AP - As the debate over a $700 billion bank bailout rages on in Washington, one of the nation's largest banks — Washington Mutual Inc. — has collapsed under the weight of its enormous bad bets on the mortgage market.

Reuters - U.S. regulators are trying to quickly broker a deal for Washington Mutual Inc , a large U.S. savings and loan crippled by mortgage losses, the New York Times reported on Thursday.

AP - Oil prices ended a choppy session slightly lower Wednesday, falling below $106 a barrel as weak U.S. fuel demand and a stronger dollar outweighed concerns over a reduction in global crude output.

Reuters - Washington Mutual Inc , the large U.S. savings and loan company crippled by mortgage losses, has approached private equity firms about a potential takeover after listed firms showed reluctance, the Wall Street Journal.

AFP - US lawmakers were digging their heels in Wednesday against the government's 700-billion-dollar financial rescue package, setting the scene for a fierce showdown on Capitol Hill watched anxiously by markets around the globe.

AP - Oil prices fluctuated in choppy trading Wednesday, hovering near $106 a barrel as steadily falling U.S. fuel demand and a stronger dollar clashed with traders' concerns over shrinking global crude output.

Reuters - The FBI is investigating Fannie Mae , Freddie Mac , Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc and insurer American International Group Inc , expanding its probe of potential corporate fraud, law enforcement officials said on Wednesday.

AP - Refusing to be pushed, Republicans and Democrats alike rebuffed dire warnings Tuesday from the government's top economic officials of recession, layoffs and foreclosed homes if Congress doesn't quickly approve the administration's emergency $700 billion financial bailout plan.