AP Top Stories 12.31.09

Thursday, Dec. 31: Taliban claims responsibility for Afghan attack; Obama to get preliminary report on attempted terror attack; Rush Limbaugh taken to the hospital because of chest pains; New Zealand rings in 2010.

AP Top Stories 12.30.09

Wednesday Dec. 30: Obama calls recent attempted terror attack 'totally unacceptable'; NYC terror trial expected to cost more than first estimate; Goldman legal battle may not be over yet; Worst of the swine flu may be over.

AP Top Stories 12.29.09

Tuesday, Dec. 29: Obama says 'a systemic failure has occurred' in skies; Web posts suggest lonely, depressed terror suspect; Brazilian family wants boy back from U.S.; 85-year-old fulfills her dream of flying by paragliding

AP Top Stories 12.29.09

Tuesday Dec. 29: Obama promises to use every element to keep America safe; U.S. Looks for new sanctions against Iran; China executes British drug smuggler; Custody battles heats up between Palin, Johnston.

AP Top Stories 12.28.09

December 28, 2009: White House reviews air security; Holiday sales up; Iran cracks down on opposition protests; Whales stranded in New Zealand.

AP Top Stories 12.26.09

December 26th: Official says U.S. knew of terror suspect's ties; Vatican reviewing security measures; Charlie Sheen jailed on domestic abuse charges; Airport baggage area proposal.

AP Top Stories 12.25.09

December 25, 2009: Taliban releases purported video of U.S. Soldier; Pope unhurt following Christmas Eve fall; Christians welcome Christmas Day; Actress Brittany Murphy buried in L.A.

AP Top Stories 12.24.09

December 24, 2009: Senate tackles final health care vote; U.S. Dad picks up son in Brazil; Winter storm means White Christmas; Empire State Building dresses up for Santa.

AP Top Stories 12.23.09

December 23, 2009: Dozens hurt after plane skids off Jamaica runway; Another test vote for health care; Rapper T.I. released from prison; Santa gets help from elephants in Thailand.

AP Top Stories 12.22.09

December 22: Airports start to get back to normal; Funeral for Chris Henry; Ft. Hood shooter latest; Rail-service returns between Britain and France.

AP Top Stories 12.21.09

December 21st: East Coast still digging out; Polanski loses court bid; Pills in Murphy's home; Reindeer - not just for sleighs.

AP Top Stories 12.21.09

December 21st: Senate health care bill moves forward; East coast digs out from snowstorm; Actress Brittany Murphy dies; Step-father admits trying to kill stepson with sewing needles.

AP Top Stories 12.20.09

Dec. 20: Mid-Atlantic digging out from snowstorm; Airports try to resume normal operations after the storm; 12 Guantanamo detainees transferred; Actress Brittany Murphy has died.

AP Top Stories 12.19.09

December 19th: A victory for Obama's health overhaul plan, East Coast walloped by wintry storm, Travel tie-ups in the U.K. and doctors start removing needles from Brazilian toddler.

AP Top Stories 12.18.09

Dec. 18: East Coast gets ready for snow; Republicans delay health care vote; 10 killed in Pakistan bombing; Jon and Kate divorce.

End of the Road: GM to Discontinue Saab

General Motors will shut down Saab after talks to sell the brand to a Dutch carmaker collapsed, marking the third time this year that a deal by GM to sell an unwanted brand has fallen through.

AP Top Stories 12.18.09

December 18: U.N. Climate change summit; Accused Mumbai gunmen retracts confession; Another set-back for N.J. Dad in Brazil; Colts win again.

AP Top Stories 12.17.09

Dec. 17: Clinton pledges billions for climate change; Bengals player dies; Brazil court delays boy's return; Church billboard stirs talk.

AP Top Stories 12.17.09

December 17: Climate deal unlikely; N.J. Dad goes to Brazil to get his son; Maj. Nadal Hasan out of ICU; Search called off for missing climbers.

