CONCEPCION, Chile (Reuters) - Frightened by more heavy aftershocks, coastal residents in Chile camped out on hillsides on Thursday, five days after one of the strongest earthquakes in a century killed more than 800 people.

OTSU, Japan (Reuters) - Bank of Japan policy board member Tadao Noda rebuffed government pressure for fresh action, ruling out increasing the bank's bond buying and calling on the government to do its part to fix Japan's tattered finances.

Reuters - Frightened by more heavy aftershocks, coastal residents in Chile camped out on hillsides on Thursday, five days after one of the strongest earthquakes in a century killed more than 800 people.

Reuters - Bank of Japan policy board member Tadao Noda rebuffed government pressure for fresh action, ruling out increasing the bank's bond buying and calling on the government to do its part to fix Japan's tattered finances.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration reasserted its commitment to banning proprietary trading by banks with draft legislative language on Wednesday, despite signs that Congress is unlikely to adopt such a rule.

BERLIN (Reuters) - Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas called on Thursday for Germany and its EU partners to send a clear message of confidence in Athens to financial markets, allowing Greece to borrow more cheaply.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi troops, police, prisoners and the infirm began voting on Thursday, three days ahead of a parliamentary election seen as pivotal for a divided country which U.S. troops are scheduled to leave by the end of 2011.

LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - Investors defrauded by U.S. swindler Bernard Madoff awaited a Luxembourg court ruling on Thursday over their wish to sue Swiss bank UBS, potentially sparking a wave of compensation claims.

AP - Rank-and-file Democrats in Congress remain wary of health care legislation in spite of President Barack Obama's closing argument for overhauling the system, well aware that success is far from assured and political perils abound.

AP - The Chilean military's humanitarian aid effort hit the streets, carrying food and water to some areas that had seen little of either since a mammoth earthquake struck five days ago.

AP - For the third time in seven months, the judgment of those who operate the nation's air traffic control system has been called into question and raised concerns that the system may not be as safe as officials claim.

AP - When 3-year-old Brandyn Coppedge became entangled on a window blind cord, it took less than a minute for the toddler to strangle. His father says the safety device designed to prevent such a tragedy had broken, but the window blind was never recalled.

Reuters - The Obama administration reasserted its commitment to banning proprietary trading by banks with draft legislative language on Wednesday, despite signs that Congress is unlikely to adopt such a rule.

Reuters - Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas called on Thursday for Germany and its EU partners to send a clear message of confidence in Athens to financial markets, allowing Greece to borrow more cheaply.

Reuters - Iraqi troops, police, prisoners and the infirm began voting on Thursday, three days ahead of a parliamentary election seen as pivotal for a divided country which U.S. troops are scheduled to leave by the end of 2011.

AFP - China on Thursday announced its smallest defence budget increase in years amid national belt-tightening, and vowed that its rapid military modernisation posed no threat to other countries.

ATHENS/BERLIN (Reuters) - Debt-burdened Greece launched a critical bond issue on Thursday and urged Germany and other EU partners to send a clear signal of confidence in Athens to financial markets that would allow it to borrow more cheaply.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - An explosion killed five people in Baghdad on Thursday while Iraqi troops, police, prisoners and the infirm cast early ballots ahead of Sunday's national poll.

LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - Investors who lost money to U.S. swindler Bernard Madoff through a fund set up by UBS cannot seek compensation directly from the Swiss bank, a Luxembourg court ruled on Thursday.

AP - Singapore's Navy warned that a terrorist group is planning attacks on oil tankers in the Malacca Straits, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

AP - Already enveloped in a scandal that has raised unanswered questions about his conduct and brought calls for his resignation, New York Gov. David Paterson faces new charges of violating state ethics laws, a case that a political analyst says could be even more politically dangerous.

AP - A court has convicted four men over a foiled 2007 plot to attack U.S. targets in Germany and given them prison sentences of up to 12 years.

AP - There wasn't a bottle of Oxiclean or a ShamWow anywhere. But there was Dawn Stephens' nifty new, all-in-one toilet-bowl-cleaning brush.

AP - The Baylor star who created buzz with her above-the-rim dunks is likely to face discipline after punching an opposing player in the face.

