, a federal judge ruled on Thursday in a setback for the Bush administration,
U.S. forces kill Qaeda leader wanted for attacks
(Reuters)
Reuters - U.S. forces killed a senior al Qaeda leader wanted for planning suicide bombings, kidnappings and assassinations, including the abduction and killing of a U.S. army sergeant in 2004, the U.S. military said on Thursday.
