NEW YORK, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- The financial meltdown of 2008 has created a banner year for a few opportunistic U.S. lawyers, whose business it is to advise banks.

Web site sends text messages into space … 50 failed school applicants told accepted … Abe Lincoln turns in lost wallet … Two officers face inquiry after complaint … Watercooler stories from UPI.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Two Florida police officers are under investigation after a diabetic woman said she was left alone and handcuffed while a transport van driver ate lunch.

ATLANTA, April 3 (UPI) -- The Georgia Senate has approved legislation that would allow people with permits for concealed weapons to carry them on commuter trains.

ATLANTA, March 17 (UPI) -- Jane Fonda's anti-Vietnam War activities came back to haunt her when the Georgia Senate rejected a resolution honoring her public service work in the state.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Syphilis rates rose dramatically for the second straight year in the United States, particularly among gay and bisexual men, a finding that has health officials worried about an increase in HIV/AIDS cases in the coming years.

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Here is a look at more of Thursday's top business stories.

Joni Mitchell, calling the music industry a "cesspool," said in an interview with Rolling Stone she'll never make another major label deal again. The 58-year-old singer songwriter said she is "ashamed" to be part of the music business and may retire from