IBM Chief: IT Investment Will Create Jobs

IBM's CEO advised the Obama transition team that $30 billion in government investments in IT infrastructure could create more than 900,000 U.S. jobs.

Republicans Stress a Return to Roots

The six candidates vying to chair the Republican National Committee agreed that the party must return to core principles after its stinging election defeats.

Gaza Crisis Could Create Openings

In the long run, the Israeli push into Gaza could open some doors for the Obama administration.

• Video: What Gaza Conflict Could Mean for Obama

Meg Whitman Mulls California Run

Meg Whitman stepped down from the boards of P&G, eBay and Dreamworks Animation, another signal the former eBay chief is seriously considering a run for governor.

Watchdog Eyes SEC's Shortcomings

The SEC watchdog said he plans to broaden his investigation by examining whether or not the SEC as a whole is effective in its oversight of the financial markets. (Kotz testimony)

Treasury Gives $15 Billion to Banks

The government supplied another $15 billion to seven banks in the latest round of payments from the $700 billion rescue fund.

Withdrawal Leaves Gap in Obama Cabinet

Bill Richardson's withdrawal as commerce secretary was the first bump in the new cabinet and the second "pay to play" investigation that has touched Obama's transition to the presidency.

Franken Declared Winner in Minn.

A Minnesota board certified results showing Democrat Al Franken winning the state's U.S. Senate recount over Republican Norm Coleman, but a legal challenge probably will keep the race in limbo.

Blagojevich Probe Gets Extension

Burris is headed to Washington for a high-stakes showdown on Capitol Hill about whether he'll succeed Obama in Congress. U.S. prosecutors won a 90-day extension to seek an indictment of Blagojevich.

• Reid Appears to Give Burris an Opening
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Richardson Abandons Cabinet Bid

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson withdrew his name from consideration to be Commerce secretary, citing a federal probe into a company that has donated to his political organizations.

• Wash Wire: Obama, Richardson Statements

Housing Push for Hispanics
Spawns Wave of Foreclosures

A push by lenders, lawmakers and advocacy groups to increase homeownership among Latinos resulted in a huge increase in nonprime lending. Now, many Hispanics find themselves mired in the national housing mess.

• Graphic: Loan Types by District

Rail Shippers Seek More Regulation

Railroad customers, claiming unfair price hikes, are making a push for Congress to reinstitute tighter federal regulation.

U.S.: Detainee IDs Can Be Kept Secret

A federal appeals court ruled that the government can keep secret the identities of detainees allegedly abused at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp.

Calls Grow to Cap Property Taxes

Support for property-tax rollbacks is building, fueled by homeowners who are seeing rising tax bills despite plunging home prices.

Pakistan and U.S. Rebuild Ties

U.S and Pakistani military cooperation has increased as the two nations push to eliminate militants destabilizing both sides of the Afghan-Pakistani border.

Kaine to Become DNC Chairman

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine is set to become the next chairman of the Democratic Party.

U.S. Officials Stand Behind Israel

From the White House to Capitol Hill, U.S. officials remained firmly behind Israel. They urged a cease-fire, but put the onus on Hamas.

Obama to Meet With Lawmakers

The president-elect is expected to meet with congressional leaders to discuss his economic stimulus plan and other legislative issues soon after his arrival in Washington.

Bennet Named to Colo. Senate Seat

Denver public schools superintendent Michael Bennet was appointed to the Senate to fill a vacancy that will be created by the promotion of Sen. Ken Salazar to interior secretary.