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.
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.
Texas ripped on mentally disabled care
Texas has more mentally disabled patients in institutions than any other state, and the federal government has concluded that the state's care system is stubbornly out of step.
Reid: Automaker aid plan lacks votes
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says the Democrats' plan to tap the Wall Street rescue fund to save U.S. automakers doesn't have the votes to pass.
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.
India siege raises concerns at U.S. hotels
The deadly attack in India had far-reaching implications for police and private security officials in New York and other U.S. cities.
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.
What's the new black? 'Mimosa'
Enough gloom and doom: There's a prediction from a leading color source that cheerful and sunny yellow will be the influential color of 2009.
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.
Experts offer ideas to fix Detroit
Auto industry experts have a wide range of ideas on how to fix the problems facing the Big Three, ranging from higher gas taxes to bankruptcy. Here is a sampling of their views.
