The Triangle's jobless rate crept downward in November as the region added a modest amount of jobs to boost the local economy.

November's 8.1 percent jobless rate is down from 8.7 percent in October, according to data issued today by the N.C. Division of Employment Security. It's one of several measures that suggest the regional and national economy made gains at the end of 2011, said Wells Fargo economist Mark Vitner, who seasonally adjusted the data for the N&O.

The Triangle jobless rate remains below the national average of 8.6 percent and the statewide averge of 10 percent. The Triangle includes Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Apex and Chapel Hill among other metro areas.

The Triangle added 1,900 non-farm jobs in November, mostly in education, health services, professional services and retail trade. But Vitner said that behind those growth numbers lurks a downside: Many of the new jobs were not likely the kind of high-paying positions that would signify a healthy economy.

With Christmas just a week away and Hanukkah even closer, the sales circulars are loaded with ads for toys, fragrances, candy and those as-seen-on-TV gadgets and gizmos.

Look a little closer, however, and you'll find plenty of real deals -- freebies and cheapies to fill stockings and help make your holidays more festive. I've highlighted many of them for you in this week's list of all the best deals at CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Target, Kroger and Kerr Drug.

The Triangle jobs picture remained virtually unchanged in October from the previous month as the region's sluggish economy sputters into an unclear future.

The unemployment rate dipped to 8.7 percent in October, down from 8.8 percent in September, according to data issued by the N.C. Division of Employment Security and seasonally adjusted by Wells Fargo in Charlotte.

The Triangle jobless rate is now comparable to January 2010. Unemployment had entered a more promising interlude in past months during which it had fallen as low as 7.6 percent several times.

About 70,000 people in the Triangle were out of a job in October. If the region's economy had recovered and the jobless rate had fallen to 5 percent, then the number of unemployed would be about 44,000 now, said Wells Fargo economist Mark Vitner.
 

Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours are offering an array of holiday tours and special events to close out 2011. Get the scoop here.

America Recycles Day is coming up on Nov. 15, and the Triangle has a variety of events to help celebrate. Here's a roundup of some of the events being held in conjunction with the nationally recognized day to encourage Americans to recycle and buy recycled products.

Shred-a-thons are being held across the state tomorrow (Oct. 22) to help protect consumers from identity theft, and four events will be held right here in the Triangle:

The Triangle's jobless rate rose significantly in August, news that is certain to raise concerns about whether the economy is headed back into recession.

The region's unemployment rate rose to 8.7 percent in August, according to data released Friday by the N.C. Employment Security Commission and seasonally adjusted by Wells Fargo Securities economists in Charlotte.

That's up from 8.3 percent in July.

"The economy worsened in August across the country and in North Carolina and there's really no escaping that fact," said Wells Fargo senior economist Mark Vitner.

Our coupon database is updated and ready to roll with Sunday's new coupons -- all 73 from the Smart Source insert, plus some extra coupons you'll find in a special Kroger insert.

At least two of the new coupons will put some freebies in your shopping cart.

Here's a list of the coupons I'm most excited about this week for their deal potential:

I've got a couple of grocery gift cards up for grabs. Anyone interested?

Both are for $10 - one each to Harris Teeter and Lowes Foods.

No pressure here, but if you're addicted to those online daily deals, there's a new site to add to your bargain-hunting list.

Called Deal Saver, it will launch July 11 in The News & Observer, featuring deals local to the Triangle.