National News

Indians and oft-injured RHP Carl Pavano, a free-agent bust with Yankees, agree to 1-year deal The Cleveland Indians and free-agent pitcher Carl Pavano, a four-year bust with the New York Yankees because of injuries, agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract on Tuesday.

Patrick Swayze faces cancer (and the rigors of a new drama series) with bravery Patrick Swayze says his yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer put him "through hell" while he pushed ahead on his new TV series.

Democratic leaders seek to resolve dispute as Burris fails to capture Obama's old Senate seat Roland Burris failed to capture President-elect Barack Obama's old Senate seat Tuesday in a wild piece of political theater, but the Democrats' opposition cracked when a key chairwoman said seating

Sen. Dianne Feinstein breaks with Democratic colleagues, says Senate should seat Burris The chairman of the Senate Rules Committee has parted with many of her Democratic colleagues and says that the Senate should seat former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris.

German billionaire throws himself in front of train after businesses sink in global meltdown German billionaire Adolf Merckle threw himself in front of a train after his business empire, which included interests ranging from VW cars to pharmaceuticals to cement, ran into trouble in the glo

Republican Norm Coleman suing to challenge Democrat's apparent victory in Minn. Senate recount Republican Norm Coleman said Tuesday he is suing to challenge Democrat Al Franken's apparent recount victory in Minnesota's U.S.

Lou the mule credited with saving Tennessee woman from house fire Jolene Solomon is beginning the new year with her life, her mule named Lou and little else.

Former Fla. Gov. Jeb Bush won't run for Senate in 2010, saying it's not the 'right time' Former Gov. Jeb Bush says he won't run for the U.S. Senate in 2010 to replace the retiring Mel Martinez.

Bush counterterrorism official foresees more aggressive campaign under Obama administration President-elect Barack Obama apparently plans a more aggressive approach than the Bush administration to helping friendly nations get better at fighting terrorism within their own borders, the Stat

Aruba prosecutor: Evidence still being pursued in Holloway case but probe nearing end Aruban prosecutors said Tuesday their investigation into the 2005 disappearance of U.S. teenager Natalee Holloway is nearing the end and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, Loch Ness, among nominees for new 7 wonders of nature The Grand Canyon, Mount Everest and Loch Ness will vie with more than 200 other spectacular places in the next phase of the global competition for the New 7 Wonders of Nature, organizers said Wedne

Congress opens with pledge to tackle economy _ a cheerful first day with a sober assignment The Capitol rang loud with vows to fix the crisis-ridden economy Tuesday as Congress opened for business at the dawn of a new Democratic era.

Rockies acquire RHP Jason Marquis from Chicago Cubs for reliever Luis Vizcaino The Colorado Rockies have bolstered their starting rotation, acquiring right-hander Jason Marquis from the Chicago Cubs for reliever Luis Vizcaino.

Obama's pick to head CIA, will face questions but not serious challenges in Senate hearing President-elect Barack Obama is defending his unexpected CIA nominee Leon Panetta, who faced a surge of skepticism in Congress on Tuesday but is not expected to draw serious opposition when his con

CNN says Obama has approached its medical correspondent to be surgeon general President-elect Barack Obama has approached CNN's chief medical correspondent, Sanjay Gupta, to be the country's next surgeon general, the cable news network said Tuesday.

Cross-dressing Mass. dermatologist convicted of killing wife found hanged in prison cell A cross-dressing, millionaire Harvard dermatologist serving life in prison for shooting his estranged wife to death has been found hanged in his cell, a prison spokeswoman said Tuesday.

CBS 'Late Late Show' host Craig Ferguson reveals he got married over the holidays You couldn't miss the wedding band on Craig Ferguson's ring finger when he returned to CBS' "The Late Late Show" from his holiday break.

Burris rejected at Capitol as he tries to claim Obama's Illinois Senate seat Roland Burris tried to take President-elect Barack Obama's Illinois Senate seat Tuesday but failed in a scripted piece of political theater staged just before the opening of the 111th Congress.