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WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The number of workers filing new claims for unemployment insurance unexpectedly rose last week to its highest level in close to six months, a fresh signal of a weak jobs market.

GEORGETOWN, Kentucky (Reuters) – Democratic control of Congress and the fate of President Barack Obama’s agenda are on the line in congressional elections this November, but some voters do not seem thrilled with their choices.

SUKKUR, Pakistan (Reuters) – Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari tried to comfort victims of devastating floods on Thursday on his first visit to the area after criticism of his trips abroad and his government’s perceived slack response.

QUITO (Reuters) – A strong 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Ecuador near the center of the Andean OPEC member nation on Thursday, but there were no reports of deaths or serious damage, authorities and media said.

NEW YORK (Reuters) – More Americans fell into foreclosure in July as a sour job market kept them from making payments, and banks took over homes at a near record pace.

NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Research In Motion’s encrypted BlackBerry email and instant messaging services will be shut down if the Canadian maker does not address Indian national security concerns by August 31, the government said on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Targeted strikes by U.S. special forces against insurgents around Kandahar are yielding results, but war planners expect tough fighting ahead and more casualties, a U.S. military official said on Wednesday.