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Brazil has been one of the world's economic success stories over the past decade, with tens of millions rising out of poverty. Their numbers have risen sharply, but many feel their foothold in the middle class is still tenuous.

The central bank's unexpected move to keep rates low for now was good news for stock investors and homebuyers, but oil prices surged and savers will have longer to wait before they see higher rates. The Federal Reserve concluded that the economy is still too weak and needs its continued help.

Lawmakers questioned Marine Commandant James Amos about how much money the military really needs. One day they say any cut endangers national security. Another day, they say they are ready for any attack on Syria.

Gallup says more Americans see Russia as unfriendly or an enemy — as opposed to friendly or an ally — for the first time in at least 15 years. The Gallup poll also found that more than half of Americans view Russian President Vladimir Putin unfavorably.

As health costs keep rising, many firms are trying to run their benefits programs as leanly as possible. For some, that means not paying the claims of spouses who work for other companies. It costs more to insure the typical spouse than the typical employee, one analyst says.

The U.S. has had poet laureates, who seem to have worked out well, promoting poetry to the masses. But a bill to similarly sing the praises of scientific discovery and get more young people considering science careers is falling victim to politics.

In the mountains around Acapulco, mudslides and floods have killed dozens of people. In the resort city itself, 30,000 tourists are trying to leave — but there are few flights out. Meanwhile, Mexico's Gulf coast is also being pummeled.

Economists thought they would hear there had been about 330,000 applications filed for unemployment insurance. Instead, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there were 309,000. Changes in two states' computer systems, however, may still be affecting the data.

The hawala system has been long used by those outside the formal banking sector. It gives people a quick, cheap and anonymous way to send money back home. But the very reasons it's attractive to them also make hawala attractive to terrorists.

Rescuers have reached some of the remote areas affected by floods, as electricity and phones have been restored.