AP Top Stories 12.16.09

Dec. 16: Outlook for progress on health care bill remains unclear; Utah mom's disappearance now a criminal investigation; Tiger Woods selected Athlete of the Decade; Driver survives runaway car incident

Fed Holds Rates at Record Low to Fuel Recovery

The Federal Reserve pledged Wednesday to hold interest rates at a record low to drive down double-digit unemployment and sustain the economic recovery.

AP Top Stories 12.16.09

December 16: Iran test fires missile; Massive protests in Copenhagen; Health concerns for Kim Jong Il; Search ends for Oregon hikers.

AP Top Stories 12.15.09

December 15th: Obama says Democrats "on the precipice" of passing health care bill; Guantanamo detainees to Illinois; Successful first flight for Boeing 787; Baby beluga whale born.

Retail Sales

There was a time when free shipping was a rare deal. This holiday season, you might feel it's your right as a paying customer. But if you can't bear the thought of paying for delivery, here's how to get around it.

AP Top Stories 12.14.09

Dec. 14: President Obama grades himself; Accenture drops Tiger Woods; Search continues for missing climbers in Oregon; Toyota unveils plug-in hybrids.

AP Top Stories 12.13.09

December 13th: Amanda Knox tells AP she's scared in jailhouse interview; Searchers trying to find two missing climbers on Mt. Hood; Houston elects openly-gay mayor; Italian premier bloodied by punch in the face.

AP Top Stories 12.11.09

December 11th: Pakistan to deport detained Americans; Divorce filing for S.C. First lady; Arrest in New York hit-and-run; Brian Kelly introduced as new Notre Dame football coach.

Soros: Finance Gap Could Wreck Climate Talks

Politically active U.S. billionaire George Soros says the 10 billion dollars a year proposed by rich nations to help the poor adapt to climate change is not sufficient. He warns the finance gap could wreck the climate talks.

AP Top Stories 12.10.09

December 10th, 2009: Obama picks up Nobel in Norway; Pakistan probing held Americans; Extreme cold across parts of the country; Big waves in Hawaii.

AP Top Stories 12.09.09

Dec. 9: Brutal winter storm moving east; Five missing Americans may be in Pakistan; Obama welcomes health care compromise; Big waves draw top surfers in Hawaii.

AP Top Stories 12.09.09

December 9: Senate democrats drop government-run option from health care plan; Race to fill Sen. Ted Kennedy's seat; Winter storm wallops mid-section of U.S.; Iraqi parliament wants answers following blasts.

Will Tiger's Sponsors Stay With Him?

Tiger Woods was in the news again Tuesday, as his mother-in-law was rushed to the hospital overnight. Will the continued coverage of golf's greatest player hurt his bottom line?

AP Top Stories 12.08.09

Dec. 8: Obama unveils job creation plan; Blasts in Baghdad kills more than 100; Gates says U.S. Will be in Afghanistan for the long haul; This decade could be the warmest ever.

AP Top Stories 12.07.09

Dec. 7: Climate summit starts in Copehagen; Sen. Reid tries to rally votes for health care reform; Blast in Pakistan kills 10; Kennedy Center awards handed out.

AP Top Stories 12.06.09

Dec. 6: Pres. Obama goes to Capitol Hill; Gates: No good bin Laden intelligence in years; Copenhagen climate change summit gets underway Monday; Consumer group: Zhu Zhu pets unsafe.

AP Top Stories 12.05.09

December 5th: Victim's family speaks out following Knox conviction; Senate works Saturday on health care reform; Russian club owner arrested following deadly fire; Orphaned gorillas get new home.

AP Top Stories 12.03.09

Dec. 3: Obama bemoans desperation of people out of work; Secret Service puts 3 on leave over gatecrashing incident; 2 workers hurt during fall on Cowboys Stadium roof; Oregon tree cutters safe after 2 nights in snow.

Comcast Buys a Controlling Stake in NBC

Comcast has bought a controlling stake in NBC Universal. The move creates the country's largest entertainment conglomerate.

