Statement issued by Federal Reserve says action taken in light of 'weakening' economic outlook, tight credit hampering business

Volatile swings that began in US spread around the world, though not as bad in Europe as Monday's drops

Officials say they will allow 2.2 million liters of fuel into Gaza - enough fuel for power plant to generate electricity for about a week

$48-billion budget deal fell apart late Monday after dispute between Shi'ite, Sunni Arab and Kurdish lawmakers over how some of money would be spent

Last week, al-Qaida-linked militants attacked, briefly captured military fort in South Waziristan

Riot police scattered nearly 100 pro-government protesters in Nairobi ahead of Kofi Annan's visit

Ambassador Michael Ranneberger angrily denounces print, broadcast advertisements placed by Kibaki government, which accuses US, other Western countries of contributing to post-election violence

Government official asks media and public to help report work safety violations to prevent them from being swept under table

Heated exchange comes ahead of key Democratic Party primary in South Carolina, January 26

Thousands gather in Auckland for funeral of country's national hero, the first man to climb Mount Everest