ConsumerMan: Shady retirement seminars
Many Americans nearing retirement are bombarded with invitations to attend financial management seminars. A free lunch is offered. But that lunch may prove to be pricey.

Analysis: States fail to police Amber Alerts

Despite a federal law meant to create a uniform system, an AP review shows wide variations in what triggers  Amber Alerts from one state to the next.

Retirement dreams yield to despair

A rising number of people have seen their retirement plans evaporate. As 401(k)s dwindle, their dreams of golden years are being replaced by feelings of hopelessness and  anger.

Napolitano up for Homeland Security

An early Barack Obama supporter from the southwestern part of the country, the former Arizona attorney general is a leading contender for the job of secretary of homeland security.

EpiPens: life-saving kid accessory
As allergies to peanuts, milk, eggs and gluten have risen, a cult-like following has emerged around the EpiPen, a single-shot  of medication that can halt a potentially deadly reaction.

Stocks dive as auto bailout is put off

Stocks plunged for a second straight day Thursday, falling to levels not seen in at least five years as financial and energy stocks tumbled.

Starvation stalks children in Haiti

At least 26 severely malnourished children have died in recent days in Haiti, and aid groups fear many more deaths unless more help comes quickly to this impoverished Caribbean country.

Congress demands plan for auto aid

Democratic leaders in Congress decided to delay a vote to bail out automakers until December and will first demand the Big Three show how the funds would transform the industry.

Grass lawns shrink in Calif. drought

California's ever-growing population and the threat of a prolonged drought could kill the concept of the traditional lush lawn in the Golden State.