AP Top Stories 12.02.09

December 2nd: Police release photos of Tiger Woods' damaged Cadillac; Congress questions Afghan troop plan; More alleged Seattle cop-shooter helpers to face charges; Leap forward in robotic limbs.

AP Top Stories 12.01.09

December 1: Obama's new Afghan plan; Seattle killer shot; Shoe thrower targeted; Bowden to retire.

GM CEO Henderson Resigns

General Motors' CEO Frederick "Fritz" Henderson has resigned after eight turbulent months as head of the largest U.S. automaker.

AP Top Stories 12.01.09

Dec. 1: Obama to outline new Afghan strategy; Seattle police kill suspect accused of gunning down police officers; White House party crashers called before Congress; Tiger Woods skips his own charity golf tournament.

AP Top Stories 11.30.09

November 30th: Woods pulls out of tournament; Manhunt in Wash. State; Senate begins health debate; Car into dry cleaner.

Money Minute: Holiday Shopping Begins in Earnest

Crowds turned out to mark the traditional beginning of the holiday shopping season, Wall Street feels Dubai's pain and crude takes a tumble.

Nov. 27: Stocks Slide on Dubai Debt Concerns

Stocks tumbled as concern swept world markets that financial trouble in the Middle Eastern city-state of Dubai will upend a global economic recovery.

AP Top Stories 11.27.09

November 27, 2009: Shoppers look for deals on Black Friday; Overseas stocks slump; White House party crashers are aspiring reality TV stars; Pandas prepping to move.

AP Top Stories 11.26.09

Nov. 26: President Obama celebrates Thanksgiving; Uninvited guests at state dinner; India shows off security upgrades; Camels run loose in Australia.

AP Top Stories 11.25.09

November 25: White House nears Afghanistan plan; Obama to travel to Copenhagen; Thanksgiving travel; Turkey pardon.

Money Minute: Home Sales Rise

Sales of new homes rose last month, new unemployment claims fall and the Salvation Army takes plastic.

AP Top Stories 11.25.09

Nov. 25: President Obama hosts state dinner; Death of census worker ruled a suicide; Holiday travel; How to cook your turkey.

Money Minute: Banks, Home Prices, Adidas

The apparent end of the recession and stabilizing financial markets have not cured the banking industry.

AP Top Stories 11.23.09

Nov. 23: Obama to wrap up Afghanistan strategy meetings; Radioactive dust exposes workers at Three Mile Island; S.C. Governor Sanford facing ethics charges; Homeless man gets trapped in trash.

Money Minute: Recovery, Consumer Debt, Soup

Economists expect the joblessness that has weighed down the economic recovery will bottom out in the first quarter of next year.

AP Top Stories 11.21.09

Nov. 21: Health Care reform tested in Senate; Knox may get life in Italy; Severe flooding in northern England; Chicago doesn't want Oprah to go.

AP Top Stories 11.20.09

November 20: Oprah ending her show in 2011; New guidelines say women in their 20s can have fewer pap smears; Alleged Ft. Hood shooter has court date Saturday and Macy's unveils new parade balloons.

Opel; Smuckers; Dell

General Motors says it expects to release a full restructuring plan for its Opel and Vauxhall operations in mid December.

Money Minute: You've Got Job Cuts

AOL looks to cut a huge number of jobs, new unemployment claims hold steady and Sears posts a smaller loss.

AP Top Stories 11.19.09

Nov. 19: President Barack Obama heading back to Washington; Senate Dems unveil health care plan; Judge blames Katrina flooding on Army Corps of Engineers; Spacewalk for Space Shuttle Atlantis.

Money Minute: New Home Construction Slips

Construction of new homes takes a tumble in October, Hershey looks to expand its candy empire and Thanksgiving travel plans.

Money Minute: Home Depot More Upbeat

Home Depot raises outlook, Costco says "no Coke" and builders' steady mood.

