More Americans raiding nest eggs

A growing number of Americans are being forced to trade future comfort for more immediate needs because of the current economic crunch.

Tainted meats point to superbug C. diff in food

A nasty intestinal germ found in hospitals is also showing up in grocery store meats, raising the possibility that C. diff is transmitted through food, research shows.

Lawyer: Jackson too sick to travel for trial

Michael Jackson's attorney said Tuesday that the pop star might be too sick to travel to London to testify in a suit claiming he owes an Arab sheikh $7 million.

Iraq sets date for long-awaited elections
Iraq said that it will hold long-awaited provincial elections on Jan. 31, a step forward for U.S.-backed efforts to promote reconciliation, although a key northern area will not participate.

Blind woman threatened over 1-cent bill
A 74-year-old blind woman was shocked when her daughter found a letter from the city saying a lien would be placed on her home unless she paid an overdue water bill.

Germans unearth Stone Age family

A Stone Age burial in central Germany has yielded the earliest evidence of people living together as a family.

Experts warn of water shortages by 2080

Half the world's population could face a shortage of clean water by 2080 because of climate change, experts warned Tuesday.

Auto bailout appears in jeopardy

Detroit's Big Three automakers are pleading with Congress for a $25 billion lifeline to save their once-proud companies from collapse, warning of broader peril for the national economy as well.

Violence a political danger for Chávez

Many Venezuelans who once supported the Hugo Chavez are now considering a vote against the president's candidates because of the government's hapless response to rising crime rates.