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Stevens gives last Senate speech as staffers weep: AP - In a painfully poignant moment

Prospect for auto bailout dims

Governments scramble to protect jobs as losses mount

Markets hit new lows on global job losses: Reuters - Fears of a

CORRECTED: U.S. urges vigilance against Iranian banks in Dubai: Reuters - (Corrects first paragraph to clarify that United Nations sanctions do not ban Iranian banks from operating in Dubai, corrects Levey quote, adds additional quote and background)

Obama eyes Arizona governor for Homeland Security: Reuters - President-elect Barack Obama is considering Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano to be

Bush would sign measure to extend jobless benefits

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BBC

Madonna's divorce to be finalised: Singer Madonna and her film director husband Guy Ritchie are to be divorced in London on Friday, High Court lists show.

Oil price goes below $50 a barrel: Oil prices have fallen below $50 a barrel amid growing fears over a global recession and lower demand for oil.

Security draws Iraqi doctors home: Improved security in Iraq has led to 800 doctors returning so far this year, a health ministry official says.

Bon Jovi to headline Live Earth: Pink Floyds Roger Waters and Bon Jovi are among the stars announced for this years Live Earth concert, to be held in India.

UN agrees DR Congo troop increase: The UN Security Council votes to send 3,000 more troops to DR Congo following renewed fighting in the east of the country.

African child 'well-being' rated: Some poor countries score well compared to richer ones in a report assessing the treatment of children in Africa.

RBS boss apologises over losses: Royal Bank of Scotland chairman Sir Tom McKillop says he is profoundly sorry for the banks financial difficulties.

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CNN

Senate offers Clinton new options: The Democratic Senate leadership is considering a new role for Sen. Hillary Clinton should she decide to remain in the Senate and not accept the rumored offer of a position in President-elect Barack Obamas Cabinet, a Democratic official told CNN

Students try to put cellmates in checkmate: Read full story for latest details.

Automaker bailout appears stalled in Senate: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid reversed plans to hold a test vote Thursday on a Democratic-sponsored automakers bailout bill but held out the possibility for a last-minute vote on any compromise.

Prostitute to Spitzer's wife: 'I'm sorry': Read full story for latest details.

Post Office to unveil stamp honoring Bob Hope: Read full story for latest details.

Scientists map DNA of prehistoric animal: A team of scientists at Penn State University could be one step closer to bringing extinct species back to life.

TSA boosts 'behavior detection,' mulls changes: This holiday season, its still shoes off and liquids out at airport security, but changes may be on the way to part of this routine, and agents will be watching much more than the contents of your carry-on.

Pilot sedated, attendant helped land jet: Read full story for latest details.

eHarmony plans same-sex service: Online dating site eHarmony will create a service for same-sex matching in a settlement of a 1995 complaint that the companys failure to offer such a service was discriminatory.

Family says NFL player's dad beaten by police: The father of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver was beaten by Houston, Texas, police officers as they arrested him for outstanding traffic warrants, Drivers family members claimed Wednesday.

Brown: Safe haven law a wake-up call: Right now in the state of Nebraska, the governor is literally begging people not to bring their teenage children there to dump them, so that the state then has to care for them. But its happening. Its happening a lot.

Turf war may have led to Interpol security breach: A vicious turf battle between drug cartels and Mexican authorities has left as many as 4,300 dead so far this year and may have caused a breach in the internal security systems of Interpol, the international police organization. The prospect

Auto CEOs flew private jets to seek bailout: Some lawmakers lashed out at the CEOs of the Big Three auto companies today for flying private jets to Washington to request taxpayer bailout money. Its almost like seeing a guy show up at the soup kitchen in high hat

Autistic boy seeks hope in wildfire's ashes: Seven-year-old Jonathan Reyes sank his hands deep into his jeans pocket as anxiety wrinkled his face. He swallowed hard, twisted and turned nervously.

Huckabee says he's not settling scores: Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said Wednesday hes not trying to settle old scores with his onetime GOP rival Mitt Romney, despite sharply criticizing the former Massachusetts governor in a book out earlier this week.

Source: Bill Clinton agrees to vetting: A major obstacle in Sen. Hillary Clintons path to becoming President-elect Barack Obamas Secretary of State may be out of the way, as former President Bill Clinton has made several concessions to help move his wifes vetting process along.

