Hot and dry conditions in parts of middle America deepened an ongoing drought in many states over the last week, according to a climatology report issued Thursday.

A strong earthquake off the coast of Guatemala killed at least 48 people and trapped others under rubble on Wednesday, crushing homes and cars, destroying roads and forcing evacuations as far away as Mexico City.

A strong earthquake off the coast of Guatemala killed at least 48 people and trapped others under rubble on Wednesday, crushing homes and cars, destroying roads and forcing evacuations as far away as Mexico City.

Munich Re raised its full-year net profit target after surging investment income and moderate damage claims helped it beat even the most optimistic estimates for third- quarter profit.

Munich Re raised its full-year net profit target after surging investment income and moderate damage claims helped it beat even the most optimistic estimates for third- quarter profit.

New York City's parks and beaches will be closed at noon on Wednesday for at least 24 hours as a new storm system approaches just over a week after superstorm Sandy devastated the region with widespread flooding and wind damage, the mayor said on Tuesday.

Hannover Re beat forecasts with net profit that rose by 63 percent to 265.5 million euros ($339 million) in the third quarter, helped by surging investment income and a dearth of big damage claims.

Hannover Re beat forecasts with net profit that rose by 63 percent to 265.5 million euros ($339 million) in the third quarter, helped by surging investment income and a dearth of big damage claims.