Busy Travel Day Sees Few Delays as Boycotts Fizzle

Air travel flowed relatively smoothly for millions of U.S. travelers as feared delays from protesters boycotting advanced body scanners failed to materialize on the busy day-before-Thanksgiving pilgrimage.

Cooley Concedes Calif. Attorney General Race

A Democratic rising star named Kamala Harris won California's attorney general seat after her Republican opponent conceded defeat in a race that had been too close to call since the Nov. 2 election.

U.S. Deems Polar-Bear Habitat Critical

The Interior Department designated 187,000 square miles of offshore sea ice and other areas as critical habitat for polar bears, a move that could make it harder for Shell to begin drilling in Alaskan waters.

Spill-Fund Chief Softens Stance

Overseer will allow claimants affected by the largest marine oil spill in U.S. history to keep getting temporary relief as they ponder whether to seek a final lump-sum payment or to sue BP PLC.

Supply Data Now a Focus of Probe

Federal prosecutors have begun to hone in on insider-trading cases that appear to involve routinely published information about public-company supply chains.

Turkey, Pumpkin Pie and Tallow

Tallow?a blend of rendered beef fat and wax?will be used for decorative centerpieces at military dining halls across the country at Thanksgiving, many of which stage similar culinary showdowns.

New Group Aims for Political Middle

An alliance of centrist Republicans and Democrats is seeking to organize a grass-roots movement targeting the middle of American politics, a vital tool for any potential third-party presidential candidate.

High-Tech Edge on Black Friday

The latest smartphone apps track the latest deals or even tell you what's in stock. On some, you can get a coupon for revealing what store you're in.

Remaking Traditions to Fit the New Job

Americans who have taken temp jobs with weekend hours or holiday shifts are finding new ways to celebrate the season?splitting gatherings into mini-celebrations and delegating shopping to relatives.

Productions Better Heard Than Seen

Despite strong casts, the Lyric Opera of Chicago's productions of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Un Ballo in Maschera" were let down by weak direction, says Heidi Waleson.