Sources: Obama picks Daschle to head HHS: President-elect Barack Obama has chosen former Sen. Tom Daschle to be secretary of Health and Human Services, and the former Senate majority leader has indicated he wants the job, three sources close to the transition told CNN. Daschle -- not

Calif. high court to hear gay-marriage appeal: Californias Supreme Court said Wednesday that it will hear the appeal of a challenge to Proposition 8, a voter-approved measure outlawing gay marriage.

Experts: Interrogation of boy, 8, 'out of bounds': The third-graders legs dangle from an overstuffed leather chair as he answers the questions of two female police officers. His manner and voice are casual, even helpful, but his words are shocking.

Scientists find long-lost Furby look-alike: Scientists have found a wide-eyed primate -- a clawed fur ball that fits snugly in one hand -- in the first live sighting in more than 80 years of a creature that some thought was extinct.

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Digg

Arraignment Set for Cheney, Gonzales in Prison Abuse Case: Arraignment Set for Cheney, Gonzales in Prisoner Abuse Case, A Texas judge has set an arraignment for Vice President Dick Cheney, former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and other officials accused of involvement in prisoner abuse.

Islamists vow to fight Somali pirates: The hardline Islamic authorities in the southern Somali port of Kismayo vowed to forge an unlikely alliance by joining the efforts of the Nato and European Union naval task forces patrolling the pirate-infested Gulf of Aden.

The Chinese Want To Buy the Big 3 Automakers: It appears that the Chinese car makers SAIC and Dongfeng have plans to acquire the Big 3: A take-over of a large overseas auto maker would fit perfectly into Chinas plans. As reported before, China has realized that its export

Yahoo Shares Plummet Nearly 20% on Ballmer Comments: Yahoo shares went into a free fall of nearly 20 percent on Wednesday, following comments from Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer that the software giant is interested in a search-only partnership and not an acquisition.

Indian navy sinks suspected pirate "mother" ship: An Indian naval vessel sank a suspected pirate mother ship in the Gulf of Aden and chased two attack boats into the night, officials said Wednesday, yet more violence in the lawless seas where brigands are becoming bolder and more

Let Detroit Go Bankrupt (Mitt Romney): A managed bankruptcy may be the only path to the fundamental restructuring the auto industry needs.

Unsold Foreign Cars Hogging Space at a California Port: Unwelcome by dealers and buyers, thousands of cars are being warehoused on crowded port property, creating a vivid picture of a paralyzed auto business. And for the first time, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Nissan have each asked to lease space from

Costco’s CEO on Corporate Responsibility - Jim Sinegal - sus: As Costco marks its 25th year, straight-talking CEO Jim Sinegal shares his two cents on sustainability, the economy, universal health care, and what our next president should do.

Al-Qaida No. 2 insults Obama with race epithet: Speaking in Arabic, al-Zawahri uses the term abeed al-beit, which literally translates as house slaves. But al-Qaida supplied English subtitles of his speech that included the translation as house negroes.

Australian Sex Party launches on Thursday: SEX sells, and the newly formed Australian Sex Party knows it.Thats why, even with what seem to be sensible policies rooted in a desire to make sexuality and discussions about it less touchy subjects, the party has chosen a name

Big 3 CEOs Flew Private Jets to Plead for Public Funds: This is a slap in the face of taxpayers, said Tom Schatz, President of Citizens Against Government Waste. To come to Washington on a corporate jet, and asking for a hand out is outrageous.Wagoners private jet trip to Washington cost

The End of Empathy: How the media’s oversaturation of violence makes us care less and less about what’s happening globally.

Texas grand jury indicts Cheney, Gonzales of crime: HOUSTON (Reuters) - A grand jury in South Texas indicted U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and former attorney General Alberto Gonzales on Tuesday for organized criminal activity related to alleged abuse of inmates in private prisons. The indictment...

The Fed is collapsing: Ron Paul being interviewed by Robert Kiyosaki adviser Mike Maloney. See why silver and gold are the best investment you can have right now.Silver is set to make enormous gains like it always has in times of economic crisis, and

Obama's Use of Complete Sentences Stirs Controversy: In the first two weeks since the election, President-elect Barack Obama has broken with a tradition established over the past eight years through his controversial use of complete sentences, political observers say.

