RSSNational Headlines
Jobless claims dip, spending up in sign of rebound
By JEANNINE AVERSA and MARTIN CRUTSINGERIn a hopeful sign for the economy, the number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for unemployment benefits fell below 500,000 last week for the first time since January.
Obama expects support for more Afghanistan troops
By ANNE GEARANPresident Barack Obama will announce his plan to bolster the war in Afghanistan in a speech Tuesday night from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, his spokesman said, a surge that military officials say could top 30,000 troops.
Polanski wins $4.5M bail, house arrest likely
By BRADLEY S. KLAPPERRoman Polanski was granted $4.5 million bail Wednesday, clearing the way for the fugitive director to move within days from a Swiss jail to house arrest and electronic monitoring at his Alpine resort chalet.
Business
Jobless claims dip, spending up in sign of rebound
In a hopeful sign for the economy, the number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for unemployment benefits fell below 500,000 last week for the first time since January.
Entertainment
Polanski wins $4.5M bail, house arrest likely
Roman Polanski was granted $4.5 million bail Wednesday, clearing the way for the fugitive director to move within days from a Swiss jail to house arrest and electronic monitoring at his Alpine resort chalet.
Health
CDC: Swine flu vaccine safe; no big problems seen
U.S. health officials say there's no evidence that the swine flu vaccine is causing any serious side effects.
International
Iran seeks to quiet critic inside ruling system
When Iran holds state-run ceremonies this week for an important Islamic feast day, there will be one very noticeable change: former President Hashemi Rafsanjani will not be leading the prayers.
Politics
AP Newsbreak: Records show WH health care talks
Top aides to President Barack Obama met early and often with lobbyists, Democratic political strategists and other interests with a stake in the administration's national health care overhaul, White House visitor records obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press show.
Religion
Familiar Bible phrases in culture
Familiar Bible phrases in contemporary culture:
Science
Shuttle Atlantis leaves space station, headed home
Shuttle Atlantis undocked from the International Space Station early Wednesday and headed home with one astronaut eager to hold his newborn daughter for the first time and another who's been away from her young son since the summer.
Sports
APNewsBreak: Chairs of NFL concussion panel resign
Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a wide-ranging memo about concussions to NFL teams, saying the co-chairmen of the league's committee on brain injuries have resigned and that he is examining potential rule changes "to reduce head impacts."
Strange
Obama's first pardon: A turkey named 'Courage'
After 10 months in office, President Barack Obama granted his first pardon Wednesday to "Courage," a 45-pound turkey spared from the Thanksgiving table.
Technology
AT&T and Verizon ads duel on airwaves and in court
What would the holidays be without bickering between siblings? AT&T and Verizon are swamping TV with ads attacking facets of each other's wireless networks. While the ads stick fairly close to the truth, there's a lot they don't say.
Washington
U.S
Editorial Roundup: Excerpts From Recent Editorials
Excerpts from recent editorials in newspapers in the United States and abroad: