Following the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, the numbers of tourists visiting New Orleans dropped to nothing. The city's $5 billion tourism industry slowly recovered, however, and is now once again approaching pre-Katrina visitor levels.

A federal safety review has been launched targeting some 3 million older model Jeep Grand Cherokees on concerns that their fuel tanks may catch fire in a crash. A report likens the problem to the Ford Pinto's. NHTSA said the investigation covers 1993-2004 model-year vehicles and does not constitute a recall. The agency's investigation could eventually lead to a recall, or it may find that there are no problems.

Scientists say they found a massive 22-mile long oily plume underwater created by the BP spill. The discovery provides some clues to where the crude has gone as surface slicks shrink and disappear.

With little fanfare, the U.S. Mint is releasing the 15th presidential dollar for circulation on Thursday, in what is becoming a $700 million-a-year boondoggle. It doesn't help that the coin commemorates the little-loved James Buchanan.

It may be the perfect gift for the person who has everything: a Walgreens gift card good for one flu shot. Walgreens will offer the gift cards as well as round-the-clock, no-appointment-necessary flu shots at each of its 7,500 locations.

Cotton prices are nearing 15-year highs. Last week the price per bale for December delivery hit $85 -- up from $75 last month. High prices are good news for farmers, but it may mean consumers will pay more for T-shirts and jeans.

California state workers, feeling expendable, plan to use their mandated "furlough Friday" to protest at theaters across the state showing The Expendables, an action flick with an all-star cast including a cameo by their boss, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Political contributions from Wall Street are shifting from Democrats to Republicans, coinciding with financial reform legislation pushed through by President Obama in an attempt to protect Main Street from corporate greed.

Driven by an increase in advertising revenue at its media networks and better ticket sales for some big studio hits, Walt Disney reported better than expected earnings Tuesday.

The chief executive of Hewlett-Packard resigned Friday amid allegations of improper behavior. The company said it did not find any violations of sexual harassment, but did find Hurd violated the company's standards of business conduct.