U.S. highway deaths have fallen to their lowest levels since the 1950s. The Transportation Department said Thursday that its projections show traffic deaths declined nearly 9 percent in 2009 to fewer than 34,000. That's the lowest level since 1954.

It turns out money can buy happiness -- if money is spent on an experience and not merely a possession. Additionally, a group of studies show, the enjoyment that comes from an initial experience increases over time.

The global elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission could be achieved within five years, and the spread of malaria and tuberculosis could be curbed significantly in the coming years, the U.N.'s Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria announced. The fund does warn, however, that continued success will depend on donations by governments and relief agencies.

Cheers! It seems that women who are moderate drinkers are better able to keep off the pounds. A study that followed 22,000 slim women found that those who drank some but less than 40 grams of alcohol per day were less likely to become overweight or obese.

Grace Groner, a retiree who lived in a one-bedroom home and bought her clothes at rummage sales, promised to leave all her money to her alma mater, Lake Forest College. But no one imagined, when she died in January at 100, that her estate would be worth $7 million.

A once-homeless man who moved to Idaho from New York City after the 9/11 attacks has won $250,000 in the Idaho Lottery. Anthony Castro, who lived in homeless shelters for a period of time, says he has donated some money to his church and will invest and save the rest.