California Democrat considered for trade job

Rep. Xavier Becerra, a strong proponent of labor protections in free trade pacts, is in discussions with the Obama transition team about taking the job of U.S. trade representative.

Franken pulls closer but Coleman still leads

Democrat Al Franken caught a couple of breaks Tuesday as the recount in Minnesota's U.S. Senate race drew closer to a finish, though not enough to undo Republican Sen. Norm Coleman's persistent lead.

‘Sound of Music' hotel hits sour note

The Austrian city of Salzburg has blocked plans to open a hotel in a former home of the von Trapp family immortalized in "The Sound of Music" after protests by neighbors.

Victim's kin sue in Wal-Mart stampede death
The family of a worker trampled to death in a "Black Friday" crush of bargain hunters at a Long Island Wal-Mart store claims in a lawsuit that store ads offering deep discounts led to "crowd craze."

UAW open to contract concessions

The United Auto Workers said Wednesday it is willing to change its contracts with U.S. automakers to do its part to help the struggling companies secure $34 billion in loans.

Judge affirms 'millennium bomber' sentence

A federal judge in Seattle on Wednesday re-imposed a 22-year sentence on an Algerian convicted of plotting to bomb the Los Angeles airport at the turn of the millennium.

China forces AIDS activist to return home

A Chinese AIDS activist said Wednesday that she was forcibly taken back to her rural home after participating in World AIDS Day in Beijing.

Pierce to play despite Burress shooting probe

The New York Giants expect Antonio Pierce to play in Sunday's game against Philadelphia while the team gathers information on the linebacker's involvement in a shooting that led to the season-ending suspension of star receiver Plaxico Burress.

Conservatives form rival to Episcopal Church
Theological conservatives upset by the liberal views of the Episcopal Church are forming a rival denomination.