Obama: Ukraine, Syria not pieces on 'Cold-War chessboard'
The president denies that U.S.-Russian tensions are being played out in the conflicts.
New highly radioactive leak at Japan's Fukushima plant
By Mari Saito TOKYO (Reuters) - The operator of Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant said on Thursday that 100 metric tons of highly contaminated water had leaked out of a tank, the worst incident since last August, when a series of radioactive water leaks sparked international alarm. Tokyo Electric Power Co told reporters the latest leak was unlikely to have reached the ocean. "We are taking various measures, but we apologize for worrying the public with such a leak," said Masayuki Ono, a spokesman for the utility, also known as Tepco. "Water is unlikely to have reached the ocean as there is no drainage in that tank area." Tepco said water overflowed from a large storage tank at the site late on Wednesday after a valve had remained open by mistake and sent too much contaminated water into a separate holding area.
Ticket sold in Calif. wins $425M Powerball jackpot
MILPITAS, Calif. (AP) — The lone winning ticket for the $425 million Powerball jackpot was sold at a convenience store in central California, but there was no immediate word on who may have won one of the largest lottery jackpots in U.S. history.
10 Things to Know for Today
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:
Tearful Korean reunions begin; first since 2010
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Their backs stooped, dozens of elderly North and South Koreans separated for six decades reunited Thursday, weeping and embracing in a rush of words and emotion. The reunions come during a rare period of detente between the rival Koreas and are all the more poignant because the participants will part again in a few days, likely forever.
5 things to know about the Sochi Olympics
SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Fast five, Thursday edition: Five things you'll want to know about the 2014 Winter Olympics.
After Sochi, what's next for Winter Olympics?
SOCHI, Russia (AP) — The sheer cost, size and scale of the Sochi Olympics has outstripped anything done before. The question for future Winter Games is clear: Can anyone — should anyone — try to top that?
Quiet diplomacy faulted for Africa's anti-gay laws
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Last month, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni met in his office with a team of U.S.-based rights activists concerned about legislation that would impose life sentences for some homosexual acts. South African retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu joined them by phone, pointing out similarities between Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill and racist laws enforced under South Africa's former apartheid government.
Pussy Riot presents Sochi punk video
SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Russian punk band Pussy Riot on Thursday ended their stay in the Olympic city of Sochi by posting a video criticizing the Winter Games and President Vladimir Putin.
Rights group denounces Egypt reporters trial
CAIRO (AP) — A rights group on Thursday denounced Egypt's stand on freedom of expression as 20 employees of the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera network went on trial, accused of membership in a terrorist organization and also for aiding it.
At least 22 dead as violence flares in Kiev
KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Fierce clashes between police and protesters shattered a brief truce in Ukraine's besieged capital Thursday, leaving at least 22 people dead. Government snipers were reported to be shooting at some of the protesters.
France earns 1st ever sweep of Winter Games event
SOCHI, Russia (AP) — For the first time in Olympic history, France has swept the medals at a Winter Games event.
Floor collapse at Miss. church center; 35 hurt
LAUREL, Miss. (AP) — The second floor of an activity center at a rural Mississippi church collapsed during an evening youth service, sending about 70 people crashing down and injuring 35 of them, survivors and authorities said Thursday.
Ukraine: At least 18 dead as truce collapses
KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Fierce clashes between police and protesters — some including gunfire — shattered a brief truce in Ukraine's besieged capital Thursday, killing at least 19 people.
Floor collapse at church center; at least 15 hurt
LAUREL, Miss. (AP) — The second floor of an activity center at a rural church in southern Mississippi collapsed during an evening youth service, sending about 70 people tumbling and injuring at least 15 of them, authorities said.
U.S. warns of airline shoe-bomb threat
US security officials warned Wednesday about a potential shoe-bomb threat on international flights to the United States, local media reported. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a warning to airlines based on "very recent intelligence" considered credible that assailants would try to attack passenger jets using explosives hidden in shoes, NBC television reported. Officials told NBC that passengers may be subjected to enhanced security screenings and airlines will pay more attention to passengers' shoes. Some airports already require passengers to take off their shoes for security after Richard Reid tried to detonate explosives stashed in his shoes during a Paris-Miami flight just three months after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Ukraine leader names new army chief
As fires burn a second night, military announces anti-terror operation to restore order.
School employee held in case of missing Mo. girl
Police found "evidence of foul play" in their search for Hailey Owens, authorities say.
Lawmakers in Washington, Wisconsin look for limits on drones
Both states passed legislation this week restricting the use of unmanned drones.
White House: Violence in Kiev 'completely outrageous'
The White House on Wednesday called the deadly violence on the streets of Kiev "completely outrageous" and renewed its appeal for calm, warning that sanctions against Ukraine could follow. The comments from US Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes came as President Barack Obama headed to Mexico for a summit of North American leaders. Obama was expected to make public comments on Ukraine later in the day, Rhodes told reporters aboard Air Force One. Clashes in the Ukrainian capital between police and anti-government protesters that have claimed 26 lives are "completely outrageous" and "have no place in the 21st century," Rhodes said.
