Pentagon bans computer flash drives
The Pentagon has banned, at least temporarily, the use of external computer flash drives because of a virus threat officials detected on Defense Department networks.

Islamists: We'll fight Somali pirates
A radical Islamic group in Somalia said Friday it will fight the pirates holding a Saudi supertanker loaded with $100 million worth of crude oil.

Germany drops attempt to ban Scientology
Germany is dropping its pursuit of a ban on Scientology after finding insufficient evidence of illegal activity, security officials said Friday.

NYT: Obama tilts to center, inviting a clash of ideas
Barack Obama won the nomination with the hearty support of the left wing of his party. Now, his reported selections for two major Cabinet positions suggest a plan to govern from the center-right.

Court records detail Vick's lavish spending

With Michael Vick due to plead on state charges next week, he was returned to Virginia on Thursday, The Associated Press reviewed the details of his bankruptcy filing. The documents reveal astoundingly bad financial management of the quarterback's fortune.

Obama makes key Cabinet picks

Several key appointments, including State and Treasury Department secretaries appear to be nearly-done deals, with Democratic officials confirming President-elect Barack Obama's intended nominees.

Suspected U.S. missile strike kills 5 in Pakistan
A suspected U.S. missile killed at least five militants in northwestern Pakistan, Pakistani intelligence officials said Saturday.

Stocks leap on treasury speculation

Wall Street put a stop to a terrifying decline and stormed higher as President-elect Obama appeared ready to tap the chief of the N.Y. Federal Reserve as the next treasury secretary.

Disputed Senate ballots hold key to Minn. win

The pile of disputed ballots in Minnesota's U.S. Senate race is growing at a pace sure to dwarf the 215-vote margin prior to the recount, making it tough to tell who is gaining an edge as the recount progresses.