Pirates likely to get arms ship ransom

Pirates holding a ship full of tanks and ammunition off the coast of Somalia are likely to be paid millions of dollars in ransom within days, senior U.S. military officials said.(Read More)

Crackdown on credit card practices OK'd

Cash-strapped consumers got a break Thursday, when regulators voted to rein in controversial credit card practices, CNNMoney reports. The new rules, which take effect in July 2010, include prohibiting raising interest rates on some balances for late payment. And issuers will no longer be allowed to increase the interest rate on one card if a payment is missed on another.(Read More)

Chrysler shuts down production for a month

Chrysler said late today that it is stopping all vehicle production in the United States for at least a month, CNNMoney.com reports. All 30 of the carmaker's plants will close after the last shift on Friday, and employees won't be asked back before January 19 -- about two weeks longer than the company's typical holiday break. (Read More)