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.

December jobs report likely to be grim

Trying to survive a deepening recession, employers are cutting their work forces to the bone, leaving more Americans unemployed and with dim prospects of finding a new job any time soon.

Cowboy churches rope in new Christians

Moments after flying headfirst onto the arena dirt, the man brushes off his protective vest as rodeo clowns rush in to distract the still-bucking bull. But this isn't a typical rodeo. It's an outreach ministry.

Floods cut Washington highways

Floods, mudslides and avalanches in the Pacific Northwest kept tens of thousands of people from their homes Thursday, brought freight trains to a standstill and stranded hundreds of trucks.

Troops in Iraq to get beer for Super Bowl
American troops in Iraq will be allowed to drink beer without fear of court-martial for this year's Super Bowl — an exception to a strict military ban on drinking alcohol in combat zones.

Pinched Americans hit the gym, but seek deals
People squeezed by the economic crisis are still paying for gym memberships and diet centers, but health clubs are having to hold down their fees to keep customers coming in.

NYT analysis: Difficult road for Panetta at CIA

For Leon E. Panetta, President-elect Barack Obama's choice for CIA chief, achieving success will be especially difficult because of intense pressure over recent counterterrorism policies in which the C.I.A. played a leading role.

Gators swamp Sooners for BCS title

Sooners' record offense stymied as Florida wins 2nd national title in 3 years.

Obama team preparing bailout overhaul

Treasury Secretary nominee Timothy F. Geithner and President-elect Barack Obama's economic team are overhauling the embattled bailout and broadening its scope well beyond Wall Street.