U.S. National - AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US Senator Orrin Hatch has written a song for Hanukkah, which one critic described Wednesday as an American miracle and a catchy tune that breaks with the tradition of dreary music for the Jewish holiday. Full Story »

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Parents who let their kids romp in the mud and eat food that has fallen on the floor could be helping to protect them against maladies like heart disease later in life, a US study showed Wednesday. Full Story »

MADRID (AFP) - The giant trimaran of America's Cup challenger Oracle is now 20 percent faster with its new fixed-wing sail than when the boat was launched more than a year ago, the team's skipper said Wednesday. Full Story »

GENEVA (AFP) - The International Olympic Committee decided on Wednesday not to re-award the women's 100m gold medal at the Sydney Games in 2000, which was stripped from drug cheat Marion Jones two years ago. Full Story »

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Older alcoholics knock back far more than younger ones, and for those over 60 that means an average of 42.5 drinks every week, a US study released Wednesday found. Full Story »

MADRID (AFP) - Spain on Wednesday handed back to the United States a robot which last week completed the first underwater crossing of the Atlantic Ocean to help monitor climate change by tracking temperatures. Full Story »

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Facebook on Wednesday began calling on users to get a better grip on their online privacy by dictating who sees what in profiles at the world's leading social networking service. Full Story »

PARIS (AFP) - Microblogging service Twitter has branched into the market for electronic payments, unveiling a mini credit card swiper that plugs into the iPhone, at a European internet fair on Wednesday. Full Story »

BRUSSELS (AFP) - Europe's competition watchdog on Wednesday extended its probe into Kraft Foods Incorporated's hostile takeover bid for British confectionery group Cadbury after the US giant offered "remedies" to antitrust concerns. Full Story »

LONDON (AFP) - Tiger Woods can repair the damage done to his public image by allegations of multiple affairs, according to a leading British golf agent who cited the example of footballer David Beckham as evidence. Full Story »