** FILE ** President Ronald Reagan has a word in the ear of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher at a reception given by the British government at London's St. James's Palace for leaders attending an economic conference in 1984. (AP Photo, File)
Washington Wizards guard Nick Young (1) follows through on his shot while guarded by Indiana Pacers guard Brandon Rush in the third quarter of the Wizards' 104-90 home win Wednesday. (Associated Press)
Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen celebrates with his players after Maryland's 51-20 win over East Carolina in the Military Bowl on Wednesday in Washington. (Associated Press)
Southern Sudanese security forces wait outside the control room of the Petrodar oil facility in Paloich, southern Sudan. Sudan's oil industry may soon see a major shake-up. Southern Sudan holds an independence referendum in January that is likely to see the creation of the world's newest country. (Associated Press)
Chinese technicians man drilling equipment on an oil rig in Paloich. China's interest here is high. Six government officials from the south's oil producing region flew to China earlier in the fall, and analysts say China is trying to improve ties with the south and maintain them with the north. (Associated Press)
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak (center) delivers a speech Wednesday on next year's foreign-policy plans in Seoul. South Korea's president is calling for urgency in dismantling neighboring North Korea's atomic weapons program. (Yonhap news agency via Associated Press)
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, who leaves office Tuesday, will be remembered as a skilled politician who squandered his popularity as a Republican and fell victim to a bad economy, critics say. (Associated Press)
Now-retired Sen. Byron L. Dorgan, North Dakota Democrat, says he "focused like a laser" to complete business affecting American Indians, including long-stalled bills on health care and crime. (Associated Press)
Delaware Republican Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell is being investigated by federal prosecutors. (Associated Press)
