$1 million inaugural package for disadvantaged

A Va. businessman has spent $1 million to bring to Barack Obama's inauguration disadvantaged people, terminally ill patients, wounded soldiers and others down on their luck.

Israelis can't escape troubles in world travels
Accustomed to war and instability at home, Israelis have long looked overseas for an escape, earning them a reputation as among the most intrepid — and noticeable — world travelers.

Pierce denies cover-up in Burress shooting

Giants LB says he wasn't the one who falsified teammate's name at hospital

European, U.K. central banks cut rates
The European Central Bank has cut its benchmark interest rate to 2.5 percent, following similar moves by central banks across the continent.

U.S. weighs action on mortgage rates

Department considers plans to intervene directly to force down rates and stimulate the moribund housing market, according to sources.

Zimbabwe declares health emergency

Zimbabwe has declared a national emergency over its cholera epidemic and the collapse of its health system due to the country's economic crisis.

Solar car completes first round-the-world trip

The first solar-powered car to travel around the world ended its journey at the U.N. climate talks Thursday, arriving with the message that clean technologies are available now to stop global warming.

AT&T, DuPont cutting work forces
AT&T Inc. joined the recession's parade of layoffs Thursday by announcing plans to cut 12,000 jobs, about 4 percent of its work force. Separately, DuPont said it will cut 2,500 jobs.

Teen girls charged in nursing home abuse

Two teenage girls who worked at a Minn. nursing home have been charged with abuse, accused of taunting, spitting on and groping residents who suffered from Alzheimer's and other disorders.