Cubans pin hopes on Obama
In central Havana, many people hope that President-elect Barack Obama will do something — almost anything — to help end the official hostilities between Cuba and the U.S.
Five ways to turn your film into Oscar bait
Lots of movies try to give the Academy what it wants, but few succeed. But if you're a studio head, think about giving us a history lesson in an easily digestible bite or adapting a prestigious play or novel.
Analysis: Obama's challenges in Mideast
One of President-elect Barack Obama's biggest challenges in Middle East policymaking will be to craft diplomatic solutions that do not have unintended consequences.
Airlines start '09 with wave of sales
A wave of fare sales has spread across the airline industry in the early days of the new year as the weak economy continues to put pressure on carriers to fill seats even after they drastically reduced capacity and some expressed willingness to cut more.
U.S. 2008 planned layoffs most in five years
Planned layoffs at U.S. firms eased in December from the previous month's seven-year high but they were up an astounding 275 percent annually, according to a new report.
Obama, Bush to lunch with 3 ex-presidents
An entire generation has gone by since the nation last saw this tableau of American history: every living U.S. president together at the White House.
Reports: Gupta approached for surgeon general
CNN says President-elect Barack Obama has approached its medical correspondent, Sanjay Gupta, to be the country's next surgeon general.
Israel halts Gaza offensive for three hours
Israel paused its Gaza offensive for three hours Wednesday to allow food and fuel to reach besieged Palestinians, and the country's leaders debated whether to accept a cease-fire plan.
Mississippi now has highest teen birth rate
Mississippi now has the nation's highest teen pregnancy rate, displacing Texas and New Mexico for that lamentable title, according to a new federal report.
Russia halts all gas through Ukraine
Ukrainian officials said Wednesday that Russia had cut off all gas supplies through pipelines crossing Ukrainian territory, the latest move in a devastating pricing dispute.
