Japan likely to pass bill to raise immigration fees
WorldTOKYO -- Japan's House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill to raise the ceiling on fees for immigration procedures, making it likely to be enacted during the current parliamentary session ending in July.
15% of hospitals in Japan report sexual abuse
WorldTOKYO -- Sexual abuse of patients has occurred at 15.5 pct of hospitals and other medical facilities in Japan, a government survey found.
Germany holds breath as stranded whale 'Timmy' sets off in barge
WorldINSEL POEL, Germany -- A special boat carrying a stranded humpback whale whose weeks-long struggle to survive has captured hearts in Germany set off for the open seas on Tuesday evening in a last-ditch rescue attempt.
Australia inflation jumps with worse to come, rate hike looms
WorldAustralian consumer prices surged in the first quarter as tensions in the Middle East drove up energy costs, while core inflation stayed uncomfortably high for policymakers, keeping pressure on for a rate hike next week.
FIFA increases financial distribution to World Cup participants by 15%
WorldVANCOUVER - FIFA will increase payments to teams taking part in the 2026 World Cup to almost $900 million, world soccer's governing body said on Tuesday, citing the commercial success of its expanded flagship men's tournament.
Starbucks raises forecasts after strong quarter, shares jump 5% after hours
WorldStarbucks raised its annual forecasts as CEO Brian Niccol said investments in faster service and more staffing had lured customers back to the global coffee chain.
Deaf Disney fans can now enjoy iconic animated songs recreated with ASL
WorldLOS ANGELES -- Disney Animation is giving some of its most iconic songs a new voice — one spoken through hands, faces and movement — reimagining classic numbers in American Sign Language to mark National Deaf History Month.
Chile's wine industry targets younger drinkers as consumption slumps
WorldSAN JAVIER DE LONCOMILLA, Chile -- In Chile's picturesque Maule Valley winemaking region, idyllic scenes of the year's harvest mask a stark reality, as winemakers confront plummeting global consumption.
Indonesia train crash kills 15; taxi firm pledges cooperation in probe
WorldAn electric taxi operator said on Tuesday it was cooperating with investigators after a deadly train collision near Jakarta, Indonesia that killed at least 15 people and injured nearly 90.
Toyota-backed startup begins 'flying car' test flights in N.Y.
WorldNEW YORK -- Joby Aviation Inc., a U.S. startup backed by Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp., said Monday that it has begun demonstration flights of its so-called flying cars in New York.
