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.

Gators swamp Sooners for BCS title

Sooners' record offense stymied as Florida wins 2nd national title in 3 years.

In Iran:  No credit cards, alcohol ... or urinals

One moment, Rick Steves — in Iran filming — would see murals encouraging young men to walk into the blazing sunset of martyrdom. The next, a bookstore worker would give him a free book.

Scoop: Cruise gets emotional about Jett Travolta

A visibly shaken Tom Cruise said that it was untrue that the Church of Scientology forbids members from seeking medical attention.

Report: Missile kills top al-Qaida men

A CIA strike in Pakistan killed two top al-Qaida terrorists long sought by the U.S., including the man believed to be behind a  deadly hotel bombing in Pakistan, U.S. officials told the Washington Post.

Troops in Iraq to get beer for Super Bowl
American troops in Iraq will be allowed to drink beer without fear of court-martial for this year's Super Bowl — an exception to a strict military ban on drinking alcohol in combat zones.

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.

Kennedy's bid reignites 'mommy wars'

The bid by Caroline Kennedy for the Senate has reignited the "mommy wars" between mothers with careers and those who take a break from paid employment.

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".