Report Faults All Parties in War in Georgia: Russian, Georgian and South Ossetian forces failed to protect civilians, and in some cases singled them out for attack, during the war in Georgia, according to a report released Tuesday by Amnesty International.

Dick Cheney , Alberto Gonzales indicted by Texas grand jury: A South Texas grand jury has indicted Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on charges related to the alleged abuse of prisoners in Willacy Countys federal detention centers.

Obama to pick Holder as Attorney General: President-elect Barack Obama has decided on Eric Holder, a former senior official in the Clinton administration, to be attorney general, Newsweek said on Tuesday.

BREAKING: Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens loses re-election bid: ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens has lost his bid for a seventh term. The longest-serving Republican in the history of the Senate trailed Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich by 3,724 votes after Tuesdays count. Thats an insurmountable lead

George Will: To Save Detroit, Let It Go Bankrupt: The answer to Detroits woes? Do nothing that will delay bankrupt companies from filing for bankruptcy protection, so that improvident labor contracts can be unraveled, allowing the companies to try to devise plausible business models. Instead, advocates of a rescue

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FOX

Cops Hunt 2 Assault Suspects on Loose Near School: A southern California high school was placed on lockdown Thursday after two assault suspects on the loose were spotted on school grounds, according to FOX affiliate KTTV-TV in Los Angeles.

Scientists Could Find Cure For 'Wolf Boy': Its not easy being a preteen wolf boy but scientists at Columbia University are confident theyve finally found the silver bullet that can cure one.

Israeli Air Force 'Ready for Iran's Nuclear Sites': The Israeli Air Force is ready to attack Irans suspected nuclear weapons project if diplomacy fails to persuade the Islamic Republic to halt uranium enrichment, said Commander Ido Nehushtan in an interview published Tuesday.

CIA Inspector: Agents Lied About 2001 Missionary Shoot-Down: CIA personnel lied to Congress in April 2001 about a missionary plane shot down in Peru that killed the pilot, his wife and daughter, the CIA inspector general revealed in a report being released by Rep. Pete Hoekstra on Thursday.

Bush Would Sign Bill to Extend Jobless Benefits: Because of the tight job market, the White House says President George W. Bush would sign a measure pending in Congress to further extend unemployment benefits.

FOXBusiness: Oil Dives Below $50 to Near Two-Year Low- FOXBusiness: Jobless Claims Jump to 16-Y(...): No description.

Is Madonna Wearing a Christmas Tree? Or Is She a Green Bird?: Her dress at last nights UNICEF benefit has our fashion guru wondering

Egyptian Playwright Awarded Prize for Fight for Peace: There are wars fought with heavy weaponry and there are battles waged with a pen. Egyptian playwright Ali Salem was recognized Wednesday for his lifelong fight for peace at a ceremony in London.

Baghdad Raid Kills Al Qaeda Leader Blamed in GI's Death: An Al Qaeda in Iraq leader blamed in the 2004 abduction and murder of an Army reservist and other deadly attacks over several years was killed in an American raid in Baghdad, the U.S. military said Thursday.

Two-Faced Kitten Born in Australia: A kitten with two faces that meows out of both mouths at the same time was born Wednesday near Perth, Western Australia.

Pakistan Summons U.S. Ambassador to Protest Raids: Pakistan summoned the U.S. ambassador Thursday to protest a suspected American missile strike deep inside its territory as militants threatened revenge attacks unless the cross-border raids stop.

It's Not a Brain Tumor - Doctors Find Worm Instead: Doctors in Arizona thought a Phoenix-area woman had a possible brain tumor, but it turned out there was something else penetrating her brain a worm.

FOXBusiness: Jobless Claims Jump to 16-Year High: No description.

Attendant Helps Land Jet After Pilot Sedated, Restrained: An Air Canada co-pilot having a mental breakdown had to be forcibly removed from the cockpit, restrained and sedated, and a stewardess with flying experience helped the pilot safely make an emergency landing, an Irish investigation concluded Wednesday.

Soldier Investigated for Videotaping Toddler Fight: A soldier in the Army Special Operations Command is being investigated after a video made at Fort Bragg showed up in the Internet depicting his toddler son fighting with another youngster.

Is Prince William Behind Paris Hilton's Split With Benji Mad: Sources say the Princes recent fondness for Paris may have been the final straw for Madden

Suri Cruise Named Hollywood's Most Powerful 2-Year Old: But three Jolie-Pitts are nipping at her Stride Rites

Colombian VP: Cocaine Is Destroying the Rain Forests: Colombias vice president said that Britains middle classes, who recycle and haul groceries home in reusable cloth bags, should realize that they are destroying the rain forests by taking cocaine.

Lawyer: Michael Jackson Agrees to Testify in London: Michael Jacksons lawyer says the pop star has agreed to come to London to respond to a Bahraini sheiks $7 million lawsuit.

Detroit Automakers' Rescue Stalls in Senate: A plan to give troubled U.S. automakers billions of dollars in government-backed loans is on life support, leaving the fate of hundreds of thousands of workers and Detroits once-venerable car companies hanging in the balance.

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The Washington Post

Arizona Governor Is DHS Pick: Gov. Janet Napolitano is president-elects choice for secretary of homeland security, sources say.

Key Economic Indicators Suggest Deep Recession: A 16-year high for jobless claims is one more sign that the nation is headed for a recession; weak spots, however, could benefit economy in time.

Housing is Risky Business: Inauguration renters and landlords face perils of disputes and fraud.

U.S. Troops Soften Approach: With violence in Baghdad down, the military shifts focus to reconciling Sunni and Shiites.

Ariz. Governor Is Pick for DHS: Gov. Janet Napolitano is president-elects choice for secretary of homeland security, sources say.

McCain's Subdued Return: A campaign for the Oval Office is an all-or-nothing venture, and friends wonder how he is faring.

Republicans Eye Holder's Past: Republican National Committee examines role of attorney general candidate in 2001 pardons.

McDonald's Reaches Out to Mom: Fast-food chain launches program to win over one thing that stands between a kid and french fries.

Auto Execs Remain Tone Deaf: Sketch | Chief executives of Big Three automakers fly corporate jets to D.C. with tin cups in hand.

Woolly Mammoth DNA Unraveled: Scientists reconstruct more than three-quarters of genome -- a first for an extinct species.

Japan Examines Link in Knifings: Police probe whether attacks on bureaucrats are tied to botched computerization of pension records.

Rhee Unveils Long-Term Goals: D.C. schools chief proposes a parent academy, better security and an increase in theme schools.

Dow Dips Below 8,000 on Poor Economic Reports: Markets sink following Fed report predicting that economy will weaken further; report also pointed to a possible interest rate cut.

Obama Picks Daschle as Next Health Secretary: Transition team sources say former Democratic Senate leader from South Dakota is president-elects choice to head Health and Human Services.

Bill Clinton Opens His Records: In concession to vetting process for his wife, former president agrees to clear his future speeches and charitable activities with Obama officials.

Obama Picks Daschle as Next Health Secretary: Transition team sources say former Democratic Senate leader from South Dakota is president-elects choice to head Health and Human Services.

National Security Team a Priority: Heaviest betting for national security adviser is on another former Clinton administration official.

Suspected Pirate Ship Sunk: Indian navy says fire from a frigate set the vessel aflame after it failed to stop for investigation.

U.S. Seeks New Afghan Routes: Rise in Taliban attacks along a NATO supply line from Pakistan has officials seeking alternatives.

Consumer Prices Drop Record 1% in October: Consumer prices plunged by the largest amount in the past 61 years last month as gasoline pump prices dropped by a record amount.

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Reuters

CORRECTED: U.S. urges vigilance against Iranian banks in Dubai: (Corrects first paragraph to clarify that United Nations sanctions do not ban Iranian banks from operating in Dubai, corrects Levey quote, adds additional quote and background)

Obama eyes Arizona governor for Homeland Security: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama is considering Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano to be U.S. Homeland Security secretary, heading a sprawling agency formed to bolster civil defense in the wake of the September 11 attacks, a senior Democrat said.

U.S. forces kill Qaeda leader wanted for attacks: BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. forces killed a senior al Qaeda leader wanted for planning suicide bombings, kidnappings and assassinations, including the abduction and killing of a U.S. army sergeant in 2004, the U.S. military said on Thursday.

