Fed moves to push down long-term interest rates

The Federal Reserve will reinvest $400 billion into bonds with maturities of six to 30 years, in what is being dubbed “Operation Twist” by economists after a similar action in 1961.

Frank to give up money from accused poker firm

Representative Barney Frank said he will give up tens of thousands of dollars donated by a company accused of running a Ponzi scheme.

Romney takes aim at Perry’s stance on Social Security

Mitt Romney mocked Rick Perry’s positions on Social Security today while outlining his own plan for the program, including raising the retirement age and slowing benefits for wealthy recipients.

Scientists challenge key longevity gene research

Two papers published today alter some of the findings from early research into genes that may help fight human aging.

Ted Kennedy Jr., front left, and Patrick Kennedy, center back, are part of the pallbearers carrying the casket of Kara Kennedy after funeral service at Holy Trinity Church in Washington Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. In the back leaving the church her mother Joan Kennedy. Kara Kennedy died Friday after a workout at a Washington health club. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

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Ted Kennedy Jr., left, and Patrick Kennedy, center, were pallbearers at Kara Kennedy’s funeral.

Grace and Max Kennedy hold hands with Joan Kennedy as the leave Holy Trinity Church in Washington Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, after funeral services for Kara Kennedy. Kara Kennedy died Friday after a workout at a Washington health club. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

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Grace and Max Kennedy held hands with Joan Kennedy as they left Holy Trinity Church in Washington, D.C.

Ted Kennedy Jr. and Patrick Kennedy are part of the pallbearers who carry the casket of Kara Kennedy after funeral service at Holy Trinity Church in Washington Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011. Kara Kennedy died Friday after a workout at a Washington health club. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

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Ted Kennedy Jr., Patrick Kennedy, and other pallbearers carried the casket of Kara Kennedy after the funeral service.

Maria Shriver, center, and others, leave Holy Trinity Church in Washington Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, after funeral services Kara Kennedy. Kara Kennedy died Friday after a workout at a Washington health club. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

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Maria Shriver, center, and others left Holy Trinity Church in Washington after the service.

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass. and his wife Teresa arrive at Holy Trinity Church in Washington Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, for funeral services Kara Kennedy. Kara Kennedy died Friday after a workout at a Washington health club. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

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Senator John Kerry and his wife, Teresa, attended Kara Kennedy’s funeral.

Kara Kennedy was ‘made in her father’s image’

In a spirited Washington, D.C, memorial service filled with laughter and tears, Kara Kennedy, the daughter of the late Edward M. Kennedy, was remembered as a loving mother, a devoted friend, and an adventurous woman.

Palestinians won’t accept vote delay on UN bid

Palestinian officials are rejecting mounting pressure from the United States and France to first return to negotiations with Israel.

American hikers Shane Bauer (left)  and Josh Fattal are shown in Tehran in a May 21, 2010 file photo.

Americans freed from Iran reunite with families

After more than two years in Iranian custody, Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal arrived in the Gulf State of Oman and into the arms of their families.

Food and dining

Food

As the nation’s relationship with food becomes ever more complicated, the potluck has turned into a minefield.

The perils of potluck

It used to be the bar at a potluck was a cooler. Now the bar is set higher. Bringing a dish of your own choosing (or one dictated by the host) isn’t always a piece of cake.

Arts

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R.E.M. band members, from left, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe and Peter Buck, wave as they leave the stage at the Live 8 concert in London’s Hyde Park in 2005. The band announced on their website that they are breaking up.

R.E.M. calls it quits

The end of the world: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group announced on its website that it has ‘‘decided to call it a day as a band.’’

Opinion

“For the better part of a century, Arab leaders of Palestine have consistently said no when presented with the chance to build a state of their own.”

Jeff Jacoby 

Ideas

“It doesn’t make any difference whether you assign more homework in English, science, or history. Students will still do the same.”

Ozkan Eren,   assistant professor of economics at the University of Nevada, on whether homework works