Virgin America, a low-cost carrier backed by billionaire Richard Branson, won final approval to begin US flights and keep chief executive Fred Reid for six months.

European companies would be allowed larger stakes in US airlines under a tentative agreement reached between the US and European Union.

BP says the corrosion discovered at its huge Alaskan oil field is so severe it could shut down America’s single biggest source of domestic crude for months and drive world fuel prices even higher.

For the first time, the typical American family has more vehicles in the garage than licensed drivers in the house.

The ban on air services between the US and Iraq has been lifted for the first time in nearly 13 years.

The Bush administration today moved steadily toward a military showdown with Iraq and suggested a decision could come as early as next week after UN inspectors credited Iraq with only limited cooperation in the search for weapons.