The Federal Reserve kept its key interest rate near 0% Wednesday, and said it is prepared to take additional steps to try to fix the troubled U.S. economy and credit markets.
Mass layoffs hit a seven-year high in 2008, with most of the job casualties occurring in the Midwest and in factories, according to the U.S. government.
Ever since Vladimir Putin rose to power in 2000, his political opponents and entire countries have learned to their cost that he has a tough, demeaning streak. Wednesday it was Michael Dell's turn.
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