The following were the top stories in The Wall Street Journal on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. * The number of dead and missing after Japan's twin earthquake and tsunami stood late Wednesday, officially, at 12,920. In reality, Japanese widely agree, the toll of last week's disaster is likely much higher. * United States banking regulators have paid out nearly $9 billion to cover losses on loans and other assets at 165 failed institutions that were sold to stronger companies during the financial crisis. * Wal-Mart Stores Inc , Target Corp and other large retailers are ratcheting up a political campaign to force Amazon.com Inc to collect sales taxes, sensing opportunity in the budget crises gripping statehouses nationwide.
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