Today's Headlines -- Wednesday

• NKoreans salute, cry for late leader Kim Jong Il (AP)
• Economists: Obama's policies 'fair' or 'poor' (AP)
• US warns Iran against closing Hormuz oil route (AP)
• Romney, Perry slap at Paul on Iran (AP)
• Syrian troops kill protesters despite monitors (AP)
• Preventive care: It's free, except when it's not (AP)
• Last-minute holiday shopping gives lift in finale (AP)
• Clergymen clash at Bethlehem birthplace of Jesus (AP)
• Cheetah the chimp from 1930s Tarzan flicks dies (AP)
• Patriots, 49ers lead Pro Bowl rosters (AP)
• Snow and tears mark funeral for North Korean leader (Reuters)
• Obama taps economist, banker as Fed governors (Reuters)
• Deutsche Boerse, NYSE extend merger deadline to sway Europe (Reuters)
• Analysis: China needs new policy course as capital tide turns (Reuters)
• U.S. Fifth Fleet says won't allow Hormuz disruption (Reuters)
• "Nothing frightening" seen in Syria protest hotbed: monitor (Reuters)
• Seven hurt as bomb hits Arabic school in Nigeria (Reuters)
• More trouble for Gingrich as Iowa campaign quickens (Reuters)
• Obama sees approval rating rise. Is it the economy or something else? (The Christian Science Monitor)
• Wisconsin recall: Should taxpayers pay extra to verify petition signatures? (The Christian Science Monitor)