Obama assembles powerful West Wing

Barack Obama is assembling a new and influential cadre of counselors just steps from the Oval Office whose power to direct domestic policy will rival, if not exceed, the authority of his Cabinet.

Report slams Pentagon nuke oversight
A Pentagon advisory group plans to release a report Thursday criticizing the Defense Department for lack of focus on its nuclear mission and recommending more oversight, a senior defense official said.

‘Dark Knight' wins People's Choice

The caped crusader flick won five awards, including favorite cast, superhero, action movie and on-screen matchup for Christian Bale's Batman and Heath Ledger's Joker.

On a tight budget? Apply to Harvard

The nation's top colleges have gotten to be so expensive that only the wealthiest families can possibly afford them, especially during bleak economic times like these. Right? Not necessarily. A new report shows that such schools might not be as costly as you think.

Panda attacks zoo visitor for third time
For the third time,  Gu Gu the panda has attacked someone who climbed into its space, prompting officials at the Beijing Zoo to consider changes to keep visitors away from 240-pound animal.

C-sections best for baby when close to due date

Babies do better after a scheduled Caesarean section if they're born no sooner than seven days before their due date, a new large study of U.S. births shows.

Matthews won't run for Pa. Senate seat
MSNBC political commentator Chris Matthews has told his colleagues he won't be leaving television to run for a U.S. Senate seat from Pennsylvania.

Red Cross: Israeli troops ignore Gaza wounded

The international Red Cross accused Israeli forces Thursday of failing to assist wounded Palestinians.

Celtics' woes hit home, Rockets win at Garden

Von Wafer hit a 3-pointer with 44 seconds left to give Houston the lead and the Rockets beat Boston 89-85 on Wednesday night.