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3 of spring's most anticipated novels

From the latest novel by Pulitzer Prize-winner Elizabeth Strout to a new novel by legendary author James Salter, this fiction roundup includes some of spring's most anticipated titles.
10 best books of April, according to Amazon's editors

What are the best titles to check out this month? Here are Amazon's picks.
11 best books of December, according to Amazon's editors

Looking for a holiday read for yourself or a gift for a voracious reader? These are the best new titles this month, hand-picked by Amazon's editors. Amazon’s editorial director of books and Kindle Sara Nelson tells us why they were chosen.
3 new novels about young people on a mission

Characters wonder if they're the right ones for the job in these talked-about new novels.
Thanksgiving Day by the numbers: 10 mind-stuffing facts

Data from the Census and other sources provide some numerical insights into Thanksgiving, arguably the most cherished national holiday.

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13 Republicans break rank as Senate passes $15 billion jobs bill

Breaking partisan stalemate, 13 Republicans joined Democrats Wednesday to approve a $15 billion jobs bill. Both sides see the cooperation as a template for progress on future legislation.
Menendez: Sarah Palin dooms Carly Fiorina and GOP chance of retaking Senate

DSCC Chief Robert Menendez said Sarah Palin’s ties to California Senate candidate Carly Fiorina will prove fatal for Fiorina’s election chances and the GOP odds of regaining a majority in the Senate.
Obama, students quiz space station crew

The president and a group of middle schoolers placed a 20 minute call to the International Space Station from the White House on Wednesday.
Blackwater security contractors ordered out of Iraq

Iraq has ordered more than 200 current and former employees of the private security company Blackwater, who still play a role in guarding US diplomats, to leave the country within the next four days.
US urged new safety standards days before Middletown explosion

The US Chemical Safety Board, citing seven instances where workers died purging gas lines, released urgent new recommendations just three days before the Middletown explosion in Connecticut Sunday that killed at least five people.
More US papers mull charging readers for online content

GlobalPost and the Fayetteville Observer are reportedly close to rolling out pay software called Press+.
USS Vinson to leave Haiti soon, signaling turning point in aid efforts

The USS Vinson, which arrived in Haiti days after the earthquake, is the largest US naval contribution to relief efforts. It will leave behind more than 15 other naval ships.
Obama's high-speed rail plan: Which states get the money?

President Obama announced 13 high-speed rail projects worth $8 billion Thursday. It is an 'important beginning,' advocates say, aimed at several key population centers.
State of the Union address -- President Obama's full remarks

Full text of President Obama's State of the Union address
Q&A: How much aid has reached Haiti?

More than $1 billion in aid to Haiti has been pledged so far by governments from Guatemala to Greece. The UN and other groups are increasing food distribution by the day.
Pakistan spy: US should talk to the Taliban's Mullah Omar

To succeed in Afghanistan, the US must negotiate a deal with Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar, says retired Brigadier Sultan Amir Tarar, a former Pakistan intelligence officer. He trained Mullah Omar to fight the Soviets in Afghanistan.
Patiently, US soldiers struggle to help Haiti rebuild

As US troops arrive in Haiti, they are feeling overwhelmed by the sense of need. But they are also gaining experience and learning how to manage the situation.
Soldiers' wives: Fighting mental, emotional battles of their own

A new study shows higher levels of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders among Army wives whose husbands have had lengthy deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. New programs aim to help, but there's a stigma in a professional culture that values toughness.
The Theory of Light and Matter

Vulnerable, hopeful characters populate this award-winning collection of short stories.
Fans line up as Conan O'Brien makes $45 million exit

Conan O'Brien tapes his last 'Tonight Show' Friday after settling on a $45 million severance package from NBC. But the surge in support – and ratings – for the red-headed comedian suggests that broadcast television is out of touch with public tastes in comedy, say media analysts.
At Haiti golf course, 82nd Airborne runs a refugee camp

The 82nd Airborne division helicoptered in to a golf course in the hills above Port-au-Prince, and is now running a camp for 50,000 displaced Haitians, struggling for food and water.
Marine unit headed for Middle East now rerouted to Haiti

The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, set to deploy to waters of the Middle East – potentially to support the mission in Afghanistan – is now headed to Haiti first. It's a sign of the depth of the humanitarian crisis.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 01/20
Haiti earthquake: despite fears of rioting, US starts airdrops

The US military has held off on doing airdrops of food and water to victims of the Haiti earthquake, fearing they could set off riots. But it now has troops in place to secure airdrop zones.
In Pictures: Staff shots: Scenes from the Haiti earthquake
Why US high school reform efforts aren't working

Despite a host of reform efforts, only half of low-income and minority students in US high schools graduate. Some programs are trying to change that.
Pentagon defends response time of Haiti aid efforts

Military jets have begun delivering relief supplies as part of Haiti aid efforts in the wake of the earthquake, but it will take another week for a US Navy hospital ship to reach there. Parachute drops have been ruled out for now, for fear of riots.
Opinion: What Haiti needs now: a personal visit from Obama

US presidents visit disaster areas in America all the time. President Obama can build on his good response to the Haitian quake so far by bearing personal witness to this tragedy.
Why is it taking so long for Pentagon aid to reach Haiti?

Pentagon officials say they're moving as fast as they can, but logistical challenges mean it will be a week before a US Navy hospital ship arrives to help Haiti earthquake victims.
US sends aircraft carrier to help with Haiti earthquake damage

The US military is putting other ships on standby. In addition to assessing Haiti earthquake damage, officials are also keeping a close eye on the country's security and stability.