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The Federal Reserve cuts a key interest rate by a quarter-point amid signs the Fed is wrapping up a rate-cutting spree meant to keep the economy out of a crippling recession. But the Fed's future course will depend on inflation and the weakness of the dollar.

Federal Reserve policy makers are expected to cut a key interest rate today, in what would be the first cut to the federal funds rate in more than four years. Those calling for the cut say it could will make it easier to borrow — and reassure jittery financial markets hard-hit by this year's mortgage meltdown.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met Thursday with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moualem to press Syria to do more to keep foreign fighters out of Iraq. It was the first meeting between high-ranking U.S. and Syrian officials in two years.

The Democratic presidential rivals split Tuesday's primary races. Sen. Hillary Clinton won big in Kentucky, but Sen. Barack Obama's victory in Oregon pushed him closer to the nomination.

President-elect Barack Obama named Nancy Killefer as his chief performance officer. Her job will be to bring modern ideas of business efficiency to the White House. Obama also spoke of his plans to revive the economy without worsening the federal budget deficit.

Sen. John McCain unveils his proposed energy policy Tuesday. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee argues the United States should lift its ban on offshore drilling.

Leaders from around the world gathered in Washington, D.C., over the weekend to discuss the global financial crisis. After the meeting, they issued a 10-page action plan for reform, enhancing regulation and reinforcing international cooperation.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has said global financial markets are severely strained and quick action is needed to implement the government's $700 billion financial bailout plan. The comments follow global central bankers' decision to cut interest rates.

Live events aren't for sissies. That's especially true for the sound guys at the Oscars. NPR's Lourdes Garcia-Navarro speaks with Dolby's Steve Venezia about what can go wrong, but usually doesn't.

Criminals who defraud public health care programs to the tune of billions of dollars a year are now up against sophisticated computer systems designed to catch them. But the new efforts may yield far more leads than the current team of investigators and analysts can handle.