NEW YORK (AP) — For the first time in a decade, more people paid their credit card bills on time in the third quarter this year than in the second quarter.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Asian stock markets were mixed Monday after a decline on Wall Street and as investors hunkered down ahead of a stream of figures that could confirm the U.S. economy is recovering at a slower pace.

Economists expect the joblessness that has weighed down the nation's economic recovery will start to slowly abate in 2010, but they predict consumers will continue to keep a tight rein on spending, according to a new survey.

HEGANG, China (AP) — Grieving miners' families demanded answers Monday from mining officials about the underground gas explosion that left at least 104 men dead in northeastern China.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Moderate Senate Democrats threatened Sunday to scuttle health-care legislation if their demands aren't met, while more liberal members warned their party leaders not to bend.

NEW YORK (AP) — Fewer people are expected to fly this holiday season, but travelers shouldn't expect a full reprieve from the horrid flight delays of Thanksgivings past, especially if they need to land anywhere near New York City.

NEW YORK (AP) — Investors are heading toward the final month of the year with more questions about the economy than they had just a few weeks ago.

WASHINGTON (AP) — As if small businesses needed another reason not to hire, consider their latest financial burden: The cost of rising unemployment itself.