Review: 10 ways to save on calling costs, at home and on the go

NEW YORK — The cost of making phone calls has been dropping rapidly in the last few years. If you want take full advantage of that, you’ll need to try some new things, because the phone companies aren’t going to thrust savings on you. Here are 10 tips on how to cut the cost of your phone service.

Oil prices rise over $70 after government reports surprise drop in US gasoline supply

NEW YORK — Oil prices climbed more than 5 percent, surpassing $70 a barrel Wednesday after a government report said the nation’s gasoline supply dropped unexpectedly and demand increased from last year.

Key lawmaker proposes group liability for credit rating agencies to stem conflicts

WASHINGTON — A key House lawmaker wants to make credit rating agencies — widely criticized for failing to give investors adequate warning of the risks in subprime mortgage securities that triggered the financial crisis — collectively liable for inaccuracies.

Former Moody’s employees lay out misconduct claims as lawmakers aim at rating industry

WASHINGTON — Two former Moody’s Investors Service employees detailed allegations of misconduct at the big ratings firm as lawmakers took aim at a credit rating industry they condemned as rife with conflicts of interest and needing reform.

CDC: Drug deaths surpassing traffic fatalities in more states; states affected double to 16

ATLANTA — Drug-related deaths outnumber those from motor vehicle accidents in a growing number of states, according to new government data that highlight a shift in the top cause of deaths after disease and illness.

Oil prices rise after government reports unexpected drop in US gasoline supply

NEW YORK — Oil prices climbed more than 5 percent, surpassing $70 a barrel Wednesday after a government report said the nation’s gasoline supply dropped unexpectedly and demand increased from last year.

Obama says $5B in stimulus grants from NIH will help research cures for cancer, diseases

BETHESDA, Md. — Calling scientific research a job-creating engine, President Barack Obama heralded $5 billion in new government grants Wednesday to fight cancer, autism and heart disease while boosting the economy.

Iraqi budget constraints pose challenge in equipping forces, US commander says

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s budget shortfall due to low oil prices presents a challenge to building up the country’s army and raises questions about whether it will be able to protect itself when U.S. troops leave, a top American commander said Wednesday.

Wal-Mart chairman warns of lethargic economic recovery, eyes growth in China and India

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The chairman of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. warned Wednesday the global economic recovery will likely be lethargic, even as the retailing behemoth sees great growth potential in China and India.

Solta Medical expects $17M to $19M in 3Q revenue, says results hurt by production delays

HAYWARD, Calif. — Solta Medical Inc., which makes anti-aging products for the skin, said Monday it expects its third-quarter revenue to be between $17 million and $19 million.

UK health official says cervical cancer vaccine very unlikely to have caused girl’s death

LONDON — A British health official said Tuesday that the sudden death of 14-year-old girl was very unlikely to have been caused by the vaccine she was given hours before she died.

Treasurys rise for 5th straight day even as stocks rebound; investors cautious ahead of data

NEW YORK — Treasury prices rose slightly Monday, extending recent gains even as investors moved back into stocks.

Philips recalls some automated external defibrillators due to danger of devices not working

SEATTLE — Philips said Monday it is recalling about 5,400 HeartStart FR2 automated external defibrillators due to a possible memory chip failure that could make the device unable to work properly.

Toyota vehicles’ risk over stuck accelerators lead to its largest ever vehicle recall in US

WASHINGTON — The 911 call was from a frantic passenger, trapped with family members in a runaway vehicle barreling down a California highway with a stuck accelerator and no brakes.

MV Agusta, pockets deeper after Harley-Davidson purchase, unveils 1st new models in 10 years

NEW YORK — The Italian sport bike company bought by Harley-Davidson Inc. last year is unveiling its first new models in 10 years, saying that its purchase by Harley is starting to pay off.

Moderate Democrats draft proposal that would shield major banks from tighter state regulation

WASHINGTON — Moderate House Democrats are drafting a proposal that would continue to shield big banks from potentially tougher state regulations of credit cards, mortgages and savings accounts.

Xerox buying Affiliated Computer Services as printer company beefs up services business

NEW YORK — Xerox Corp. has agreed to buy Affiliated Computer Services Inc. for about $6.4 billion in cash and stock in a deal that will boost the size of its services business and take it another step away from its roots as a printer company.

Gold, silver inch higher, buoyed by rebound in stocks; oil prices rise slightly

NEW YORK — Gold and silver prices broke a three-day losing streak Monday, rising slightly in quiet trading. Oil prices rose, while soft commodities were mixed.

Would-be pro baseball player warns of dietary supplements containing dangerous steroids

WASHINGTON — Jareem Gunter, a college baseball player with dreams of playing professionally, thought he had found a “diamond in the rough,” a safe and legal dietary supplement that would make him healthier.

Incumbent Socialists forecast to win Portugal elections dominated by crisis

LISBON, Portugal — Portuguese voters, anxious about an unemployment rate that has hit a 20-year high, were expected to return the Socialists to government in Sunday elections after the party campaigned on promises of big-ticket public works projects to help stimulate growth.

Clove and tobacco importer sues FDA seeking judgment preventing a ban on flavored ‘cigars’

WASHINGTON — The top distributor of clove-flavored tobacco products in the U.S. is asking a federal court to decide whether its new filtered cigars fall under a new federal ban on flavored cigarettes.

British health authorities investigate as girl dies after receiving cervical cancer vaccine

LONDON — British health officials temporarily suspended a vaccination program in an English city Tuesday after a 14-year-old girl died a few hours after being vaccinated against the virus that causes cervical cancer.

Fog and SWAT teams settle on downtown Beijing ahead of massive military parade

BEIJING — China’s capital was wrapped in tight security and thick fog Wednesday as police blocked off Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and other popular tourist landmarks ahead of a massive parade marking 60 years of communist rule.

Maxygen CEO and CFO to leave Wednesday as part of expanded partnership with Astellas Pharma

NEW YORK — Maxygen Inc. said Monday its CEO and chief financial officer will leave the company on Wednesday, in keeping with a collaboration with Astellas Pharma Inc.

Airlines are charging for second bag on flights to Europe; what’s their next stop?

MINNEAPOLIS — You can leave the U.S., but it’s getting harder to leave behind baggage fees.

Congress looks at supplements with steroids; baseball players union wants products tested

WASHINGTON — An influential senator is looking into whether Congress should re-regulate dietary supplements because steroids and other banned substances are finding their way into over-the-counter bodybuilding products.

Xerox to purchase Affiliated Computer Services in cash-and-stock deal valued at $5.75 billion

NEW YORK — Xerox Corp. has agreed to buy Affiliated Computer Services Inc. for about $5.75 billion in cash and stock, the companies announced Monday.

AT&T to begin selling Garmin phone-GPS hybrid nuvifone in October

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After more than a year of delays, Garmin Ltd.’s GPS unit/wireless device hybrid nuvifone is finally going on sale in the U.S.

FairPoint says it hopes to restructure debt but still may have to file for Chapter 11

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Troubled phone company FairPoint Communications Inc. said Monday that it’s in talks with some of its lenders in hopes of restructuring its debt, but still may be forced to file for bankruptcy protection.

Britain’s Brown offers populist plans in bid to revive political fortunes before election

BRIGHTON, England — Prime Minister Gordon Brown, seeking to stave off an expected election defeat, pledged Tuesday to restore trust in Britain’s tarnished politics, kick start its stuttering economy and slash government debt.