IBT Staff Reporter

Exxon Mobil Corp has made two big new oil discoveries and a natural gas find in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, news that underscores the importance of the prolific basin to U.S. crude output.

As the biggest solar flare in four years was observed by NASA early Tuesday, the unusual and spectacular activity of the sun is likely to create another spectacle in the sky tonight - a display of northern lights, or Aurora Borealis.

Hon Hai Precision Industry, Apple Inc's biggest manufacturing partner, is seeking to transform itself into a technology firm and leave behind the low-margin contract business that has made it one of the world's biggest makers of other firms' products with revenues expected to top $101 billion this year.

With the Finals more than half over here's a look at the top NBA prospects and where they could go in the draft.

On Monday, NBC had announced that Vieira would be leaving her post on June 8.

Stocks extended losses for the sixth straight day on Wednesday as a bearish assessment of the economy from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke kept investors nervous.

A U.S. default is the biggest risk facing the global economy, a top Federal Reserve official said just hours after Fitch Ratings warned it could slash U.S. credit ratings if the government delays bond payments.

Zynga Inc, which is preparing for an initial public offering, is said to favor selling just a small part of itself in its IPO, according to a report in Bloomberg.

ST. LOUIS - Two senators are pressing federal authorities to crack down on an online black market and untraceable digital currency known as Bitcoins after reports that they are used to buy illegal drugs anonymously.

Fashion magazines and blogs not satisfying your fashion craving? Watching some T.V.

New Yorkers may or may not get to see the Northern Lights in the Big Apple's skies tonight or tomorrow night, but the solar flare that is increasing auroral activity has already produced some breathtaking images, as this video shows.

As Atlanta faces possible new federal regulations on smog limits, smog levels continue to rise in Atlanta as the constant temperatures in the 90s reflect the heat of the summer rolling in.

Apple has proposed a new headquarters that is a perfect circle, four stories tall and houses 12,000 workers. Gone are the parking lots and taken underground, and more trees for freshness.

A 26-year-old man has been arrested after he intentionally ran over his own father with an SUV, according to police.

McDonald's Corp reported a lower-than-expected rise in May sales at established restaurants as high gasoline prices crimped U.S. spending and Europe's economic woes weakened results from Germany.

The biggest solar flare in four years erupted from the sun on Tuesday and is heading towards Earth in an event that could disrupt power grids and satellites.

After 5 years Vieira says 'goodbye' to 'Today.'

Everyday, more people are eschewing traditional lodging for a different travel experience. Find out which companies are linking up individuals for free or low-cost accommodation.

Amid rumblings about its low-key marketing campaign, Super 8 will come out in movie theaters one day ahead of schedule on Thursday as part of a promotional campaign targeted at Twitter users.

U.S. Treasury bonds, seen worldwide as the risk-free investment, could be labeled junk if the government misses debt payments by August 15, credit agency Fitch Ratings warned on Wednesday.

Los Angeles Police Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to shut down red-light traffic cameras at 32 intersections, saying it costs too much and doesn't reduce safety.

It was a takeover attempt that fizzed out.

Apple's new iOS 5 operating system was not to be released for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch until 2011 fall. But apparently a backdoor was left open, where one eager beaver from Turkey has figured out how to install iOS 5 without a developer account.

Do you think you have what it takes to be the next Donna Karan or Rachel Zoe?

Apple Inc plans to build a circular spaceship building in hometown Cupertino that will hold 12,000 employees -- and be the best office building in the world, Chief Executive Steve Jobs said.

California is at risk of violating the first court-ordered November to cut 10,000 inmates, but lawmakers must pass tax plan.

The Wallow Fire along Arizona's eastern border forests has grown quickly and unchecked on Wednesday as the latest official area measurements show fast expansion of what is currently the 2nd largest fire in the state's history.

The British Board of Film has denied the film to be shown in the United Kingdom, thus banning the film in the UK.

Everyone is tired of dieting without getting the results. Here are some top diets that have always worked for both men and women.