IBT Staff Reporter

Fitch Ratings on Monday reiterated its view that if the U.S. debt ceiling is not raised prior to August 2, the agency will place the U.S. AAA rating on what it terms ratings watch negative, meaning it could downgrade it within three to six-months.

Stocks fell more than 1 percent on Monday as concerns the United States and Europe were not coming to grips with their debt problems battered bank shares.

Octogenarian hottie Betty White joined the ranks of Hollywood stars being asked to the U.S. Marine Corps Ball.

Long after the hangover wears off, having too many drinks, or binge drinking, can damage still-developing teenager's working memory - the ability to perceive their environment or their surroundings, according to a recent study published in the web version of the Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research journal.

This was a very difficult decision. We have come to an amicable conclusion on all matters.It was a painful time for all involved, Lopez and Anthony said. Although their marriage is over, reports indicate that their reality show based in Latin America, Q'Viva!, will still go on. Both Jennifer and Mark are committed to the 'Q'Viva!' project and will work on it as planned. The show goes on! said a rep for XIV Entertainment. The reality TV project is in the likes ...

Devoted Potterheads or serious Harry Potter fans, have definitely made the gazillion dollar franchise a huge success world-wide. Here is a look at some of the most active Potterheads as they await the opening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and bring to life the world of Hogwarts...amongst themselves, at least.

Harry Potter's box office weekend was a massive hit, and now a team of physicists are working on creating a cloak similar to that of Harry Potter's invisibility cloak.

Donal Trump has revealed his daughter's baby's name.

Some of the world's largest asset managers are cutting ties to credit rating agencies, potentially signaling the beginning of the end of their grip on global financial markets.

Stock indexes fell more than 1 percent on Monday, led by banks on concerns the United States and Europe were not coming to grips with the extent of their debt problems.

Among consumers who plan to buy a smartphone in the next three months, the iPhone is the top choice, with nearly half of all potential buyers choosing Apple, according to a survey from ChangeWave Research via a poll it conducted of 4, 163 consumers in June.

Philips posted a surprise 1.3 billion euro ($1.8 billion) quarterly net loss, just weeks after profit warnings at two key divisions, due to weak consumer demand in Europe and the United States.

The result of an erroneous price marked on the new Apple iPad 2 sent bargain shoppers running to Sears.com to purchase the shockingly priced item. Sears' online deal of $69 for the iPad 2 seemed too good to be true - and it was.

Charles Schwab Corp said quarterly earnings rose 16 percent as asset management fees and interest revenue offset a slowdown in client trading.

If Casey Anthony decides to remake her life, will you ever forgive her?

James Murdoch's future as chairman of British Sky Broadcasting was thrown into doubt on Monday after minority investors called for a corporate governance health-check of its board in the wake of the News Corp phone hacking scandal.

If you have a knack for naming, or, more importantly, if you want a free cruise, help Norwegian Cruise Line name the next two Project Breakaway vessels.

U.S. leadership could be the vital spark needed to revive moribund world trade talks, World Bank President Robert Zoellick said on Monday, decrying as defeatist the mindset of those prepared to see the deal fail.

Stock index futures were lower on Monday as the deadline for a U.S. debt deal neared with no resolution in sight and investors continued to fret over ongoing fiscal problems in Europe.

A volcano in Central Indonesia has forced residents to flee.

Behind the refreshing victories in Women's World Cup, the Japanese team had gone through times of tears and struggles, as the nation was forced to cope with the devastating aftermath of triple disasters in March.

The four astronauts aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis started their ninth gravity-free day with a special message from songstress Beyoncé Knowles, who gave a surprise inspirational message to the astronauts aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis Sunday morning.

Nations thank this world leader for his continued service on his 93rd birthday.

David Cameron defended his handling on Monday of a corruption scandal around Rupert Murdoch's media empire which has swept away Britain's top police chief and raised questions about the prime minister's own future.

Shares in Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC tumbled as much as 6.5 percent on Monday after losing a preliminary ruling in a patent case with Apple Inc, with its announcement of a share buyback failing to stem the fall.

Ratings agency Moody's on Monday suggested the United States should eliminate its statutory limit on government debt to reduce uncertainty among bond holders.

Motorola Droid Bionic Release speculation and rumors.

A recent study, performed on mice, published in the July issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that grape seed polyphenols - a natural antioxidant - may help prevent the development or delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Stock index futures slumped on Monday with no deal in sight on raising the U.S. debt ceiling and investors still fretting over ongoing fiscal problems in Europe.