Nobel scientist Levi-Montalcini dies in Rome, 103

ROME (AP) — Rome‘s mayor says biologist Rita Levi-Montalcini, who conducted underground research in defiance of Fascist persecution, and went on to win a Nobel Prize for helping unlock the mysteries of the cell, has died at her home in the city. She was 103.Italy’s so-called “Lady of the Cells,” who died on Sunday, lived through anti-Semitic discrimination and Nazi invasion, becoming one of her country’s...

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Stories for 2013: Syria to 'post-Gangnam'

Among the few virtual certainties of 2013 is the ongoing anguish of Syria and the decline of its president, Bashar al-Assad.STORY HIGHLIGHTSLook for more unrest amid power transitions in the Middle EastDisputes and economic worries will keep China, Japan, North Korea in the newsEurope's economy will stay on a rough road, but the outlook for it is brighterEvents are likely to draw attention to cyber...

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Senate adjourns for day with no deal on 'fiscal cliff'

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lawmakers pushed the country to the edge of the "fiscal cliff" on Sunday as they struggled to reach a...

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Venezuela's Chavez suffered more complications after surgery: Maduro

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez suffered more complications linked to a respiratory infection that hit him after his fourth cancer operation in Cuba, the vice president said in a somber broadcast on Sunday. Vice President Nicolas Maduro flew to Cuba to see Chavez in hospital as supporters' fears grow for the ailing 58-year-old socialist leader, who has not been seen...

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Wall Street ends sour week with 5th straight decline

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks fell for a fifth straight day on Friday, dropping 1 percent and marking the S&P 500's longest losing streak in three months as the federal government edged closer to the "fiscal cliff" with no solution in sight. President Barack Obama and top congressional leaders met at the White House to work on a solution for the draconian debt-reduction measures set...

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NHL makes new offer; lockout enters critical stage

NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL made a new offer to the players' association, hoping to spark talks toward ending the long lockout and saving the hockey season.Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Friday the league presented its proposal Thursday and was waiting for a response. The sides haven't met in person since a second round of talks with a federal mediator broke down Dec. 13.The lockout has reached its...

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Photos: Blizzard Hits Indiana the Day After Christmas

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. — All of our five kids, along with their spouses and grandchildren, were at our house celebrating Christmas. Two families were getting ready to leave for Ohio and Virginia when the TV show was interrupted with a warning from the National Weather Service.Central Indiana was now under a Blizzard Warning with the snow to start that night. Up to one foot of snow was predicted along with...

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2013: A year for big issues in the courts

By Jeffrey Toobin, CNN Senior Legal AnalystDecember 27, 2012 -- Updated 1445 GMT (2245 HKT)Chief Justice John Roberts re-administers the oath of office to Barack Obama at the White House on January 21, 2009. STORY HIGHLIGHTSJeffrey Toobin: 2013 will see pivotal decisions in several key areas of lawHe says Supreme Court could decide fate of same-sex marriageAffirmative action for public college admissions...

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Senate leaders to make last-ditch 'fiscal cliff' effort

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama and U.S. congressional leaders agreed on Friday to make a final effort to prevent...

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India gang rape victim dies in Singapore hospital

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The Indian gang rape victim whose assault in New Delhi triggered nationwide protests died of her injuries on Saturday in a Singapore hospital, potentially threatening fresh protests in India where her case is a rallying point for women's rights. The 23-year-old medical student, severely beaten, raped and thrown out of a moving bus in New Delhi two weeks ago, had...

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