Reuters - Debt-burdened Greece launched a critical bond issue on Thursday and urged Germany and other EU partners to send a clear signal of confidence in Athens to financial markets that would allow it to borrow more cheaply.

Reuters - An explosion killed five people in Baghdad on Thursday while Iraqi troops, police, prisoners and the infirm cast early ballots ahead of Sunday's national poll.

Reuters - Investors who lost money to U.S. swindler Bernard Madoff through a fund set up by UBS cannot seek compensation directly from the Swiss bank, a Luxembourg court ruled on Thursday.

AFP - A German court on Thursday jailed four Islamic militants, including two German converts, to between five and 12 years for a thwarted plot to attack US diplomats, soldiers and civilians.

OTSU, Japan (Reuters) - Bank of Japan board member Tadao Noda rebuffed on Thursday government overtures for looser monetary policy to support the fragile economy, saying he saw no need for further easing now.

Reuters - Bank of Japan board member Tadao Noda rebuffed on Thursday government overtures for looser monetary policy to support the fragile economy, saying he saw no need for further easing now.

AFP - Sixty-three people, all of them women and children, were crushed to death in a stampede on Thursday at a temple in northern India where a crowd had gathered for a religious festival.

ATHENS/BERLIN (Reuters) - Debt-burdened Greece drew strong demand for a crucial bond issue on Thursday but paid a steep risk premium that underscored its plea to Germany and other EU partners for support to help lower its borrowing costs.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Twelve people were killed in Baghdad on Thursday, including seven soldiers and police blown up by suicide bombers, days before a poll that will test Iraq's prospects for stability as U.S. troops prepare to leave.

LUXEMBOURG/ZURICH (Reuters) -Investors who lost money to U.S. swindler Bernard Madoff through a fund set up by UBS cannot seek compensation directly from the Swiss bank, a Luxembourg court ruled on Thursday, relieving pressure on UBS.

AP - New claims for jobless benefits fell last week in a sign that layoffs may be easing as the economy slowly recovers.

AP - A string of blasts across the Iraqi capital targeting voters killed 17 people Thursday, authorities said, ratcheting up fear in an already tense city as many Iraqis cast early ballots ahead of Sunday's nationwide parliamentary elections.

AP - Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia have stepped up maritime and air patrols in the Malacca Strait after receiving a warning that a terrorist group was planning attacks on oil tankers in the waters, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

AP - A species of frog thought to have been extinct for 30 years has been found in rural Australian farmland, officials said Thursday.

AP - Singapore said it will maintain a ban on chewing gum sales, a policy that has helped shape the city-state's international image as a tightly controlled, squeaky-clean island.

Reuters - Debt-burdened Greece drew strong demand for a crucial bond issue on Thursday but paid a steep risk premium that underscored its plea to Germany and other EU partners for support to help lower its borrowing costs.

Reuters - Twelve people were killed in Baghdad on Thursday, including seven soldiers and police blown up by suicide bombers, days before a poll that will test Iraq's prospects for stability as U.S. troops prepare to leave.

Reuters - LUXEMBOURG/ZURICH (Reuters) -Investors who lost money to U.S. swindler Bernard Madoff through a fund set up by UBS cannot seek compensation directly from the Swiss bank, a Luxembourg court ruled on Thursday, relieving pressure on UBS.

AFP - A German court on Thursday jailed four Islamic militants who dreamed of 'mounting a second September 11' for a thwarted plot to attack US soldiers and civilians in Germany.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Twelve people were killed in Baghdad on Thursday, including seven soldiers and police blown up by suicide bombers, days before a poll that will test Iraq's prospects for stability as U.S. troops prepare to leave.

LUXEMBOURG/ZURICH (Reuters) -A court ruling on Thursday is likely to mean UBS avoids direct compensation claims from investors who lost money to fraudster Bernard Madoff in a fund the Swiss bank had set up, and may save HSBC from similar suits.

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Malaysia and Indonesia said on Thursday they are stepping up security in the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, following the Singapore navy's warning of possible attacks on oil tankers.

AP - Rep. Sander Levin of Michigan was chosen Thursday as acting chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, a post that plays a major role in health care and billions of dollars in expiring tax cuts.

