Paulson says markets remain strained, turmoil will not end quickly

Global financial markets remain severely strained, underscoring the need for quick action to implement the government's $700 billion rescue program, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Wednesday.

Pelosi backs $150B economic stimulus plan

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday that a $150 billion economic stimulus plan is needed now because of the faltering economy and she may call the House into session after the election to pass it.

2 American journalists missing in Lebanon

Two American journalists vacationing in Lebanon have not been heard from since Oct. 1 and are believed missing, the U.S. Embassy said Wednesday, appealing for information on their possible whereabouts.

Judge refuses to declare mistrial in Sen. Stevens case

A federal judge on Wednesday refused another defense request to declare a mistrial in the corruption case against Sen. Ted Stevens, instead deciding he would tell jurors to ignore disputed portions of the government's evidence.

Conservative pundit says Palin represents 'fatal cancer' to GOP

Supreme Court weighs case on Navy sonar, whales

Supreme Court justices expressed skepticism Wednesday about limits a federal judge put on naval sonar exercises off the southern California coast to protect whales, dolphins and other marine mammals.

House Democrats unveil draft climate change bill

With the presidential election less than a month away and the economy reeling, House Democratic leaders unveiled a proposal to reduce the gases blamed for global warming from power plants, transportation and factories by 80% come 2050.

IOC to retest Beijing samples after new banned drug surfaces

The International Olympic Committee will retest doping samples from the Beijing Games to check for traces of a new blood-boosting drug and other banned substances.

German doing well after 1st double arm transplant

A German farmer who received the world's first complete double arm transplant said Wednesday that incredulity gave way to joy when he woke from surgery to discover he had arms again.

'Pregnancy pact' schools to vote on contraceptives

Schools in the Massachusetts city where girls reportedly made a "pregnancy pact" are considering whether contraceptives should be distributed at the high school.

Credit crisis threatens New Orleans' recovery

A prolonged recession and a tight credit market would cripple New Orleans' still-fragile recovery from Hurricane Katrina, delaying or eliminating road work, new construction and repairs to homes and businesses that have stood empty since 2005.

For 2010 Census, counting gets tougher

The pungent aroma of spices, beans and rice fills the matchbox-size Dominican Cafe on West Fourth Street. The lunch counter is packed when community activist Carlos Dipres enters and chats with diners about el censo. He's met by blank stares.

Oops: Italians get wine instead of water from faucets

Rabbi: PETA sent 1,000 threats over Yom Kippur chicken slaughter

New York City police are investigating a rabbi's complaint that he received a thousand threatening e-mails over the slaughter of chickens before a Jewish holy day.

Storm spawns tornado in Fla., possibly one in Ala.

Forecasters say a tornado blew out windows and knocked down power lines in the Florida Panhandle, and another suspected twister damaged a civic center in a southeastern Alabama town.

Category 4 Hurricane Norbert roars toward Baja in Mexico

Hurricane Norbert has strengthened to a powerful Category 4 storm off Mexico's Pacific coast.

Travis Barker thankful to be alive after jet crash

Former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, who always has been afraid of flying, says he's glad to be alive after suffering severe burns in a fiery plane crash last month.

Heisman Watch has Big 12 feel with Daniel, Bradford at top

This might be the year to rename the criteria for the Heisman Trophy from the "most outstanding college football player" to the "best quarterback in the Big 12."

Goodell: NFL isn't recession-proof; economy will challenge league

Weathering the economic downturn will pose challenges for the NFL despite the game's popularity, league commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday.