Search results for

When President-elect Barack Obama introduced his national security team this week, he left two key positions unfilled: CIA director and director of National Intelligence. That may be because it's hard to find people to fill the jobs who are not associated with the controversial intelligence policies of the Bush administration.

President-elect Barack Obama has filled about half of the openings in his Cabinet. A new Gallup Poll shows nearly 4 out of 5 Americans approve of his transition moves so far. But, could there be a price to be paid for this early popularity?

Japan's main index fell more than 6 percent. South Korea was down more than 3 percent. Hong Kong's main stock average fell nearly 5 percent, partly on grim economic news out of China. The drop in world markets follows a nearly 8 percent plunge in the Dow, after the National Bureau of Economic Research issued a report declaring that the U.S. officially is in recession.

Gunmen in Mumbai are thought to still be holding a number of foreign hostages. Indian commandos have been trading fire with the attackers. On Wednesday, gunmen armed with assault rifles and grenades fanned out across Mumbai and attacked popular tourist sites, including the city's top two luxury hotels.

After the author came to the United States from the Dominican Republic, he says, he became obsessed with his home country. Diaz eventually adjusted and learned about the new culture by reading.

The city of Chicago has one more thing to boast about: Its hometown orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, has been named America's top orchestra in a new critics' poll published in the venerable British magazine Gramophone.

Lawmakers are demanding that GM, Ford and Chrysler submit a plan for improvements before Congress will consider a $25 billion aid package for the auto industry. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid say if there's a viable plan, Congress might return to work early next month for a vote. Some lawmakers wanted Congress to stay in session.

Economists say falling prices are a sign that the economy isn't doing well. Slowing consumer demand is behind the fall in oil prices, which are heading toward $50 a barrel. The government reported Wednesday that prices for consumer goods are eroding at a record pace. A short while ago, inflation seemed to be the danger. Economic policymakers now are fretting about deflation.

Washington's National Mall will regain a star attraction Friday, when the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History reopens after a two-year renovation. It took $85 million and a horde of curators, builders, architects and advisers to reframe space for the museum's 3 million historic objects.

President-elect Barack Obama's top choice for U.S. attorney general seems to be Eric Holder. Holder was the No. 2 official in the Justice Department under President Clinton. The Obama team says no final decision has been made.