AP - House Democratic leaders are pushing for a final vote on far-reaching health legislation in the next three weeks, aiming to answer President Barack Obama's call for swift action.

AP - A string of blasts ripped through Baghdad targeting early voters and killing 17 people Thursday, authorities said, raising tensions in an already nervous city as early ballots are cast for Sunday's parliamentary elections.

Reuters - Twelve people were killed in Baghdad on Thursday, including seven soldiers and police blown up by suicide bombers, days before a poll that will test Iraq's prospects for stability as U.S. troops prepare to leave.

Reuters - LUXEMBOURG/ZURICH (Reuters) -A court ruling on Thursday is likely to mean UBS avoids direct compensation claims from investors who lost money to fraudster Bernard Madoff in a fund the Swiss bank had set up, and may save HSBC from similar suits.

Reuters - Malaysia and Indonesia said on Thursday they are stepping up security in the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, following the Singapore navy's warning of possible attacks on oil tankers.

AFP - Sixty-three people, all of them women and children, were crushed to death on Thursday in a stampede at a temple in India when a gate collapsed triggering panic among the 10,000-strong crowd.

AFP - A German court on Thursday jailed four Islamic militants who dreamed of 'mounting a second September 11' for a thwarted plot to attack US soldiers and civilians in Germany.

CONCEPCION, Chile (Reuters) - Chile will need international loans and three or four years to rebuild after a massive earthquake killed more than 800 people and ravaged its infrastructure, President Michelle Bachelet said on Thursday.

AP - Rep. Sander Levin of Michigan was chosen Thursday as acting chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, a post that plays a major role in health care and billions of dollars in expiring tax cuts.

AP - New claims for jobless benefits fell last week in a sign that layoffs may be easing as the economy slowly recovers.

AP - A string of deadly blasts shattered an early round of voting in Iraq Thursday, killing 17 people and highlighting the fragile nature of the country's security gains ahead of crucial parliamentary elections this Sunday.

AP - The Obama administration is urging a House panel not to offend Turkey by declaring that the Ottoman-era killing of Armenians was genocide. But the committee chairman pressed ahead Thursday.

AP - Academy Awards front-runners Sandra Bullock and Jeff Bridges and at least four other nominees are hitting the Oscar stage as presenters.

AP - The NFL is on the verge of an uncapped season.

Reuters - Chile will need international loans and three or four years to rebuild after a massive earthquake killed more than 800 people and ravaged its infrastructure, President Michelle Bachelet said on Thursday.

AFP - Early voting in Iraq's general election was overshadowed Thursday by two suicide bombings at polling stations that killed seven soldiers and a mortar attack that claimed the lives of seven civilians.

AFP - Divers searched for bodies in debris-clogged waters off Chile's central coast Thursday as bulldozers began removing tonnes of rubble five days after a massive earthquake and tsunami.

AP - House Democratic leaders are pushing to finish far-reaching health legislation and hold a climactic vote in the next three weeks, aiming to overcome reluctance from rank-and-file lawmakers. But they conceded Thursday they may not meet President Barack Obama's challenge for swift action.

AP - The economy is showing renewed strength as retail sales surged last month and factory orders also increased. Yet there's little evidence such growth will lead to more hiring soon — unless recent gains in consumer spending force companies to add workers.

AFP - Divers searched for bodies in debris-clogged waters off Chile's central coast Thursday as bulldozers began removing tonnes of rubble five days after a massive earthquake and tsunami.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congressional Democrats made headway on Thursday on their top legislative priority -- job creation -- when the House of Representatives approved a $15 billion package of tax credits and highway construction.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House ratcheted up its push for a quick healthcare vote in the Congress on Thursday, criticizing rising health insurance premiums at a meeting with top industry executives and wooing key lawmakers.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. congressional panel voted on Thursday to label as 'genocide' the World War One-era massacre of Armenians by Turkish forces, prompting Turkey to recall its ambassador from Washington.

PHOENIX (Reuters) - The number of right-wing 'Patriot' groups that see the U.S. government as their enemy more than doubled in the last year, fanned by anger over the economy and a backlash against the policies of President Barack Obama, according to a study published this week.

AP - Toyota has for years blocked access to data stored in devices similar to airline 'black boxes' that could explain crashes blamed on sudden unintended acceleration, according to an Associated Press review of lawsuits nationwide and interviews with auto crash experts.