Weekly jobless claims surge to 16-year high: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for jobless benefits rose by a larger than expected 27,000 last week to their highest level in 16 years, Labor Department data showed on Thursday, as a harsh economic

Pakistan protests over U.S. missile strikes: ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan summoned U.S. ambassador Anne Patterson on Thursday to protest over missile strikes launched by pilotless drone aircraft against militant targets in Pakistan.

U.S. pact can pass Iraqi parliament: minister: BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A pact allowing U.S. troops to stay in Iraq for three more years has a chance of being approved by parliament despite some heated opposition, Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari said on Thursday.

Weak Japan exports pile on economic gloom: TOKYO/BEIJING (Reuters) - Japans exports to Asia fell in October for the first time since 2002, showing that the fallout from the credit crisis has spread to neighbors such as China and adding momentum to investors flight to the safety

Oil falls more than $1 as crisis crimps growth: SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil fell for a fifth straight session to approach $50 a barrel on Thursday as the fallout from the credit crisis hits the global economy, crimping demand for fuel.

Pakistan summons U.S. envoy to protest missiles: ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan summoned U.S. ambassador Anne Patterson on Thursday to receive a formal protest over missile strikes launched by pilotless drone aircraft against militant targets on Pakistani soil, a Pakistani foreign ministry official said.

Global stocks hit 5-1/2 year lows: HONG KONG (Reuters) - A rout in Asia pushed world stocks to their lowest in 5- years on Thursday, while oil fell to below $53 a barrel and safe havens such as the yen gained as economic data indicated a

Financials need at least $1 trillion: analyst: (Reuters) - The U.S. financial system still needs at least $1 trillion to $1.2 trillion of tangible common equity to restore confidence and improve liquidity in the credit markets, Friedman Billings Ramsey analyst Paul Miller said.

Small businesses feel Wall Street's pain: BOSTON (Reuters) - Wall Streets pain is rippling through U.S. small businesses, as bankers who once pulled in million-dollar bonuses lose their jobs and cut back spending on everything from parties to home improvements.

Qaeda scorns Obama with racial slur: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Al Qaedas deputy leader accused Barack Obama of betraying his race and his fathers Muslim heritage on Wednesday and urged more attacks, as the group tried to counter the incoming U.S. presidents global popularity.

U.S. woman posed as teen online, teased girl: attorney: LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A Missouri woman established a fake identity online to torment a vulnerable teenage girl who later committed suicide, federal prosecutors said on Wednesday in a trial that is being closely watched by the burgeoning social networking

Obama taps Arizona governor for homeland security: report: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Barack Obamas top choice to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, CNN reported on Wednesday, citing multiple sources.

U.S. probing Golden West lending, sale: prosecutor: SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The government is investigating if homeowners were misled by California bank and mortgage issuer Golden West Financial, which was acquired by Wachovia Corp -- another possible victim.

Australia Guantanamo inmate breaks silence: CANBERRA (Reuters) - The only Guantanamo Bay inmate convicted of terrorism offences, Australian David Hicks, has broken his self-imposed silence, calling on police to relax stringent controls over his freedom since his release from jail.

California court to hear gay marriage ban case: SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Californias Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear a legal challenge against the states voter-approved ban on gay marriage and let the ban stand in the meantime.

U.S. auto execs testify as legislators try for deal: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. auto executives went to Capitol Hill on Wednesday for a second day to plead for $25 billion in government aid, but legislators tried to fashion a last-minute compromise bailout bill that could pass both Congressional and

Wall Street sinks to lowest since 2003: NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks plunged to their lowest in five-and-a-half years on Wednesday as investors girded for a lengthy economic downturn and automotive executives predicted a far-reaching calamity without a government lifeline.

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USATODAY

N.Y. jury convicts wealthy arms dealer of conspiracy: A Manhattan jury has convicted a wealthy arms dealer of conspiring to sell weapons to informants who supposedly were supplying ...

Bail denied Pa. woman accused of killing FBI agent: Bail has been denied for a woman accused of killing an FBI agent during a drug raid.

Federal panel warns of Chinese espionage: A congressional advisory panel said Thursday that China has stepped-up computer espionage attacks on the U.S. government, defense ...

U.N. approves 3,100 more peacekeepers for Congo: The U.N. Security Council agrees to send 3,100 more peacekeeping troops to conflict-wracked Congo.

