Jailbirds Order Up Hot Wings

In a bid to raise cash and keep the peace in crowded jails, wardens nationwide are offering inmates the chance to order meatball subs, jumbo cheeseburgers and chicken parmesan. Critics, however, fear the deliveries will inspire envy and even extortion behind bars.

Finance Bill Hits Impasse

Republicans joined in the Senate to block Democrats' overhaul of financial regulation, opening a period of uncertainty for the legislation.

Home Care Yields Medicare Bounty

An analysis of Medicare payments to home health-care companies in recent years raises questions about whether some companies, including the sector's largest, Amedisys, are taking advantage of the Medicare reimbursement system for home therapy visits.

Action Urged on Climate Bill

The politics bogging down a climate bill in the Senate are also hobbling investments in low-carbon energy and prompting calls from some business groups for action.

Obama Hits Road to Prop Up Support

President Obama will make a two-day swing through rural stretches of the heartland this week, talking up economic progress and his Wall Street regulatory efforts as he tries to energize Democratic voters.

Technology Is Central to CIA's Plan

The CIA announced a five-year strategic plan that would invest heavily in new technologies to combat non-traditional threats like cyber attacks from overseas and gain better intelligence on rogue states.

Police Let Terrorist Slip Through

Port Authority police were told to search would-be subway bomber Najibullah Zazi's car last September as he drove up to the George Washington Bridge -- but waved him across without finding hidden explosives.

Nycomed Teams With Merck

Nycomed signed a deal with Merck to market the Swiss company's lung drug Daxas in Europe, a move that analysts say could speed up the company's IPO plans.

Washington Must Admit Deficit Addiction

The first step in dealing with an addiction is to acknowledge your problem. So maybe both parties could start by being honest about what they've done recently to make deficit spending worse.

Freelancers Seek Pay

As more people turn to freelance and independent consulting to make a living, they are landing roles they weren't prepared for: bill collectors.

Hope Trickles Into California Farms

There is new hope in California's drought-stricken farm economy, as water agencies open irrigation spigots a little more this year, allowing farmers to increase planting and hiring.