Latest News Headlines

Insurers 'face $7bn Chile bill'
The earthquake in Chile may cost the global insurance industry as much as $7bn (£4.7bn), Swiss Re estimates.

Haiti situation 'dire', Obama says
Barack Obama warns that the crisis in quake-hit Haiti is not over, as he meets the country's President, Rene Preval.

Mexican shakes up world rich list
Mexican Carlos Slim overtakes Bill Gates as the world's richest man, according to the Forbes "rich list", with a fortune of $53.5bn.

Biden steps up pressure on Israel
The US vice-president renews criticism of Israel over an East Jerusalem building project and calls for bold steps for peace.

US reports record budget deficit
The US government records a budget deficit of $221bn (£147.6bn) in February - the largest monthly deficit in its history.

US activist Granny D dies at 100
Granny D, who walked across the US at the age of 89 in support of election campaign finance reform, dies.

Iran attacks US over Afghanistan
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says it is the US, not Tehran, that is playing a "double game" in Afghanistan.

US 'hid terror suspect treatment'
A former UK spy chief says she did not know US intelligence services were mistreating terror suspects until after she retired.

Lost Boys actor Haim dies aged 38
Lost Boys actor Corey Haim dies at the age of 38, the Los Angeles coroner's office confirms.

Oscar bosses defend Fawcett snub
Actress Farrah Fawcett was not in the Oscars memorial segment because she was more known as a TV star, the Academy says.