AP - Support from his own party in doubt, President Barack Obama summoned more than a dozen House Democrats to the White House Thursday, pleading with them to put aside their qualms, seize a historic moment and vote for his massive health care overhaul. It's the opportunity of a generation, he told them — and a chance to revive the party's agenda after his rough first year in office.

AP - David Paterson, New York's first black governor and a product of the Harlem political machine, faced rapidly waning support Thursday even among New York City's most influential black leaders, while his top spokesman resigned and said he couldn't 'in good conscience continue.'

AP - Despite doubts among many lawmakers that it'll create many jobs, the House on Thursday passed legislation giving companies that hire the jobless a temporary payroll tax break. The measure passed 217-201 on a mostly party-line vote. The bill also extends federal highway programs through the end of the year.

AP - A man rebuffed in an attempt to get arrested, finally got his wish when he went for an officer's handgun. Unified police documents said the 54-year-old transient tried to turn himself in at the jail last weekend but an officer told him he had no reason to arrest him. At that point, police said the man grabbed for the officer's gun saying, 'Maybe I'll try suicide by cop.'

Reuters - Congressional Democrats made headway on Thursday on their top legislative priority -- job creation -- when the House of Representatives approved a $15 billion package of tax credits and highway construction.

Reuters - The White House ratcheted up its push for a quick healthcare vote in the U.S. Congress on Thursday, criticizing rising health insurance premiums at a meeting with top industry executives and wooing key lawmakers.

Reuters - The Pentagon should consider blocking a potential $1 billion contract with the company formerly known as Blackwater to train Afghan police because of questions about its conduct in Afghanistan, a top U.S. senator said.

Reuters - A U.S. congressional panel voted on Thursday to label as 'genocide' the World War One-era massacre of Armenians by Turkish forces, prompting Turkey to recall its ambassador from Washington.

Reuters - U.S. General David Petraeus said on Thursday he had expanded the authority of his top commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, to give him operational control over virtually all American forces in the country.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration stepped up pressure on health insurance companies on Thursday, calling on some of the top U.S. companies to be more public in explaining 'jaw-dropping' rate increases to consumers.

SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Chile's government on Thursday sharply cut the official death toll from a massive weekend earthquake and ensuing tsunamis to 279 identified bodies, from a previously reported 802 victims, without giving an explanation.

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Students and faculty at California's public universities rallied across the state on Thursday to protest steep fee hikes they say have damaged a system of higher education long the envy of the nation.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - An imam accused of tipping off al Qaeda-trained militant Najibullah Zazi as he plotted to set off bombs in New York's subway system pleaded guilty on Thursday to lying to the FBI about his contact with Zazi.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two senior senators unveiled legislation on Thursday to require the military to hold, interrogate and prosecute certain terrorism suspects and also bar them from receiving legal rights afforded most criminals in the United States.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon should consider blocking a potential $1 billion contract with the company formerly known as Blackwater to train Afghan police because of questions about its conduct in Afghanistan, a top U.S. senator said.

AP - A North Korean colonel who spent two decades going on European shopping sprees for his country's rulers said Thursday the late dictator Kim Il Sung lived in luxury while many people struggled to survive in his impoverished communist nation.

AP - Ever wonder how Martha Stewart might tackle your decorating disaster or party planning nightmare? Some folks will soon get the chance to find out.

Reuters - The Obama administration stepped up pressure on health insurance companies on Thursday, calling on some of the top U.S. companies to be more public in explaining 'jaw-dropping' rate increases to consumers.

Reuters - Chile's government on Thursday sharply cut the official death toll from a massive weekend earthquake and ensuing tsunamis to 279 identified bodies, from a previously reported 802 victims, without giving an explanation.

Reuters - Students and faculty at California's public universities rallied across the state on Thursday to protest steep fee hikes they say have damaged a system of higher education long the envy of the nation.

Reuters - An imam accused of tipping off al Qaeda-trained militant Najibullah Zazi as he plotted to set off bombs in New York's subway system pleaded guilty on Thursday to lying to the FBI about his contact with Zazi.

