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China Says 11 Dead After Coal Mine Explosion

11/20/2009

BEIJING - Chinese authorities say 11 people have been killed in a gas explosion in a coal mine and 128 others remain trapped underground. A statement by the State Administration of Work Safety says another 389 people at the Xinxing mine in Heilongjiang province managed to escape after the explosion early Saturday morning. Earlier reports had no death toll.

Ex-State Dept Official Pleads Guilty to Spying for Cuba

11/20/2009

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A former U.S. State Department official and his wife pleaded guilty on Friday to charges that they spied for almost three decades for the Communist-led Cuban government.

Mexico Shifts Strategy in Border City Violence

11/20/2009

MEXICO CITY - Mexico's top domestic security official said Friday that sectors of the general public have cooperated with drug cartels in the violent border city of Ciudad Juarez, and the government is about to launch new social programs there to combat gangs.

Pro-Castro Mob Attacks Spouse of Top Cuban Blogger

11/20/2009

HAVANA - The husband of an acclaimed dissident Cuban blogger was punched and shouted down by a pro-government mob Friday after he challenged the presumed state agents who earlier roughed up his wife to a street corner debate.

Nicholls State Defeats SE Louisiana 45-30

2009-11-20T

Caston, who rushed for 82 yards, and Marlin Meeks, who had 115 yards, led a running attack that compiled 322 yards.

Buffalo Defeats Navy 63-53

2009-11-20T

Mitchell Watt scored 13 points, John Boyer added 10 and Jawaan Alston had 10 rebounds for the Bulls (1-1).

Sprint Cup: Jimmie Johnson will Chase Fourth Straight Title from Pole

11/20/2009

Jimmie Johnson will go for his fourth straight Cup title from the pole.

Death of New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees' Mother Ruled Suicide

11/20/2009

The death of the mother of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been ruled a suicide.

ATP Won't Reopen Andre Agassi Drug Case Despite Admission

11/20/2009

ATP chairman Adam Helfant says the tour will not reopen a doping case against Andre Agassi even though he admitted to lying about using crystal meth in 1997.

Steady Fisher Ushers No. 6 Villanova By Dayton

11/20/2009

Corey Fisher scored 18 points to lead Villanova past Dayton 71-65 on Friday in the second round of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off.

Report: Bangladeshi Mom Doesn't Want Twins Back

11/20/2009

MELBOURNE, Australia - The mother of recently separated conjoined Bangladeshi twins does not want custody of the daughters she gave up for adoption and wants them to have new lives in Australia, newspapers reported Saturday.

U.S. to Drop Charges Against One Blackwater Guard

11/20/2009

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Justice Department prosecutors asked a federal judge on Friday to dismiss the charges against one of five Blackwater security guards accused of killing 14 unarmed Iraqi civilians in a 2007 shooting in Baghdad.

Obama Job Approval Rating Drops Under 50 Percent

11/20/2009

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's job approval rating has dropped below 50 percent in a second major poll in an indication he is suffering from the long healthcare debate and weakness in the economy, Gallup said on Friday.

Swine Flu May Have Hit One Peak; More to Come

11/20/2009

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The pandemic of swine flu may be hitting a peak in the Northern Hemisphere, global health officials said on Friday, but they cautioned it was far from over.

Moderate Democrat Boosts Senate Health Bill

11/20/2009

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - One of three wavering U.S. Senate Democrats said on Friday he would vote to start the chamber's healthcare debate, bolstering the chances for a broad reform bill one day before its first crucial test.

McCain Urges Obama to Speed Up Afghan Decision

11/20/2009

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia - U.S. Sen. John McCain predicted success in the Afghan war effort Friday if President Barack Obama makes a decision quickly to send the reinforcements requested by his top commander there.

Europe: Proton Beams Circulate in Big Bang Machine

11/20/2009

GENEVA - Scientists circulated beams of protons in the world's largest atom smasher Friday night for the first time after a year of repairs caused by a spectacular failure after the $10 billion machine was heavily damaged by a simple electrical fault.

Argentina Forces Dirty War Orphans to Provide DNA

11/20/2009

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Valuing truth over the right to privacy, Argentina's Congress has authorized the forced extraction of DNA from people who may have been born to political prisoners slain a quarter-century ago - even when they don't want to know their birth parents.

Swine Flu May Be Peaking in U.S.

11/20/2009

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The pandemic of swine flu may be hitting a peak in the United States, health experts said on Friday.

