Local, U.S. home prices plunge by record amounts in December, capping off a year that saw those benchmarks forced ever lower by soaring foreclosures and a tumbling economy. James Temple

A key consumer confidence index plunges to its lowest level since the measure was first taken in 1967. Tom Abate

• End of recession nn 2009?
• Pender: Credit Q&A;
• Citi customers angry about plan

The Hearst Corp. announces an effort to reverse the deepening losses of its San Francisco Chronicle by seeking near-term savings that would include "significant" cuts to staff. Chronicle Staff Report

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The credit crisis has pushed the utility into a new business: bankrolling renewable power plants. David R. Baker

Yahoo is under new leadership, and Microsoft's CEO is renewing his call for the companies to partner on Internet search. Verne Kopytoff

Ex-employee of S.F. store files discrimination suit, claiming she endured seven years of verbal, physical abuse. Leslie Fulbright