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Yahoo!

Retailers report dismal December sales: AP - Retailers are reporting dismal sales for December, confirming fears that the holiday season was the weakest in four decades.

Microsoft's Ballmer: Windows 7 is nearly final: AP - Microsoft Corp.s next version of the

'Dark Knight' sweeps People's Choice Awards: AP - The

Obama to name law professor as regulatory czar: report: Reuters - The incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama will name Cass Sunstein, a Harvard Law School professor who pioneered efforts to design regulation around the ways people behave, as regulatory czar, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Stock futures mixed ahead of economic data

Obama warns of dire consequences without stimulus: AP - President-elect

Ore. teens largely ignoring cell phone driving ban: AP - The chances that a teenager will be cited for talking on a cell phone while driving are pretty much zero in Oregon, a consequence of the way the law is written and a problem other states may be

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BBC

Low-brow books?: Donkey libraries help Ethiopians learn to read

Little princess: Is dressing a girl in nothing but pink harmful?

UFO hit? The unexplained damage to a UK wind farm: UFO researchers claim damage to a Lincolnshire wind farm turbine was caused by a mystery aircraft.

Man City fail in Santa Cruz bid: Blackburn reject a bid in excess of £12m from Manchester City for striker Roque Santa Cruz.

In pictures: Record winter chill grips large parts of Europe

'Wolfman' returns: Explorer Jim McNeill on the trail of Arctic wolves

Interest rates hit all-time low: The Bank of England cuts rates to 1.5%, the lowest level in its 315-year history, as it continues efforts to help the economy.

US to lead new anti-pirate force: The US will lead a new international force to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia, the US navy says.

Ethiopia clamps down on khat dens: A crackdown is launched in Ethiopia on parlours where men chew the narcotic khat.

SFO opens UK Madoff investigation: The Serious Fraud Office says it is to open an inquiry into Bernard Madoffs business operations in the UK.

US national gallery gets iconic Obama image: An iconic portrait of Barack Obama will become part of the permanent collection at the US National Portrait Gallery.

Man City fail in Santa Cruz bid: Blackburn reject a bid in excess of £12m from Manchester City for striker Roque Santa Cruz.

China tourism 'hit by downturn': The number of foreign visitors to China fell in 2008, despite an anticipated tourist boom for the Beijing Olympics.

Dell set to cut 1,900 Irish jobs: Computer giant Dell is to shed 1,900 of the 3,000 jobs at its manufacturing site in Limerick in the Irish Republic.

India-US 'missile shield talks': India has been holding initial talks with the US over the purchase of its missile defence shield, a UK newspaper says.

India IT firm faces scandal probe: Satyam faces an investigation and sees its stock suspended after its boss quit over an accounting scandal.

Veteran Chinese activist jailed: Chinese activist Wang Rongqing is sentenced to six years in jail for helping set up an opposition party.

Microsoft begins Windows 7 push: Microsofts Steve Ballmer kicked off the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas by announcing the first public release of Windows 7.

Rates tipped to hit all-time low: The Bank of England is set to cut interest rates to the lowest in its 315-year history when it makes its latest decision later.

Dark Knight named People's Choice: Batman movie The Dark Knight flies away with top honours at the Peoples Choice Awards, talking all five prizes it was nominated for.

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CNN

Velshi: Don't let market lows get you down: You wouldnt build a house without a blueprint (not if you expected it to stay up). And you wouldnt take a cross-country road trip without a map. Anything worth doing is worth planning. Your financial future is no exception.

Gaza cameraman films brother's last moments: At a Gaza hospital, doctors tried to revive a 12-year-old victim of the violence, but their efforts were in vain. Mahmoud died. Recording the tragedy at the hospital was his brother, freelance cameraman Ashraf Mashharawi.

Microsoft CEO touts 'best version of Windows': Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer kicked off the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show on Wednesday with an impassioned endorsement of PCs and a sneak peek at the companys future Windows 7 operating system.

Alleged polygamists arrested in Canada: Two leaders of a Canadian polygamist sect were arrested Wednesday and charged with polygamy in what could be a landmark case, said Wally Oppal, attorney general of British Columbia.

Israel military steps up Gaza airstrikes: The Israeli air force intensified its operations across Gaza overnight, launching strikes against approximately 60 targets in the Palestinian territory, a military spokesman said Thursday.