Moderate Democrat Boosts Senate Healthcare Bill

11/20/2009

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - One of three wavering U.S. Senate Democrats said on Friday he would vote to start the chamber's healthcare debate, bolstering the chances for a broad overhaul one day before its first crucial test.

Gates: US to Do Its Part to Slow Afghan Corruption

11/20/2009

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia - The United States will do its part to reduce corruption in Afghanistan by examining its own contracts and projects, even as it is demanding the same from the Afghan government, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday. He said the U.S. can exert the most leverage when it is signing the checks.

Mumbai Still Vulnerable 1 Year After Attack

11/20/2009

MUMBAI, India - The walls that the rockets blew out have not been repaired, and the plaster is a dense scattershot of bullet holes. Dozens of holes, blasted by grenades, pockmark the linoleum floors.

Kidnapped Britons Say Somali Pirates May Kill Them

11/20/2009

LONDON - A British couple being held hostage by Somali pirates said in an interview broadcast Friday that they fear they will be killed or handed to a terrorist group if a ransom is not paid soon. Paul and Rachel Chandler were kidnapped by pirates on Oct. 22, who seized their 38-foot yacht - the Lynn Rival.

Researcher: Faint Writing Seen on Shroud of Turin

11/20/2009

ROME - A Vatican researcher has rekindled the age-old debate over the Shroud of Turin, saying that faint writing on the linen proves it was the burial cloth of Jesus. Experts say the historian may be reading too much into the markings, and they stand by carbon-dating that points to the shroud being a medieval forgery.

Mexican Reporter on Organized Crime Goes Missing

11/20/2009

MEXICO CITY - Authorities in the western Mexican state of Michoacan are investigating the disappearance of a journalist who wrote about organized crime. Michoacan state's attorney general says police are looking for people who had contact with Mexican reporter Maria Esther Aguilar before she disappeared on Nov. 11.

Floods Devastate UK Lake District, Much of Ireland

11/20/2009

COCKERMOUTH, England - Raging floods engulfed northern England's picturesque Lake District on Friday following the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in Britain, killing a police officer and trapping dozens in their swamped homes.

Shawn Marion to Miss Friday's Game for Dallas Mavericks

11/20/2009

Mavericks forward Shawn Marion (ankle) will miss Friday's game against Sacramento.

The Chicago White Sox Are in Negotiations with Omar Vizquel's Agent

11/20/2009

The Chicago White Sox are close to signing veteran infielder Omar Vizquel.

NFLPA Wants Concussion Expert Ousted, Report Says

11/20/2009

The NFL players union has requested the removal of a doctor as co-chairman of the league's committee on concussions, claiming he is too biased to lead the group, the New York Times reported Friday.

Michael Jordan Thankful, But Says Others Just As Worthy of Jersey Retirement

11/20/2009

If the NBA were to retire Michael Jordan's No. 23 league-wide, the newly inducted Hall of Famer says there are several more players just as worthy of the distinction.

New York Knicks Won't Pursue Free-agent Guard Allen Iverson, President Donnie Walsh Says

11/20/2009

The New York Knicks have decided not to pursue Allen Iverson, a decision that was reached late Thursday night.

Yemen: Somali Pirates Hijack Panamanian Cargo Ship

11/20/2009

SANA'A, Yemen - Yemen's coast guard says Somali pirates have hijacked a Panamanian cargo ship in the treacherous Gulf of Aden between the Arabian peninsula and the Horn of Africa. A coast guard official says the Red Sea Spirit was carrying an unknown number of crew when it was hijacked Friday morning 36 nautical miles from the Yemeni port of Balhaf.

Museum: Galileo's Fingers, Tooth Are Found

11/20/2009

ROME - Two fingers and a tooth removed from Galileo Galilei's corpse in a Florentine basilica in the 18th century and given up for lost have been found again, a Florence museum said Friday.

Somalia to Join Child Rights Pact, Only U.S. Outside

11/20/2009

GENEVA (Reuters) - Somalia has announced it plans to ratify a global treaty aimed at protecting children, leaving the United States as the only country outside the pact, UNICEF said Friday.

No Obama Decision on Afghan Until After Thanksgiving

11/20/2009

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's announcement of a new strategy on Afghanistan will not take place until after the Thanksgiving holiday next week, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Friday.

Cautious Optimism As Job Losses Slow

11/20/2009

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The pace of job losses slowed in many U.S. states in October, and the unemployment rate slipped in hard-hit Michigan, the Labor Department said on Friday, hinting the recession may be easing in some areas.

