Opening act for Congress: raising taxes

While tax cuts are an integral part of President-elect Barack Obama's stimulus plan, the newly convened Congress and Obama are nonetheless preparing for a tax hike. But don't worry just yet, unless you're a smoker.

Madoff said to have stashed $173 million

Prosecutors say Bernard Madoff had $173 million in signed checks in his office desk that he was ready to send out at the time of his arrest last month.

December jobs report likely to be grim

Trying to survive a deepening recession, employers are cutting their work forces to the bone, leaving more Americans unemployed and with dim prospects of finding a new job any time soon.

Gaza fighting rages as U.N. call ignored

Israeli aircraft bombarded Gaza early Friday and Hamas fired rockets into southern Israel, as the government said there would be no quick end to the fighting despite a U.N. resolution calling for a cease-fire.

Alzheimer's drugs double death risk in elderly
Anti-psychotic drugs commonly used to treat Alzheimer's disease may double a patient's chance of dying within a few years, suggests a new study that adds to known concerns.

Pinched Americans hit the gym, but seek deals
People squeezed by the economic crisis are still paying for gym memberships and diet centers, but health clubs are having to hold down their fees to keep customers coming in.

NYT analysis: Difficult road for Panetta at CIA

For Leon E. Panetta, President-elect Barack Obama's choice for CIA chief, achieving success will be especially difficult because of intense pressure over recent counterterrorism policies in which the C.I.A. played a leading role.

Palin lashes out at the media

Sarah Palin, still smarting over coverage of her vice presidential run, calls the media's reporting on her family "very scary".