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.

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.

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.

Graffiti triggers crime, littering, study shows
The mere presence of graffiti doubles the number of people littering and stealing in a neighborhood, new research suggests.

New BlackBerry is good iPhone challenger

Review: BlackBerry fans can rejoice: the Storm, Research In Motion's first all-touchscreen Blackberry will make even iPhone users salivate just a little bit over some of the features of this very slick and sophisticated smartphone.

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.

Pet store chain linked to puppy mills
After an eight-month investigation, the Humane Society of the United States accused Petland, the national pet store chain, of selling dogs bred under appalling conditions.

Obese have right to two airline seats, one fare
Obese people have the right to two seats for the price of one on flights within Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on Thursday.

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.