Italian Prosecutor: Knox Hated Murder Victim

11/20/2009

PERUGIA, Italy - An American student accused of fatally stabbing her British roommate in Italy had a growing hatred for the victim and killed her in retaliation during a drug-fueled sex game, a prosecutor contended Friday in closing arguments at her murder trial.

Guatemala Reopening International Adoptions

11/20/2009

GUATEMALA CITY - Guatemalan officials on Friday announced the resumption of international adoptions after a nearly two-year suspension prompted by the discovery that some babies were being sold.

Lesbian US War Deserter Wins Stay of Deportation

11/20/2009

TORONTO - Canada's Federal Court says the country's refugee board must reconsider the case of a lesbian who deserted the U.S. Army and fled to Canada. Judge Yves de Montigny said Friday the board erred last February when it rejected Bethany Smith's bid.

Afghan Police Are Weak Link in Security Force

11/20/2009

KABUL - Underpaid, under-equipped and under-trained, Afghanistan's 93,000-member police force is the weak link in an ambitious security strategy to hand over defense of the country to Afghans so American and other foreign troops can go home.

WHO Investigating Norway Swine Flu Mutations

11/20/2009

GENEVA - The World Health Organization says it is investigating samples of mutated swine flu found in two Norwegians who died of the virus and one person who suffered severe illness. Norway's Institute of Public Health announced Friday that the mutation "could possibly...cause more severe disease" because it infects tissue deeper in the airway than usual.

Fingers, Tooth Said to Be Galileo's Are Found

11/20/2009

ROME - A Florence museum says two fingers and a tooth believed to belong to Galileo Galilei have been found and will go on display next spring. Three fingers and a tooth were taken from the astronomer's body in 1737 and placed in a container.

Oprah Winfrey Says Ending TV Show 'feels Right'

11/20/2009

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Oprah Winfrey said on Friday that she will end her popular TV show in 2011 because it "feels right in her bones" after 25 years, and urged her viewers not to believe rumors of why she's quitting.

Did U.S. Make Mistake in Skipping Vaccine Additive?

11/20/2009

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As U.S. health officials struggle to vaccinate tens of millions of Americans against the pandemic of swine flu, some are looking regretfully at one easy way to instantly double or triple the number of doses available -- by using an immune booster called an adjuvant.

Powers Urge Iran to Reconsider Nuclear Offer

11/20/2009

BRUSSELS/BERLIN (Reuters) - Senior officials from six world powers said on Friday they were disappointed Iran had not accepted proposals intended to delay its potential to make nuclear bombs, and urged Tehran to reconsider.

Ugandan Army Kills 34 Tribesmen on Cattle Raids

11/20/2009

KAMPALA, Uganda - Ugandan officials say the army has killed 34 tribesmen who were stealing cattle in Uganda's volatile northeastern region.

Brazil Leader Urges Freeze on Israeli Settlements

11/20/2009

SALVADOR, Brazil - Brazil's President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva is joining his Palestinian counterpart in calling on Israel to stop building new settlements in areas claimed by Palestinians.

Russia's Gorbachev Considers Political Comeback

11/20/2009

MOSCOW - Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev criticized Kremlin policies Friday and toyed with the ambitious idea of attempting a political comeback.

Palestinians to Set New Date for Elections

11/20/2009

RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian officials announced Friday that a new date for parliamentary and presidential elections will be set next month now that President Mahmoud Abbas has agreed to postpone the January vote, though the Gaza Strip's Hamas rulers maintain they will boycott the voting.

Pakistan Demands US Share Afghan Blueprint

11/20/2009

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan expressed fear Friday that a large increase in foreign troops in Afghanistan could push militants across the border into its territory and called on the U.S. to factor in that concern as part of its new war strategy.

The New EU Chiefs: Rompuy-pumpy and Cathy Who?

11/20/2009

LONDON - Catherine Ashton: International woman of mystery Ashton is Europe's first foreign policy chief, the international representative of half a billion people, with a 7 billion euro ($10.5 billion) budget and a salary of more than $300,000 a year - but in her homeland, it's hard to find many who have heard of her.

Pentagon: US to Look at Own Role in Afghan Graft

11/20/2009

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia - Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the United States will do its part to reduce corruption in Afghanistan, along with the efforts the U.S. is demanding from the Afghan government. He says the U.S. will examine its own contracts and projects in Afghanistan. He says the U.S. has the most leverage where it's signing the checks.

