Panda attacks zoo visitor for third time

For the third time,  Gu Gu the panda has attacked someone who climbed into its space, prompting officials at the Beijing Zoo to consider changes to keep visitors away from 240-pound animal.

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 as demonstrators smashed windows, set cars ablaze and blocked streets.

Thousands flee stubborn Colo. wildfire

More than a hundred firefighters spent the night battling a stubborn, wind-driven wildfire that triggered the evacuations of more than 900 homes as it scorched grasslands near Denver.

On a tight budget? Apply to Harvard

The nation's top colleges have gotten to be so expensive that only the wealthiest families can possibly afford them, especially during bleak economic times like these. Right? Not necessarily. A new report shows that such schools might not be as costly as you think.

China jails democracy activist for 6 years
A 65-year-old democracy activist who tried to set up an opposition party in China has been sentenced to six years in jail, a human rights group said Thursday.

Weekly jobless claims drop unexpectedly
New claims for unemployment benefits dropped unexpectedly last week, but the number of people continuing to seek aid rose sharply.

Detroit's auto show likely to be a bit austere

With the industry in financial dire straits, much of the glitz and glamour at this year's Detroit auto show will be replaced by a new sense of austerity.

U.S. admiral to head anti-pirate patrols

A U.S. Navy commander will lead a new international force to battle pirates off the coast of Somalia, officials said Thursday.

NYT: Bush's homeland security setup faces ax

Barack Obama is reportedly preparing to scrap the way President Bush oversaw domestic security in the White House and name a former CIA official to coordinate counterterrorism.