AP Top Stories 11.17.09

Nov. 17: Obama meets with Hu Jintao; Elizabeth Smart kidnapping case; Breast exam guidelines; Conjoined twins separated

Money Minute: GM Readies Government Repayment

General Motors reports improving fortunes, volatile retail sales and UPS says holiday-season business is up from last year.

AP Top Stories 11.15.09

November 15th: Obama lands in China; Giuliani says 9/11 trials in New York put residents at risk; Smooth countdown for Monday shuttle launch; 60,000 bees invade South Florida home.

AP Top Stories 11.14.09

Nov. 14: Obama talks arms deal; South Korea protests Afghan war; Suicide bombing in Pakistan; Urn of war hero stolen.

AP Top Stories 11.13.09

November 13: 9/11 terror suspects to be tried in NYC; Accused Ft. Hood shooter may be paralyzed; Alleged Ohio serial killer in court and Balloon family pleads guilty to hoax.

Money Minute: Trade Gap Widens

The nation's trade gap gets bigger, J.C. Penney raises the outlook and the world's largest cruise ship docks in Florida.

AP Top Stories 11.12.09

November 12: Fort Hood shooter charged; East Coast flooded; Parents of balloon boy charged; Byron Scott fired.

Money Minute: Jobs Summit Planned

President Barack Obama announces a summit to tackle high unemployment, a fresh check of the job market and a video game smash hit.

AP Top Stories 11.11.09

November 11th: President Obama pays tribute to veterans; Investigation widens in Cleveland bodies case; Violence in Mexico; Ken Griffey signs on for another season.

Money Minute: Macy's on the Rebound?

Long-struggling retailer Macy's raises its outlook, the Treasury Secretary addresses dollar weakness and are there more drug ads in store for the Internet?

AP Top Stories 11.11.09

Nov. 11: Obama to attend Veterans Day events; Latest on Fort Hood investigation; D.C.-area sniper executed; Lights back on in Brazil.

Money Minute: Home Sales Rise, Prices Fall

New figures show home prices falling, giving a lift to sales, a powerful Senator proposes a financial overhaul and FedEx sees surging holiday shipments.

AP Top Stories 11.09.09

Nov. 9: Suspected Fort Hood shooter awake, talking; Berlin Wall anniversary; American hikers held in Iran; Ida weakens to tropical storm.

Money Minute: Massive Stroller Recall

About a million strollers are being called because of risk to children, Kraft goes hostile on Cadbury bid and airlines do a better job getting there on time.

AP Top Stories 11.08.09

Nov. 8: Obama on healthcare: 'courageous vote'; 16 Fort Hood victims still hospitalized; Deadly suicide bomb in Pakistan; Hurricane Ida heads for the Gulf Coast.

AP Top Stories 11.06.09

November 6th: Orlando police arrest apprehend alleged gunman; Army General calls Fort Hood shooting a 'kick in the gut'; Obama addresses new unemployment numbers; Yankees celebrate another title.

Money Minute: Unemployment Rate Jumps

The unemployment tops 10 percent, homebuyers get tax credit extension and DVD price wars begin.

Money Minute: Improving Retail Sales

Retail sales are picking up, even among sellers of luxury goods, new jobless claims drop and a new program to help people hold onto their homes.

AP Top Stories 11.04.09

November 4: Detectives set to tear down walls of rapist's home; New report says kidnap suspect improperly supervised; 2nd day of Philly transit strike and bald bears at German zoo.

Money Minute: Opel, Interest Rates, Merck

General Motors has decided not to sell its European Opel division after all.

Money Minute: Ponzi Plea; Buffet Deal, More

The longtime auditor for disgraced money manager Bernard Madoff has pleaded guilty to securities fraud and other charges.

Money Minute: Manufacturing on the Rise

Manufacturing sees better times, Ford's surprisingly strong earnings and a good sign for home sales.

