California Democrat considered for trade job
Rep. Xavier Becerra, a strong proponent of labor protections in free trade pacts, is in discussions with the Obama transition team about taking the job of U.S. trade representative.
Wall Street ends volatile day strong
Wall Street absorbed more bad economic news, closing higher as investors shuttled between pessimism about the recession and hopes that the nation might start to see some relief soon.
I'll drink to that: Prohibition repeal turns 75
With wraiths of the 1930s seemingly lurking around every corner — Stock panic! Bank failures! Cloche hats! — the appeal of repeal is particularly strong this year, with a number of bars and restaurants planning to mark the milestone.
Dealers desperate for auto bailout
Local dealers say that in the auto crisis, they are where the rubber meets the road. While a bailout of the auto industry won't solve longstanding problems, they say, it could buy them time to ride out the credit crisis that has sent sales plummeting.
Obama names Richardson to Cabinet
President-elect Barack Obama named Bill Richardson as his choice for commerce secretary on Wednesday, after passing over his vanquished Democratic rival for secretary of state.
NFL to broadcast first game in 3-D on Thursday
In broadcasting the world's first live 3-D football game to theaters in Los Angeles, New York and Boston on Thursday evening, the NFL promises an "up close, personal, visceral" experience that could open a new revenue stream for the league.
The phone that feels the flu before you do
Did your parents tell you to remember your scarf when you went out, so you wouldn't catch a cold? Today, the advice might be: Remember your cell phone.
Treasury urged to cut mortgage rates
Financial industry lobbyists are urging the Treasury Department to take steps to lower mortgage rates in an effort to stabilize the housing market.
Fewer toys with high lead levels, group finds
After the high-profile recalls of millions of lead-contaminated toys last year, a watchdog group said that its tests found fewer toys with high levels of chemicals in them this year.
Attacks in Iraq at lowest since '03
Attacks fell in November to their lowest monthly level since the Iraq war began in 2003, despite recent high-profile bombings aimed at shaking public confidence, a U.S. commander said Wednesday.