Conservatives call on Bush to free Muslim Uighurs: A group of conservatives is chastising the Bush administration for refusing to free 17 Turkic Muslims being held without charges ...

Longtime Senate spending leaders departing: Two aging symbols of Congress penchant for pouring billions into lawmakers pet projects are stepping aside next year. While ...

China to overhaul battered dairy industry: China announced a complete overhaul of its dairy industry Thursday to improve safety at every step.

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MSNBC

3 airports opening new runways: At some major U.S. airports

Ocho Cinco benched for breaking team rule: The Cincinnati

Pirates free two ships after ransoms paid: Somali pirates released

Bush to sign legislation to extend jobless aid: Because of the tight job market, the White House says President George W. Bush would sign legislation pending in Congress to further extend unemployment benefits.

Oil dives below $50 to near a two-year low: Oil prices fell below $50 to near a two-year low Thursday as investors worried about plummeting stock markets and the global economy.

eHarmony agrees to provide same-sex matches: Online dating service eHarmony said Wednesday it will launch a new Web site which caters to same-sex singles as part of a discrimination settlement with New Jerseys Civil Rights Division.

New BlackBerry is good iPhone challenger: Review: BlackBerry fans can rejoice: the Storm, Research In Motion’s first all-touchscreen

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CBS

Lieberman On Obama, Post-Campaign Politcs: Sen. Joe Lieberman speaks out in an exclusive interview - his first since supporting Republican Sen. John McCain - about the presidential campaign and post-election politics. Katie Couric sat down with the Independent senator.

Bush Set To Ease Endangered Species Rules: Preisdent Bush is set to install new rules that would exclude input of wildlife scientists when federal construction projects are proposed. Bush hopes to enact them before Friday, preventing President-elect Obama from easily reversing them.

Dead Teen's Mom Testifies In MySpace Trial: The grieving mother of a Missouri girl told a jury how her daughter hanged herself after receiving cruel messages on her MySpace account, some of which came from a neighbor posing as a teenage boy.

Mortgage Aid Programs Not Working: Two government programs designed to help hundreds of thousands of delinquent borrowers avoid foreclosure are having negligible effects, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston said.

Gay Marriage Ban Challenged In Calif.: Californias highest court agreed to hear several legal challenges to the states new ban on same-sex marriage but refused to allow gay couples to resume marrying before it rules.

Dow Falls Below 8,000, S&P At 5-Year Low: Wall Street hit levels not seen since 2003, with the Dow Jones industrial average falling below the 8,000 mark. Consumer prices dropped by the largest amount in the past 61 years in October.

Obama Taps Tom Daschle For Cabinet Post: Democratic officials say former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle has accepted President-elect Barack Obamas offer to be Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Fed: Economy Stalling, Rate Cut Possible: The Federal Reserve sharply lowered its projections for economic activity this year and next, and signaled that additional interest rate reductions may be needed to help combat the financial crisis.

Ninety Migrants Feared Dead After Capsize: The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for roughly 90 migrants feared dead after their makeshift boat apparently sank in an often-stormy stretch of water between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Somali Pirates Live The Good Life: Somalias increasingly brazen pirates are building sprawling stone houses, cruising in luxury cars, marrying beautiful women - even hiring caterers to prepare Western-style food for their hostages.

Despite Big 3 Pleas, Auto Bailout Stalling: Top Senate Democrats suggested Wednesday that a bill to rescue the Detroit Three automakers was stalled and called on the Bush administration to take steps to help save the industry if congressional efforts falter.

8-Year-Old Confesses To Shooting Dad: An 8-year-old boy accused of killing his father and another man is due in court a day after prosecutors released a police interview with the boy in which he admits to firing at least two shots at each man.

Al Qaeda: Don't Be Fooled By Obama: Al Qaeda has released its first detailed response to Barack Obamas election win. In a new audio tape, al Qaeda No. 2 Ayman Zawahri admonishes Muslims to keep up the fight against America, a country which he claims is still

Nebraska Lawmakers Revamp Safe Haven Law: A 30-day age limit in the Nebraska safe-haven law appears headed for final approval.

Stewardess Helped Land Air Canada Plane: An Air Canada co-pilot having a mental breakdown had to be forcibly removed from the cockpit, restrained and sedated, and a stewardess with flying experience helped the pilot safely make an emergency landing, an Irish investigation concluded.

