WASHINTGON - President Obama signed an extension of unemployment benefits. It came on a day when the nation's unemployment rate climbed to 10.2%.
  
Keeping a low profile the day after the deadly shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas, the President signed the jobless bill in a private ceremony.
  
It extended unemployment benefits another 14 weeks.
  
States with especially high jobless rates will get a longer extension of six weeks.
  
The legislation also extends an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers.
  
Without congressional action, the popular tax credit would have expired at the end of November.
  
Additionally, the legislation expands the tax credit to higher-income buyers and grants a $6,500 credit to buyers who have owned a home for at least five years.
  
(Copyright 2009 by VERTEXNews/Newsroom Solutions)