Shark-finning ban in New Zealand waters proposed

A complete ban on shark-finning - catching sharks solely for their fins - in New Zealand waters could be in place within two years, the New Zealand government announced on Thursday.

Newly discovered species span big trees, tiny flies

A cross between a sleek cat and a wide-eyed teddy bear that lives in Andean cloud forests and an eyeless snail that lives in darkness 900-plus meters below ground in Croatia rank among the top 10 new species discovered last year, scientists announced on Thursday.

McDonald's employees rally against low wages

The fast-food chain says $15 an hour is 'unrealistic' but will rise over time

Deadly floods leave Balkans with desolation and exposed landmines

Floodwaters slowly receded in the Balkans on Thursday after the region's deadliest natural disaster in living memory, revealing widespread devastation and allowing the mammoth cleanup task to begin.

EU-wide elections could roil the bloc

Several European countries' commitment to the painful economic reforms meant to cut debt and foster growth could be shaken by this week's elections to the European Parliament, which are likely to see anti-EU parties buoyed by protest votes against austerity.

Jihadi fighters seek to establish new Islamist state on Syria-Iraq border

Jihadi fighters have launched a fresh bid to take over the Syria-Iraq border area and set up a so-called Islamic state they can control, according to rebels, activists and a monitoring group.

Thai military junta declares coup

Army seizes power for 12th time in 82 years to restore order

Protesters vacate rally sites

Anti-government protesters in Thailand have dispersed for the first time since the country's political crisis began six months ago. Army troops who staged a coup on Thursday asked the demonstrators to go home, and thousands of people peacefully left a rally site near a building housing the seat of government.

Unrest

November 2012

New York arrests 71 in child porn case

Two police officers, a rabbi and a Boy Scout leader are among 70 men and one woman arrested on child pornography charges in the largest such bust in New York, officials said on Wednesday.

Brazilian police officers stage 24-hour strike ahead of World Cup

Police officers went on a 24-hour strike in eight Brazilian states and the capital on Wednesday, demanding better pay and working conditions, raising security concerns less than a month before the opening match of the World Cup.

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