Repaying the loans given them under the Troubled Asset Relief Program will free them from close regulatory scrutiny. The announcements marked the latest step toward recovery for the U.S. financial system. Full Story »
Senate Democrats may abandon a proposed expansion of Medicare from health care legislation. Lawmakers say the move is probably necessary to pass the bill. Full Story »
The bank's announcement Monday comes hours after Citigroup said it would repay $20 billion worth of taxpayer funds. The move will extricate Wells Fargo from the pay restrictions and close oversight that came with the bailout program. Full Story »
Two groups made the announcement as they settled lawsuits filed against the Executive Office of the President over the failure of the Bush White House to install an electronic record-keeping system. The e-mails will now go through the National Archives normal process for releasing presidential and agency records. Full Story »
It appears that 22 million e-mail messages from the Bush administration have been restored, as part of an extensive recovery effort associated with several lawsuits. The Bush White House had blamed a faulty electronic-archiving system for the lost e-mails. Full Story »
Democrats are split on a proposed amendment to the health care overhaul bill that would allow pharmacies and wholesalers to import lower-cost drugs from overseas. Supporters say it will save consumers billions of dollars. Opponents raise safety concerns — and fears that it could blow up the entire bill. Full Story »
The city of Los Angeles is home to nearly 1,000 medical marijuana dispensaries. Its desired target is fewer than 100, so the city wants to close hundreds of existing pot storefronts and create tougher guidelines on where other dispensaries can locate. Full Story »
Exxon Mobil is betting big on natural gas, announcing Monday it is buying XTO Energy for about $30 billion in stock. XTO is a major player in developing so-called unconventional natural gas resources, including gas trapped in shale rock formations. Full Story »
President Obama met Monday with the nation's biggest bankers, hoping to jawbone them into providing more small-business loans. Previous administration efforts to boost credit have not yet paid off, and cash-starved business owners are growing impatient. Full Story »
Climate scientists say Colombia's glaciers could disappear within 15 years. Wet highland areas that provide much of the country's fresh water are getting warmer and drier. And each year, flooding becomes more severe. The coastal area of Tumaco has become an example of how environmental and security pressures are undermining previously stable communities. Full Story »
