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.

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.

Gaza aid held as U.N. truce plan rejected

Israeli jets and helicopters bombarded Gaza Friday and Hamas responded with a barrage of rockets on at least two cities as both sides defied a U.N. call for an immediate cease-fire.

Curran: Despite N.Y. buzz, Giants no sure thing

Curran: You'd think it might be a bigger concern — especially in a Chicken Little climate like New York's — that the Giants lost three of their final four games. That one of those four losses came to Sunday's opponent, the Eagles. That the loss of which we speak came at Giants Stadium in a game where the Giants offense was held scoreless for the first 59:40 of the game.

Kennedy's bid reignites 'mommy wars'

The bid by Caroline Kennedy for the Senate has reignited the "mommy wars" between mothers with careers and those who take a break from paid employment.

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.

Six-year-old's saggy pants lead to gun find
A 6-year-old boy brought a loaded handgun to his Southern California elementary school. It was discovered when he was sent to the campus office because of his sagging pants.

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.

Report: Missile kills top al-Qaida men

A CIA strike in Pakistan killed two top al-Qaida terrorists long sought by the U.S., including the man believed to be behind a  deadly hotel bombing in Pakistan, U.S. officials told the Washington Post.

Opinion: AP poll voters snub Utah

Opinion: Florida earned BCS title, but AP writers dropped ball with snub of perfect Utes.