Senate passes historic health care legislation

Senate Democrats passed landmark health care legislation early Christmas Eve in a move that could define President Barack Obama's legacy and usher in near-universal medical coverage for the first time in U.S. history.

Storm spreads snow, ice across Midwest

Madoff treated at Duke hospital after falling ill

  Bernard Madoff was transferred to a hospital earlier this week after he experienced dizziness and high blood pressure, his lawyer said.

  Stocks end shortened session at new ’09 highs

Celtics say Pierce's knee situation is ‘serious’

  The Boston Celtics don’t expect Paul Pierce back any time soon. Pierce was in so much pain from a right knee infection that coach Doc Rivers says the All-Star forward called team trainer Ed Lacerte on Wednesday around 3 a.m. Lacerte went to Pierce’s house and took him to the hospital, where they drained fluid from Pierce’s knee.

  Lions place rookie QB Stafford on injured reserve

Scoop: Farewell, 2009, we won’t miss you

If 2008 was about performances that were on the brink of breakthrough, 2009 was about performances that broke through, and did so with alarming brevity.

Tidbits: Kate Gosselin dropped from new TV show

Inside a home for brain-damaged youths

To visitors, Specialty Hospital, home to 50 of the sickest, most vulnerable young people, can appear a deeply disturbing place. But for those who live and work here, Specialty represents all the joy and happiness and nurturing safety of home.

Senate passes historic health care legislation

Cosmic Log: Pick the weirdest wonders

Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Which of the past year's scientific discoveries were the weirdest? Cast your official ballot for the 2010 Weird Science Awards.

10 best video games of 2009

Now boarding: Flight 1225 to North Pole

Thanks to the efforts of airline and airport employees, the TSA, sponsors, donors and volunteers, children can take a fantasy trip to the North Pole from airports around the U.S.

10 years of twisted travel