Cubans pin hopes on Obama

In central Havana, many people hope that President-elect Barack Obama will do something — almost anything — to help end the official hostilities between Cuba and the U.S.

Reports: Gupta approached for surgeon general

CNN says President-elect Barack Obama has approached its medical correspondent, Sanjay Gupta, to be the country's next surgeon general.

Gaza clashes resume as 3-hour lull ends

Clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian gunmen resumed in the city of Gaza Wednesday after the expiration of a three-hour truce to allow in humanitarian aid, residents said.

Stores fear holiday sales may stick

Shoppers are getting used to those 75 percent off sales, and that's bad news for merchants who worry they will also have to quickly slash prices on spring goods to attract customers.

Obama vows future budget restraint
To a public wary of government spending, President-elect Barack Obama is offering a salve with his massive economic stimulus package: the promise of long-term fiscal discipline.

U.S.: Dozens of insurgents killed in Afghanistan
Forces from the U.S.-led coalition killed 32 armed insurgents during a clash in eastern Afghanistan, the military said Wednesday.

India: Mumbai gunmen directed by phone
"We have three foreigners, including women," the gunman said into the phone.

Airlines start '09 with wave of sales

A wave of fare sales has spread across the airline industry in the early days of the new year as the weak economy continues to put pressure on carriers to fill seats even after they drastically reduced capacity and some expressed willingness to cut more.

Obama, Bush to lunch with 3 ex-presidents

An entire generation has gone by since the nation last saw this tableau of American history: every living U.S. president together at the White House.