U.S. death sentences on the decline

States that lead the nation in executions are sentencing fewer inmates to death, a trend that slowly is reducing the death row population, a report from an anti-capital punishment group says.

U.S. drug cartel crackdown misses the money

Stocks slide after jobless claims rise

A stronger dollar and disappointing corporate news muscled stocks lower over concerns that the economy will struggle to recover. Major stock indexes slid more than 1 percent.

NYT: Taxpayers at risk with mortgage giants

Still kicking: Colts 14-0 after wild win vs. Jags

Peyton Manning threw four touchdown and helped rally the Indianapolis Colts to a 35-31 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night.

Howard: Colts, not Pats, best-run franchise in NFL

Scoop: Gosselin divorce just needs judge’s signature

After the troubled reality-show couple filed papers in June to end their 10-year marriage, Jon and Kate Gosselin’s divorce is finally set to become final before the start of 2010.

‘Survivor’ tribe surprises another castaway

Sunshine states are the happiest, study shows

People in sunny, outdoorsy states — Louisiana, Hawaii, Florida — say they’re the happiest Americans, and researchers think they know why.

11 baby deaths now linked to Simplicity cribs

Cosmic Log: The year in science

Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: The unveiling of the 4.4 million-year-old skeleton of a human ancestor, 15 years after it was unearthed, ranks as Science's top breakthrough of the year.

Eight ancient drinks uncorked by science

Offbeat holiday celebrations

There are some places that put an offbeat spin on the holidays with everything from oversize ice-sculptures to New Year’s Eve events where big yellow Peeps drop from the sky.

Thousands flock to Aria for glitzy unveiling