JetBlue, TSA employees settle T-shirt case: JetBlue Airways and two TSA screeners will pay $240,000 to settle an Iraqi mans claim he was denied access to a flight until he covered a T-shirt that read in English and Arabic, We Will Not be Silent.

Woman suspected of witchcraft burned alive: A woman in rural Papua New Guinea was bound and gagged, tied to a log and set ablaze on a pile of tires this week, possibly because villagers suspected her of being a witch, police said Thursday.

Thousands flee flooding in western Washington: Historic floods in western Washington have pushed thousands to evacuate, caused the closure of a major interstate and threatened to crest every river and stream in the area, according to authorities. A voluntary evacuation has been issued for 25,000 people

Rockets from Lebanon strike Israel; 2 hurt: At least three rockets struck northern Israel from Lebanon on Thursday, wounding two people, Israeli police and emergency medical services said.

Scores of Western nationals trapped in Gaza: Western governments stepped up efforts to rescue their citizens from Gaza Wednesday as violence swept the area for the 12th day in a row.

Zakaria: Israel should end campaign soon: Israel continued its ground and air assault on Gaza for the twelfth day Wednesday. A three-hour cease-fire meant to allow time for humanitarian aid to be delivered in Gaza crumbled in minutes.

AG pick to face bruising confirmation fight: Barack Obamas presidential transition, already disrupted by the sudden withdraw of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, may face another challenge in the confirmation hearings of his pick for attorney general.

Brown: Porn kings have economic laugh: I have to mention tonight the headline that caught my eye on the CNN Ticker earlier today: Porn Industry Seeks Federal Bailout.

Obama, predecessors share 'historic moment': Barack Obama, President Bush and all of the surviving past presidents got together Wednesday for a historic meeting at the White House. One message that I have, and I think we all share, is that we want you to succeed,

Feinstein now backs Panetta for CIA chief: A key senator has dropped her concerns about Leon Panetta becoming director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Army sends 'John Doe' letters to kin of dead: The U.S. Army is apologizing to thousands of Army families who received letters beginning Dear John Doe after losing a loved one in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Election Day assaults bring hate crime charges: Investigators have charged three Staten Island, New York, men with assaulting African-Americans on Election Day in retaliation for the election of President-elect Barack Obama, authorities said Wednesday.

Democrat: Blagojevich 'called our bluff': Senate Democrats have no choice but to change their tone about Roland Burris becoming a senator because Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich called our bluff in appointing someone over their objections, a senior Democratic source said today. Barack Obama today called

Real estate mogul dead of apparent suicide: One of Chicagos most well-known real estate moguls appears to have shot himself to death, police said.

'Please have mercy,' wife begs kidnappers: Felix Batista disappeared December 10 from a restaurant in Mexico -- a case that made headlines because of its irony. The anti-kidnapping expert was kidnapped, authorities said. The Batista family will make a public appeal in Miami today. We hope

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Digg

Chopper Footage of Riots Over Bart Shooting in Oakland, CA: Footage of the riot protesting the slaying of young Oakland father at the Oakland BART station early New Years Day became violent Wednesday evening as a group of marchers attacked a police car and lit two parked civilian vehicles on

Chicago Schools Spent $67,000 on Espresso Machines: We also look at it as a waste of money because the schools didnt even know they were getting the equipment, schools didnt know how to use the machines and werent prepared to implement them into the curriculum, Sullivan said.

Democrat: Blagojevich 'called our bluff' on Senate pick: Senate Democrats have no choice but to change their tone about Roland Burris becoming a U.S. senator because Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich called our bluff in appointing someone over their objections, a senior Democratic congressional source conceded Wednesday.

Sanjay Gupta, your new surgeon general, eating fire!: Brian Brushwood from Rev3s Scam School teaches the new surgeon general how to eat fire and do the Human Blockhead routine.

The 6 Most Idiotic Positions of Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Are they reasons why Obama should pick someone else to be Surgeon General?

