People have always tried to go around the normal process to win clemency, and at least four prisoners gained special access to President Bush this year.

The United States has less than 5 percent of the world's population but almost a quarter of the world's prisoners. There are more people in prison in this country than in any other country in the world. The picture worsens when we look at incarceration

The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the United States dropped by 62 this week to 1,790. Of the rigs running nationwide, 1,379 were exploring for natural gas and 401 for oil, Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday.

WASHINGTON -- Morgan Johnson, president of the United Auto Workers local representing General Motors workers in Shreveport, said Friday that Sen. David Vitter's role in blocking an auto bailout indicates "he's chosen to play Russian roulette" with Lou

NEW YORK, Dec 31 (Reuters) - Valero Energy Corp, the largest U.S. refiner, said on Wednesday that downed fluid catalytic crackers at its refineries in St. Charles, Louisiana, and Corpus Christi, Texas, will be out indefinitely.