The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

Thursday, December 27, 2012  The average number of people seeking unemployment benefits over the past month fell to the lowest level since March 2008, a sign that the job market is healing.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012  U.S. shoppers spent cautiously this holiday season, a disappointment for retailers who slashed prices to lure people into stores and now must hope for a post-Christmas burst of spending.

Monday, December 24, 2012  Christmas shoppers thronged malls and pounced on discounts but apparently spent less this year, their spirits dampened by concerns about the economy and the aftermath of shootings and storms.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012  Holiday shoppers head online in droves to pick up Cyber Monday deals

Monday, November 26, 2012  A record number of shoppers boosts the first weekend of holiday shopping season

Thursday, December 29, 2011  Update: The list of stores closing was released Thursday afternoon.

Friday, December 16, 2011  Santa gets help: Anonymous donors are paying off strangers' layaway accounts at retail stores

Thursday, December 01, 2011  Overall TV sales are up 15 percent this year through October.

Friday, November 25, 2011  US holiday shopping season brings shoppers out early for deals, but will they stay?

Friday, December 24, 2010  Workers with the day off on Friday expected to mob stores in last-minute gift grab.

Monday, December 20, 2010  For freelance Santas, this holiday season has been more "no, no, no," than "ho, ho, ho."

Monday, November 29, 2010  Weekend brings encouraging holiday sales, but some wonder how much more shoppers will spend.

Saturday, November 27, 2010  Holiday shopping slows down Saturday.

Thursday, November 25, 2010  Stores push higher-ticket items on Black Friday in bet to grab shoppers ready to spend more

Friday, October 22, 2010  Fire that destroys part of California mall deals economic blow ahead of holiday shopping season