UNITED STATES

The U.S. Department of Commerce will release its first monthly retail sales numbers for 2013 on Thursday.

The U.S. stock index futures point to moderately lower open Tuesday, as the market sentiment appeared cautious ahead of the president's State of the Union address in which he's expected to share his economic vision.

As news of North Korea’s nuclear test drew worldwide reactions, the U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting Tuesday.

Foreign-exchange traders will be closely watching the G20 meeting in Russia. Currency manipulation will likely dominate the discussions.

The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to vote on Chuck Hagel’s nomination for defense secretary Tuesday, after much delay.

Israel says it is folly to classify Hezbollah as a "charity organization," and urges the E.U. to reconsider.

Two suspects have reportedly been charged with the shooting murder of 15-year-old Chicago high school student Hadiya Pendleton. The news of the charges came Monday, the same day news broke that Pendleton's parents, Cleopatra Powley-Pendleton and Nathaniel Pendleton, will be attending the 2013 State of the Union address.

Hard rocker Ted Nugent will be in attendance when President Obama delivers his annual State of the Union address on Tuesday night.

Watch the official enhanced live stream of the 2013 State of the Union Address Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST, when President Barack Obama will speak to the American public about his plans for the coming year, the challenges that face the country, and more.

Romesha, who now works for an oil company in North Dakota, led a group of only 53 American soldiers as they weathered a day-long assault from as many as 300 Taliban soldiers.

"Cloud Atlas" flopped in the U.S. but has managed to find a fan base in China despite charges of racist undertones in the casting.

Obama is expected to propose a reduction in the U.S. nuclear arsenal. How many nuclear weapons would this leave America?

There has never been a Pope from Ireland, one of the most Catholic nations on earth.

With attendance in Catholic Churches across Europe and the U.S. having fallen for decades, how will Catholics respond to Benedict's resignation?

Although Eric Schmidt, chairman of Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), filed intentions to sell a major share block, the company said it was “routine."

The We the People Amendment to the Constitution would specify that only human beings, not artificial entities, have rights.

'Up All Night,' staring Christina Applegate and Will Arnett, may not survive Applegate's departure.

As the manhunt for ex-LAPD officer Christopher Dorner enters its second week, authorities said they plan to use spy drones in their search for the elusive and disgruntled former cop.

The cost of corn has surpassed the price of the ethanol made from it, which doesn’t bode well for producers.

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham urges his fellow senators to block voting on the two nominees. It may not be a good idea.

Apple is reportedly developing a wearable device that could be the much-rumored "iWatch," according to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.