Pink diamond sells for nearly $40 million at US auction
A 34.64-carat pink diamond has sold at auction in New York for nearly $40 million, setting a new record for Christie's auction house.
US hospitals make more money when surgery goes wrong
US hospitals face a disincentive to improve care because they make drastically more money when surgery goes wrong than when a patient is discharged with no complications.
Oscars producers re-hired for 2014 show
The producers of this year's Academy Awards, musical veterans Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, have been re-hired for the 2014 show.
US Muslims fear backlash if Islamists behind Boston
US Muslims are watching closely as the probe into the Boston bombings unfolds, fearing a backlash like after 9/11 if an Islamist link is confirmed to the deadly attack.
US offers aid as Iran quake kills 40 in Pakistan
Pakistani troops scrambled Wednesday to aid the remote victims of an earthquake centred in nearby Iran, as the United States offered assistance and a strong aftershock jolted the region.
Cruel irony haunts child's death in Boston blasts
Eight-year-old Martin Richard died near the Boston marathon's 26-mile marker -- the one dedicated to the young victims of the Newtown massacre.
US drone destroys Taliban base in Pakistan, five killed
A US drone fired two missiles into a Taliban training camp in Pakistan on Wednesday, destroying the compound and killing at least five militants.
Gold claws back losses after biggest fall in 30 years
Gold prices recovered slightly Tuesday after suffering their heaviest slump in 30 years triggered by weak Chinese growth data and reports Cyprus was planning to sell part of its reserves.
Range of suspects 'wide open' in Boston bombings: FBI
There have so far been no claims of responsibility for the deadly Boston bombings, and investigators are considering a wide range of suspects.
US lawmakers to unveil major immigration reform plan
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers was set to unveil this week a major immigration reform proposal that could, if passed, provide a path to citizenship for millions of people in the country illigally.
'Family Guy' creator raps fake Boston bombs clip
"Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane condemned Tuesday a doctored online clip of the show depicting its star using a cellphone to trigger explosions at the Boston marathon.
Sprint counteroffer to make no difference: SoftBank
Japan's SoftBank said Tuesday it still expects its bid to acquire Sprint Nextel will succeed on schedule in July, despite a higher counter-offer from a US firm.
Obama to host South Korean president on May 7
US President Barack Obama will hold his first White House talks with South Korean counterpart Park Geun-Hye on May 7.
Breast cancer gene patents reach US high court
The US Supreme Court heard the most high-profile genetics case in history on Monday, as justices considered whether private firms should be allowed to patent human genes linked to breast cancer.
US military helicopter crashes near N. Korea border
A US military helicopter taking part in a joint South Korea-US drill crashed Tuesday near the North Korean border with no apparent casualties.
US suicide teen's parents sue alleged sex attackers
The family of a 15-year-old US girl who killed herself after she was sexually assaulted while drunk are suing three teenage boys accused of the attack and sharing a photo of it at their school.
Battle lines drawn as US Senate readies gun debate
The most significant US Senate debate on gun laws in 20 years starts Tuesday with the chamber introducing a bipartisan compromise on background checks.
Electronic Arts 'retiring' some Facebook games
Electronic Arts on Monday announced that it will "retire" some Facebook games that seem to have fallen out of favor with players at the leading social network.
Strong growth in Asia but overheating a risk: World Bank
East Asian and Pacific economies will grow 7.8 percent this year on robust domestic demand.
Robinson biopic a home run at N. America theaters
Jackie Robinson biopic "42" hit a home run at the North American box office in its debut weekend, easily besting its box office rivals.