In Iran:  No credit cards, alcohol ... or urinals

One moment, Rick Steves — in Iran filming — would see murals encouraging young men to walk into the blazing sunset of martyrdom. The next, a bookstore worker would give him a free book.

‘Slumdog,' ‘Milk' win Critics' Choice awards

The critics have spoken, and "Slumdog Millionaire" is their final answer. The rags-to-riches tale won a leading five prizes, including best picture, at Thursday night's Critics' Choice Awards.

Opinion: Tips to pay off credit cards

In her new book, the financial expert and host of CNBC's "Suze Orman Show"  offers an action plan to help you get out of the vicious  cycle of credit card debt in these difficult financial times. An excerpt.

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.

Gators swamp Sooners for BCS title

Sooners' record offense stymied as Florida wins 2nd national title in 3 years.

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".

Floods cut Washington highways

Floods, mudslides and avalanches in the Pacific Northwest kept tens of thousands of people from their homes Thursday, brought freight trains to a standstill and stranded hundreds of trucks.

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.