What they said

"Sir Run Run Shaw promoted the entertainment industry in Hong Kong for a long time, with prominent achievements. At the same time, he was committed to philanthropy that benefits education in Hong Kong and the mainland, as well as scientific research around the world. He was an elder that we very much respected. I express my sadness at the passing of Sir Run Run Shaw and offer condolences to his family."

How drug base fell to long arm of law

In the murky, pre-dawn light early on Dec 29, more than 3,000 officers, including armed police and frontier guards, embarked on the biggest drugs raid in the history of Guangdong province.

Drug busts around the world

In September 2013, nine people were arrested in the biggest ever cocaine bust in France. Police seized almost 1.4 metric tons of cocaine, worth around 200 million euros ($272 million), that had been smuggled into the country on an Air France flight from Venezuela. The seizure was the result of cooperation between the security forces in France, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Growing food in space could assist in human colonization

Space, in the words of Captain James T. Kirk, is the final frontier. However, although the human colonization of space is central to the dreams of many aficionados of science fiction, only the most fanatical would contend that humans will achieve that ambition anytime soon.

Holiday blues brewing for students overseas

Four years ago at age 14, Ren Yitao moved to the United States to study. Since then, she hasn't spent Spring Festival in China with her family.

The view from afar

Ren Yitao, 18, Florida, US

Calendar seller makes his date with despair

Ren Yongjun quit smoking when his son was born two years ago. However, he has recently started again and is now smoking more than ever.

'It's like torture being here'

Yan Xingjun has been selling flowers at Yuquanying Flower and Gifts Market in Beijing for 12 years. He specializes in moth orchids, pretty, light-colored flowers that are often displayed in public places such as airport and hotels. Until recently, business was good, so good in fact that his wife quit her job to help him run the 150-square-meter store.

Russian police round up dozens

Russian police detained dozens of people on Tuesday in sweeps through Volgograd after two deadly attacks in less than 24 hours that raised security fears ahead of the Winter Olympics.

Israel frees 26 Palestinian prisoners

Israel released more than two dozen Palestinian prisoners convicted in deadly attacks against Israelis early on Tuesday as part of a US-brokered package to restart Mideast peace talks.

S. Sudan fighting flares as cease-fire deadline arrives

Anti-government rebels in South Sudan attacked the key town of Bor on Tuesday, ignoring a deadline set by regional powers to stop fighting and hold peace talks.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)