Europe shivers as Russia cuts gas shipments

Russia shut off all gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine on Wednesday — leaving more than a dozen countries scrambling to cope during a winter cold snap.

U.S.: Dozens of insurgents killed in Afghanistan
Forces from the U.S.-led coalition killed 32 armed insurgents during a clash in eastern Afghanistan, the military said Wednesday.

Reports: Gupta approached for surgeon general

CNN says President-elect Barack Obama has approached its medical correspondent, Sanjay Gupta, to be the country's next surgeon general.

Airlines start '09 with wave of sales

A wave of fare sales has spread across the airline industry in the early days of the new year as the weak economy continues to put pressure on carriers to fill seats even after they drastically reduced capacity and some expressed willingness to cut more.

Bikers strap on fruit to dodge helmet law
Police in Nigeria have arrested scores of motorcycle taxi riders with dried fruit shells, pots or pieces of rubber tire tied to their heads with string to avoid a new law requiring them to wear helmets.

Cubans pin hopes on Obama

In central Havana, many people hope that President-elect Barack Obama will do something — almost anything — to help end the official hostilities between Cuba and the U.S.

India: Mumbai gunmen directed by phone
"We have three foreigners, including women," the gunman said into the phone.

Gaza clashes resume as 3-hour lull ends

Clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian gunmen resumed in the city of Gaza Wednesday after the expiration of a three-hour truce to allow in humanitarian aid, residents said.

Eagles vs. Giants: Which team has the edge?
Special feature: NBCSports.com's Steve Silverman breaks down each position for the Eagles vs. the Giants in the NFC divisional playoff game. You decide which team has the edge.