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Friday

Obituaries

America's Daredevil Evel Knievel Dies at 69

Evel Knievel, the greatest daredevil in American memory, has died, not from the trauma of a missed landing, but suffering from diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis. He was 69. In the 1960s and '70s, no man made America — and the world — gawk and cringe and wonder the way Evel Knievel did.

America's Daredevil Evel Knievel Dies at 69

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Middle East

Palestinian Activist's Son Held Without Charges

The son of a prominent Palestinian human rights activist is being held without charges in an Israeli prison after he was seized at his home in the West Bank town of Nablus earlier this month. He has not been allowed to see a lawyer. His case is one of thousands of Palestinians who are detained without charges.

Palestinian Activist's Son Held Without Charges

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World

Chavez Opposition Swells Ahead of Referendum

Venezuelans go to the polls Sunday to vote on a hefty set of constitutional reforms that would give President Hugo Chavez greater power and also lift presidential term limits. But in the run-up to the vote, several key Chavez supporters have turned against him. Plus, a number of polls suggest that Chavez's proposed reforms may be defeated at the ballot box.

Chavez Opposition Swells Ahead of Referendum

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National

Worries Linger as Volunteers Patrol Philadelphia

Hundreds of volunteer peacekeepers began patrolling some of the toughest streets in Philadelphia this week. But questions remain about how the unarmed volunteers will interact with neighbors and police, and whether they'll be safe.

Worries Linger as Volunteers Patrol Philadelphia

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National

Illegal Border Crosser Aids Boy Stranded in Desert

On Thanksgiving, a Mexican bricklayer who had crossed the border illegally found a 9-year-old boy, distraught and looking for help. His mother had driven off a cliff in their van and was trapped inside. The man, Jesus Cordova, built a campfire and waited with the boy until help came the next day.

Illegal Border Crosser Aids Boy Stranded in Desert

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National

Robbers Raid L.A. Pet Stores for Pricey Little Dogs

Police say Los Angeles is on the leading edge of a growing national crime trend: Robbers know they can make big bucks selling stolen pooches. Tiny purebreds are a top item on holiday wish lists this year. The challenge might be buying a dog that's legally cleared for sale — and holding onto it.

Robbers Raid L.A. Pet Stores for Pricey Little Dogs

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Economy

Lenders Consider Freezing Rates on Subprime Loans

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is leading talks with major mortgage lenders. About 2 million subprime loans are scheduled to "reset" to higher interest rates during the next two years. Lenders are talking about freezing rates to hold down rising defaults and foreclosures.

Lenders Consider Freezing Rates on Subprime Loans

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Politics

Bid for More Cable Regulation Divides FCC

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin tried to push for more regulation of cable this week, and ended up opening a split in the commission. On one side is the moral conservative push for "a la carte" cable, free from offensive programming. On the other side, a pro-business objection to more regulation.

Bid for More Cable Regulation Divides FCC

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Katrina & Beyond

FEMA Moves Trailer Residents to Apartments

FEMA has begun its final clear-out of its trailer camps in Louisiana. Thousands of residents are being moved to unfurnished apartments, leaving people scrambling to figure out how they'll pay their part of the new housing.

FEMA Moves Trailer Residents to Apartments

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World

Mix of Factors Weakened Hurricanes This Season

The Atlantic hurricane season has come to an end, and it was a quiet year in the United States. But in Mexico and Nicaragua, two Category 5 storms did a lot of damage. Scientists argue about whether global warming is affecting hurricanes, and this year won't help settle the question.

Mix of Factors Weakened Hurricanes This Season

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Obituaries

Former GM Chief, Subject of 'Roger and Me,' Dies

Former General Motors chief executive Roger Smith has died. He was 82. Smith led the automaker during the 1980s, when the company created the Saturn brand. He was the subject of Michael Moore's documentary Roger and Me.

Former GM Chief, Subject of 'Roger and Me,' Dies

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National

Retired Officers Urge Leniency on Gays in Military

On the 14th anniversary of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" legislation, a group of retired military officers release a letter opposing the policy and urging leniency on gays and lesbians in the military. On the National Mall on Friday, gay and lesbian groups protested the legislation.

Retired Officers Urge Leniency on Gays in Military

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Politics

Obama Discusses Race Issues in Iowa

In Des Moines, Iowa, the concerns of African-American Iowans and the state's fast-growing Hispanic population will take center stage Saturday. All eight Democratic presidential contenders say they will attend the sixth annual Iowa Brown & Black Presidential Forum at the city's North High School.

Obama Discusses Race Issues in Iowa

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