Historic shift as Japan expands scope of military
Japan loosened the bonds on its powerful military, proclaiming the right to go into battle in defence of allies, in a highly controversial shift in the nation's pacifist stance.
BNP fined $8.9 bn for breaking US sanctions on Iran, Sudan
BNP Paribas pleaded guilty to US criminal charges of violating sanctions on Iran and Sudan for eight years and was fined a record $8.9 billion.
NASA to launch satellite to track carbon pollution
The US space agency is to launch on Tuesday a satellite that tracks atmospheric carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
Obama sends more troops to Baghdad as Iraq battles to stop offensive
President Barack Obama has deployed 200 more troops to Baghdad to protect the US embassy as Iraq's parliament was set to convene Tuesday to seek a solution to the country's sectarian crisis.
Facebook under fire over 'creepy' secret study
Facebook secretly manipulated the feelings of 700,000 users to understand "emotional contagion" in a study that prompted anger and forced the social network giant on the defensive.
NASA's 'flying saucer' tests new Mars-landing technology
NASA sent a saucer-like vehicle high into the sky to test technology for a future Mars landing, but its parachute tangled when deployed and the spacecraft splashed into the Pacific Ocean.
NY homeless angry at China tycoon's 'publicity stunt'
A three-course lunch hosted by an eccentric Chinese millionaire for 250 homeless New Yorkers in a posh restaurant degenerated into fury Wednesday when guests were denied $300 cash handouts.
Golden Gate Bridge to get anti-suicide netting
Transportation authorities agreed to fund anti-suicide netting beneath the Golden Gate Bridge to prevent people jumping to their death from the iconic landmark, an official said.
US says Mexican chopper crosses border, shoots twice
A Mexican military helicopter ventured around 100 yards (meters) into the United States and fired two shots, the US border security agency said Friday in a claim quickly denied by Mexico.
Tributes to soul legend Bobby Womack, dead at 70
Legendary US soul artist Bobby Womack, who influenced and wrote for generations of musicians, died Friday aged 70, a spokeswoman said, triggering a surge of tributes.
Nyong'o, Pharrell Williams among new Academy members
Kenyan Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o, Somalia's Barkhad Abdi, "Happy" songster Pharrell Williams and Irish-German star Michael Fassbender are among 271 actors newly invited to join Hollywood's Oscar-bestowing Academy, organizers said.
Art superstar Koons unveils life work in New York
Jeff Koons, one of world's highest paid artists, unveils his life work in New York on Friday, a chance to understand why his art is so celebrated, so loathed and so expensive.
Suarez kicked out of World Cup for biting opponent
Uruguay star Luis Suarez exited the World Cup in shame after being hit with the heaviest suspension in the tournament's history for biting an Italian opponent.
Mexican police attacked in ambush
One policeman died and three were wounded in an ambush in a Mexican state along the US border that is ravaged by drug cartel violence, officials said.
Mass gay wedding in Toronto for 115 couples
Australians Richard Laslett and Collin Gunther waited 37 years to say "I do" to one another.
Obama seeks $500 mn to train, equip Syrian rebels
The White House has asked lawmakers for $500 million to train and equip vetted Syrian rebels, in what would be a significant escalation of US involvement in a conflict that has spilled into Iraq.
'Great Conciliator' Howard Baker dies in US
Howard Baker, a former United States Senate majority leader and presidential contender known for his ability to achieve compromise across the political aisle, died on Thursday. He was 88.
France attacks ICANN as unfit for internet governance
France strongly attacked the US-based body that assigns internet addresses, saying it was not a fit venue for internet governance and that alternatives should be sought.
Nepal PM diagnosed with tuberculosis: party spokesman
US doctors treating Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala have ruled out lung cancer and diagnosed the 75-year-old with tuberculosis, a spokesman for the premier's Nepali Congress party said.
Jackson fans, doctor recall icon, five years on
Michael Jackson fans laid flowers at the pop icon's mausoleum to mark the fifth anniversary of his death, as the singer's doctor recalled his patient's final hours.