People's "Sexiest Man Alive": Hugh Jackman: The magazine announced this years choice on The Early Show, and People.coms Michelle Beadle explained why hes the pick.

Oil Prices Drop Below $53 A Barrel: Oil prices have fallen below $53 to almost a two-year low in Asia as investors, egged on by plummeting stock markets, price in lower crude demand from a global economic downturn thats shaping up as the worst in decades.

2 U.S. Troops Charged In Murder Of Iraqis: Two U.S. soldiers have been charged by the military with conspiracy to commit premeditated murder relating to the shooting deaths of four Iraqi prisoners in Baghdad in early 2007 in what was allegedly a retaliation killing.

2 Months Left: Bush Says Goodbye, Quietly: Two months from today, the White House packs up the Bush Family belongings and moves in those of the Obamas. CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller says Mr. Bush is saying goodbye in good spirits, and largely out of

Napolitano Eyed For Homeland Security Role: Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano is under consideration by President-elect Barack Obamas administration for the relatively new role of Secretary of Homeland Security, CBS News has learned.

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The New York Times

Dow Drops Below 8,000 in Another Stock Sell-off: Shares on Wall Street closed at their lowest levels in five years as hope dimmed in Washington for an emergency bailout of the auto industry.

Consumer Price Decline Prompts Fear of Deflation: Consumer prices fell in October by 1 percent, the largest drop in the history of the survey, raising the specter of deflation.

Daschle to Be Nominee for Health Post in Obama Cabinet: Tom Daschle, the former South Dakota senator, has accepted Mr. Obama’s offer to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, Democrats said.

Iraqi Lawmakers Brawl Over Security Pact: A session of Iraq’s Parliament collapsed in chaos as a discussion among lawmakers about a security agreement boiled over into shouting and physical confrontation.

Clive Barnes, Critic, Dies at 81: As a critic in Britain and later for The New York Times, Mr. Barnes helped bring dance to a broad audience with an exuberant style.

For Studio, Vampire Movie Is a Cinderella Story: Tiny Summit Entertainment finds itself sitting atop one of the biggest pop-culture phenomena of recent years.

Regenerating a Mammoth for $10 Million: A new report suggests that a living mammoth could perhaps be regenerated from DNA extracted from clumps of the animal’s hair.

Once Denounced by Mao, Now at Rest in China: The ashes of John Leighton Stuart, a missionary and educator who was called a symbol of imperialism by Mao, were finally buried in China 46 years after his death.

City Room: Costco and Food Stamps: Unlike other supermarkets and big-box retailers, Costco has declined to accept food stamps, despite mounting pressure..

Jerry Yang, Yahoo Chief, Steps Down: Yahoo said Mr. Yang, who helped build the company into an Internet giant, would step down from his role as chief executive.

Ex-Manager Charged in L.I.R.R. Disability Probe: The charges were the first to arise from a host of state and federal investigations into the legitimacy of disability payments at the Long Island Rail Road.

At Meeting, Smithsonian Practices New Openness: The Smithsonian Institution held the first public board meeting in its 162-year history on Monday. The first question: “Why did you not all resign?”

City Room: M.T.A. Ponders Deep Service Cuts: Service reductions the M.T.A. is considering might in many respects mirror an earlier round of service reductions that came under consideration only two years ago.

Bits: Google, the iPhone and Machines That Listen: Googles voice search service for the iPhone may signify an inflection point -- speech recognition that is more useful than typing.

Early Test for Obama on Domestic Spying Views: Upon taking office, President-elect Barack Obama will be forced to weigh presidential power and civil liberties.

The Caucus: Holder Emerging as Obama’s Choice for Attorney General: The Obama transition team has given strong signals to Eric H. Holder Jr. that he will be chosen as attorney general, people involved in the process said.

Automakers Make Their Case for Federal Help: The heads of the Big Three and the United Auto Workers union were arguing for federal help before a Senate committee.

City Room: No Deal at Emergency Albany Budget Session: A session convened to address the state’s budget deficit was canceled after leaders could not reach a consensus.

Advantage of Corporate Bankruptcy Is Dwindling: More companies that file for bankruptcy protection are shutting down because they cannot obtain enough financing to operate while they reorganize.