Dolphins Lead Panthers 14-3 After 3rd Quarter

2009-11-20T

Williams put the Dolphins ahead on the pass from Chad Henne with 3:57 left in the first half, then ran for a 1-yard touchdown out of the wildcat formation in the final minute. Williams had 45 yards rushing and 19 yards receiving through the first three quarters after a slow start, showing plenty of burst and power as he replaced injured starter Ronnie Brown in the Dolphins' backfield.

Stojakovic Leads Hornets Past Suns, 110-103

2009-11-20T

Devin Brown and rookie Marcus Thornton each scored 19 for New Orleans, which won its second straight under new head coach Jeff Bower.

GE, Vivendi $1 Billion Apart Over NBC Universal Stake: Report

2009-11-20T

The difference dampens hopes of a quick resolution to a stand-off holding up Comcast's planned bid for a majority stake in the U.S. broadcast group, the newspaper reported.

Stefanie Spielman, Wife of NFL Star, Dies at 42

2009-11-20T

Stefanie Spielman died at the family's home in Upper Arlington, surrounded by her family, said WBNS radio in Columbus, where Chris Spielman co-hosts a show.

Cleveland Browns Coach Eric Mangini Expects Josh Cribbs to Play Sunday Vs. Detroit Lions

11/20/2009

Eric Mangini expects Josh Cribbs to play when the Cleveland Browns go against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Jimmie Johnson Signs Multiyear Extension with Hendrick Motorsports

11/20/2009

Three-time defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson has signed a contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports through 2015.

Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto Fight Sells 1.25 Million Pay-per-views

11/20/2009

Manny Pacquiao is a box office hit, selling 1.25 million pay-per-views for his fight with Miguel Cotto in a performance that could set up the richest fight ever against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Jayson Williams' Hearing Delayed By Judge Over Travel Issues

11/20/2009

Former NBA star Jayson Williams won't enter plea Friday in the 2002 killing of his limo driver, and a judge has delayed the hearing indefinitely.

Source: New York Knicks Won't Pursue Free-agent Guard Allen Iverson

11/20/2009

The New York Knicks have decided not to pursue Allen Iverson, a decision that was reached late Thursday night.

Egyptian Soccer Fans Riot Against Algeria

11/20/2009

Italian Prosecutors: Knox Hated Murder Victim

11/20/2009

PERUGIA, Italy - An American student accused of murdering her British roommate in Italy had a growing hatred for the victim and killed her in retaliation during a drug-fueled sex game, a prosecutor said Friday in closing arguments at her murder trial.

6 World Powers Press Iran on Nuclear Issue

11/20/2009

BRUSSELS - Representatives of six world powers urged Iran on Friday to accept a U.N. plan aimed at delaying its ability to build a nuclear weapon, as the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency warned Tehran not to miss the opportunity to resolve the dispute.

UK Man Cleared of Wife's Death During Nightmare

11/20/2009

LONDON - A British man who said he strangled his wife during a nightmare about fighting off an intruder has been found innocent in her death.

Queen, Prince Philip Mark 62 Years of Marriage

11/20/2009

LONDON - Buckingham Palace says the queen and her husband Prince Philip are celebrating 62 years of marriage quietly - without the fanfare of two years ago, when they marked their diamond anniversary. Princess Elizabeth married Lt. Philip Mountbatten in Westminster Abbey on Nov. 20, 1947, in front of 2,000 guests. They now have four children and eight grandchildren.

Did U.S. Make a Swine Flu Mistake?

11/20/2009

Colombia Says will Not Be Provoked By Venezuela

11/20/2009

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia will not be provoked into armed conflict with Venezuela despite the neighboring country's aggressive rhetoric and its dynamiting of two cross-border pedestrian bridges, Colombia's defense minister said on Friday.

More Than 20 Killed in Separate Afghan Blasts

11/20/2009

HERAT, Afghanistan (Reuters) - A suicide bomber in southwestern Afghanistan killed 17 people Friday, and an Afghan lawmaker escaped a separate blast on the outskirts of Kabul but five of his bodyguards were killed, officials said.

Iran to Launch Satellite on Its Own By Late 2011

11/20/2009

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran plans to launch a communications satellite by late 2011 with no outside help, a top Iranian official said Friday, after Italy and Russia declined to put it into orbit.