AP Top Stories 11.01.09

November 1: Afghan election runoff uncertain after challenger withdraws; Obama promotes NJ governor's bid for re-election; Palestinians accuse Clinton of setting back peace process; NY watch store falls back.

Money Minute: Recovery Hits a Snag

New figures indicate spending slides, Chevron pumps more oil but less profit and a new twist in the Madoff case.

Money Minute: Economy Grows Again

New government figures show the economy growing, but jobs remain a problem, Exxon Mobil's falling profit and the latest on mortgage rates.

AP Top Stories 10.29.09

October 29: Obama attends solemn ceremony; Gang rape suspects may be in court; Bay Bridge closed again: Phils take game one.

Money Minute: Home Sales Slide

New home sales fell last month, US Airways plans to cut jobs and change its route map and GMAC seeks more government money.

Money Minute: Consumer Worry Mounts

Consumer sentiment retrenches, trucker safety gets a review and Facebook remembers the dead.

Money Minute: Economists More Upbeat

The economic outlook is said to be slowly improving, gas prices spike and Verizon reports a falling profit.

AP Top Stories 10.26.09

Oct. 26: Helicopter crash in Afghanistan; Deadly bombing in Baghdad; Gas prices creep up; Yankees return to the World Series.

AP Top Stories 10.25.09

October 25th: More than 136 dead in Baghdad bombings; Help for family of murdered Florida girl; Swine flu emergency declared; World's oldest dog certified.

AP Top Stories 10.24.09

October 24, 2009: Northwest pilot says he wasn't sleeping during flight; Obama seeks help for small businesses; N.J. Residents on alert after priest killing; Car slams into Florida restaurant.

Money Minute: Home Sales Jump

Home sales post one of the biggest gains in years, Microsoft shares jump and a vote for universal phone chargers.

AP Top Stories 10.23.09

Oct. 23: Search for Somer Thompson's killer continues; More bombings in Pakistan; Extradition request for Roman Polanski; ALCS heads back to New York.

Money Minute: Consumers, Home Buyers, Economy

The House Financial Services Committee has voted to create a federal agency to protect consumers from predatory lending, abusive overdraft fees and unfair rate hikes.

Money Minute: Fed Cites Improvement

The Federal Reserve gives an assessment how the recovery is coming, an improved outlook for U.S auto sales and Barnes and Nobel unveils its eBook reader.

AP Top Stories 10.21.09

Oct. 21: Obama to announce new lending practices; Swine flu hits young people; Afghan runoff election; Yankees one win away from Fall Classic.

Money Minute: Builders Face Worry

Housing starts rise less than expected, Apple moves gesture-based computing to the desktop and crude oil hits $80 per barrel.

Money Minute: Toy Layaway Option

Toys R Us joins the layaway movement, the administration claims thousands of teaching jobs have been saved and home builders' mood slips.

Your Money: Minimum Wage Declines

Minimum wage earners in Colorado can expect their hourly wages to decline on January 1st, 2010. The AP's Trevor Delaney explains.

AP Top Stories 10.19.09

October 19th, 2009: Felony charges expected in balloon boy case; White House to stop medical marijuana prosecution; 3 die in Detroit marathon; Phillies take 2-1 lead in NLCS.

AP Top Stories 10.18.09

Oct. 18th: Charges expected in Colorado balloon case; Pakistan begins new Taliban offensive; Hurricane Rick now Category 5; Northeast gets hit with winter weather.

AP Top Stories 10.17.09

October 17, 2009: Louisiana justice under fire; Balloon family to be interviewed again; President Obama praises health care vote; Geeks unite at NYC Comic-Con.

AP Top Stories 10.16.09

Oct. 16th: Sheriff: No indication balloon ordeal was hoax; Federal deficit hits all-time high $1.42 trillion; Baby OK after train hits stroller in Australia; TLC network is suing its star Jon Gosselin.

Money Minute: Book price war

Amazon.com and Wal-Mart trade book price cuts, Bank of America posts a big loss and the nation's industry continues to recover.

