Detroit's fate in lame ducks' hands

A defeated and retiring group of Republican senators, one-tenth of the chamber's membership, may be the decisive voting bloc on the proposed automaker bailout loan.

Bush: Automakers must ensure viability

President George W. Bush said U.S. automakers' needed to ensure their own long-term viability in their pitch for $34 billion rescue package.

Hostages' ordeal: Pirates share food, stories

By the time all 25 hostages were released unharmed last week board a Greek cargo ship, the pirates even made one of the captives a startling offer: Would he like to join them?

Economy brews some trouble for Starbucks
Starbucks warned Wall Street on Thursday that its profit would fall short of analysts' expectations this quarter.

Pakistan police losing terrorism fight

Outgunned and out-financed, police in volatile northwestern Pakistan are fighting a losing battle against insurgents, dozens of interviews by The Associated Press show.

Who runs Kansas City — mayor or his wife?

The people of Kansas City thought they were getting a straight-shooter with financial smarts as their new mayor. What they got, critics say, is a henpecked husband whose wife tells him what to do.

U.S. mulls unusual tactic in Blackwater case

Blackwater Worldwide guards involved in the deadly 2007 Baghdad shooting of Iraqi civilians could face mandatory 30-year prison sentences under an aggressive anti-drug law being considered.

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.