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.

Cowboy churches rope in new Christians

Moments after flying headfirst onto the arena dirt, the man brushes off his protective vest as rodeo clowns rush in to distract the still-bucking bull. But this isn't a typical rodeo. It's an outreach ministry.

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.

‘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.

Alzheimer's drugs double death risk in elderly
Anti-psychotic drugs commonly used to treat Alzheimer's disease may double a patient's chance of dying within a few years, suggests a new study that adds to known concerns.

Obama team preparing bailout overhaul

Treasury Secretary nominee Timothy F. Geithner and President-elect Barack Obama's economic team are overhauling the embattled bailout and broadening its scope well beyond Wall Street.

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.