Sally Herships

There’s a better than average chance that the government could shut down again in a few months if Congress can’t come to an agreement. That uncertainty is a problem for everyone from contractors to the entire US economy.

Medicare enrollment is already confusing enough. The new health care exchanges will only make it more so. And that could end up being costly for taxpayers.

Ever wonder how much it would cost to keep "Downton Abbey" running? A look at the real costs of staffing, upkeep, and more for some of TV's famous homes.

Alice Munro's Nobel Prize for Literature is unusual in that she was a short story writer, rather than a novelist. How did she manage to make a career as a short story writer?

Sotheby’s Hong Kong is auctioning the world’s largest round blue diamond, the Premier Blue, for $19 million dollars. There’s not much you can do with diamonds but they are always in demand.

Target takes on its giant rival, and launches its own pre-paid phone service.

It's getting more and more expensive to make a baby.

How the bad banks, home foreclosures and layoffs of the financial crisis found their way into pop culture.

McDonald's is exploring tweaking their Dollar Menu to include items priced at $1, $2 and even $5.

Travelers share their strategies for jumping the line and avoiding bag check.