US adoption groups voice concern over Russia ban
US adoption agencies expressed deep concern Thursday after President Vladimir Putin backed legislation making it illegal for Russian children to be adopted by Americans.
Google Play growing fast: survey
Google's online Play shop of applications for Android-powered smartphones or tablets is growing fast, a report released Thursday by market tracker Distimo said.
Republicans scrap 'Plan B,' fiscal cliff deal elusive
A controversial Republican plan to let tax breaks expire on millionaires crashed to defeat Thursday when it failed to earn enough party support, leaving negotiations on averting the "fiscal cliff" up in the air.
ConocoPhillips sells off Nigerian operation
US energy giant ConocoPhillips has agreed to sell its Nigerian operations to growing African group Oando for 1.79 billion dollars (1.35 billion euros).
Facebook to charge for some message delivery
Facebook on Thursday began testing the feasibility of charging to guarantee that messages from strangers make it into inboxes of intended recipients at the social network.
Dakar-2013: Arthur Ardavichus told about goals of Astana crew in Dakar-2013 rally
The most important goal for Kazakhstan's Astana crews is to keep our teams safe both in Africa Race an in Dakar Rally Raid: Arthur Ardavichus.
User revolt causes Instagram to keep old rules
Instagram on Thursday tried to calm a user rebellion by nixing a change that would have given the Facebook-owned mobile photo sharing service unfettered rights to people's pictures.
Hunger, homelessness on rise in US: study
Hunger and homelessness are on the rise in the United States, and cash-strapped cities and social services are being forced to turn needy people away empty-handed.
US police arrest girl who threatened high school slaughter
Police in Arizona said they arrested Thursday a 16 year-old female student who threatened in an online video to "kill everyone" at her high school then kill herself.
'Cirque du Soleil' makes 3D leap to the big screen
Oscar-winning director James Cameron, who broke new ground with 3D technology with "Avatar," is bringing that knowhow to Cirque du Soleil, producing a 3D film featuring the high-flying acrobatic troupe.
Fists came first for hand evolution, scientists suggest
Biologists say the human hand is a wonder of evolution, providing dexterity that lets our species perform activities as diverse as bricklaying, writing, ice hockey and brain surgery.
US shooting fuels bullet-proof backpack sales
On the heels of the deadly shooting tragedy in Connecticut, parents' anxiety is driving a surge in sales of bullet-proof backpacks, in the hope the armored bags can give their kids a safety edge.
Record backing expected for UN anti-death penalty vote
A record number of countries are expected to back a UN General Assembly call for a moratorium on capital punishment on Thursday.
Apple "pinch-to-zoom" patent deemed invalid
A filing Wednesday in a high-stakes legal battle between Samsung and Apple revealed that a "pinch-to-zoom" patent central to the case has been deemed invalid.
US shooting revives debate over mental health care
The deadly US shooting rampage last week has revived debate about access to mental health care -- a tough issue as state funds dry up and laws make it difficult to treat people against their will.
Obama, Boehner spar on fiscal cliff, deal may go to wire
US President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner dueled over the fiscal cliff Wednesday, and despite narrowing differences remained stubbornly at odds over how to avoid looming tax hikes and spending cuts.
Mexico empties prison of all its inmates after deadly riot
Officials on Wednesday removed all of the prisoners -- about 500 inmates -- from a prison in northern Mexico, one day after the facility erupted in violence, leaving 15 inmates and nine guards dead.
Obama wants concrete gun proposals within a month
President Barack Obama put ending an "epidemic" of gun violence at the top of his second term agenda Wednesday, denying he was "on vacation" on the issue before last week's school massacre.
US to seek death penalty in Afghan massacre case
Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for an American soldier accused of killing 16 Afghan villagers in one of the most appalling atrocities of the war.
US woman crowned Miss Universe 2012
American Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012 late Wednesday, beating out beauties from around the world to claim the coveted title.