Obama Pick for Top Intel Post aided 1999 East Timor Genocide: Dennis Blair played a critical role in backing the Indonesian occupation of East Timor during the 1990s. At the height of a wave of ruthless attacks on Timorese that killed hundreds and displaced tens of thousands, Blair personally informed top

Obama says deficit may approach $1 trillion: President-elect Barack Obama said on Tuesday he expects to inherit a U.S. budget deficit approaching $1 trillion and his administration would have to make some tough budget choices.

Financial Casualty: Why Adolf Merckle Killed Himself: Crushed by watching his lifes work slip through his fingers, Adolf Merckle, the 74-year-old Swabian billionaire, walked out into the bitter cold Monday night and threw himself under a speeding train.

Al Qaeda message blames Obama, Egypt for Gaza violence - CNN: An audio message reportedly from al Qaedas deputy chief vows revenge for Israels air and ground assault on Gaza and calls the Jewish states actions against Hamas militants a gift from U.S. President-elect Barack Obama.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Why I Would Vote No on Pot: What do voters need to know before going to the polls?

Secret Service Pimps Out A New Presidential Limo: Shortly after taking the oath of office, Obama will climb into the Mother of All Hybrids -- part car, part truck and, from the looks of it, part tank.

Israel acts because the world won't defend it: The scenes from Gaza are heartbreaking. But the whole conflict could be avoided if the Palestinians said one small thing

Obama Picks RIAA's Favorite Lawyer for a Top Justice Post: As president-elect, one of Obamas first tech-related decisions has been to select the Recording Industry Association of Americas favorite lawyer to be the third-in-command at the Justice Department.

Israeli press reports cluster bombs being used in Gaza: The ground invasion was preceded by large-scale artillery shelling from around 4 P.M., intended to soften the targets as artillery batteries deployed along the Strip in recent days began bombarding Hamas targets and open areas near the border. Hundreds of

23 Dumbest Moments in Business 2008.: Fortunes annual list of the years most laughable moves proves that, even in moments of crisis, stupidity lives on.From former Countrywide CEOs accidental reply-all e-mail to reports of Steve Jobs death(hes still alive), click through our gallery as Fortune picks

U.S. Seeks to Imprison Madoff for $1 Million Transfer: U.S. prosecutors asked a federal judge to imprison Bernard Madoff as he awaits trial, arguing his $10 million bail should be revoked because he transferred $1 million of valuables in violation of an asset freeze order.

Army Puts Collection of Korean War Photos and Videos Online: The U.S. Army is now offering on the Internet a rare and often stark look at Korean War combat captured through the lenses of military photographers and other cameramen.

German billionaire Adolf Merckle jumps in front of Train: German billionaire Adolf Merckle, who last year joined the ranks of investors who were caught on the wrong foot by an unprecedented surge in carmaker Volkswagens shares, died after being hit by a train on Monday evening, Die Welt newspaper

London colder than Antarctica: London was colder than parts of Antarctica yesterday as temperatures in southern England were forecast to plunge as low as 14F (-10C) overnight.

"May God exterminate Hamas!": A New York Times dispatch captured an excruciating moment that took place in a hospital morgue, where a mother had just found half of the body of her 17-year-old daughter. May God exterminate Hamas! screamed the woman in crystal-clear understanding

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FOX

U.S. Navy to Lead International Force Battling Pirates: The U.S. Navy says one of its commanders will lead a new international force to battle pirates off the coast of Somalia.

Obama Warns Recession May 'Linger for Years': President-elect to call on Congress to take dramatic action as soon as possible in rally for massive fiscal stimulus• U.S. Job Losses in Dec. Could Be Worst in 60 Years• Economists Warn Against Feeding Trillion-Dollar Deficits• Obama Names Nations First

Regret Is Nice, But It's Not What China Wants: No description.

FOXBusiness: Bank Of England Cuts Rate to Lowest Ever: No description.

Pakistan Fires National Security Advisor: Pakistan fired the national security adviser hours after Indian media quoted him as saying the surviving Mumbai attacker was Pakistani.

Sheriff Locked Up in Own Jail For Failing to Feed Inmates: A federal judge ordered an Alabama sheriff locked up in his own jail Wednesday after holding him in contempt for failing to adequately feed inmates while profiting from the skimpy meals.

Illinois Republicans to Pub Burris in the Hot Seat: No description.

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The Washington Post

Obama to Make Stimulus Case: President-elect warns recession could linger for years in speech set to be delivered today.

