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.

Gators swamp Sooners for BCS title

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

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.

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.

Troops in Iraq to get beer for Super Bowl
American troops in Iraq will be allowed to drink beer without fear of court-martial for this year's Super Bowl — an exception to a strict military ban on drinking alcohol in combat zones.

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.

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.

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.