Michael Brewer, the 15-year-old Florida boy who was set on fire by a group of teens, is concentrating on his recovery instead of dwelling on the attack, his mom says. Valerie Brewer says her son is still in intense pain, but he endures it. "He's my hero," she says.

President Barack Obama plans to lay out his new strategy for Afghanistan in a Tuesday night address from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He's expected to announce his decision to deploy more than 30,000 troops to the war-torn country.
Sphere: Will NATO Allies Back New Strategy? | Obamas Hold First State Dinner
Politics Daily: Public Split on Afghan Buildup Plan

In April 2006, an irritated David Hackbart gave the finger to a driver who yelled at him -- only to discover that he had flipped off a cop. After Hackbart was ticketed, the ACLU sued on his behalf, arguing that the gesture is constitutionally protected free speech. Now the Pittsburgh City Council has tentatively approved a $50,000 settlement to Hackbart.

In toyland, this is the year of the hamster -- an interactive, robotic hamster. Find out why Zhu Zhu Pets are the hottest and hardest-to-get toy of this holiday season. Get some expert advice on where you might find one -- and what to do if you can't.

Toyota announces it will replace gas pedals on roughly 4 million vehicles. Some pedals have gotten snagged on floor mats, causing several accidents -- including a high-speed crash in August that claimed four lives. The recall is the sixth largest ever in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

With families still struggling with economic hardships, many are opting for cheaper alternatives to flying for the Thanksgiving holiday -- driving, taking the train or just staying home. Last year, Thanksgiving travel dropped by a sharp 25 percent, and those habits seem to be sticking.
Also See: Holiday Swine Flu Risk

Lou Dobbs sounded a little like a political candidate when he announced his departure from CNN a couple of weeks ago. Now he sounds a whole lot like one. His spokesman confirms Dobbs has his eye on the seat held by New Jersey Democrat Robert Menendez, the Senate's only Hispanic member.