Iraqis cover soil with clay to curb sandstorms
WorldDeep in Iraq's southern desert, bulldozers and earthmovers spread layers of moist clay over sand dunes as part of a broader effort to fight increasingly frequent sandstorms.
Asian stocks rise, precious metals hit records on Fed rate cut bets
WorldAsian stocks were at six-week highs on Monday, while the dollar hovered near its lowest in almost three months on expectations of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates next year, which have also sparked a fierce rally in precious metals.
Indonesia fire kills 16 people in retirement home
WorldJAKARTA -- A fire at a retirement home in the city of Manado on Indonesia's on Sulawesi island has killed 16 people, a local police official was quoted as saying on Monday by state news agency Antara.
Third 'Avatar' film stays atop N. American box office rankings
World"Avatar: Fire and Ash" retained the top spot at the North American box office after it debuted the week before, reeling in $64 million during the weekend after Christmas, industry estimates showed Sunday.
Coupang announces $1.18 billion compensation to South Korean users for data leak
WorldSouth Korean e-commerce company Coupang announced on Monday a compensation package of 1.69 trillion won ($1.18 billion) to holders of 33.7 million accounts for a massive data leak that has drawn backlash from users and lawmakers.
Mexican train derailment kills at least 13 people, 98 injured
WorldMEXICO CITY -- Mexican authorities said on Sunday that at least 13 people were killed after an Interoceanic Train carrying 250 people derailed in the southern state of Oaxaca.
'Make emitters responsible': Thailand's clean air activists
WorldA finance specialist who struggled after running in smog and a doctor who fears for the health of his children are among the activists spearheading landmark air pollution legislation in Thailand despite political uncertainty.
At least 15 dead, 19 injured in Guatemala bus accident
WorldGUATEMALA CITY - At least 15 people were killed and 19 injured after a passenger bus plunged into a ravine on the Inter-American Highway in western Guatemala, authorities said on Saturday.
China issues draft rules to regulate AI with human-like interaction
WorldBEIJING - China's cyber regulator on Saturday issued draft rules for public comment that would tighten oversight of artificial intelligence services designed to simulate human personalities and engage users in emotional interaction.
Valencia coach Fernando Martin dies in Indonesia boat accident
WorldJAKARTA - Fernando Martin, a coach with Valencia CF, has died with three members of his family after their boat capsized in Indonesia, Spanish football clubs said.