Red Cross Reprimands Israel: IDF accused of hindering aid to wounded in Gaza. Meanwhile, rockets hit Israel from Lebanon.

Drugmakers Try to Polish Image: Confronting possibility of greater oversight, industry aligns itself rhetorically with reform.

Advisers May Trump the Cabinet: Influential cadre of counselors just steps from the Oval Office will help direct domestic policy.

Obama Tax Cuts Under Scrutiny: Lawmakers, tax experts and economists are skeptical of expense and effectiveness of proposal.

Currencies Trading All Over Map: Dollar and euro enter period of volatility that is hindering global commerce, adding uncertainty.

A Lunch for the History Books: For first time in a generation, former and current presidents meet to advise the incoming Obama.

Early Caesareans Increase Risks: Study finds common practice to make childbirth more convenient raises likelihood of complications.

Md. Man Faces Dumping Charges: Have messy neighbors? Warn them of Pr. Georges first-ever prosecution for dumping in backyard.

Md. Schools Deemed Best in U.S.: Six-year-old, $3.3B overhaul has led to major performance gains, a pair of reports finds.

Inauguration to Close Off Many Bridges to District: U.S. Secret Service is expected to announce that all Potomac bridge crossings from Virginia will be closed to personal vehicles on Inauguration Day.

Paulson: Abolish Fannie, Freddie: Treasury chief suggests replacing mortgage giants with highly regulated utilities with smaller role.

The 'Fear' Is Ridiculous: Billing CW networks new reality TV show as some hellish, horrifying nightmare is just plain crazy.

Lobbying for a White House Farm: Cross-country drive in a tricked-out school bus aims to turn the South Lawn into a working farm.

Pensions Underfunded by $400B: Collapse of the stock market reverses a $60 billion pension surplus, according to a new study.

Burris Likely to Be Seated: Ronald Burris, the man picked by embattled Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich to take President-elect Barack Obamas seat, appears today to be on the verge of winning an unusual showdown with Senate Democratic leaders.

Natural Gas to Europe Halted: Ukrainian officials report that Russia has stopped all deliveries via pipelines crossing their territory.

Sources: $1.2 Trillion Deficit Projected for 2009: Slowing tax revenues and financial system bailout will drive the annual budget deficit to nearly $1.2 trillion, the CBO is expected to report.

Killefer to Help Oversee Reform: 44 | President-elect selects consultant to serve as the countrys chief performance officer.

Montgomery County Crime Rises: The 7.7 percent increase, mostly in burglaries, is blamed on the economy.

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Reuters

Obama to name law professor as regulatory czar: report: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama will name Cass Sunstein, a Harvard Law School professor who pioneered efforts to design regulation around the ways people behave, as regulatory czar, the Wall Street Journal reported.

U.S. envoy in India to discuss Mumbai and douse tension: NEW DELHI (Reuters) - U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher arrived in New Delhi Thursday to discuss the progress of investigations into the Mumbai attacks and douse tensions sparked by sharp exchanges between India and Pakistan.

Citigroup sees synchronized global recession in 2009: (Reuters) - Citigroup forecast a synchronized global recession in 2009 and said developed economies may flirt with deflation while emerging market economies will slow sharply, adding that global corporate earnings were only a quarter of the way through an expected

Russia and Ukraine hold gas row talks in Moscow: (Reuters) - Russian gas flows via Ukraine were halted for a second straight day on Thursday, hitting 18 countries ranging from large European Union members such as Germany to small ex Soviet Moldova.

India vows to end fraud as Satyam scandal rocks: HYDERABAD, India (Reuters) - India vowed to strengthen laws to prevent corporate fraud after Satyam Computer, the countrys fourth-largest software company, shocked investors by revealing profits had been falsely inflated for years.

Russia and Ukraine hold gas row talks in Moscow: MOSCOW/KIEV (Reuters) - The two top gas executives from Russian and Ukraine held talks in Moscow on Thursday, in the first face-to-face contact since their row choked off supplies to EU countries in bitter winter weather.

Obama to lay out case for stimulus in speech: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama will call for quick action on a fiscal stimulus package in a speech on Thursday aimed at reassuring Americans that he is determined to stem the economic crisis.

