Obama urges action on economy
US President-elect Barack Obama says that a huge stimulus package is urgently needed to revive the US economy.

Madoff 'had cheques ready to go'
Bernard Madoff had $173m in cheques in his office desk, ready to send out at the time of his arrest, US prosecutors say.

Canada charges two with polygamy
The leaders of two breakaway fundamentalist Mormon sects in an isolated Canadian community are charged with polygamy.

US cartoon provokes Colombia ire
Colombian coffee growers plan to sue a US cartoonist for a cartoon they say links their main advertising figure with violence.

Christmas sales in US disappoint
US retailers including Wal-Mart saw disappointing sales in the key Christmas trading period, as consumers reined in spending.

Mexico takes urgent economy steps
Mexico unveils emergency measures to protect its economy, including freezing fuel prices and creating thousands of new jobs.

Venezuela resumes fuel aid to US
Venezuela's US-based oil firm Citgo reverses Monday's decision to scrap a scheme providing heating oil to poor US families.

Bratz dolls given sales reprieve
Bratz dolls are to be allowed to remain on sale during 2009 after a judge gives a reprieve to their manufacturer.

India-US 'missile shield talks'
India has been holding initial talks with the US over the purchase of its missile defence shield, a UK newspaper says.

Gallery gets iconic Obama image
An iconic portrait of Barack Obama will become part of the permanent collection at the US National Portrait Gallery.

Six-year-old takes parents' car after missing school bus
The parents of a six-year-old boy in the US are charged with neglect after the boy drove their car for 10km trying to get to school on time.

FROM WORLD NEWS AMERICA >>
Family ties
Matt Frei, presenter of BBC World News America, examines the continuing growth of political dynasties in America.

FROM BBC SPORT >>
Motorcyclist dies at Dakar Rally
French motorcyclist Pascal Terry is found dead three days after going missing during the Dakar Rally, being held in South America.

FROM BBC SPORT >>
World Series winner gets long ban
Philadelphia pitcher JC Romero is suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance.

Senate shift on Obama replacement
Senate leaders are expected to allow Roland Burris to take up Barack Obama's vacant seat in the US Senate.

Canada expels US woman deserter
A US army deserter and mother of three is ordered to leave Canada after her appeal for refuge fails.

US deficit 'to hit $1 trillion'
The Congressional Budget Office says the the federal government deficit will exceed $1 trillion next year, the largest on record.

Concern grows for California pelicans
Wildlife experts in California try to fathom a mysterious illness affecting pelicans from San Diego to San Francisco.

Tech fair offers greener vision
Analysts predict that the green credentials of tech products will become critical as the Las Vegas electronics show starts.

Guatemala ends landslide rescue
Rescuers in Guatemala call off their search for bodies and any survivors of a massive landslide that killed at least 34 people.

Oil prices drop as US stocks rise
Oil prices fall sharply as US crude oil stocks soar amid evidence of continuing weakening energy demand by consumers.

US recession forecast to drag on
The US recession is likely to drag on well into 2009, according to forecasts from the US Federal Reserve.

Bank of America in Chinese sale
Bank of America is to sell a stake in China Construction Bank, in an move that could raise $3bn, the Chinese bank says.

Super stethoscope
How FBI technology is driving a medical advance

Viva Miami!
How Cuba's exiles became part of the American mix

US-Cuba ties: Thaw in sight?
How US policy on Cuba could shift under Obama

Cuba at the crossroads?
Revolution at 50: How young Cubans see the future

Cuba's economic challenge
The BBC's Michael Voss looks at how Cuba has managed to keep its economy ticking over in the 50 years since the revolution.

Best Bushisms
How the outgoing US president tied his tongue in knots

Free but homeless
Chinese Uighur's search for safety after Guantanamo

Fans' reaction
Apple boss Steve Jobs's health hot topic at Macworld

Parrot paradise?
World's biggest parrot colony faces growing pressures

Bucking the trend
Crowds expected at hi-tech show despite downturn