A flurry of reports portrayed a U.S. economy limping its way through a broad-based downturn, with consumer demand softening and labor and housing markets still struggling.

'The year 2008 is likely to be the most difficult time for China's economy," said Premier Wen Jiabao in March at a press conference after the annual full session of China's top legislature. So far, the premier's prediction has proven accurate.

St. Petersburg Governor Valentina Matviyenko said she will again propose the administrative unification of the city and the Leningrad Oblast that surrounds it in coming weeks.

Karachi, Pakistan, a city of about 15 million, is a series of contradictions. As many as half its residents live in squatter homes made of concrete blocks even as foreign firms pour big money into luxury waterfront developments.

WASHINGTON----The European Commission has today presented a comprehensive plan to drive Europe's recovery from the current economic crisis. The Recovery Plan is based on two mutually reinforcing main elements.