Special Reports

The airline industry, facing rising fuel prices, sharp competition, an inflexible market for ticket prices and the lingering fear of terrorism, is in the midst of its most critical period in decades.

A wave of corporate scandals has damaged confidence after investors lost billions in the stock market. The talk on Wall Street and in Washington is now focused on restoring trust.

The push to crack down harder on radio and television indecency, which rose to national attention with Janet Jackson's brief exposure during the Super Bowl halftime, pits Congress and the FCC against the entertainment industry.

The U.S. central bank, whose control of monetary policy affects the entire economy, is closely watched by investors worldwide.

Accounting irregularities at national mortgage-lending firms Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have triggered government probes and the ouster of several top executives.

The Defense Department's process for acquiring weapons and other equipment has been rocked by recent scandals and the scrutiny of the "revolving door" that can benefit former Pentagon officials.