Turn to generics slows ‘07 health care spending
Spending on health care slowed slightly in 2007 as consumers turned more to generic drugs instead of brand-names to fill their medicine cabinets, the government reported.

Obama: No pork in stimulus bill

President-elect Barack Obama says he will bar pork-barrel projects from the massive economic stimulus bill he wants Congress to pass.

Jews in Europe targeted over Gaza

Signs are mounting that the conflict in Gaza is starting to spill over into violence in Europe's towns and cities, with Jews suffering assaults and arson attacks in France, Sweden and Britain.

'Jealous wife' charged in fatal genitals fire
An Australian woman accused of setting her husband's genitals on fire because she thought he was having an affair has been charged with murder.

Rise in monoxide poisonings feared

Power outages spurred by the combination of bad weather and utility shutoffs in a bad economy could boost cases of carbon monoxide poisonings this year, health officials fear.

Europe hit with natural gas shortage

The Russia-Ukraine natural gas dispute hit Europe with the force of a winter storm Tuesday, cutting or limiting supplies to nearly a dozen nations.

U.N.: 30 die in strike near Gaza school

Red Cross warns 500,000 civilians in danger; Israel rejects calls for truce.

Billionaire kills himself over financial crisis

The family of Adolf Merckle says the German billionaire committed suicide after his business empire got into trouble because of the global financial crisis.

Texas stuns Ohio State with 16 seconds left

Colt McCoy hit Quan Cosby for a 26-yard touchdown with 16 seconds to play, lifting third-ranked Texas to a 24-21 Fiesta Bowl victory over No. 10 Ohio State on Monday night.

Mortgages: What you need to know in 2009
Mortgage rates are at historic lows and may be poised to go even lower next year. It's a great time to buy a home — if you can.