Cosmonaut Says Russia Falling Behind in Space Race

11/20/2009

MOSCOW - Russia lacks a viable program for developing a new spacecraft and will likely fall behind in the space race, a veteran Russian cosmonaut said in an interview published Friday. Efforts to build a successor to the 40-year old Soyuz spacecraft have dragged on with no end in sight, Mikhail Tyurin told the Novaya Gazeta newspaper.

Baby Gorillas to Get New Sanctuary in East Congo

11/20/2009

GOMA, Congo - Conservationists say Congolese schoolchildren will soon be able to take a closer look at baby mountain gorillas. Virunga National Park spokeswoman Samantha Newport says the park is building a sanctuary where schoolchildren and tourists can observe the 2 1/2-year-old orphan gorillas from hidden platforms.

US Envoy Pans Media Coverage of Obama China Visit

11/20/2009

BEIJING - Washington's ambassador to Beijing hit out Friday at negative U.S. media coverage of President Barack Obama's visit to China, saying it failed to take into account important progress on many issues. Although producing no breakthroughs on key issues, Obama's first state visit to the Asian giant that ended Wednesday was heralded by both sides as a success.

Palestinian President Agrees to Delay Elections

11/20/2009

RAMALLAH, West Bank - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has agreed to postpone parliamentary and presidential elections that had been set for January. The Palestinian Election Commission said Friday it would meet in December to set a new date, though the Gaza Strip's Hamas rulers maintain they will boycott the vote.

Researcher Says Text Proves Shroud of Turin Real

11/20/2009

ROME - A Vatican researcher claims a nearly invisible text on the Shroud of Turin proves the authenticity of the artifact revered as Jesus' burial cloth. The claim made in a new book by historian Barbara Frale drew immediate skepticism from some scientists, who maintain the shroud is a medieval forgery.

Italian Prosecutors: US Student Staged Break-in

11/20/2009

PERUGIA, Italy - An American student and her Italian boyfriend staged a burglary in the apartment where they had just killed a British student in an attempt to sidetrack the investigation, prosecutors said Friday in closing arguments at their murder trial.

Floods Devastate UK Lake District; Much of Ireland

11/20/2009

COCKERMOUTH, England - Military helicopters winched dozens of people to safety and emergency workers in inflatable boats rescued scores more as floods on Friday swamped northern England's picturesque Lake District. One police officer was missing and feared dead after a bridge was swept away.

Midday Shooting in Central Paris Kills 1, Wounds 2

11/20/2009

PARIS - Police say a man with an automatic rifle opened fire on a car near a Paris train station, killing one man and wounding two others. Friday's shooting took place near the Gare du Nord train station, hub for trains to London and other international destinations. Such incidents are relatively rare in France, which has strict gun control laws.

Oprah Winfrey to End Talk Show in September 2011

11/20/2009

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Oprah Winfrey, one of the most influential and highly paid women on television, will announce on Friday she is ending her popular daytime talk show in 2011.

Suicide Bomber Kills 17 in Afghanistan

11/20/2009

HERAT, Afghanistan (Reuters) - A suicide bomber on a motorcycle detonated his explosives in a crowded area in southwest Afghanistan on Friday, killing 17 people, including a senior police official, a provincial governor said.

ElBaradei Urges Iran to Agree Fuel Deal By Year End

11/20/2009

BERLIN (Reuters) - The U.N. nuclear watchdog chief urged Iran on Friday to accept an offer to process its enriched uranium abroad by the end of 2009, and advised Western powers not to impose further sanctions on Tehran.

India PM Heads to U.S. in Test of Ties with Obama

11/20/2009

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's prime minister and U.S. President Barack Obama meet next week to strengthen ties, with the emerging Asian power increasingly playing a bigger role on global issues such as climate change and trade.

New Guidelines Push Back Age for Pap Smears

11/20/2009

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Women in the United States should start cervical cancer screening at age 21 and most do not need an annual Pap smear, according to new guidelines issued on Friday that aim to reduce the risk of unnecessary treatment.

Police Say Afghan Lawmaker Survives Bombing

11/20/2009

KABUL - Afghan police say Abdul Rasul Sayyaf, a parliamentarian and powerful former warlord, has narrowly escaped an assassination attempt near Kabul.

South Alabama Routs Spring Hill 82-53

2009-11-20T

Tim Williams added 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Jaguars (3-1), playing their first home game of the season. Also, Bryan Sherrer had 11 points and Gary Redus 10 as the Jaguars had 10 players to score.

