British Airways in merger talks with Qantas
British Airways PLC said Tuesday it is in talks with Australia's Qantas Airways Ltd. about a potential merger.

Pirates open fire on U.S. cruise ship

Pirates near Somalia chased and shot at a U.S. cruise liner with more than 1,000 people on board but failed to hijack the vessel, a maritime official said Tuesday.

Carbon monoxide kills 11 girls at China school
Eleven girls died of carbon monoxide poisoning at a school in northern China's Shaanxi province, an education official said Tuesday evening. The girls had reportedly lit a fire to keep warm.

Rapport with Obama will be key for Clinton

Hillary Clinton's success as secretary of state may depend as much on Obama's willingness to admit her to his inner circle as her mastery of the job, officials say.

30-mile pile a symbol of FEMA delays

A 30-mile scar of debris along the Texas coast stands as a festering testament to what state and local officials say is FEMA's sluggish response to the 2008 hurricane season.

Scoop: ‘Idol's' emotional focus will highlight Abdul

"American Idol" plans to give the show a more emotional focus, which will play to the strengths of judge Paula Abdul.

Texans put on a show in Monday night debut

Mario Williams, Steve Slaton and the Houston Texans put on quite a show in their Monday Night Football debut.

India to Pakistan: Give up terror suspects

India demanded that Pakistan hand over suspected terrorists believed to be living in the country as diplomatic wrangling between the rivals intensified Tuesday following the deadly Mumbai attacks.

Canada's opposition moves to oust PM

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper faces two highly unpalatable choices after opposition parties signed an unprecedented deal on Monday to bring down his minority Conservative government.