Two Russian political parties – one with a billionaire's backing and the other supported by well-known liberal leaders – is taking on United Russia's lock on power.

South Carolina is the latest state to crack down on illegal immigration, but the new bill will likely not withstand scrutiny from the federal judiciary.

The US economy will double its growth rate by the end of the year, if Congress raises the debt ceiling, says economic forecaster Mark Zandi. Otherwise, 'we would be thrown into recession.'

AP - A general strike disrupted services across Greece and riots erupted once more outside Parliament Tuesday as demonstrators protested more taxes and spending cuts essential for the country to receive critical bailout funds that will prevent a potentially disastrous default.

AP - French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde has been chosen to lead the International Monetary Fund. She will become the first female managing director of the global lending organization.

AP - A vicious wildfire spread through the mountains above a northern New Mexico town on Tuesday, driving thousands of people from their homes as officials at a government nuclear laboratory tried to dispel concerns about the safety of sensitive materials.