Cars, executions and jobs have been in the news lately. Their relationship in this column is by happenstance. The order in which I chose to discuss them is based on their spelling (alphabetical).

The latest car advertisements, especially the Japanese ones, are touting how far manufacturers have come in converting and improving their hybrid (combined gasoline and electric fueled) models.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A new poll shows Southerners are fretting about job loss and the economy and don’t think the federal government is doing enough to address either.

The Winthrop Poll of 866 respondents in 11 Southern states found the economy was the top concern of four in 10 — the same share of people who said they were concerned about losing their jobs.

The task for the next governor: restore economic hope. Here are the plans to do it:

HOT SPRINGS — Solving Virginia’s transportation problems drew the strongest discussion between candidates Bob McDonnell and Sen. Creigh Deeds on Saturday in the first gubernatorial debate of the 2009 campaign.

There are a lot of jobs I know nothing about. I am not talking about astrophysicist. I am talking about jobs that are right here where I live. I have known people in law enforcement, but I have never known personally a bail bonds person. I don’t even know exactly how that business works. I have known people who managed restaurants, but I have never known a person who owned a fast-food franchise. My maternal grandfather was a foreman for road building crews before I was born, but I have never known anyone in road building or paving. I have known people who wrote books, but I have never known anyone in the publishing industry. I have had students who worked as cashiers in grocery stores, but I have never known anyone in grocery store management despite spending a ridiculous amount of time shopping for food. Never until today, that is.

Weakened economy means fewer summer jobs available for students

Mike Birchfield, of Greenville, arrived at the Best Western Waynesboro around 8 a.m. Wednesday to apply for an entry-level job at the Stuarts Draft Hershey Chocolate plant.

A local twist on a popular holiday poem.

After graduation, many teens leave home in quest for further education, better job

Unifi Manufacturing is closing its Staunton facility Sept. 30, a move that will eliminate 145 jobs that area economic leaders are hopeful of replacing.