Man Who Claimed Disability Spotted on TV Show

2009-11-20T

Fifty-six-year-old Ronald Hunt of Los Angeles was sentenced Tuesday to 200 hours of community service and ordered to pay more than $180,000 in restitution, unpaid taxes and fines. He pleaded guilty to two felony counts of fraud.

Predators Beat Devils in Shootout

2009-11-20T

Pekka Rinne stopped two of New Jersey's three shooters in the tiebreaker for his fourth consecutive victory. New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur took the loss after winning his first three shootouts of the season.

Old Dominion Routs Liberty 73-41

2009-11-20T

Carter was 7 of 8 from the field, including 3 of 3 from 3-point range.

Iraq Cleric's Aide Urges End to Political Crisis

11/20/2009

BAGHDAD - A top aide to Iraq's Shiite spiritual leader is calling on the country's fractious political blocs to solve a crisis over a key election law that threatens to delay national polls planned for January. Sheik Abdul-Mahdi al-Karbalaie is the representative of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in the holy city of Karbala. He spoke Friday as part of his regular sermon.

Top SKorean Model Found Hanged in Paris Apartment

11/20/2009

PARIS - A 20-year-old top South Korean model who was a fashion week regular in New York, Milan and Paris has been found hanged in her Paris apartment, a police official said Friday. Daul Kim was found dead Thursday by her boyfriend, who alerted French police, the official said. He declined to be named in accordance with policy.

Researcher Says She Found Text on Shroud of Turin

11/20/2009

ROME - A Vatican researcher claims she has found a nearly invisible text on the Shroud of Turin and says the discovery proves the authenticity of the artifact revered as Jesus' burial cloth. The claim made in a new book by historian Barbara Frale drew immediate skepticism from some scientists, who maintain the shroud is a medieval forgery.

U.S. Soldier Admits May Have Driven Car in Japan Crash

11/20/2009

TOKYO (Reuters) - A U.S. soldier has admitted he may have run over a Japanese man found dead two weeks ago on the southern island of Okinawa, his lawyer said on Friday, in a case that may further strain ties between the two countries.

Suicide Bomber Kills 16 in Western Afghanistan

11/20/2009

KABUL - A suicide bomber riding a motorcycle killed 16 people, including two children and a policeman, and wounded at least 23 others Friday in a busy city square in western Afghanistan, officials said. Provincial Gov. Rohul Amin said the blast occurred about 55 yards (50 meters) from his compound in a crowded square in Farah.

6 World Powers Meet About Iran Nuclear Issue

11/20/2009

BRUSSELS - Six world powers are meeting in Brussels to discuss possible measures against Tehran for its refusal to halt nuclear enrichment activities. The EU said senior diplomats from the U.N. Security Council's five permanent members plus Germany are taking part in Friday's meeting.

Rebel Blast Derails Train in India, Killing 2

11/20/2009

PATNA, India - A passenger train derailed after Maoist rebels blew up a key track in eastern India, killing two people and injuring at least 30 others, a police official said Friday. The rebels bombed the track shortly before the train passed through a sparsely populated area in Jharkhand state Thursday night, said Sindhu Hembram, a deputy inspector general of police.

Floods Devastate UK Lake District; Many Rescued

11/20/2009

COCKERMOUTH, England - Military helicopters winched dozens of people to safety and emergency workers in inflatable boats rescued scores more as floods swamped homes and roads Friday in northern England's picturesque Lake District. One police officer was missing after a bridge was swept away.

200 in UK Tourist Region Rescued from Floodwaters

11/20/2009

COCKERMOUTH, England - Britain's air force and emergency workers using inflatable boats rescued about 200 people Friday as rising floodwaters caused widespread havoc in northern England's picturesque Lake District. One police officer was missing after a bridge was washed away.

Russian Orthodox Priest Shot Dead in Moscow Church

11/20/2009

MOSCOW - A gunman killed a Russian Orthodox priest in his Moscow church and seriously wounded the reverend's assistant, officials said Friday.

20 Years After UN Pact, Many Children Still Suffer

11/20/2009

- EDITOR'S NOTE - The United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child 20 years ago Friday, yet hundreds of millions of children still suffer from violence, hunger and disease. Associated Press correspondents around the globe interviewed children who illustrate the remaining challenges, along with some victories. ___

Suicide Bomber Kills Seven in Afghanistan

11/20/2009

HERAT, Afghanistan (Reuters) - A suicide bomber on a motorcycle attacked a senior police official in a crowded area in southwest Afghanistan Friday, killing the official and six others, a provincial police chief said.