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 went to Duke hospital after falling ill

  Bernard Madoff was transferred from a North Carolina federal prison to Duke University Medical Center earlier this week after he experienced dizziness and high blood pressure.

  Stock markets rise, touch new 2009 highs

Sportscaster George Michael dies at 70

  George Michael, a mainstay on the Washington, D.C., sports television scene for decades who reached a national audience with "The George Michael Sports Machine" highlights show, has died. He was 70 years old.

Pompei: Saints and Colts have taught NFL a lesson

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