Buyers rejoice: Manhattan home prices finally fall: NEW YORK (Reuters) - It took war, the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression and the collapse of some of New Yorks famed investment banks, but Manhattan apartment prices are finally falling.

Citigroup, U.S. senators in mortgage legislation talks: report: (Reuters) - Citigroup Inc is leading other lenders in advanced talks with key U.S. senators on legislation that would allow judges to set new repayment terms for millions of mortgage holders who wind up in bankruptcy court, the Wall Street

Explosions heard in northern Israel: reports: JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Several explosions were heard in northern Israel on Thursday and Israel suspected they were caused by rockets fired from Lebanon, Israeli media reported.

Profit warnings, job losses herald lasting slowdown: NEW YORK/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - A fresh wave of profit warnings and job cuts soured investor sentiment on Thursday after an employment report suggested U.S. job losses in December could be the worst in almost 60 years.

Senate Democrats move to seat Burris: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In an abrupt switch, Democratic leaders began talks on Wednesday to swear in Roland Burris, appointed by embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.

Israel pounds Gaza again: GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli aircraft and tanks pounded the Gaza Strip on Wednesday and troops battled Palestinian guerrillas on the ground as U.S. backing for a proposed truce raised expectations of an end to the 12-day-old offensive.

Mumbai-like attack could happen in U.S.: Bush aide: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. cities are vulnerable to an attack like the gun-and-grenade assault that terrorized Mumbai for three days and killed 179 people, the White House homeland security adviser said on Wednesday.

"Enemy combatant" will be early test for Obama: CHARLESTON, South Carolina (Reuters) - The case of Ali al-Marri, accused of being an al Qaeda sleeper agent and held for 5-1/2 years at a U.S. military prison in South Carolina, will be an early test for President-elect Barack Obama.

U.S. presses to jail Madoff on diamonds, watches mail: NEW YORK (Reuters) - Accused swindler Bernard Madoff should be jailed for violating a court order by mailing $1 million worth of diamonds, watches and other jewelry to friends and family, U.S. prosecutors told a court on Wednesday.

Union gears up for negotiations with GM, Chrysler: DETROIT (Reuters) - United Auto Workers bargaining teams are arriving this week in Detroit as the union gears up for negotiations with General Motors Corp and Chrysler LLC, which are mandated to cut labor costs under a $17.4 billion federal

Salmonella outbreak sickens 388 across U.S.: CDC: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An outbreak of salmonella food poisoning has made 388 people sick across 42 states, sending 18 percent of them to the hospital, U.S. health officials said on Wednesday.

Gates says Afghan surge may cost $5.5 billion in FY09: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates has told Congress that a planned buildup of U.S. forces in Afghanistan could add $5.5 billion to U.S. war costs in the current federal fiscal year, officials said on Wednesday.

Senate Democrats seen moving to seat Burris: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In an abrupt switch, Senate Democratic leaders began talks on Wednesday about swearing in former Illinois attorney general Roland Burris, nominated by embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the Senate.

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USATODAY

Official: U.S., China ties strengthening: China and the United States are increasingly interdependent following three decades of building close economic and political ...

Red Cross slams Israel over access to Gaza wounded: The international Red Cross accused Israeli forces Thursday of failing to assist wounded Palestinians and of unacceptable ...

Extreme Alaska cold grounds planes, disables cars: Ted Johnson planned on using a set of logs to a build a cabin in Alaskas interior. Instead hell burn some of them to stay ...

U.S. to head anti-pirate patrols off Somalia: A U.S. Navy commander will lead a new international force to battle pirates off the coast of Somalia.

Attack on Israel from Lebanon threatens 2nd front: Lebanese militants fired barrages of rockets into northern Israel early Thursday, striking a nursing home and threatening to ...

2 Israeli officials arrive in Cairo for cease-fire talks: Two Israeli officials are in Cairo for talks on an Egyptian-brokered plan to end the fighting in the Gaza Strip between Israel ...

Police: Roadside bombs kill 5 Iraqi soldiers: Police say five Iraqi soldiers have been killed Thursday when an Iraqi army patrol was struck by two roadside bombs north of ...

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MSNBC

Obama: Pass stimulus or recession lasts 'years': President-elect Barack Obama was

China jails democracy activist for 6 years: A 65-year-old democracy activist who tried to set up an opposition party in China has been sentenced to six years in jail, a human rights group said Thursday.

