Jobless rate jumps to 7.2 percent

The Labor Department reported Friday that the jobless rate rose to 7.2 percent in December and payrolls dropped by 524,000 jobs.

At CES, progress a step at a time

The big debuts at the International Consumer Electronics Show aren't whiz-bang hardware systems. They're ideas designed to protect the environment and improve the technology consumers already use.

Somali pirates free Saudi supertanker

Somali pirates freed a Saudi supertanker seized in the world's biggest ship hijacking for a $3 million ransom on Friday, an associate of the gang said.

Ill. court: Burris doesn't need 2nd signature

The Illinois Supreme Court says Secretary of State Jesse White doesn't need to sign Roland Burris' appointment to the U.S. Senate to make it valid.

Microsoft's Ballmer raises pressure on Yahoo
Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer has told the Financial Times newspaper that the current period of transition for Yahoo is a good time for a search deal between the two companies.

Auto tech takes a big bite from Apple

While the splashiest media campaign at the International Consumer Electronics Show was launched by Ford Motor Co., — the real pacesetter appears to be a company that isn't there at all: Apple Inc.

Patrick Swayze checks into hospital

Patrick Swayze has pneumonia and has checked himself into a hospital for observation, it was revealed Friday at a press event for the Television Critics Association in Los Angeles.

Jobs outlook adds urgency to stimulus

Friday's employment report confirms an already bleak job market outlook. Analysts say that  even if all goes well  hiring probably won't pick up again until early 2010.

Barkley to take leave of absence after DUI bust

NBA broadcaster' blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit, test shows

Obama: No torture on my watch

At a press conference to announce his CIA and national intelligence nominees, President-elect Barack Obama said Friday his administration would not compromise its ideals to fight terrorism.