US citizens express little hope in govt

Nearly 86% call healthcare top priority, but half say progress will not be made

Sherlock dazzles fans in return

British actor Benedict Cumberbatch made his long-awaited comeback as Sherlock Holmes on Wednesday, but the hit BBC series still left fans scratching their heads over how the super-sleuth managed to cheat death.

Marijuana enters retail market as Colorado stores open for business

Marijuana users celebrated on Wednesday as Colorado became the first US state to allow retail cannabis sales, putting it in the vanguard of efforts across the country to legalize the drug.

Musharraf suffers 'heart problem' on way to hearing

Pakistan's former leader Pervez Musharraf was rushed to a hospital on Thursday after suffering a "heart problem" on his way to court for a hearing in his treason case.

Warring parties gather for peace talks

Ethiopia to host meetings in hope of ending conflict in South Sudan

President declares state of emergency

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir declared a state of emergency in Unity and Jonglei states on Wednesday.

Former Israeli PM Sharon 'critically ill'

Former Israeli prime minister and ex-general Ariel Sharon, who has been in a coma since a stroke in 2006, slipped closer to death on Thursday after a sharp decline his health.

Secret US diplomat helped seal Iran talks

The night before a round of high-stakes nuclear talks with Iran, US President Barack Obama told his chief of staff he had "absolute confidence we have the right team on the field".

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Beijing protests US' terrorist transfer

Three Chinese prisoners to be moved to Slovakia from Guantanamo Bay

Police probe fire attack on Chinese consulate

Police in San Francisco are investigating a possible arson attack on the Chinese consulate general on New Year's Day.

Abe's planned tour of S. Pacific criticized

Rallying the support of the Pacific island nations tops Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's diplomatic wish list for the new year as he seeks to further contain China's maritime presence.