Protests over Calif. train shooting turn violent

On a tight budget? Apply to Harvard

U.S. admiral to head anti-pirate patrols

Scoop: Stars will shine at inaugural: Celebrities arent very interested in what

Red Cross: Israeli troops ignore Gaza wounded

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CBS

Al-Sadr: Attack U.S. Troops In Iraq: Anti-U.S. cleric Muqtada al-Sadr on Wednesday urged reprisals against American forces in Iraq to protest Israels Gaza offensive, as Arab anger grows over civilian deaths in the Palestinian territory.

Israel, Hamas, Palestinians Agree To Talks: Egypts U.N. Ambassador said Wednesday that representatives of Israel, the Palestinians and Hamas have agreed to meet for talks brokered by Egypt in Cairo.

Giant Pink Lizard Is Newest Species Found: Hard to believe a giant, pink lizard could be overlooked for almost two centuries. But scientists now have documented a new species, the iguana rosada, (pink in Spanish) in the Galapagos Islands.

The People Chose "The Dark Knight": The radiant Queen Latifah lit up the Peoples Choice Awards with her golden locks and energetic personality, making her the Queen Bee of the night. But even she couldnt dim the power of The Dark Knight.

Citizens Stuck With Bill For Tenn. Cleanup: The tab for a toxin-laden ash flood at a coal-fired power plant in Tennessee could reach hundreds of millions of dollars, and ratepayers for the nations largest public utility will probably be stuck with the bill.

Army Apologizes For "John Doe" Letters: The U.S. Army said that 7,000 family members of soldiers killed in the Iraq or Afghan wars mistakenly were sent letters addressing them as John Doe.

Sheriff Arrested Over Prison Food Scam: A federal judge ordered an Alabama sheriff locked up in his own jail Wednesday after holding him in contempt for failing to adequately feed inmates while profiting from the skimpy meals.

Report: U.S. $1.2 Trillion In The Hole: The U.S. federal budget deficit will hit an unparalleled $1.2 trillion for the 2009 budget year, according to a Capitol Hill aide briefed on new Congressional Budget Office figures.

Citgo To Give Heating Oil Away After All: Citgo, the Venezuelan governments U.S.-based oil subsidiary, is reversing course and will continue shipments of heating oil to poor families in the United States.

After Brief Pause, Gaza Fighting Rages: Israeli airstrikes and Hamas rockets resumed after a brief pause to allow food and fuel to reach Palestinian civilians in Gaza, where an Israeli warplane dropped leaflets urging some residents to flee because of imminent attacks.

Late Loan Payments Hit Record High: Late payments on consumer loans in last years third quarter hit the highest level since record-keeping began in 1980, the American Bankers Association said.

N.Y. Doctor To Ex: Pay Me Back For Kidney: A New York doctor is demanding that his estranged wife pay him $1.5 million to compensate him for the kidney he gave her while they were still on good terms.

Madoff Belongs In Jail, Prosecutor Says: Disgraced financier Bernard Madoff and his wife sent at least 16 watches, a jade necklace and a diamond bracelet to relatives, proving he will continue to dissipate what is left from his $50 billion fraud, a prosecutor told a judge.

Unemployment Claims Crash System: Electronic unemployment filing systems have crashed in at least three states in recent days amid an unprecedented crush of thousands of newly jobless Americans seeking benefits, and other states were adjusting their systems to avoid being next.

The Cost Of War: $136 Billion In 2009: Defense Secretary Robert Gates says military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan would cost almost $136 billion for the 2009 budget year that began Oct. 1 if they continue at their current pace.

No Link Between Kawasaki, Travolta Death: Jett Travoltas childhood brush with Kawasaki disease is highly unlikely to have caused the seizures that apparently led to his death, a Kawasaki expert tells WebMD.

India: Pakistan Controlled Mumbai Gunmen: New Delhi handed Pakistan a dossier of evidence this week that it says definitively proves that the siege was launched from across the border.

Job Seekers' Guide To Career Changes: Making or mulling a switch? Early Show financial contributor Vera Gibbons offered pointers.

