Marines try to buy good will in Marjah

Since U.S., Afghan and NATO forces wrested Marjah from the Taliban, they've been going to extraordinary lengths to cultivate townspeople who had lived under insurgent control for years.

Police: Mom admits killing ‘disrespectful’ teen

Stocks mixed after jobless, inflation data

Stocks are trading in a narrow range Thursday after a fresh batch of economic reports showed the economy continues to slowly regain its strength.

Bank watchdogs nabbed big bonuses too

Smith hits game-winner in OT for Wake Forest

  Ishmael Smith’s pull-up jumper from about 17 feet out with 1.3 seconds remaining in overtime gave ninth-seeded Wake Forest an 81-80 win over No. 8 seed Texas in the first round of the NCAA tournament Thursday night.

Bobcats bust the brackets, beats Georgetown

Scoop: Snooki’s ugly beauty secrets

  The “Jersey Shore” star has already shared some of her beauty secrets: For starters, don’t use a Bumpit. But she has some that she’s kept quiet too.

Turning a ‘Wimpy Kid’ into a movie star

U.S. kids even fatter than believed, study shows

Extreme obesity among American children is much worse than previously believed, putting them at greater risk of serious health problems as they age, U.S. researchers said on Thursday.

Health vote likely Sunday; Obama delays trip

Cosmic Log: The latest fashion in invisibility

Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Scientists have designed a more stylish cloak of invisibility that can hide a bumpy feature from view, even if you're looking right at it from a range of perspectives. But don't expect boy wizard Harry Potter to be modeling this cloak anytime soon.

The rise of the super-smartphone

Best travel designs of 2010

Design and architecture shape every facet of the travel experience, from hotels and museums to train stations, restaurants, and luggage.

Stretching the limits of ‘pet-friendly’