War tactics used against Rio gangs
Police are using counterinsurgency tactics in battle against gangs in Brazil's favelas, or slums.

Scoop: Scientologists on Travolta death

A spokesperson for Scientology says that the religion did not have any effect on Jett Travolta's treatment for his seizures.

NYT: Panetta pick for CIA reveals divisions

Leon E. Panetta has been selected by President-elect Barack Obama to head the C.I.A. The choice immediately revealed divisions in the Democratic Party.

Report: China faces wave of unrest

China faces surging protests and riots in 2009 as rising unemployment stokes discontent, a state-run magazine said in a blunt warning of the hazards to Communist Party control from an economic downturn.

Obama girls' first day at new school

Malia and Sasha Obama begin classes at Sidwell Friends under watchful eyes of, well, everyone.

Texas stuns Ohio State at Fiesta Bowl

Colt McCoy hit Quan Cosby for a 26-yard touchdown with 16 seconds to play, lifting third-ranked Texas to a 24-21 Fiesta Bowl victory over No. 10 Ohio State on Monday night.

Holes in health care means teens face future ills
Many adolescents are falling through cracks in the health care system — what a major new report calls missed opportunities to shape the next generation's health.

Outline of possible Gaza truce emerges

The contours of a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas are emerging, with diplomacy focusing on international guarantees, including monitors to oversee any agreement.

Ukraine: Russia slashed gas to Europe
Ukraine's gas company Naftogaz said Tuesday that Russia cut natural gas supplies to Europe by about two-thirds, raising the stakes in a dispute between the two neighbors that bodes ill for European consumers.

'Full-blown' humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Red Cross warns 500,000 civilians in danger; Israel rejects calls for truce.