Pageant winner ran in memory of friend

Ariana Miyamoto hadn't planned to enter a Japanese beauty contest because she figured her multiracial origins meant she couldn't win. Then a close multiracial friend committed suicide.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Report: Co-pilot hid truth about his work

The Germanwings co-pilot suspected of deliberately crashing a plane in the French Alps lied to doctors, telling them he was on sick leave rather than flying commercial planes, the German daily newspaper Bild reported on Thursday.

56 dead, 13 missing after trawler sinks

At least 56 crew members aboard a Russian fishing trawler died and 13 were missing after the vessel sank in freezing waters off the Kamchatka Peninsula in the western Pacific Ocean early on Thursday, officials in the area said.

Angry senator vows to fight corruption charges

A defiant New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez declared that he's "not going anywhere" after he was charged with accepting nearly $1 million in gifts and campaign contributions from a longtime friend in exchange for a stream of political favors.

Steelworks poses dilemma

As the main blast furnace at one of Europe's most polluted steelworks belches its last toxic cloud, activist Fabio Matacchiera was the only one there celebrating.

Museum reopens after overhaul

Huge black and gold sarcophaguses with kohl-rimmed eyes dwarf visitors at Turin's palatial Egyptian museum, which is reopening to the public after a "pharaonic" five-year renovation.

GM food creators play up health, convenience

Cancer-fighting pink pineapples, heart-healthy purple tomatoes and lighter vegetable oils - all genetically engineered - may someday be on US grocery shelves alongside more traditional products.

Zoo's new lions symbolize nation's return to normal

The arrival of three South African lions at Abidjan zoo to replace those that starved to death during postelection violence in 2010-11 is a sign for many Ivorians that the country is getting back on its feet.

Oldest woman in world dies at 117

The world's oldest person, a Japanese woman, died on Wednesday, just a few weeks after celebrating her 117th birthday.

Around the world

Japan

Deal with Iran moves a step closer

Major powers and Iran were closer to a preliminary accord on reining in Teheran's nuclear program as marathon talks ran into Wednesday, but they hit an impasse over key details such as the lifting of UN sanctions and Iran's future atomic research.