SANTIAGO, Chile (Reuters) – A 7.2 magnitude aftershock struck near Chile’s capital Santiago on Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) – U.S. Vice President Joe Biden publicly scolded Israel Wednesday over a Jewish settlement plan, saying it was undermining peace efforts after Palestinians agreed to U.S.-mediated talks.

LONDON (Reuters) – Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Wednesday he believed Britain would maintain its coveted top credit rating and announced a pay freeze for senior civil servants and military officers to help tame a record deficit.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The leader of the House of Representatives — a persuasive arm-twister and deal maker — faces her toughest challenge yet in the coming weeks: getting 216 votes to pass final legislation revamping the U.S. healthcare system.

LONDON (Reuters) – Britain will on Wednesday propose to force banks to reveal how many of their staff earn top wages, in steps that go further than previous proposals, financial services minister Paul Myners said.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Congressional Democrats on Tuesday cast doubt on their chances of meeting the White House’s March 18 deadline for voting on a stalled healthcare overhaul, but said they are moving as fast as they can.

DETROIT (Reuters) – Toyota Motor Corp said it had found no flaw with its throttle controls as it seeks to dismiss an external study critical of its electronic safety systems.

JERUSALEM (Reuters) – U.S. Vice President Joe Biden assured Israel Tuesday of Washington’s commitment to its security and preventing Iran from producing nuclear weapons.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama launched a sharp attack on health insurers on Monday and called on his fellow Democrats to rise above politics and pass a healthcare overhaul in the next few weeks.

KARACHI (Reuters) – Pakistani security agents have arrested an American al Qaeda spokesman wanted in the United States for treason for threatening violence unless al Qaeda demands are met, Pakistani officials said on Sunday.