WASHINGTON — Job openings dropped in May from the previous month and layoffs edged up, fresh evidence that employers are reluctant to add workers. » Full Story

CHICAGO — Insurance conglomerate Aon Corp. said Monday it has agreed to buy human resources specialist Hewitt Associates for $. » Full Story

WASHINGTON — Businesses have hired 4.5 million workers under a new program that provides tax breaks for hiring unemployed workers, the Treasury Department said Monday. » Full Story

DETROIT — A decade ago, the PT Cruiser roared onto the road with trendsetting looks and Al Capone swagger. In a sea of bland Honda Civics and Toyota Camrys, it was a retro hit. » Full Story

NEW YORK — Stores deepened discounts more than planned in June to draw recession-scarred shoppers to buy summer tops and other merchandise. » Full Story

WASHINGTON — The financial overhaul bill awaiting final action in the Senate includes a new regulator whose aim is to make sure mortgages, credit cards and other products from big banks don’t abuse... » Full Story

NEW YORK — The service sector grew more slowly in June, an industry trade group said Tuesday, offering the latest sign that the economic recovery is weakening as the second half of the year begins. » Full Story

For years, most people who worked for state or local governments accepted a fact of life: Their pay wasn’t great. The job security was.

Now that’s gone, too. » Full Story

An odd scene has been playing out lately in the offices of mortgage brokers and bankers around the country. » Full Story

WASHINGTON — The government is handing out nearly $2 billion for new solar plants that President Barack Obama says will create thousands of jobs and increase the use of renewable energy sources. » Full Story