Asia stocks sink as layoffs add to gloom

Asian stock markets sank after Wall Street retreated and global financial firms announced another round of massive layoffs, adding to gloom about the world economy. European stocks traded lower.

Congo rebels announce pullback

Rebels in east Democratic Republic of Congo announced a military pullback on Tuesday to support a U.N. peace initiative.

Oral Roberts U. to lay off 100 workers

Oral Roberts University will lay off about 100 employees, days after it agreed to a near-$450,000 separation agreement with its former president who resigned amid a spending scandal.

Iraq sets date for long-awaited elections
Iraq said that it will hold long-awaited provincial elections on Jan. 31, a step forward for U.S.-backed efforts to promote reconciliation, although a key northern area will not participate.

Violence a political danger for Chávez

Many Venezuelans who once supported the Hugo Chavez are now considering a vote against the president's candidates because of the government's hapless response to rising crime rates.

Tanker taken to Somali pirate stronghold

Pirates who seized a Saudi supertanker loaded with $100 million in crude oil anchored the ship within sight of impoverished Somali fishing villages Tuesday.

Israeli tanks rumble into Gaza

Israeli tanks forged into the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, drawing rocket and mortar fire from Palestinian militants, militant groups said.

Boy calmly talks about dad's death
An 8-year-old boy accused of fatally shooting his father and another man is shown in a video calmly saying that he found the men lying in his home after returning from school.

Administration moves to protect appointees
Political appointees are shifted to career civil service posts as the Bush administration tries to maintain its regulatory initiatives.