Money Minute: Banks, Jobs, Foreclosures

The number of people filing new claims for unemployment benefits dropped by 10,000 last week to 514,000. That's the lowest level since January.

Your Money: Flex Spending Accounts

As the end of the year approaches, many of us begin to think about our flexible spending accounts and the benefits they provide. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney explains.

Oct. 14: Dow Passes 10,000, 1st Time in a Year

The Dow Jones industrial average is back above 10,000 for the first time in a year.

AP Top Stories 10.14.09

October 14th: Senate leaders start combining health care bills; 2nd arrest in New York beating; Photo of Jaycee Dugard released; Mudslide concerns in California.

Your Money: Options for Open Enrollment

Many employers will soon begin open enrollment periods for health care. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney explains what options may be available for your family during this period.

Money Minute: Cash for Clunkers Hangover

Outside of the car business, retail sales rose last month, Mattel agrees to settle a huge lawsuit over lead in toys and the FAA proposes millions in fines against a pair of airlines.

Dow Passes 10,000 for 1st Time in a Year

The Dow Jones industrial average trades above 10,000 for the first time in a year.

Money Minute: High Court to Hear Skilling Appeal

The U.S. Supreme Court will consider the case of former Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling, Cisco Systems bets on the future of wireless phones and Ford is one step closer to winning contract concessions.

AP Top Stories 10.12.09

October 12th: Suicide bombing kills 41 in Pakistan; Two Americans share Nobel prize in economics; Man falls from construction crane in Philadelphia; Massive fire leaves over one thousand homeless in Brazil.

Money Minute: American Nobel Winners

Americans share the Nobel Prize in economics, users of the T-Mobile Sidekick lose data and economists see better times over the next year.

AP Top Stories 10.10.09

October 10th, 2009: World reacts to Obama's Nobel Prize; Obama calls for bipartisanship on health care; 'Space clown' hosts global TV and Internet show; Miss Plastic Hungary crowned.

Oct. 9: Stocks Post Their Best Week Since July

Health care and utility stocks have pushed major indexes to their best weekly performance since July.

Your Money: Deadline Looms for Late Tax Filers

October 15th the final deadline for filing your 2008 tax return. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney explains why you'll pay dearly if you miss this deadline.

Money Minute: Hummer Brand Sold

GM unloads the Hummer auto brand, the nation's trade gap slips and Marge Simpson becomes a cover model.

Oct. 8: Stocks Climb on Retail Sales, Alcoa

Encouraging readings on two of the best gauges of the economy's health: consumer spending and corporate profits gave investors confidence to move into stocks Thursday.

Money Minute: Retail Recovery?

Retailers tell of a rare monthly sales gain, troubled homeowners program passes an important benchmark and new claims for unemployment benefits decline.

Your Money: Choosing Canadian Colleges

The tough economy is leading more families to look north to Canada for bargains - specifically for cheaper college tuition.

Stocks End Mixed As Earnings Loom

Investors waiting for earnings reports to start rolling in held to modest moves after a two-day spike in stocks.

Money Minute: Theme Parks, Microsoft, O'Brien's

Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest brewer, is getting out of the theme park business.

Your Money: Why Credit Scores Are Important

Shopping for a credit card is a lot more complicated than it used to be and the recent credit crunch has made getting credit much more difficult.

AP Top Stories 10.07.09

Oct. 7: New Obama poll numbers; What's next in Afghanistan; Flying will cost you more around the holidays; MLB playoffs kick-off.

Money Minute: Cheaper Winter Heat Costs

The government predicts consumers will get a break from heating bills this winter, Burger King plans a major makeover and the Michelin Man goes 3D.

AP Top Stories 10.06.09

Oct. 6: Heating oil forecast; Holiday retail forecast; New York terror suspect and his al-Qaida ties; North Korea nuclear program.

Oct. 5: ISM, Goldman Sachs Send Stocks Higher

A report that the service sector grew for the first time in more than a year gave investors a boost of confidence Monday.

