AP - The number of newly laid off workers filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week to the lowest level in a month.

AP - Ford Motor Co. is cutting North American production of pickups and SUVs as car buyers eyeing record gas prices turn toward more fuel-efficient models. The automaker says it no longer expects to return to profitability by 2009 and didn't rule out layoffs and plant closures.

Reuters - Home prices fell a record 1.7 percent in the first quarter and the number of workers on jobless benefit rolls held at a four-year high, underscoring the economy's woes, data on Thursday showed.

AP - With gasoline climbing toward $4 a gallon, police officers around the country are losing the right to take their patrol cars home and are being forced to double up in cruisers and walk the beat more.

Reuters - The lifestyles of the rich may be set for a downgrade as the U.S. economic malaise works its way up the income ladder, according to a survey released on Wednesday.

Reuters - The U.S. economy continues to slow and risks are to the downside, but a $152 billion stimulus package that includes tax rebates should provide support and lead to more jobs, Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt said on Wednesday.

AP - Federal Reserve officials strongly suggested they won't be inclined to cut interest rates further even as they sharply downgraded their forecast for economic growth this year, citing damage from a housing slump, credit crunch and galloping energy prices.

AP - The beige 2003 Honda Civic sat on Mike Haile's used car lot in Atlanta for only three days before he sold it for $8,200. And that was $300 more than the asking price.

AP - The Federal Reserve on Wednesday sharply lowered its projection for economic growth this year, citing blows from the housing and credit debacles along with zooming energy prices. It also expects higher unemployment and inflation.

Reuters - Producer prices excluding energy and food rose at the fastest pace since 1991 in the year through April, highlighting inflation concerns that could limit the Federal Reserve's options in shoring up a weak economy.

AP - Wholesale inflation slowed in April following a big jump in March but the improvement is likely to be temporary as consumers are battered in coming months by price hikes for gasoline, food and a host of other items.

Reuters - The U.S. economy continues to slow and risks are to the downside, but a $152 billion stimulus package that includes tax rebates should provide support and lead to more jobs, Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt said on Wednesday.