IBT Staff Reporter

Wall Street posted its first weekly gains in more than a month on Friday as Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke raised hopes for more stimulus for The economy at its September meeting.

For the first time ever, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg ordered a mandatory evacuation for residents of low-lying and coastal areas, in fear of the worst that Hurricane Irene's upcoming wrath can bring to the city that never stops nor sleeps.

A federal survey showed that nearly three-quarters of jobless Americans say they can't afford needed health care or prescription drugs, as the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, which provides medical coverage for the unemployed, is set to expire on Sept. 1.

Photographer David Strick lost the first round in his copyright case against the Los Angeles Times, when a federal judge ordered arbitration this week.

Actress Minka Kelly and New York Yankees star Derek Jeter, once the subject of engagement talk, have ended their three-year relationship, a representative for Kelly told People magazine on Friday.

After years of headaches and heartbreak, Boeing Co got the green light from the U.S. government on Friday to enter its 787 Dreamliner into commercial service to fly passengers.

California's weak job market could spur lawmakers to help bring the National Football League back to Los Angeles, which has not had a franchise for more than a decade despite its standing as the second largest U.S. media market.

Investors objecting to Bank of America Corp's $8.5 billion settlement of claims over losses on mortgage-backed securities are seeking to send their dispute to federal court, potentially delaying a resolution of one of the beleaguered bank's largest legal liabilities.

Wall Street was on track to end the week higher on Friday after four weeks of losses, as a speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke raised hope the Fed could consider further stimulus measures for the economy at an extended policy meeting in September.

Bank of America could strike a deal as early as Monday to sell about half of its 10 percent stake in China Construction Bank, CNBC reported Friday, citing an anonymous source.

The massive American flag draped over the New York Stock Exchange's towering pillars has been removed so that Hurricane Irene doesn't tear it down this weekend.

After years of headaches and heartbreak, Boeing Co. got the green light from the U.S. government on Friday to enter its 787 Dreamliner into commercial service to fly passengers.

Researchers are debating the validity of a study that links El Niño to civil strife.

A handful of drugmakers are racing to develop a new class of medicines they believe could be the biggest weapon against heart disease since statins were introduced in the 1980s.

OH-IO! One of the oft-forgotten states of the Midwest is actually a pretty sweet place to visit. With the perfect mix of town and country, there is something here for everyone.

Apple Inc's first day without Steve Jobs as chief executive looked awfully similar to most other days: its share price beat the broader stock market.

Brent crude oil rose slightly in choppy trade on Friday as Hurricane Irene barreled toward the U.S. East Coast and traders weighed comments by U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on the economy.

With Hurricane Irene likely heading for the New York area, government officials are stepping up efforts to alert and prepare residents.

Hurricane Irene is heading straight for the East Coast, prompting NYC to evacuate hospitals and nursing home in vulnerable areas Friday morning. The National Weather Service has declared a hurricane watch for NYC, Long Island, and Connecticut.

The people of Tripoli ventured out to mosques on Friday, praying for peace and offering thanks for the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, though the Libyan capital remained locked down and dangerous as rebel fighters hunted the fugitive strongman.

Currently, about 9.1 percent of Americans are unemployed, according to the most recent statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A political party that does not yet exist would win the next Quebec election handily, beating both the ruling Liberals and separatists who want independence for the Canadian province, a poll indicated on Thursday.

Stocks rallied on Friday after a speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke raised hope the Fed could consider further stimulus measures for the economy at an extended policy meeting in September.

CBS scored a predictable win for Thursday night with Big Brother, while ABC's Expedition Impossible ended its first-season journey in a good place during an evening heavy with reruns, according to preliminary numbers.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Friday stopped short of detailing further action to boost the U.S. recovery but said the central bank would consider what more it could do to fight high unemployment, giving some comfort to investors.

The OECD is prepared to cut growth expectations for much of the world, including Europe and Japan, the organization's head said on Friday.

New York City will shut down all public transportation starting at noon on Saturday, the New York Times is reporting. The shutdown will affect all subways and buses operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, as well as the Long Island Rail Road and MetroNorth, which runs commuter trains to suburban New York and Connecticut.

The question is not whether Steve Jobs is an iconic CEO, but where Apple Inc's co-founder ranks in the pantheon of business leaders who have carved out a place in history.

Stock index futures pointed to a lower open on Friday as investors found few reasons to buy following a volatile week and ahead of a speech from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on the economy.