France uses new power to block sites accused of condoning terrorism

France has blocked five websites accused of condoning terrorism in the first use of new government powers that came into force in February, the interior ministry said on Monday.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Race begins to save rare wallaroos

"There she is, there she is!"

Govt settlements empower Maori

Their land was confiscated, their homes burned down and many of their people killed.

Cultural center has nation's first free Wi-Fi

The Cuban government has allowed the first free, public Wi-Fi service recently at a cultural center in Havana, as it loosens its grip on Internet access in the country.

Flawed national data show millions to be at least 112 years old

US citizens are getting older, but not this old: Social Security benefits records show that 6.5 million people in the US have reached the age of 112.

Around the world

Japan

Relief teams report bleak picture of devastation

Reports from the outer islands of Vanuatu on Monday painted a picture of utter destruction after a monster cyclone tore through the South Pacific island nation, flattening buildings and killing at least eight people.

New Zealand coastal areas evacuated

The New Zealand mainland started to count the cost of Tropical Cyclone Pam on Monday as the storm began moving southeastward out to sea.

Govt set to protect Great Barrier Reef

Australia detailed how it will ban dumping of all dredge soil in the Great Barrier Reef on Monday as it looks to step up protection of the world's largest reef and avoid having it listed by UNESCO as "in danger".

Time stands still in village of scarecrows

Tsukimi Ayano made her first scarecrow 13 years ago to frighten off birds pecking at seeds in her garden. The life-size straw doll resembled her father, so she made more, and then couldn't stop.

Seoul may prevent anti-DPRK leaflets

The Ministry of Unification of the Republic of Korea, which is in charge of inter-Korean affairs, said on Monday that it will take measures to prevent civic groups from scattering leaflets against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea if it clearly endangers the safety of people living near the border.