U.S. surge is big, Afghan army is crucial

The Afghan army buildup is the one to watch because the success of President Obama's new war plan is inextricably hinged to Afghanistan's ability to recruit, train and retain security forces.

Baucus defends nominating lover for post

Senate debating health care over weekend

Americans can't take weekends off from worrying about health care and the Senate shouldn't either, Majority Leader Harry Reid said as he opened a rare Saturday session.

NYT: Similarities to Iraq surge mask Afghan risks

Obama talks of jobs plan in weekly address

The U.S. is emerging from an "economic storm," President Barack Obama says, pledging new ways to put people back on the payroll after a painful recession.

Unexpected drop in jobless rate fuels optimism

No. 5 Cincinnati rallies past Pitt to win Big East

Tony Pike’s 29-yard touchdown pass to Armon Binns with 33 seconds remaining finished No. 5 Cincinnati’s frantic comeback from a 21-point deficit, and the Bearcats beat No. 14 Pittsburgh 45-44 on Saturday to secure a BCS berth and their second consecutive Big East title.

  No. 6 Boise State wraps up another perfect season

De Niro shines in ‘Everybody’s Fine’

Robert De Niro offers a master class of mannered, minimalist acting in "Everybody's Fine." And if its lead actor had a bit more room to roam into the dark corners of his character, the movie's fast path toward late-life insight would have felt more earned.

  Billy Joel's daughter hospitalized

Health reform hits doctor deficit reality

Health-care reform hits small-town reality: Even with insurance, patients need somewhere to go.

  University drops required PE class for obese

Will fusion fade ... or finally flare up?

Is nuclear fusion the ultimate energy source, or the ultimate pipe dream? Millions upon millions of dollars are being spent to find out which answer is the right one.

10 iPhone apps for the holidays that sparkle

Readers respond: Should obese fliers pay more?

A photograph of an obese passenger filling his seat and part of a jet’s aisle has renewed the debate about how airlines deal with obese travelers.

Early arrival: Baby born at 30,000 feet