Pinched Americans hit the gym, but seek deals
People squeezed by the economic crisis are still paying for gym memberships and diet centers, but health clubs are having to hold down their fees to keep customers coming in.
NYT analysis: Difficult road for Panetta at CIA
For Leon E. Panetta, President-elect Barack Obama's choice for CIA chief, achieving success will be especially difficult because of intense pressure over recent counterterrorism policies in which the C.I.A. played a leading role.
Madoff said to have stashed $173 million
Prosecutors say Bernard Madoff had $173 million in signed checks in his office desk that he was ready to send out at the time of his arrest last month.
Report: Missile kills top al-Qaida men
A CIA strike in Pakistan killed two top al-Qaida terrorists long sought by the U.S., including the man believed to be behind a deadly hotel bombing in Pakistan, U.S. officials told the Washington Post.
December jobs report likely to be grim
Trying to survive a deepening recession, employers are cutting their work forces to the bone, leaving more Americans unemployed and with dim prospects of finding a new job any time soon.
Opening act for Congress: raising taxes
While tax cuts are an integral part of President-elect Barack Obama's stimulus plan, the newly convened Congress and Obama are nonetheless preparing for a tax hike. But don't worry just yet, unless you're a smoker.
Palin lashes out at the media
Sarah Palin, still smarting over coverage of her vice presidential run, calls the media's reporting on her family "very scary".
Kennedy's bid reignites 'mommy wars'
The bid by Caroline Kennedy for the Senate has reignited the "mommy wars" between mothers with careers and those who take a break from paid employment.
Obama to finalize national security team
Barack Obama is completing his national security team by announcing his unusual choices for CIA director and a national intelligence director who may face tough Senate confirmation questioning.
Gaza fighting rages as U.N. call ignored
Israeli aircraft bombarded Gaza early Friday and Hamas fired rockets into southern Israel, as the government said there would be no quick end to the fighting despite a U.N. resolution calling for a cease-fire.
