McLean, Va. - USA Today said on Wednesday that it has launched a new tool that will let readers use AOL's AIM instant messenger to search current and archived headlines and set up news alerts. Once logged into AIM, users can add "USA TODAY" to their buddy lists. They can then type key words into the dialogue box, and receive a return IM when the paper publishes articles containing those words. Readers also can use the service to browse and search headlines.

Dulles, Va. - AOL said on Thursday that it has signed a deal with U.K.-based social network Bebo, to offer its AIM instant messenger service to Bebo users. An AIM icon will now automatically appear on the profiles of 38 million Bebo users, and will indicate whether the use is signed on to AIM and available to chat.

Dulles, Va. - AOL said on Thursday that it has released a test version of its free, Web-based e-mail service integrated with the AIM instant messenger, allowing users to simultaneously email and IM from the same screen.

Toronto - JumpTV, an Internet TV network that syndicates more than 270 news and other channels from over 70 countries, announced that it has raised about $100 million in an offering of shares on London's Alternative Investments Market (AIM).

Mountain View, Calif. - Meebo, a provider of a Web-based instant messaging service, announced on Thursday that it has raised $9 million in its second round of venture capital financing, led by new investor Draper Fisher Jurvetson and existing shareholder Sequoia Capital.