Washington  - Spurred on by public ire over bonuses paid at firms that received government bail-outs, the US Congress Thursday was considering a 90-per-cent tax on executive bonus payments by companies receiving more than 5 billion dollars in federal funds.

The action, which the House of Representatives could vote on later Thursday, comes amidst furor over actions by American International Group (AIG), the world's largest insurance firm whose near failure in September 2008 helped push a teetering US financial system into rapid descent.

Washington  - A key gauge of US economic performance fell in February after rising slightly in the previous month, according to a private research group on Thursday.

The New York-based Conference Board's index of 10 leading economic indicators slid 0.4 per cent on unemployment claims, weak stock markets and consumer confidence.

The increase in January was revised downward to 0.1 per cent, while December was revised to a decline of 0.1 per cent from an earlier increase.

Washington, Mar 19: ‘Desperate Housewives’ stars Eva Longoria Parker and Nicollette Sheridan celebrated the 100th episode their hit TV series in rather messy way – by indulging in a food fight.

The hit ABC show completed its 100 episodes last year, and the cast members celebrated the success with a luxury cake.

But, according to actor James Denton, who plays Mike Delfino on the popular series, Sheridan had other things in mind.

Washington, Mar 19 : World-renowned classical singer Heather Schmid has revealed that her private performance for Pakistan''s then-President Pervez Musharraf has made her a target for terrorists threats.

Schmid had been in Pakistan to perform in a music festival to raise funds for the country after the devastating earthquakes in 2006, and she became so popular there that she was invited to do a private performance at the Governor''s Mansion.

Washington, Mar. 19: President Obama and his advisers have decided to significantly expand security forces in Afghanistan in the hope that a much larger professional army and national police force could promote stability in that country.

Washington, Mar 19: American socialite Paris Hilton's British reality TV show turned into utter chaos, when two contestants went for each others throats, and had to be calmed down by a psychiatrist.

The show, Paris Hilton’s British Best Friend, sees contestants competing to be the hotel heiress’ new best pal.

According to reports, Emma Beard and Kat McKenzie, who were competing for the role, started fighting with one another, and had to be dragged apart.