The Caucus: Begich Widens Lead Over Stevens in Alaska: Alaska elections officials plan to count 24,000 more absentee ballots on Tuesday, and while that won’t be the final chapter in the contested Senate race, it should make the result more apparent.

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TIME

Stressed Out Hong Kong: Now, More Stressed Out: Officially in its own recession, Hong Kong is retreating into its shell, and professional huggers have hit the streets

Why Obama Wants Hillary for His 'Team of Rivals': By considering Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State, Barack Obama is trying to put together a team of rivals. But that comes with big risks

In Zimbabwe, Mugabe Clings On, But His Power Is Waning: Even in the ruling party, theres a recognition that the country cant be saved without the opposition sharing power

Is Mark Cuban Guilty of Insider Trading?: Its a he said - she said, but it also raises questions that could go all the way to the Supreme Court

BlackBerry Storm: The Novelty Wears Off Fast: Skip the new BlackBerry Storm. If youre hooked on BlackBerrys, youre better off with the Bold, Pearl or Flip.

John Boehner Talks About the GOP's Plight in Congress: TIME talks to the House Minority Leader about how he plans to turn the Republican Conference around

Equal Rights for Ugly Foods: After 20 years of oddly precise rules regarding the appearance of produce, the European Union is easing restrictions on forked carrots and curved cucumbers

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Newsday

Lucero's body arrives in Ecuador: Hundreds lined the streets as the body of the Patchogue stabbing victim arrived home. See the video | Emotions run high at meeting

Report: Mike Mussina to retire: A published report says that Mike Mussina has decided to end things on his 20-win season, and retire from baseball.

Suri Cruise tops Forbes list: Forbes.com said Suri -- known for her stylish outfits and haircut -- popped up in more news articles and blogs than her peers.

'Twilight' good for teens: Twilight is unintentionally amusing and lacking any sense of its own goofiness, but will please the teen audience.

ExploreLI: Beauty school bargains: FOR THURSDAY Even when the economys bad and moneys tight, we still want to look good. Here are local beauty schools where students provide the style.

'Twilight' good for teens: Twilight is unintentionally amusing and lacking any sense of its own goofiness, but will please the teen audience.

Lucero's body arrives in Ecuador: With a mixture of mourning and outrage, many lined the streets as the body of the Patchogue stabbing victim arrived home. See the video

Report: Mike Mussina to retire: FoxSports.com is reporting that Mike Mussina has decided to end things on his 20-win season, and retire from baseball.

Favre not thinking about future: Brett Favre says hes having too much fun leading the first-place Jets to even think about whether hell play next season.

Suri Cruise tops Forbes list: Forbes.com said Suri -- known for her stylish outfits and haircut -- popped up in more news articles and blogs than her peers.

Steve Levy's defining hour?: Columnist Dan Janison says a speech on racism and public apology after an immigrants murder may herald change. SPEECH TEXT

ExploreTV: Learn to skateboard: Meredith Daniels learns to skateboard at Oil City in Oceanside and Inline 1 Extreme in Mount Sinai. Come along for the ride.

ExploreLI: Beauty school bargains: FOR THURSDAY Even when the economys bad and moneys tight, we still want to look good. Here are local beauty schools where students provide the style.

An adjustment for Levy: Dan Janison says that we didnt see an entirely new Steve Levy, but one adjusting to a difficult and sensitive situation.

Knicks fall to Celts, 110-101: The Knicks made a run in the second half, but fell on the road to the Boston Celtics, 110-101.

Leguizamo in 'American Buffalo': John Leguizamo offers an exhilarating performance as one of the players in a junk-shop trio involved in a petty heist.

Spitzer prostitute tells her story: Former call girl Ashley Dupre tells Diane Sawyer about her life as a high-end hooker and her tryst with the ex-NY governor.

ExploreLI: Beer Festival: This Saturday at the Coliseum thousands will be sipping beers, lagers, stouts and ales from more than 50 breweries from around the world.

Knicks fall to Celts, 110-101: The Knicks made a run in the second half, but fell on the road to the Boston Celtics, 110-101.

LIVE BLOG: Knicks at Celtics: The Knicks are on the road tonight in Boston taking on the defending World Champion Celtics. Follow along live.

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