AP - Kevin McGuire estimates that 18,000 welfare recipients in Maryland have entered the work force during the past two years.

AP - Zach Parise scored in the fifth round of the shootout, extending the New Jersey Devils' winning streak to nine games with a 3-2 victory Saturday over the New York Islanders.

AP - The Nikkei's plunge this past week made the headlines around the world, but what's really worth noting is how well Japanese stocks have done since 2000. While U.S. stocks spent much of 2005 supine, Japan and other foreign markets, especially the Euro-zone countries, booked superb performances. Their outlook for this year is just as upbeat.

AP - In a year when other West Coast Conference teams appear weaker than usual, Gonzaga coach Mark Few has to work to make sure his sixth-ranked Bulldogs don't look past anyone. Gonzaga (14-3, 4-0 WCC) visits San Diego on Saturday and then San Francisco on Monday.

Reuters - As Spanish-language radio continues to grow and diversify, the hottest trend for the new year is one hooked on the past.

AP - Martina Hingis has quickly quieted her doubters. The former No. 1 player in the world, coming back from a three-year retirement, cruised past her third consecutive opponent Saturday to advance to the fourth round of the Australian Open on a day that the heat was some players' worst opponent.

AP - Forget about the comforts of home, the Carolina Panthers prefer to take their show on the road.

AP - As the teams make their way down the road to Super Bowl XL in Detroit on Feb. 5, AP Football Writer Dave Goldberg will be filing periodic reports on the playoffs from his perspective.

E! Online - The Desperate Housewives denizens have been accused of some diva-like behavior in the past, but now a real mother is coming to the set.