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.

$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.

Mars science laboratory delayed to 2011

The Mars Science Laboratory mission, originally slated to launch next year, has been delayed until 2011, NASA announced today.

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.

Stocks take a late-session tumble
A period of relative calm on Wall Street ended as stocks tumbled in the final hour of trading on growing investor anxiety ahead of the government's November employment report.

Police chief, club indicted in boy's Uzi death
A police chief and a gun club in western Massachusetts were indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter in the death of an 8-year-old boy who accidentally shot himself.

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.

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.

Tough times spur male suicide fears

In today's world, the stressors are out in force: war, debt, joblessness, divorce. A lot of guys are fighting depression and might become casualties of the most needless death: Suicide.