At least five Iranian companies in Kabul are using their offices to covertly finance militants, according to a published report, and a Taliban treasurer says the front companies pay $1,000 for each American death

Karzai Pursues Taliban Talks

The Obama administration is set to launch its most ambitious effort at reducing mortgage balances for homeowners who owe more than their homes are worth. Officials say between 500,000 and 1.5 million so-called underwater loans could be modified through the program.

Obama: Economy Better Off After Efforts

YOU DECIDE: Best Way to Stoke Economy?

OPINION: Obama Repeating Mistakes of '37

Mormon leaders launch campaign designed to rebrand the church as 'normal,' igniting speculation it's laying the groundwork for the Republican's presidential bid

GOP Vows to Ramp Up Probes

Dems Facing Midterm Wipeout?

FULL COVERAGE: AEHQ

Crane hoists 50-foot, 300-ton blowout preventer to the surface of the Gulf of Mexico, giving investigators their first chance to scrutinize the massive piece of equipment that failed to stop the gusher

FULL COVERAGE: Gulf Spill

Hip-hop star is still feeling the pain over his ambush of Taylor Swift last year — and he's expressing his pain all over Twitter

As the summer night sky draws to a close, there are still awesome cosmic objects that may beckon skywatchers equipped with a small telescope, binoculars or their own two eyes