Kevin West

A 50-year-old former child-care worker accused of killing a 19-month-old girl under her care has pleaded innocent to charges of murder and cruelty to children.

In a move that surprised even its head coach, Middle Georgia College has suspended its football program for the 2002 season.

The European Union on Thursday approved the $23.6 billion merger of computer rivals Hewlett-Packard Co. with Compaq Computer Corp. without requiring divestments.

The NCAA put Kentucky on probation Thursday for three years for violations by the school's football program.

A high-ranking officer with the state Board of Pardons and Parole has been suspended following her arrest last month on a shoplifting charge.

Whooping cough, which dropped steadily in the United States for much of the 20th century, has made a comeback in the past 20 years, and health officials are particularly concerned about infants.

Invoking the name of Allah, former heavyweight boxing champ Muhammad Ali pleaded for the release of kidnapped Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl.

Nucor Corp., the country's second-largest steel maker, said Thursday its fourth quarter profits fell by two-thirds as steel prices dropped due to the pressure of foreign imports and the recession.

Former San Diego Chargers head coach Mike Riley will join the New Orleans Saints as assistant head coach and secondary coach.

Ashley Martin, who broke a gender barrier last season by becoming the first woman to play in a Division One football game, is quitting the sport at the urging of her soccer coach.