Missing Kansas Boy Was Abused, Says Kin: Adam Herrman, the Kansas boy who was recently discovered missing 10 years after his disappearance, had been abused in his adoptive home, including an instance of being locked in a bathroom, according to the boys aunt and adopted brother.

Hong Kong To Restore Bruce Lee's Old Home: The Hong Kong government has agreed to preserve a former home of late martial arts legend Bruce Lee and turn it into a tourist attraction, an official said Wednesday.

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The New York Times

Red Cross Accuses Israel of Neglecting Gaza Wounded: The Red Cross said it had discovered “shocking” scenes — including children next to their mothers’ corpses — when its representatives gained access to battered parts of Gaza.

Dot Earth: A Walk in the (Icy) Woods: The importance of breaks, and the outdoors, in our increasingly screen-driven lives.

Baghdad Bureau: Predictions for Obama's Iraq: Were less than two weeks away from president-elect Barack Obama taking command of the American military in Iraq. Below are some predictions for what type of war he will inherit.

Abroad: A Berliner’s Portraits of People and Her Familiar, and Foreign, Home: The photographer Gisèle Freund, whose work is on display in two different exhibitions in Berlin, wasn’t a great photojournalist, but she was a gifted pioneer.

Asian Markets Drop on Profit Warnings: Economic worries and grim reports sent markets down in the Asia-Pacific region despite stimulus measures.

Melting Causes Heavy Flooding in Washington: Rain and wind lashed Washington state, causing avalanches and mudslides as snow began to melt.

Lebanon Fires Rockets Into Israel’s North: Three rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel on Thursday morning, according to the Israeli police.

Israelis Honor Fallen Soldiers, While Seeing the Gaza Campaign as Justified: Israelis are not relishing what lies ahead if the offensive on Gaza continues, but the majority remains staunchly behind the operation.

Army Letter to Survivors Was Addressed to ‘John Doe’: The letters were sent to provide information about private groups that offer assistance to families of soldiers killed in war and carried the salutation Dear John Doe.

Oakland Turns Violent Over Shooting: Protesters angry over a deadly New Year’s Day shooting of a young black man by a transit police officer erupted into violence in downtown Oakland.

U.S. Plans Border ‘Surge’ Against Any Drug Wars: The soaring level of violence in Mexico resulting from the drug wars has led the United States to develop a contingency plan to prevent spillover across the border.

Addicted to Peter Lorre (That Voice, Those Eyes): Jack Terricloth is the driving force behind “Addicted to Bad Ideas: Peter Lorre’s 20th Century,” a self-described punk songspiel that is part of the Public Theater’s Under the Radar festival.

Asia Stocks Tumble on U.S. Jobs, Earnings: HONG KONG (AP) -- Asian stock markets fell sharply Thursday, with benchmarks in Tokyo and Hong Kong tumbling more than 3 percent, as more evidence of company woes and a weak U.S. job market rekindled worries about the unfolding global

China Losing Taste for Debt From the U.S.: As the global downturn has intensified, Beijing is starting to keep more of its money at home, a move that could have painful effects for American borrowers.

Purple Heart Is Ruled Out for Traumatic Stress: The Purple Heart will not be awarded to veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder because it is not a physical wound, the Pentagon said.

Ex-Prostitutes Say South Korea and U.S. Enabled Sex Trade Near Bases: A group of former prostitutes in South Korea have accused some of their country’s former leaders of encouraging them to have sex with American soldiers.

Eloping to Vegas? Why Not Lower Manhattan?: Officials are hoping that the new and gleaming Manhattan Marriage Bureau will make it more popular.

Obama Says He Will Seek Overhaul of Retiree Spending: Should the president-elect follow through with a serious effort to rein in entitlement programs, he would be opening up a potentially risky battle.

U.S. Fashion’s One-Woman Bailout?: Seventh Avenue hopes Michelle Obama will be the lifeline to revive the fashion industry in a recession.

Atlanta Journal: Hard Times Find Replica of White House for Sale: An Atlanta man who lives in a scalded down version of the presidential mansion is looking for a buyer.

