Chile is on the verge of a political transition. Outgoing President Michelle Bachelet is trying to preserve her reputation after the earthquake, while the president-elect, Sebastian Pinera, is trying to establish his reputation as a man who can rebuild the damaged country.

Church authorities have launched two major investigations of sexual or physical abuse. One investigation centers on a renowned choir once led by Pope Benedict XVI's brother, while the other involves a more general look into what everyone — including the pope — knew about the sexual and physical abuse of students.

The 12 unusually well-preserved wrecks were found in a 30-mile-long corridor by a gas company building an underwater pipeline between Russia and Germany. Experts say the oldest wreck probably dates back to medieval times and could be up to 800 years old.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said insurers should drop their opposition to health overhaul and instead help fix a broken system, marked by spiraling costs and a lack of consumer choice.

The blueprint released by a group of governors and school superintendents lays out what students should be learning in math and English every year from kindergarten through high school. The plan is part of a push to iron out the jumble of state standards and raise expectations for American schools.

Inventories dropped 0.2 percent, while sales increased for a 10th consecutive month, up a solid 1.3 percent. Economists hope the steady rise in sales will prompt more inventory restocking, triggering increased factory production and providing support for the fledgling economic recovery.

As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' point man on abortion, Richard Doerflinger has emerged as a major player in the health care debate, one likely to play a pivotal role in the outcome.

The president's party typically loses about a half-dozen seats in midterm elections. With 37 governorships at stake this year, that may mean bad news for the Democrats.

Customers who try to make debit card purchases without enough money in their accounts to cover the transaction will be denied at the cash register. For ATM transactions, those who try to withdraw more than their balance will first have to agree to pay a $35 overdraft fee.

Police say 10 suspected militants armed with assault rifles and a homemade bomb attacked the offices of the Christian aid group helping earthquake survivors in a small town in the country's northwest. Four people were wounded.

U.S. Marines are now trying to build relationships with local people after gaining ground in the southern Afghanistan area of Marjah. But after two years of Taliban control, the group's presence is still deeply felt — especially the threats sent in "night letters" to those who cooperate with foreigners.

Haiti's small business elite sees January's earthquake as an opportunity, but not just to make money. They say it's a chance to refashion the corrupt, inefficient way things are done in Haiti, while marshaling international support to boost the country's industries.

The U.S. relationship with Pakistan has been bolstered by successful intelligence operations. But skepticism persists over whether Pakistan really intends to pursue Afghan militants on its soil. U.S. officials cite a positive change in mood, but both sides are wary about overpromising what this new cooperation can deliver.

The lifestyle and business relationships of Julius Malema, an official of the ruling African National Congress, are coming under intense scrutiny. His dealings, among others, are prompting calls for "lifestyle audits" to help root out corruption.

Taliban rule was a dark period for women in Afghanistan, and they want to make sure their fears are not forgotten as the new government in Kabul tries to find ways to make peace with the fighters.