WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Department of Transportation said Monday it has fined a regional affiliate of American Airlines $900,000 for keeping hundreds of passengers cooped up for hours on planes in Chicago earlier this year, a clear warning to airlines on the eve of the holiday travel season that similar incidents won't be tolerated.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration is tapping the health care overhaul law to advance its economic agenda, a political priority for the White House.

CHICAGO (AP) -- Every child should be tested for high cholesterol between ages 9 and 11 so steps can be taken to prevent heart disease later on, a panel of doctors urged Friday in new advice that is sure to be controversial.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Chevrolet Volt that caught fire three weeks after its lithium-ion battery was damaged in a government crash test has regulators taking a harder look at the safety of electric car batteries, federal officials said Friday.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- Penn State placed assistant coach Mike McQueary on administrative leave, capping a tumultuous week in which his name surfaced as a key witness in a grand jury investigation into child sexual abuse allegations against a former coach.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Leaders across the country felt increasing pressure Friday to shut down Occupy encampments after two men died in shootings and another was found dead from a suspected combination of drugs and carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a propane heater inside a tent.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Determined to deepen relations with Asia, President Barack Obama is devoting nine days to a diplomatic mission in the region while Congress struggles toward a crucial budget deadline and a doubtful outcome.

NEW YORK (AP) -- By the third time around, it really shouldn't be a surprise. The latest "Call of Duty" video game set a first-day sales record this week, generating $400 million in sales in its first 24 hours in stores. That breaks the record its predecessor set this time last year.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Defunct trading company MF Global Inc. says it is terminating its entire workforce of 1,066 employees.

From China to New York, people placed bets, tied the knot, made a wish and some were even extra cautious.