Cost of 12 days of Christmas: $86,609
Given the economic downturn, even the most romantic might balk at the $86,609 price tag for the items in the carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

Shoppers in trampling death sought

A worker trampled to death when customers stormed a Wal-Mart for bargains on the day after Thanksgiving had no experience in crowd control and was placed at the entrance because of his size, police say.

Obama names Clinton to top role

President-elect Barack Obama announced former rival Hillary Rodham Clinton as his choice for secretary of state Monday and also said he would keep Robert Gates as defense minister.

Floods leave Venice underwater

Residents and tourists in Venice waded through knee-deep water Monday as they navigated the city's narrow streets and alleys, and its historic St. Mark's Square was inundated.

Palin campaigning in Ga. for Sen. Chambliss

While the GOP's Chambliss enlisted the former vice presidential candidate, Democrat Jim Martin pushed to activate black voters, in the final day of campaigning for Tuesday's runoff election.

How to get to Carnegie Hall? YouTube
Borrowing from "American Idol," the online video site announced plans Monday for a YouTube Symphony Orchestra, featuring a collaboration of wannabe musicians with Carnegie Hall, conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, composer Tan Dun and others.

Fed chairman: Lower rates 'feasible'

Fed chief Ben Bernanke said that further interest-rate cuts are "certainly feasible," but he warned there are limits to how much such action would revive the economy.

Sears faces tough test this season

The holiday season is expected to be difficult for most retailers, but it could prove especially tough for one of the nation's most storied brands: Sears.

Hudson's in-law arrested in deaths

Jennifer Hudson's estranged brother-in-law has been arrested in Illinois in the deaths of the singer's mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.