LIVERMORE -- Here in the sunny suburbs east of San Francisco, voters are being offered a chance to make their city a national leader in solar power at a time of growing anxiety over soaring energy prices and global warming.

WASHINGTON -- That most sacred of tax breaks, the mortgage interest deduction that has helped millions buy homes, could vanish if President Bush and Congress follow the recommendations of his tax advisory board.

WASHINGTON -- The job market is struggling to regain its balance after getting knocked over by Hurricane Katrina. Employers, coping with high energy prices and shaken by two other hurricanes, showed caution in hiring in October.

Lady of America marks first anniversary

Lyle Schafer knows hardware. A self-described "farm boy made good," Schafer has owned Ace Hardware on Lincoln Avenue in Napa for 29 years.