King tries to end political logjam

The mediation skills of Spain's King Felipe VI are being put to the test this week as he meets with political leaders to try to end the impasse the country has faced since an inconclusive general election.

EPA admits slow response to water crisis

The US Environmental Protection Agency said on Tuesday it was reviewing its handling of a crisis over lead-contaminated drinking water in the Michigan city of Flint and acknowledged it did not respond fast enough.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Boycott calls rise in diversity row

Amid calls for a boycott of the Academy Awards over its all-white acting nominees and Spike Lee and Jada Pinkett Smith both announcing they would sit out this year's ceremony, the academy's president said it was time for major changes - and soon.

Astronauts grow first flower beyond Earth

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have successfully grown a flower to full bloom for the first time outside our Earth.

Tougher law to tackle high rates of acid attacks

Acid attack survivors in Colombia hope a new law that punishes perpetrators of the crime with up to 50 years in prison will act as a deterrent in a country with high rates of acid attacks.

Eagles singer-songwriter Frey dies

As co-founder of the Eagles, singer and songwriter Glenn Frey mastered the mixing of rock'n' roll with country music, and the band's hits - including Hotel California and Take It Easy, both cowritten by Frey - helped define the 1970s.

Student's death triggers protests

Hundreds of students are angrily protesting the death of an Indian student who, along with four others, was barred from using some facilities at his university in Hyderabad.

IN BRIEF (Page 7)

Boston orchestra hits new note with iPads for audience

A night at the symphony usually means silencing cellphones and mobile devices before the music starts.

Satellite launched but SpaceX ocean landing bid all at sea

SpaceX's unmanned Falcon 9 rocket broke apart on Sunday as it tried to land on a floating platform in the Pacific, marking the fourth such failure in the company's bid to recycle rockets.

New sanctions as Obama celebrates return of prisoners

The United States on Sunday imposed sanctions over Iran's ballistic missile testing even as US President Barack Obama hailed the release of five US citizens from Teheran's custody and the implementation of a nuclear deal he hopes will stand among his lasting foreign policy achievements.