No joke: Former TV comedian wins presidential election

Jimmy Morales, a former TV comedian who has never held office, swept to power in Guatemala's presidential election on Sunday, after milking public anger over a corruption scandal that deepened distrust of the country's political establishment.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Lingering effects of MERS kill man, 66

A South Korean man died of complications from Middle East Respiratory Syndrome on Sunday, the first death linked to the virus in the country in more than three months.

Red Cross urges long-term support

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warned on Friday that longer-term support is needed to help shattered communities recover six months after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal. The Red Cross said in a statement that as winter approaches, one of the main humanitarian concerns is how families living at high altitudes will endure the coming months.

Rain swamps Texas in wake of Patricia

Heavy rains fueled by the meeting of two storm systems, one the remnants of Hurricane Patricia, pounded southeastern Texas, triggering flash floods and derailing a freight train as heavy weather descended on Houston early on Sunday.

Israeli paraglides to enter Syria

Israel said on Sunday that one of its citizens, probably a member of the Muslim Arab minority, had illegally flown to rebellion-wracked Syria by using a paraglider to cross the Golan Heights frontier.

Warning shots fired as reunions continue

The Republic of Korea fired warning shots on Saturday at a patrol boat from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Yonhap News Agency reported on Sunday, citing military officials.

Russia offers air cover for anti-Assad rebels

Russia said on Saturday it was ready to provide air support for Western-backed moderate rebels battling both jihadists and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as Moscow presses on with its diplomatic offensive over the conflict.

Border closure threat issued

Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia threatened on Saturday to close their borders if EU countries to the north stop accepting migrants, as European leaders prepare for emergency talks on the continent's worst refugee crisis since World War II.

Car slams crowd at Oklahoma parade

A car with a suspected drunken driver at the wheel barreled into crowds watching a homecoming parade at Oklahoma State University on Saturday, killing four people and injuring more than 40 others, authorities said.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

C.banner to buy iconic UK toy store Hamleys

C.banner International Holdings Ltd, the Chinese footwear company, is poised to buy the 255-year-old British toy retailer Hamleys for around 100 million pounds ($154.1 million), as part of efforts to enhance its global branding strategy.