Money Minute: Gourmet Magazine to Close

Conde Nast is closing four magazines including Gourmet, Vonage comes to wireless phones and UAW members ratify a contract with Deere&Co.

Your Money: Retiring on Your Own

Planning for retirement is something everyone considers, but not everyone does. And when it comes to singles, retirement planning is even more important.

AP Top Stories 10.04.09

October 4th, 2009: Hope fading for Indonesian victims; Prayer service in the Samoan Islands; Kidnapped newborn briefly reunited with mother; Baseball's regular season ends.

AP Top Stories 10.03.09

Oct. 3: Alleged Letterman blackmailer out on bond; 2 found alive in the aftermath of Indonesia quake; Rio wins 2016 Olympics; Miami Zoo gorilla has cataract surgery.

AP Top Stories 10.02.09

October 2: Brazil wins Olympic bid; Indonesia still searching for quake survivors; Obama calls jobs report sobering and a CBS worker has pleaded not guilty in Letterman extortion plot.

Oct. 2: Stocks Sell Off After Bad Jobs Report

Stocks pared early losses, but still ended lower after a disappointing monthly jobs report brought fresh concerns that a recovery in the labor market may be a long way off.

Money Minute: Jobs, Eminem, Clean Technology

Unemployment is now at the highest level since June of 1983. Employers cut 263,000 jobs last month, pushing the jobless rate to 9.8 percent.

Your Money: Dividend Performance in 2009

For many investors dividend paying stocks are the old faithfuls they've come to rely on for income. But even some of those steady income generators have been forced to freeze or cut dividends in the past year.

Oct. 1: Stocks Have Worst Day in Three Months

Stocks began the fourth quarter with a slide as pessimism about the economy gripped investors.

Money Minute: Comcast NBC Universal Talks

Sources say Comcast is talking about taking a stake in NBC Universal, car sales slump returns and an embattled bank CEO announces plans to step down.

Your Money: FDA to Improve Communication

The Food and Drug Administration is planning to improve its public announcements on food and drug safety, more than three years after federal advisers recommended major changes.

GM to Shut Down Saturn After Penske Walks Away

General Motors Co. says it's shutting down the Saturn brand after an agreement with Penske Automotive Group Inc. to acquire the unit fell apart.

Money Minute: GDP Surprise

A fresh snapshot of the economy comes in better-than-expected, Coke adds more nutrition information and Wal-Mart looks to play Santa.

Your Money: The Debate Over State Laws for Banks

Moderate House Democrats are drafting a proposal that would continue to shield big banks from potentially tougher state regulations when it comes to selling products such as credit cards, mortgages and savings accounts.

AP Top Stories 09.30.09

Sept. 30: Massive damage in Samoa and American Somoa following tsunami; Michelle Obama arrives in Denmark; President Obama convenes Afghan War council meeting; Cirque du Soleil founder heads to outer space.

Sept. 29: Consumer Confidence Weighs on Stocks

A surprise drop in consumer confidence tripped up investors, a day after two corporate takeovers set off a steep market rally.

Your Money: Relief From Overdraft Fees

Several banks have dropped the excessive overdraft fees that have drawn the scorn of politicians and consumers alike. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney explains.

AP Top Stories 09.29.09

Sept. 29: Death toll up in Philippines flooding; Obama's Olympic pitch; New charge in Chicago student death; Buffalos stampede through South Dakota

Your Money: Airline Surcharges for the Holidays

Several major U.S. carriers have added surcharges for travel on and around the upcoming holiday season. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney explains.

Money Minute: Dealmaking Returns

Wall Street celebrates billion-dollar deals, lower home heating bills loom this winter and Apple says the app store has passed a new milestone.

AP Top Stories 09.28.09

Sept. 28: Report: Poland, France to push for Polanski's release; FBI releases tapes OKC bombing aftermath; Iran conducts short-range missile drills; Germany's Merkel wins 2nd term.

