U.S. 2008 planned layoffs most in five years
Planned layoffs at U.S. firms eased in December from the previous month's seven-year high but they were up an astounding 275 percent annually, according to a new report.

Researchers make car parts out of coconuts

A team at Baylor University has made trunk liners, floorboards and car door interior covers using fibers from the outer husks of coconuts, replacing the synthetic polyester fibers typically used in composite materials.

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.

Judge: U.S. hiding evidence in detainee case
A U.S. judge on Tuesday accused the Bush administration of hiding evidence in the case of a Yemen man who has been held as a terror suspect at Guantanamo Bay for six years.

Coleman sues over Minnesota Senate recount

Republican Norm Coleman is suing to challenge Democrat Al Franken's apparent recount victory in Minnesota's U.S. Senate race, he said during a news conference on Tuesday.

Mississippi now has highest teen birth rate
Mississippi now has the nation's highest teen pregnancy rate, displacing Texas and New Mexico for that lamentable title, according to a new federal report.

Ski bum? Bottom bared in lift mishap

A guy who dangled upside down from a ski lift with his bare bottom exposed probably doesn't want to hear any "ski bum" jokes.

Chris Pine puts his own spin on ‘Trek's' Kirk

Pine believes the new movie will give audiences a sense of hope — something he feels has been lacking in other sci-fi box office hits.

Death of Travolta's son raises medical queries

Millions of children and adults have seizures in the U.S., but dying from one is rare. That only adds to the confusion and mystery surrounding the life and death of Jett Travolta