Japanese women shy from dual mommy role
As Japan's birthrate keeps dropping, experts worry about women's growing willingness to do without children - or childish husbands.
New Orleans faces evacuation
National Guard troops stood ready and batteries and water bottles sold briskly as the New Orleans area watched a storm march across the Caribbean on the eve of Hurricane Katrina's third anniversary.
Tourists flee as storm nears Jamaica
Tropical Storm Gustav surged toward renewed hurricane force on Thursday as it started pounding Jamaica, while many miles away New Orleans watched it with a nervous eye.
Toyota lowers global sales target for 2009
Toyota lowered its global sales target for 2009 by 700,000 vehicles to 9.7 million Thursday, hurt by rising material costs, a slowing U.S. market and soaring gas prices.
GDP stronger than expected
The economy shifted to a higher gear in the spring, growing at its fastest pace in nearly a year as foreign buyers snapped up U.S. exports and tax rebates spurred shoppers at home.
Marine eyes Iraq to Afghanistan shift
The top U.S. Marine officer said he could reduce his 25,000-strong force in the former al-Qaida stronghold in Iraq to reinforce military operations against a growing Taliban threat in Afghanistan.
Museum defies pope over crucified frog
An art museum in northern Italy said Thursday it will continue displaying a sculpture portraying a green frog nailed to a cross that has angered Pope Benedict XVI and local officials.
Retailer Sears offers a downbeat outlook
Sears Holdings Corp. offered a downbeat outlook Thursday, predicting that sales and gross profit margins will likely continue to be pressured for the rest of the year.
Gustav may raise gas 15 cents a gallon
Oil prices shot above $120 a barrel and then pulled back as traders bet the government would tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve if Tropical Storm Gustav disrupts production.
McCain: No VP pick yet
The Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting John McCain sought to siphon attention from Democrat Barack Obama's show in Denver by playing coy about his pick for vice president.