AP Top Stories 09.27.09

Sept. 27th: Obama pushes health care at Congressional Black Caucus dinner; Maryland man kills family, self; Flooding kills dozens in Philippines; Relatives meet from two Koreas.

AP Top Stories 09.26.09

Sept. 26th: Obama says G20 actions brought global economy back from the brink; Witness says census worker was bound, gagged; Bomb plot suspect flown to NYC; Woman with wrong embryo gives birth to boy.

Your Money: Credit Card Reforms

New laws designed to protect consumers and reign in excessive charges on credit cards will go into effect next year. Alan levin of Credit.com explains some of the changes.

Sept. 25: Manufacturing, Housing Weigh on Stocks

Stocks have fallen for a for a third day as disappointing reports on manufacturing and home sales dampened the recent enthusiasm about the economy.

Money Minute: New Home Sales Rise

New home sales continue to recover, durable goods orders slide and shares of Blackberry maker Research In Motion take a hit.

Money Minute: Homes, Hampsters, Heat

Sales of existing homes unexpectedly dipped 2.7 percent last month, ending a four-month streak of gains.

AP Top Stories 09.24.09

September 24: AIDS vaccine hailed; President Obama chairs U.N. Security Council meeting; FBI investigates Census Worker death; Mass. Governor names Sen. Kennedy's interim replacement.

Money Minute: Fed Sees Improvement

The Federal Reserve says the economy is picking up, Treasury chief Geithner supports a new consumer protection effort and the search for a better potato for french fries.

Federal Reserve: Rates Staying Low

The Federal Reserve decides to keep interest rates low, but also notes signs of improvement in the economy.

Your Money: Bye-bye Old Invesment Rules

Investors learned during a year of the stock market's worst turmoil since the Depression, that traditional rules on investing can't always be counted on. The Ap's Trevor Delaney explains.

Sept. 22: Commodities Carry Stocks Higher

A weakened dollar made commodities like oil and gold attractive bets Tuesday, which in turn helped lift energy, material and financial stocks.

Your Money: New Debt Management Rules

If the Great Recession has taught people one thing, it's this: They need to take charge of their finances.

Money Minute: GM, Intel, Yahoo

General Motors will go to 24-hour operations at factories in Kansas, Michigan and Indiana.

AP Top Stories 09.22.09

Sept. 22: Deadly storms sweep the Southeast; Counterterrorism officials to transit authorities: step up patrols; California rapper suspected of killing 4 people; Newborn panda gets a check up

Your Money: Post-meltdown Investing

The stock market is bouncing back, but if you're like many Americans, playing the market has lost its appeal. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney explains.

Money Minute: Dell Moves Beyond PCs

Dell is expanding its reach beyond the personal computer, losses widen for homebuilder Lennar and the IRS gives tax dodgers a bit more time to come forward.

AP Top Stories 09.20.09

September 20, 2009: Three men arrested in connection with NYC terror probe; N.Y. Governor Paterson urged to give up 2010 gubernatorial bid; Obama visits United Nations this week; Heavy rain causes flooding near Atlanta.

Sept. 18: Stocks Resume Rally After Break

Investors rekindled a market rally one day after a modest slide, sending stocks modestly higher.

Your Money: the Value of Added Insurance

Personal items such as jewelry and other valuable items may not be covered by traditional insurance plans. AP Personal Finance Editor Trevor Delaney explains how to best protect your valuables.

AP Top Stories 09.18.09

September 18: Lab tech arrested in Yale murder; Ky. coach acquitted in player's death; Obama scraps Bush-era missile defense plan; Mrs. Obama hits the farmers market

Sept. 17: Rally Takes Break As Stocks Slip

A string of positive economic reports did little to further gains on Wall Street.

Your Money: Loan Modification Scams

Ads for loan modification companies frequently appear on late-night TV and on billboards in some parts of the country, but consumers need to be aware that some are scams.