‘Slumdog,' ‘Milk' win Critics' Choice awards

The critics have spoken, and "Slumdog Millionaire" is their final answer. The rags-to-riches tale won a leading five prizes, including best picture, at Thursday night's Critics' Choice Awards.

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.

Obama to finalize national security team

Barack Obama is completing his national security team by announcing his unusual choices for CIA director and a national intelligence director who may face tough Senate confirmation questioning.

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.

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.

Skakel claims key evidence withheld

Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel's lawyers have filed a new appeal of his murder conviction, claiming that police and prosecutors failed to provide them with evidence that pointed to another suspect and discredited a key state witness.

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.

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.