Admirals, generals: Let gays serve openly
More than 100 retired generals and admirals called Monday for repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays so they can serve openly, according to a statement obtained by The Associated Press.

NATO fires on insurgents in Pakistan
NATO troops in eastern Afghanistan fired 20 artillery rounds at insurgents inside Pakistan after coordinating with Islamabad, officials said Tuesday.

New House Dems wary on taxes, bailout

New House Democrats, especially those elected from Republican-leaning districts, are wary of tax increases and of a taxpayer-funded bailout for the Big Three U.S. automakers.

Iraq sets date for long-awaited elections
Iraq said that it will hold long-awaited provincial elections on Jan. 31, a step forward for U.S.-backed efforts to promote reconciliation, although a key northern area will not participate.

Asia stocks sink as layoffs add to gloom

Asian stock markets sank after Wall Street retreated and global financial firms announced another round of massive layoffs, adding to gloom about the world economy. European stocks traded lower.

Blind woman threatened over 1-cent bill
A 74-year-old blind woman was shocked when her daughter found a letter from the city saying a lien would be placed on her home unless she paid an overdue water bill.

Lieberman to keep committee chair

Sen. Joe Lieberman will keep his chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security Committee despite hard feelings over his support for GOP nominee John McCain during the presidential campaign.

Auto bailout appears in jeopardy

Detroit's Big Three automakers are pleading with Congress for a $25 billion lifeline to save their once-proud companies from collapse, warning of broader peril for the national economy as well.

Violence a political danger for Chávez

Many Venezuelans who once supported the Hugo Chavez are now considering a vote against the president's candidates because of the government's hapless response to rising crime rates.