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Mass. IDs more people touched by drug lab scandal

By DENISE LAVOIEAP Legal Affairs Writer BOSTON (AP) - An attorney appointed to lead a review of drug cases in the wake of a scandal at a Massachusetts lab says many of the 34,000 defendants who could be affected have already served their time or otherwise had their cases resolved. David Meier,

Administration delays China currency report

By MARTIN CRUTSINGERAP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration is delaying a decision that had been due Monday on whether China is manipulating its currency to gain trade advantages. The Treasury Department says the decision will now come after global finance officials meet

How would candidates' tax plans affect investors?

By DANIEL WAGNERAP Business Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - With the outcome of next month's presidential election increasingly hazy, here's a shred of clarity that investors can cling to: The tax rates they pay on investment income like stock profits and dividends are almost certain to change

Federal deficit tops $1 trillion for fourth year

By MARTIN CRUTSINGERAP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - The federal budget deficit has topped $1 trillion for a fourth straight year. But a modest improvement in economic growth helped narrow the gap by $207 billion compared with last year. The Treasury Department said Friday that the deficit