Feinstein now backs Panetta for CIA chief - 8 January 2009, 12:51 am
A key senator has dropped her concerns about Leon Panetta becoming director of the Central Intelligence Agency.  

Real estate mogul dead of apparent suicide - 8 January 2009, 12:31 am
One of Chicago's most well-known real estate moguls appears to have shot himself to death, police said.  

Israel resumes Gaza campaign after brief lull - 8 January 2009, 12:21 am
Israel is halting its military operations in Gaza for three hours today to allow residents of the Hamas-ruled Palestinian territory to obtain supplies. The truce is scheduled to take place every other day. "This is in order to enable replenishing of supplies and allow aid activities," Israeli Defense Ministry spokesman Peter Lerner told CNN.  

'Please have mercy,' wife begs kidnappers - 8 January 2009, 12:08 am
Felix Batista disappeared December 10 from a restaurant in Mexico -- a case that made headlines because of its irony. The anti-kidnapping expert was kidnapped, authorities said. The Batista family will make a public appeal in Miami today. "We hope to get some answers," sister Jackie Batista told CNN.  

Officer in transit shooting resigns, agency says - 8 January 2009, 12:06 am
An officer involved in a New Year's Day shooting that left a passenger dead in a crowded California subway station resigned today, a Bay Area Rapid Transit spokesman said. The spokesman said the officer has received death threats after the incident, which was captured on video. A funeral was held today for the passenger, 22-year-old Oscar Grant.  

Army sends 'John Doe' letters to kin of dead - 7 January 2009, 11:02 pm
The U.S. Army is apologizing to thousands of Army families who received letters beginning "Dear John Doe" after losing a loved one in Iraq or Afghanistan.  

Election Day assaults bring hate crime charges - 7 January 2009, 10:27 pm
Investigators have charged three Staten Island, New York, men with assaulting African-Americans on Election Day in retaliation for the election of President-elect Barack Obama, authorities said Wednesday.  

Democratic source: Blagojevich 'called our bluff' - 7 January 2009, 10:02 pm
Senate Democrats have no choice but to change their tone about Roland Burris becoming a senator because Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich "called our bluff" in appointing someone over their objections, a senior Democratic source said today. Barack Obama today called it "a Senate matter" and suggested he could work with Burris if he gets seated.  

13 companies hiring this year - 7 January 2009, 6:38 pm
Though 2008 was wrought with layoffs and economic struggles, the New Year means rejuvenated hope for job seekers.  

How gray, wrinkled will Obama be in 2013? - 7 January 2009, 6:20 pm
When a new president strolls into the White House, there's a kick in his step and a twinkle in his eyes.