Netanyahu declines to meet with Democrats

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu turned down an invitation on Tuesday to meet privately with Senate Democrats next week during his visit to Washington, saying the session "could compound the misperception of partisanship" surrounding his trip.

People to have input on budget plans

The new government of the Indian capital will let the people decide its annual municipal budget by seeking opinions from the constituencies that voted the anti-graft Aam Aadmi Party to power last month, local media reported on Wednesday.

Gunman kills 3 in Sejong City, sets fire to store and is later found dead

A gunman shot and killed three people on Wednesday in and around a South Korean convenience store that he then set on fire before fleeing, police said. He was later found dead with a gunshot wound to his head in an apparent suicide.

Family seeks pardon for jailed Anwar

The family of jailed Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has sought a royal pardon in a last-ditch effort to try to free him from a sodomy conviction.

Actor fattens up as health foods prove unhealthy

An Australian actor who set out to expose hidden sugar in health foods said he gained 8.5 kilograms and a paunch after going on a 60-day low-fat diet that included yogurt, cereal, muesli bars and juices.

Call for calm after shooting

The Venezuelan government condemned the fatal shooting of a teenager during an anti-government protest and pledged on Tuesday to prosecute the police officer responsible for the incident.

Int'l community hails united peace efforts

The international community hailed on Tuesday efforts by local Somali elders and business people to mediate for a peaceful solution in the troubled region of central Somalia.

Armed foreign agents may get OK

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto on Tuesday proposed a reform that would allow some foreign agents to carry arms inside Mexico, a significant change in a country that has historically said the practice would violate its sovereignty.

Clinton lists her top priorities

Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday that if she decides to seek the White House again she would try to encourage Republicans and Democrats to solve problems.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Conjoined twins surgically separated

Doctors are optimistic that 10-month-old formerly conjoined twin girls will survive after the surgery that separated them.

Peasant fights mining giant over land

With her straw hat and peasant dress, Maxima does not look like the type to take on a global mining giant. But as she gazes out from her small house in the Peruvian highlands, she is adamant: This is her land.