Search results for

Optimists in Washington believe the end-game has begun in negotiations to avoid the spending cuts and tax hikes scheduled to take affect on Jan. 1. The House is scheduled to vote Thursday on House Speaker John Boehner's "Plan B."

It was a strange and wonderful year for young adult fiction, says critic Maggie Stiefvater. This list rounds up five magical books for young adults and grown-ups alike.

Heavy snow and strong winds are making travel tough from Iowa into Minnesota and Wisconsin. As the storm moves east, it's expected to bring rain and lake-effect snow to parts of the East.

Gross domestic product grew at a 3.1 percent annual rate, well above earlier estimates. But, claims for jobless benefits rose last week — another sign that while the economy may be on the mend, there are still problems.

The mass shooting in Newtown, Conn., has prompted a variety of responses. Along with reports about soaring sales of backpacks designed to protect against bullets, there's word of volunteers — such as one Marine in California — who are standing watch outside schools.

Between 1941 and 1976, New York commuters were charmed by posters of regular New York women while riding the city's trains and buses. "Miss Subways" was selected each month by New Yorkers, in a pageant that reflected America's diversity long before the nation's other beauty contests.

The Impossible is based on a Spanish family's traumatic fight for survival after 2004's deadly Indian Ocean tsunami. While performances from Naomi Watts and young star Tom Holland ground the film, critic Jeannette Catsoulis says it's difficult to ignore the film's narrow focus.

Christian Petzold's Barbara tells the story of a doctor in '80s East Germany who's assigned to work in a rural town. Critic Stephanie Zacharek says the film and its star, Nina Hoss, deliver an understated tale of life under tyranny and the hope for a better future. (Recommended)

The New York Stock Exchange, known officially as NYSE Euronext, traces its roots back to 1792. For most of its history it has been an independent company. But not anymore — on Friday NYSE Euronext announced that it is being acquired by Atlanta-based IntercontinentalExchange, in a deal valued at $8.2 billion. Executives at both companies said they believe regulators will approve the proposed merger.

Once again, a tragedy of horrific proportions has the nation talking about changing gun laws. And, with less than two weeks to go, what to make of fiscal cliff talks? Plus: a new senator from South Carolina, while a venerable senator from Hawaii leaves us.