Stalemate in Legislature Has New York Near Its Last Dollar

With no end in sight to a dispute over a budget deficit, the state could have as little as $36 million in the bank by year end.

Taliban Open Up Front in Once-Quiet Afghan North

Militants have had a resurgence in Kunduz, a province that American and Afghan officials did not think they had to worry about.

Brain Power: Surgery for Mental Ills Offers Hope and Risk

Hundreds have undergone brain surgery for problems like depression, anxiety, even obesity.

4 Vie for Kennedy?s Seat, but Only 3 Seek His Mantle

Democratic candidates to succeed Senator Edward M. Kennedy are trying to prove themselves his ideological twin, but the tactic might not be a winning strategy.

U.S. Is Unlikely to Use All the Ethanol Congress Ordered

When Congress mandated in 2007 that refiners blend a rising volume of ethanol into gasoline, fuel consumption had been growing for years. Then came the recession.

Obamas? Uninvited Guests Prompt an Inquiry

The Secret Service is investigating how a Virginia couple found their way into President Obama?s first state dinner.

City Hall Memo: Testing Bloomberg?s Grip on the Budget Ax

Michael R. Bloomberg?s self-depiction as a fiscal watchdog may conflict with teachers? expectations on raises.

Christmas Island Journal: A Remote Island Seeks a Boom Without a Bust

Residents are hoping a new immigration detention center can revive the remote Australian island?s economy.

Broncos 26, Giants 6: Broncos Bury the Giants

The Giants suffered injuries to their bodies and damage to their playoff hopes in a Thanksgiving loss to the Broncos.

Asian Stocks Fall Amid Dubai Fears

Markets across Asia tumbled as much as 5 percent Friday as fears mounted over Dubai?s debt and the dollar?s continued slide against the yen.

Khmer Rouge Warden Asks to Be Freed

The trial of a former Khmer Rouge prison chief ended Friday with the defendant unexpectedly asked to be set free despite his repeated admissions of guilt.

Report Says Irish Bishops and Police Hid Abuse

The church and police colluded to hide decades of child abuse by priests in Dublin, an investigation concluded.