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.

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.

Expert: Tebow has earned a second Heisman

Expert: Two months ago, I didn't think it was possible. And now? It might be inevitable. Somewhere, Archie Griffin is hearing footsteps. Yes, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow deserves to win another Heisman Trophy.

10 wonders in a winter wonderland

Is it really true that no two snowflakes are alike? Get the cold, hard facts on that question and nine other scientific puzzlers posed by the winter season.

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.

Online retailers see 'Cyber Monday' surge
Online merchants finally got some relief with the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, spurred by a bevy of deals and free shipping offers.

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.

Passengers describe 'cheeky' pirate attack

Passengers on a luxury cruise liner attacked by pirates in the dangerous waters between Yemen and Somalia said Wednesday they were surprised by the assailants' boldness.

Judge affirms 'millennium bomber' sentence

A federal judge in Seattle on Wednesday re-imposed a 22-year sentence on an Algerian convicted of plotting to bomb the Los Angeles airport at the turn of the millennium.