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TIME

Can Israel Survive Its Assault on Gaza?: The assault on Gaza, no matter how it ends, will not ease the Jewish states existential anxiety. Peace, not war, is its only hope

Obama's Stimulus: A Jump-Start for His Long-Term Agenda?: Instead of temporary measures meant to prop up the sagging economy over just the next two years, much of what has been proposed so far looks like a laundry list of the President-elects campaign promises

Best Congressional Investigation Ever Reveals Hulk Hogan To Be A "Terrible" Wrestler: With no real fanfare, Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., has finished up his investigation of steroids in professional wrestling.

Pakistan Continues to Resist India Pressure on Mumbai: Offering limited cooperation but mindful of antagonizing its own security establishment, Islamabad will not extradite terror suspects demanded by India

Stirrings of a Peace Deal on Gaza?: French President Sarkozy and Egypts Mubarak could be providing the basis for an end to the fighting

Russia's Gazprom Diplomacy: Turning Off Europe's Heat: Countries across Europe experience an icy chill as the dispute between Russia and Ukraine over gas supplies drags on

Why Are Deer Being Smuggled into Texas?: The hunting industry goes for more trophy-worthy prey, prompting some to import illegal stock - along with the threat of disease

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Newsday

Husband in divorce case wants wife's kidney back--or $1.5M: Doc from Ronkonkoma wants donated organ -- or equal value -- back from wife as part of divorce settlement When Dr. Richard Batistas wife needed a kidney, he gave her one of his.

'Dark Knight' flies away: The blockbuster starring Heath Ledger and Christian Bale was nominated for 5 Peoples Choice Awards and won all 5.

Authorities probe death of worker in wall collapse: Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a Mastic construction worker crushed earlier this week when a portion of a concrete wall collapsed at a site on North Sea Road in Southampton.

Twilight of Toomers Giant career?: Amani Toomer isnt suppose to be wondering what if the Giants lose Sunday. But the reality is it could be the end of his run with the G-men.

Long Island soldiers return: Soldiers returned home to an emotional greeting, marking an end to the units deployment to Afghanistan.

N. Woodmere man in federal S & M sex case out on bail: A North Woodmere man who was the central figure in a sensational federal sadomasochism case was freed on bail Wednesday to live with his parents while his conviction is under review.

Guv's State of the State address snubbed LI, local pols say: Did Gov. David A. Paterson snub Long Island in his first State of the State address with only passing references to the region - including a mention of the brutal killing of an immigrant in Patchogue?

2 once-abused horses find new home in Middle Island: With names like Belle and Lady, the story needed a fairy-tale ending.

Army apologizes for hurtful message to survivors: The Army said Wednesday that 7,000 family members of soldiers killed in the Iraq or Afghan wars mistakenly were sent letters addressing them as John Doe. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., was sending a personal letter

Report: Mangini hired by Browns: Reports have surface that former New York Jets coach Eric Mangini has been hired to coach the Cleveland Browns.

Husband wants his kidney back: Dr. Richard Batista donated his kidney to his wife, Dawnell. Now that shes filing for divorce, he wants it back.

Brad defends Jen, denies affair: Brad Pitt is defending his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston in her feud with current wife Angelina Jolie, and addressing the infidelity rumors.

ExploreLI: Hot & spicy on LI: Like it hot? Burn your palate with these super spicy entrees from Long Island restaurants.

Rescuers to take 180 cats from Moriches home

NYC aims to compete with Vegas as wedding hot spot: Bloomberg gave City Halls famously gritty marriage bureau a gleaming makeover Watch out Las Vegas: New York City wants to become the new No. 1 place to tie the knot.

Brooklyn bishop's ID stolen: The Diocese of Brooklyn says someone stole theSocial Security number and birth date of its bishop and used theinformation to apply for credit cards.

Paterson speech: I'll boost efforts to foster tolerance: Referring to the stabbing death in Patchogue of an Ecuadorean immigrant, Gov. David A. Paterson Wednesday vowed to boost efforts to teach children the importance of tolerance and acceptance.

Guv to deliver somber State of the State speech: ALBANY - In his first State of the State speech, Gov. David A. Paterson is expected today to stress urgency in closing a record budget deficit while also proposing to give young adults more access to health insurance.

Davidoff: No need for spree: Ken Davidoff talks about how the Yankees have resorted back to buying up free agents in hopes of building a better team.

Top cars for teen drivers: First-time drivers need safe, reliable transportation that wont break the bank. Heres a look at the top options under $20K.

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