Private funeral set for Jett Travolta in Florida
John Travolta and his family were expected to host a private memorial service Thursday for their son, 16-year-old Jett Travolta, at their home in a central Florida gated community.
African men jailed for 8 years over gay sex
Nine men, including a prominent activist, have been convicted of homosexual acts and sentenced to eight years in prison, their lawyer and a gay rights group said Thursday.
Dismal December sales add to retailer woes
Major retailers Thursday reported dismal sales for December, confirming fears that the holiday season was the weakest in four decades.
Small retailers struggle in tough season
Like a lot of small retailers, Henry Burton depends heavily on the holiday season to ring up sales, and, like a lot of retailers, this past holiday season proved especially challenging.
How many meerkats? London Zoo critter count
The annual count is a legal requirement for all British zoos, and it's also a useful tool for monitoring animal conservation efforts. Zookeepers say it makes sense to have a census.
Deep freeze disrupts hardy Alaskans
Ted Johnson planned on using a set of logs to a build a cabin in Alaska's interior. Instead he'll burn some of them to stay warm.
Protests over Calif. train shooting turn violent
Protests over the fatal shooting of an unarmed man by a transit police officer turned violent in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday night.
Red Cross: Israel troops ignored Gaza wounded
The international Red Cross accused Israeli forces Thursday of failing to assist wounded Palestinians.
Obama assembles powerful West Wing
Barack Obama is assembling a new and influential cadre of counselors just steps from the Oval Office whose power to direct domestic policy will rival, if not exceed, the authority of his Cabinet.
Diplomats seek Gaza cease-fire
The U.N. halted deliveries of much-needed food and fuel to the Gaza Strip on Thursday after gunfire from an Israeli tank killed an aid truck driver. World powers met to work on a cease-fire plan. ,