All Latest News Wires
- Historic swearing in for Pakistani lawmakers as challenges lie ahead
Pakistan's new Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was sworn in Saturday along with other lawmakers in a peaceful, democratic transfer of power. Sharif must lead a country that struggles with energy shortages, an ailing economy, and ongoing militant activity.
- Russia enacts anti-smoking laws, but can the country kick the habit?
Russia, where nearly 40 percent smoke, is enacting new anti-smoking laws in an effort to combat population decline and low life expectancy. New measures ban smoking in some public places, and by June 2014 it will be banned in restaurants and hotels.
- Gunmen fire on Niger prison in possible Al Qaeda attack
On Saturday afternoon gunmen opened fire on a prison at the center of Niamey, Niger's capital. It's unclear who was behind the attacks, though this week Al Qaeda fighters attacked a French uranium mine in Niger.
- Member of Pussy Riot ends prison hunger strike
Maria Alyokhina, a Pussy Riot band member jailed for acts of hooliganism and religious hatred, ended her hunger strike after prison officials gave into her demands.
- Police and protesters clash as Turkish prime minister calls for end to protests
Police used tear gas and water against protesters in a second day of anti-government demonstrations in Istanbul Saturday. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the protesters are in the minority and are raising tensions.
- Syria: Battle for Qusair continues as world watches
On Saturday, the UN warned all sides they would be held accountable for the suffering of civilians in Qusair. Syrian troops and the rebels have been fighting for weeks to control supply routes from Lebanon through the a strategic border town.
- Joran van der Sloot to marry: A plan to avoid US extradition?
Joran van der Sloot, who was convicted of the brutal 2010 murder of a Lima woman, plans to marry a woman in Peru. Is Joran van der Sloot trying to avoid extradition to the US?.
- Russia plans to sell MiG fighter jets to Syria
The Russian manufacturer of the military aircraft said a delegation from Syria was recently in Moscow to discuss the terms of a new deal.
- Hurricane Barbara weakens to tropical depression in Mexico
Hurricane Barbara battered southeastern Mexico and left at least two fatalities, including a Colorado man who was surfing. Hurricane Barbara was the second earliest hurricane to make landfall in recorded history.
- Sewage pipe baby returned to grandparents, not mother
Sewage pipe babe returned: A Chinese newborn baby who was trapped in a sewer pipe was returned to the care of his grandparents, not his mother as some reports said. The mother isn't facing criminal charges.
- Drone death of Taliban number two: Difficult to verify
Among the seven people killed on Wednesday in a U.S. led drone strike, was Pakistani Taliban deputy commander Wali-ur-Rehman, according to Pakistani security officials. The Pakistani Taliban did not confirm the report. This is the first reported drone attack since U.S. President Barack Obama announced changes to the drone program last week.
- Lack of unity threatens Syrian opposition
Officials in the Middle East say talks between the Syrian opposition and President Bashar al-Assad are likely to be pushed back to July. The opposition is struggling to bring together a diverse coalition. Even so, the group does agree Assad must leave power in order to resolve the conflict.
- Israel warns Russia it's prepared to strike weapon shipments to Syria
Israel warns Russia: Israel has been lobbying Moscow to drop the sale, fearing the missiles would upset the balance of power in the region.
- F-15 down off Okinawa, pilot OK
F-15 fighter down off Okinawa: A US Air Force F-15 fighter crashed off the southern Japan island of Okinawa early Tuesday. The pilot ejected and was rescued at sea.
- Yara Abbas, a TV correspondent, killed in Syria
Yara Abbas: A TV correspondent for a news channel loyal to Syria's President Assad was killed Monday near Qusair. Yara Abbas was well-known in Syria.
- Japan mayor: Sex slaves comment draws apology, sort of
Japan mayor on sex slaves: Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto on Monday said Japan's use of sex slaves or "comfort women" was an "inexcusable act." But he added that Japan wasn't the only one with sex slaves or wartime brothels.
- Nurse admits murdering 11, after lying about rescue attempts
A registered nurse admits murdering 11 patients by burning down a nursing home. Earlier, he told TV reporters that he had heroically tried to rescue trapped victims of the fire.
- Kissing protest held in Turkey
Kissing protest: Dozens of couples kissed in public to protest demands by Turkey subway officials that passengers should "to act in accordance with moral rules."
- 'Black widow' suicide bomber injures 18 in Russia's Dagestan region
At least two children and five police officers were caught in the blast.
- Russia 8.2 earthquake is big but no deaths
Russia 8.2 earthquake: The USGS says it was even bigger, an 8.3 earthquake, and felt as far away as Moscow. But the Russia earthquake caused no fatalities.