Abe confirms intentions to amend Constitution

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe confirmed on Wednesday his intentions to amend a key clause of Japan's Constitution that would further broaden the operational scope of the nation's Self-Defense Forces, following the passage of controversial legislation last year.

Cosby seeks to block sex assault prosecution

Comedian Bill Cosby on Tuesday sought to derail Pennsylvania prosecutors' effort to make him stand trial on sexual assault charges, contending that a deal reached over a decade ago gave him immunity from prosecution.

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WHO declares Zika virus 'extraordinary' emergency

Concern over the Zika virus linked to birth defects in the Americas widened across the world on Tuesday, as several nations identified new cases or announced a state of emergency in the wake of the World Health Organization's declaration of a global health crisis over the virus' explosive spread.

Wartime forced labor victims join lawsuits against Japanese firms

One hundred more South Koreans who claim they were duped into forced labor by Japanese companies during World War II joined a pending class action lawsuit against those companies on Tuesday. The initial suit by 1,004 individuals was filed in April.

Yin throws hat in ring

Phillip Yin, a Bellevue, Washington, resident and Yakima native, is running for lieutenant governor of Washington state as a Republican.

Scholarships pledged to save 'lost generation'

Until recently, Syrian refugee Eyad Zoulghena only had bad options.

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Cruz comes up trumps in Iowa

Ted Cruz, a fiery, conservative Texas senator loathed by his own party's leaders, swept to victory in Iowa's Republican caucuses, overcoming billionaire Donald Trump and Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

PM: 'Real progress' made in talks with EU

UK Prime Minister David Cameron said proposals to change the United Kingdom's relationship with the European Union reflect "real progress", but more work must be done.

Academics face boycott pressures

Israeli anthropologist Dan Rabinowitz is a leader in his field, heading a prestigious school of environmental studies at Tel Aviv University, authoring dozens of publications and holding visiting teaching positions over the years at leading North American universities.

Castro welcomed in historic visit to Paris

Cuban President Raul Castro began his official trip to Paris on Monday, his first state visit to Europe, seen as a key step in rebuilding his island nation's ties with the West.