Top headlines:
Cat lost in Yellowstone returned to Texas family: A cat lost in Yellowstone National Park in August has been returned to her family in Houston with the help of some West Yellowstone residents. Fluffy somehow survived for about three months despite the coyotes, foxes, owls, hawks, eagles and grizzly bears that frequent the area. ›01:55
Obama teams scrutinize federal agencies: Obama teams review agencies in an attempt to minimize tension during the transition, but it creates anxiety among some Bush officials. ›05:15
Video: Driving a hard bargain: Dec. 3: With the survival of the Big Three on the line, America's auto workers step up and offer to give back. CNBC's Scott Cohn reports.(Nightly News) ›23:42
Akon looks for fresh start with Freedom: Akon's explosive rise to the top of the music charts was fueled by feel-good songs and naughty grooves but recent missteps with the law has the music star distancing himself from street life with his new album, "Freedom." ›19:11
Federline: Im rooting for Britney: In an exclusive interview, Britney Spears' ex-husband Kevin Federline opens up about the demise of their marriage, taking care of the kids and her breakdown and comeback. "I'm definitely rooting for her," he said. ›14:56
Memoir: Hard living in the Big Easy: In "The House on First Street," journalist Julia Reed tells the story of her New Orleans home before and after Hurricane Katrina. In this excerpt, she writes about why New Orleanians have a particular penchant for dangerous situations. ›16:47
Newsweek: Do the Big Three deserve $34 billion?: Newsweek: Do the Big Three deserve $34 billion? ›15:13 2 Dec, Tue
Franken pulls closer but Coleman still leads: Democrat Al Franken caught a couple of breaks Tuesday as the recount in Minnesota's U.S. Senate race drew closer to a finish, though not enough to undo Republican Sen. Norm Coleman's persistent lead. ›15:15
Buffett's Constellation bid challenged again: France's state-controlled power company challenged a proposed takeover by Warren Buffett of Constellation Energy Wednesday. ›15:17
Lopez to host Miss America pageant again: Mario Lopez will again host the Miss America pageant, which airs Jan. 24 on TLC. ›22:20 1 Dec, Mon
U.S. chef selling oodles of noodles in Tokyo: Originally a Chinese recipe of broth, noodles and various toppings, ramen is a culinary delight close to the hearts of most Japanese. But U.S. chef Ivan Orkin's version is a real hit with the locals he and his team are now making some 200 bowls a day. ›16:43 2 Dec, Tue
We're too poor to keep our children: What happens when you can no longer afford your family? Dr. Gail Saltz advises a woman whose heart is in three states after sending two of her three kids to live with relatives, leaving her to deal with foreclosure and an alcoholic husband. ›19:16
Polanski requests dismissal of sex charge: Filmmaker Roman Polanski, a fugitive in Europe for the last 30 years, has filed a request in Los Angeles to have a child-sex charge against him dismissed. ›00:27
Fleetwood Mac returning to the road in 2009: Fleetwood Mac will embark on its first tour in five years next spring, beginning March 1 in Pittsburgh. ›00:45 4 Dec, Thu
J.K. Rowling is back on bookshelves: The woman behind Harry Potter will release a new book Dec. 4: "The Tales of Beedle the Bard," a collection of fairy tales that is mentioned in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." Proceeds will go to a charity for children in Eastern Europe co-founded by Rowling. ›16:25 2 Dec, Tue
AP: Gregory to replace Russert, NBC exec says: AP: NBC News is close to naming chief White House correspondent David Gregory as Tim Russert's replacement on the political talk show "Meet the Press," a network executive said Tuesday. ›02:55
White House rejects impeachment ornament: The White House won't display a Christmas tree ornament that calls for President Bush's impeachment. ›03:13
Hell on wheels: The world's worst taxi rides: Taxi drivers around the world have perfected the art of loud righteous indignation that's meant to intimidate. ... Where taking a cab is an extreme adventure, and how to avoid being scammed. ›14:53
Curtis Stones apple-honey tarte tatin: Australian celebrity chef Curtis Stone shares a sweet and satisfying dessert that won't eat up your time. ›15:52 2 Dec, Tue
Dog Whisperer: Fidos first day home: In his book, "Member of the Family," Cesar Millan provides advice on making your dog feel welcomed and getting the relationship with your new pet off to a good start. An excerpt. ›19:45
California Democrat considered for trade job: Rep. Xavier Becerra, a strong proponent of labor protections in free trade pacts, is in discussions with the Obama transition team about taking the job of U.S. trade representative. ›18:27
More happiness, less sex for retired couples: According to a new survey, retirement leaves most couples feeling happier, less stressed and closer to their spouses than ever before. The survey paints a picture of content couples who are traveling, eating out, pursuing their hobbies and having less sex. ›16:05
Offseason acquisitions aren't paying dividends: Elton Brand, Ron Artest and Baron Davis were supposed to lift their new teams to greater heights. Ain't happening yet, Randy Hill says. ›18:58
Underachieving Raptors fire Mitchell as coach: The Toronto Raptors fired coach Sam Mitchell on Wednesday, one day after the team absorbed an embarrassing loss to the Denver Nuggets. ›23:10