Reuters - Two senior senators unveiled legislation on Thursday to require the military to hold, interrogate and prosecute certain terrorism suspects and also bar them from receiving legal rights afforded most criminals in the United States.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two Pentagon security officers were wounded on Thursday evening when a gunman shot at them in the giant office building's main entrance to the Metro commuter rail system, Pentagon officials said.

SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Chile's government said on Thursday the death toll from a massive weekend earthquake and ensuing tsunamis was unclear because of confusion over the number of people who disappeared and whether they were dead.

BEIJING (Reuters) - China will steer a steady policy course this year but will change tack if needed to counter the lingering impact of the international credit crunch, Premier Wen Jiabao said on Friday.

AP - A gunman coolly drew a weapon from his pocket and opened fire at the teeming subway entrance to the Pentagon complex Thursday evening, wounding two police officers before being shot and critically wounded, officials said.

AP - Massachusetts Rep. William Delahunt has decided not to run for re-election.

AP - College student John Park and gospel singer Jermaine Sellers were sent home Thursday along with female semifinalists Michelle Delamor and Haeley Vaughn as 'American Idol' voters trimmed the field to 16 rivals on the Fox singing competition show.

AP - Jessie Canfield was attending a surprise birthday party with family and friends when she began feeling discomfort and cramping then ducked into a bedroom for several hours. Partygoers told police she said nothing about giving birth to a 6-pound baby girl.

Reuters - Two Pentagon security officers were wounded on Thursday evening when a gunman shot at them in the giant office building's main entrance to the Metro commuter rail system, Pentagon officials said.

Reuters - Chile's government said on Thursday the death toll from a massive weekend earthquake and ensuing tsunamis was unclear because of confusion over the number of people who disappeared and whether they were dead.

AFP - A shooting at the metro entrance to the Pentagon left two police officers and a civilian suspect wounded and forced the US military headquarters to be put under security lockdown.

AFP - China's government Friday predicted another year of rapid expansion while vowing to tame inflation and curb runaway loan growth to forestall a risky bubble in the world's third-largest economy.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. regulators said on Thursday they were reviewing more than 60 complaints that fixes made on recalled Toyota Motor Corp vehicles for unintended acceleration had not solved the problem.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two Pentagon security officers were wounded on Thursday when a gunman shot them at the entrance to the giant Defense Department headquarters beside a commuter rail station, officials said.

CONCEPCION, Chile (Reuters) - Chile will need international loans and three to four years to rebuild after one of the most powerful earthquakes in a century killed hundreds of people and demolished cities and towns, President Michelle Bachelet said on Thursday.

BEIJING (Reuters) - China will seek to heal social rifts and spur home-driven growth with more public welfare and rural spending even as the government tightens its belt after a burst of feverish spending, Premier Wen Jiabao said on Friday.

AP - Influential black leaders in New York City say they believe Gov. David Paterson should stay in office amid allegations he and his staff interfered in a domestic violence case involving a top governor's aide.

AP - Students staged raucous rallies to protest education funding cuts on college campuses nationwide Thursday, but some demonstrations got out of hand as protesters threw punches and ice chunks in Wisconsin and shut down a major freeway in California during rush-hour traffic.

AP - Massachusetts Rep. William Delahunt will not run for re-election, the seven-term Democrat said Thursday night, a decision he said was not politically motivated as he faces criticism for his handling of a 1986 shooting by a University of Alabama professor accused of killing three colleagues last month.

Reuters - U.S. regulators said on Thursday they were reviewing more than 60 complaints that fixes made on recalled Toyota Motor Corp vehicles for unintended acceleration had not solved the problem.

Reuters - Two Pentagon security officers were wounded on Thursday when a gunman shot them at the entrance to the giant Defense Department headquarters beside a commuter rail station, officials said.

Reuters - Chile will need international loans and three to four years to rebuild after one of the most powerful earthquakes in a century killed hundreds of people and demolished cities and towns, President Michelle Bachelet said on Thursday.

Reuters - China will seek to heal social rifts and spur home-driven growth with more public welfare and rural spending even as the government tightens its belt after a burst of feverish spending, Premier Wen Jiabao said on Friday.

AFP - A shooting at the metro entrance to the Pentagon left two police officers and a civilian suspect wounded, forcing a security lockdown at the US military headquarters.