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.

Retailers saw sales drop in November
Retailers limped through a miserable November that even a surge of shopping after Thanksgiving couldn't save, new data show.

Bernanke urges more action on foreclosures
Fed chief Ben Bernanke called on the government to ramp up efforts to stem soaring home foreclosures, which are feeding into the country's deep economic troubles.

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.

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.

Ruling could mean end to saucy Bratz dolls

Pouty-lipped Bratz will stay on store shelves until after the holidays, but their fate after that  was uncertain after a court ruling banning MGA from making the Barbie alternative.

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.

$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.