From the Americas Desk: As the agricultural trade gap narrows, Dan Grech explains what American food producers want to do to increase business in the U.S.

From Los Angeles: Andrea Gardner explores whether a new recording format being launched Wednesday in Britain will have any appeal in the U.S.

From Washington: Scott Tong explores whether four more years of Bush economic policies will have any influence with the Fed's decisions in the year ahead.

From Washington: Gretchen Cook looks at a new GAO report exposing the danger of Social Security numbers in public records.

From Los Angeles: Scott Jagow examines the significance of the new Anthem-Wellpoint merger.

From Tokyo: Jessica Smith illustrates how the U.S. deficit is prompting new worries among international investors.

From the Work & Family Desk: Tanya Ott describes the problems food stamp recipients have in buying heart-healthy foods.