Peru blows up illegal mining machinery

In a surprise raid, about 1,500 police and troops blasted $20 million worth of heavy machinery with dynamite as Peru's government throttled up a crackdown on illegal gold mining that has badly scarred the ecologically rich southeastern jungle region of Madre de Dios.

Willie Nelson, 81, earns fifth-degree black belt

Here's some advice for when Willie Nelson slides off his sneakers personalized with the word "Texas": Don't mess with him.

Restaurant regains title as world's best with Danish specialties

Noma restaurant in Copenhagen, the Danish capital, reclaimed on Monday the title of world's best restaurant. It became a four-time winner, having lost the title last year to El Celler de Can Roca of Spain.

President 'sorry' for ferry disaster

South Korean President Park Geun-hye apologized on Tuesday for her government's failure to combat systemic and regulatory "evils" blamed for the loss of about 300 lives in a ferry disaster.

Violent weather in US kills 29

People in the southern and eastern United States braced for more violent weather on Tuesday after a string of tornadoes and other storms killed at least 29 people, news reports said.

Kerry backs off Israel 'apartheid state' comment

US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Monday he had chosen the wrong word in describing Israel's potential future after coming under withering criticism for saying the Jewish state could become an "apartheid state" if it doesn't reach a peace deal with the Palestinians.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Sherpa families worried over strike

After tragedy on world's highest peak, guides seek better benefits from government

Those who renounce citizenship of US defy stereotypes

Inside the long-awaited package, six pages of government paperwork dryly affirmed Carol Tapanila's anxious request. But when Tapanila slipped the contents from the brown envelope, she saw there was something more.

Neo-Nazis throw Hitler birthday bash in France

German neo-Nazis, hamstrung by tough laws at home, are increasingly organizing gatherings across the French border, including a recent commemoration of Adolf Hitler's 125th birthday.

Spanish search team starts quest for Cervantes' remains

Miguel de Cervantes, Spain's greatest writer, was a soldier of little fortune. He died broke in Madrid, his body riddled with bullets. His burial place was a tiny convent church no larger than the entrance hall of an average house.

Divers' hunt resumes for bodies inside sunken ferry

Investigators seek recorded pleas to coastal authorities made by victims