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.
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.
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.
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.
Franken pulls closer but Coleman still leads
Democrat Al Franken caught a couple of breaks Tuesday as the recount in Minnesota's U.S. Senate race drew closer to a finish, though not enough to undo Republican Sen. Norm Coleman's persistent lead.
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.
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.
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.
World's oldest pot stash totally busted
Nearly two pounds of still-green plant material found in a 2,700-year-old grave in the Gobi Desert has just been identified as the world's oldest marijuana stash, according to a paper in the latest issue of the Journal of Experimental Botany.
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.
