5 hours ago - By Martin Crutsinger, AP Economics Writer
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday tightened the conflict of interest restrictions governing the boards of directors of its 12 regional banks.

9 hours ago - By Brian Alexander, msnbc.com - Only on msnbc.com
Thanksgiving brings the annual mix of happy anticipation and dread as we gather at the old homestead for a day of food, celebration and family politics.

11 hours ago - By Ken Thomas , Associated Press Writer
Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it will replace accelerator pedals on about 4 million recalled vehicles in the United States because the pedals can get stuck in the floor mats, another blow to the reputation of the world's largest automaker.

8 hours ago - By Jeannine Aversa, AP Economics Writer
Consumers got back in the buying mood in October as their incomes grew modestly, an encouraging sign for the budding economic recovery.
8 hours ago - By Jeannine Aversa, AP Economics Writer
Orders for big-ticket factory goods fell unexpectedly in October as the economy struggles to get back to full health.

14 hours ago - By Darlene Superville, Associated Press Writer
Traditional evening gowns and vibrantly colored saris mixed with banded-collar dinner jackets and tuxedos at President Barack Obama's first state dinner.
14 hours ago - By Jim Abrams, Associated Press Writer
The third anniversary of the signing of the U.S.-Colombia free trade pact came and went this month with the Obama administration still negotiating the fine print, Congress showing little interest and business groups frustrated by the lack of action on trade deals.

17 hours ago - By Alan Zibel, AP Real Estate Writer
Sales of new homes rose more than 6 percent in October. But that was only because of strong results in the South.

20 hours ago - By Samantha Critchell, AP Fashion Writer
First lady Michelle Obama chose to wear a gleaming silver-sequined, cream-colored gown Tuesday night to the first state dinner held by her husband's administration. She was tending to her hostess duties in a strapless silhouette with the beads forming an abstract floral pattern that was custom-made by Naeem Khan.

18 hours ago - By Darlene Superville, Associated Press Writer
The first state dinner of the Obama White House had it all: Oscar-winning entertainers, Hollywood moguls, a knockout guest chef and even a wardrobe malfunction.
20 hours ago - By Associated Press
President Barack Obama honored India's prime minister with a toast in which he called the United States' relationship with India a "great and growing partnership."

23 hours ago - By Darlene Superville, Associated Press Writer
The first state dinner of the Obama White House had it all: Oscar-winning entertainers, Hollywood moguls, a knockout guest chef and even a wardrobe malfunction. Traditional evening gowns vied with saris of vibrant colors Tuesday night at the high-glitz dinner in honor of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. There were turbans and bindis as well as diamonds and brocades.
20 hours ago - By The Associated Press, Only on msnbc.com
The list of expected guests for President Barack Obama's first White House state dinner in honor of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, as provided by the White House.
22 hours ago - By Deanna Bellandi, Associated Press Writer
The White House and Illinois Democrats said Tuesday that their bid to hold on to President Barack Obama's old Senate seat won't be easy and their difficulties aren't just because of the scandal that engulfed ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

22 hours ago - By Sharon Theimer, Associated Press Writers
Celebrities, major Democratic fundraisers and prominent Indian businessmen were among those scoring coveted invitations to President Barack Obama's first state dinner.
23 hours ago - By The Associated Press, Only on msnbc.com
Estimated participation rates of citizens eligible for food stamps by state.

9 minutes ago - By Natasha T. Metzler, Associated Press Writer
After 10 months in office, President Barack Obama on Wednesday granted his first pardon to Courage, a 45-pound turkey spared from the Thanksgiving table.