Msnbc.com is now offering improved Windows Live™  Alerts! This free service lets you receive news through your Windows Live® Messenger or Windows® Messenger accounts, your e-mail, or your mobile device. You control how and when you receive these messages by specifying your preferences during the easy setup process.

Sign up to receive the latest news from msnbc.com's top sections: Breaking news, Top News, Entertainment, Business, Lottery, Health, Politics, Sports, Tech & Science, Travel, U.S. News, and World News.

Get headlines from your hometown by clicking on your region on the map below.