WASHINGTON — Americans are pulling back on their spending, a trend that could slow the economic recovery if it continues.
A sharp drop in retail sales points to still-wary shoppers and could lead economists to curtail their expectations for growth.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama on Thursday consoled relatives of the 11 workers killed in the Gulf oil spill disaster, acknowledging their "unimaginable grief" and personally assuring the families that he will stand with them

JOHANNESBURG (AP)—The first World Cup ever held in Africa opened Friday in a dazzling burst of joy, color and noise—and just a tinge of sadness.

A series of internal investigations over the past decade warned senior BP managers that the company repeatedly disregarded safety and environmental rules and risked a serious accident if it did not change its ways. And even before the Deepwater spill the company faced possible sanctions including the possibility of a ban on drilling in the United States.

The FBI recorded a meeting in Aruba, where Joran Van der Sloot asked for $250,000 in exchange for providing information about the disappearance of student Natalee Holloway in 2005, reports the Associated Press.
Van der Sloot is currently in jail in Lima Peru, where he stands accused of murdering another young woman, Stephany Flores on May 30. Authorities say he has confessed to killing her in a rage after she went onto his computer and discovered he was a suspect in Holloway's disappearance.

In an election year filled with female candidates, Tuesday turned out to be a big night.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Oil prices moved higher Tuesday as traders tried to get a handle on whether weak, short-term demand for crude could eventually push prices down. In contrast, BP share prices took a dive Wednesday, amid possible criminal probes into the company's conduct.

(NNPA) - As the weather turns warmer, people are beginning to spend more time outdoors. While the sunshine may be enjoyable, it may also be damaging your skin—and even causing cancer.

RAFAH, Gaza Strip — A Palestinian who had to delay graduate school in Malaysia and an elderly man forced to put off eye surgery in Egypt are among thousands anxiously trying to get out of Gaza now that the blockaded territory's gateway to the world has opened just a little.

WASHINGTON — A new report says the Food and Drug Administration is stretched thin and needs to reorganize to better keep the nation's food safe.