National

• Police: Woman slain as she tried to leave KKK rite

• 2nd man allegedly killed by boy was a loving dad

• Critics say new federal mortgage plan not enough

• Administration finalizing Internet gambling regs

• Oklahoma to debut new ambulance siren you can feel

• Joy to the world: holiday cards for 'any soldier'

• Fewer lead-tainted toys recalled this year

International

• US troops leave more security in hands of Iraqis

  • Insurgents vow to resist security pact

  • Car bombings in Iraqi capital kill 4, wound 22

• Suicide bomber hits Afghan gov't office, killing 6

• World powers to meet anew on Iran sanctions

• North Korea to halt border crossings with South

• Olmert's change from hawk to dove seems complete

Politics

• Pelosi supports new help for ailing US automakers

• Obama wants Lieberman to stay with Senate Dems

  • Obama taps veteran Dems for DoD, State handovers

  • Obama team announces rules on lobbyists

• McCain says Palin didn't hurt presidential bid

• AP interview: Foley breaks silence on sex scandal

• Anti-abortion groups jolted by election defeats

ODD & Extraordinary

• Police say robber was really caught 'red-handed'

• Artist creates 'Public Prayer Booths' in NYC

• Man allegedly steals communion wafers from priest

• Man calls cops but leaves pot pipe in plain sight

• Police say man sped away after handing over ID

• Ark. police: Burglars sold silver ingot for $30

• Littering bust lands man in jail on drug charges

• Cat missing for over 13 years back with owners

• Man stopped for tinting wrongly held for murder

• Woman finds frozen pig head on pole in her yard

Science, Technology & The Environment

• 4,300-year-old pyramid discovered in Egypt

• Cold front could thwart Friday's shuttle launch

Entertainment, Entertainers and the Arts

• Runner Maurice Greene is off 'Dancing' competition

• MSNBC host now guarded by 7-second delay

• Swift, Williams big winners at BMI awards

• Aniston: Jolie was out of line about Pitt comments

• Obama girls on 'Hannah Montana'? Maybe just talk

• Chicago theater community to honor Studs Terkel

• Sponges on canvas auctioned in NYC for $21 million

Today

• This day in history

• The nation's weather