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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) A published report says Lance Armstrong is considering an about-face from his strong denials of the doping charges that led to him being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles. The New York Times reports Armstrong has told associates he is thinking about admitting he used performance-enhancing drugs in an effort to restore his athletic career in triathlons and running events at age 41. Armstrong attorney Tim Herman says he has no knowledge of it.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) Venezuela's vice president has sent a strong signal that the government may seek to postpone President Hugo Chavez's inauguration due to his delicate condition after cancer surgery in Cuba. Vice President Nicolas Maduro says Chavez could be sworn in later on if he's not able to take the oath of office before lawmakers next week. The opinion conflicts with the opposition view.

NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) Wounded former Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has met privately with families of victims in last month's shooting that left 26 people dead inside a Connecticut elementary school. She was accompanied by her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, who has become a vocal advocate for gun control recently.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) Officials have put more salvagers on board a Shell drilling rig grounded off a remote Alaska island. The assessment of the rig continues and officials also say critical response gear was put into place for the eventual recovery operation.

TOKYO (AP) A bluefin tuna has sold for a record $1.76 million at a Tokyo auction, even as environmentalists warn that stocks of the majestic, speedy fish are being depleted worldwide amid strong demand for sushi. Japanese eat 80 percent of the bluefin tuna caught worldwide, and much the global catch is shipped to Japan for consumption.