British Airways in merger talks with Qantas
British Airways said it is in talks with Australia's Qantas Airways about a merger, sending its shares soaring as it confirmed expectations of consolidation in the aviation industry.

Rice gives piano recital fit for a queen

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice gave a piano recital for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

Brad Pitt: I'm proud of my ‘crazy' family

As families move into self-sustaining, flood-resistant housing in his adopted hometown of New Orleans, Brad Pitt speaks with pride of his Make It Right Foundation, as well as of his own family with Angelina Jolie: "I truly feel rich being around them."

Ford may not need bailout billions

Ford's CEO said Tuesday his company will seek financial aid from the U.S. government, but may not need it, adding that he'll work for $1 per year if the automaker has to take a loan.

Balance of power hangs on Ga. runoff

Georgia voters are returning to the polls Tuesday to decide one of two unresolved U.S. Senate races that Democrats need to win for a 60-seat majority impervious to GOP filibusters.

Activists blast U.S. at climate talks

Environmentalists criticized the United States and other rich countries Tuesday for failing so far to make meaningful commitments at a U.N. conference on climate change.

NYT: Pardon back in focus for Holder

In the career of Eric H. Holder Jr., President-elect Barack Obama's attorney general choice, there is one notable blemish: Holder's role in the 2001 pardon of billionaire financier Marc Rich.

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.

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.