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

Tuesday, January 29, 2013  States require those receiving unemployment to use bank cards laden with fees rather than depositing the benefits directly into a bank account, a consumer group reports.

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, February 15, 2012  Congressional bargainers reach tentative deal on extending payroll tax cut, jobless benefits

Friday, December 23, 2011  Congress passes payroll tax cut, extends jobless benefits, amid House Republicans retreat

Thursday, December 22, 2011  Can't you all just get along? Americans grow frustrated by repeated congressional stalemates

Wednesday, July 20, 2011  While all the talk in Washington right now is about the immediate need to raise the nation's debt ceiling, another deadline looms.

Friday, December 17, 2010  A massive bipartisan tax package preventing a big New Year's Day tax hike for millions of Americans is on its way to President Barack Obama for his signature.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010  Senate approves legislation extending Bush tax cuts; House Democrats complain about estate tax.

Thursday, December 09, 2010  Rates on fixed mortgages rise for 4th straight week, could dampen refinancings and home sales.

Tuesday, December 07, 2010  Republicans prevailed on their biggest demand: continuing Bush administration tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, despite Obama's 2008 campaign promise to let them expire

Wednesday, December 01, 2010  A rally took place on Wednesday afternoon in Columbia to protest the cuts in unemployment checks.

Friday, July 23, 2010  President Barack Obama has signed an extension of unemployment benefits for millions of long-term unemployed people, capping a hard-fought political fight with Republicans.

Thursday, July 22, 2010  A House vote today is expected to send President Barack Obama a long-sought measure to resume unemployment payments to millions of people whose benefits have lapsed.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010  UPDATED 8:25 a.m. CDT. With a GOP filibuster safely broken, the Senate is poised to pass legislation restoring jobless benefits for millions of people unable to find work in the frail economic recovery.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010  Legislation to restore unemployment benefits to millions who have been out of work for more than six months broke free of Senate Republican delaying tactics on Tuesday.