World News
Russia aims to bolster ties with North Korea
Angry with the West's response over Ukraine and eager to diversify its options, Russia is moving rapidly to bolster ties with North Korea in a diplomatic nose-thumbing that could complicate the U.S.-led effort to squeeze Pyongyang into giving up its nuclear weapons program.Russia's proactive…
Ukraine military helicopter shot down, leaving 14 troops and general dead
A Ukrainian military general and 14 soldiers were killed when their helicopter was shot down in eastern Ukraine Thursday, the country’s acting president said.Oleksandr Turchynov said rebels used a portable air defense missile to down the helicopter over the city of Slovyansk.He told…
Deadly respiratory disease MERS spreads to Iran
Two cases of MERS, the deadly respiratory disease originating in Saudi Arabia, have been confirmed in Iran, according to the country’s health officials.MERS, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or Corona Virus, is an often-fatal pneumonia, bringing on a severe cough and high fevers.There…
Nigeria's military, president apparently split over how to rescue kidnapped girls
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria's military chiefs and the president are apparently split over how to free nearly 300 schoolgirls abducted by Islamic extremists, with the military saying use of force endangers the hostages and the president reportedly ruling out a prisoner-hostage swap.The defense chief,…
Ousted Thai education minister condemns military coup as 'abrogation of democracy'
A Cabinet minister who defied an order to report to Thailand's new military junta emerged Tuesday from hiding to condemn last week's coup in the first public comment from a member of the former government.Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang had defied a summons to report…
Calif. gov declares state of emergency as wildfires scorch San Diego County
California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in San Diego County Wednesday after temperatures approaching 100 degrees and gusting winds fueled nine wildfires covering 14 square miles Wednesday. No major injuries were reported, but thousands were forced to flee burning homes, while hundreds…
Apple to unveil iPhone 6 in August, earlier than expected - report
Apple Inc will unveil the next incarnation of its popular iPhone series in August, one month earlier than industry watchers were generally expecting, Taiwanese media reported on Friday citing unidentified supply-chain sources.A 4.7-inch screen version of the iPhone 6 will reach stores in August,…
Russia marks Victory Day with vast annual Red Square military parade
Thousands of Russian troops are marching on Red Square in the annual Victory Day parade in a proud display of the nation's military might amid the escalating tensions over Ukraine.President Vladimir Putin made no reference to the situation in Ukraine when he opened Friday's…
350 dead, thousands missing after Afghanistan landslide buries village
KABUL, Afghanistan – A landslide triggered by heavy rain buried large sections of a remote northeastern Afghan village on Friday, killing at least 350 people and leaving more than 2,000 missing. Villagers looked on helplessly and the governor appealed for shovels to help dig through…
Newly arrived virus spread by mosquitoes is rapidly gaining foothold across the Caribbean
KINGSTON, Jamaica – A recently arrived mosquito-borne virus that causes an abrupt onset of high fever and intense joint pain is rapidly gaining a foothold in many spots of the Caribbean, health experts said Thursday.There are currently more than 4,000 confirmed cases of the…