Sexism award goes to 'ugly ducklings' mayor
An Australian outback mayor's plea for lovelorn female "ugly ducklings" to move to a remote mining town to reverse a shortage of eligible women has won him the country's yearly award for outrageous sexism.

Deflation poses new economic threat
Strapped consumers are rejoicing at falling prices. But some economists warn of the growing risk of a ruinous downward price spiral  called deflation. Here's what's at stake.

Madonna, Ritchie granted divorce

Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie ended nearly eight years of marriage in just a few minutes on Friday when a British court granted them a preliminary divorce decree.

Afghanistan markets pomegranates

Afghanistan is telling the world that it has a trendy, new replacement for its dreaded poppy crop: sweet, juicy pomegranates.

Bush effigy burned at Iraq protest

Followers of a Shiite cleric on Friday stomped on and burned an effigy of President Bush in Baghdad as they protested a proposed U.S.-Iraqi security pact on Friday.

Attorney General Mukasey collapses

Attorney General Michael Mukasey was conscious and alert early Friday — and took a get-well call from President Bush — just hours after he collapsed during a speech to a black-tie dinner.

Bank of New York Mellon to ax 1,800 jobs
The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. said Thursday it will cut its worldwide work force by 4 percent, or about 1,800 jobs, blaming the weak global economy.

Bush signs bill providing extra jobless benefits
The White House said Friday President Bush has signed into law a bill that Congress approved to keep benefits flowing to jobless Americans through the holiday season.

World stocks rebound despite U.S. fall
European and Asian stock markets rebounded Friday as expectations of a recovery on Wall Street prompted investors to scoop up battered financial and energy shares.