AP - President Barack Obama's much-challenged health care overhaul gained traction Wednesday as a liberal lawmaker became the first to switch his opposition and Catholic nuns declared their support in an unusual public break with the bishops.

AP - Companies that hire unemployed workers will get a temporary payroll tax holiday under a bill that easily won final congressional approval Wednesday.

AP - A Pakistani court charged five young Americans on Wednesday with planning terrorist attacks in the South Asian country and conspiring to wage war against nations allied with Pakistan, their defense lawyer said.

AP - Leaders of Thailand's anti-government protesters, who have hurled their own blood at the offices and home of the prime minister, said Wednesday they will remain camped out in capital indefinitely, though in smaller numbers.

AP - Buyers, beware: President Barack Obama says his health care overhaul will lower premiums by double digits, but check the fine print.

AP - Prices at the wholesale level plunged in February by the largest amount in seven months as a big drop in energy prices offset higher food costs.

AP - Much of the world is turning green Wednesday for St. Patrick's Day, the annual celebration of all hues of Irishness.