Fallen idol returns as voice of new era

Former pop idol Noriko Sakai, who fell spectacularly from grace after being arrested on drugs charges, is a rare breed in Japan: a female celebrity who has suffered public humiliation and survived.

Gaza enjoys first night out at movies in 20 years

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are enjoying their first night out at the movies since political tensions led to the torching of cinemas in the enclave 20 years ago.

Tensions run high ahead of funeral

Tens of thousands of supporters of a Pakistani Islamist executed for gunning down a liberal governor gathered for his funeral on Tuesday, sparking fears of violence, as schools closed and police cordoned off flashpoints.

Myanmar factory workers win $1.3m in labor dispute

A Thai tuna processing factory has agreed to pay staff $1.3 million compensation for a litany of labor abuses, an official said on Tuesday, a rare victory for migrant workers in the kingdom's scandal-stricken seafood industry.

Panasonic's same-sex marriage stance isolated

For decades, Panasonic Corp has shaped Japanese corporate tradition - be it morning exercise routines or lifetime employment. But don't hold your breath waiting for other Asian businesses to emulate its latest policy announcement: Recognizing same-sex partnerships.

Nation gets a 'Pastafarian' pastor

New Zealand has officially recognized its first marriage celebrant from the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, a pirate-costumed "Pastafarian" who said on Tuesday that all were welcome to join the offbeat religion.

Women, girls face 'invasive tests'

Afghan women and girls accused of so-called moral crimes are often forced to endure invasive and scientifically questionable "virginity tests" by government doctors, according to human rights advocates.

France starts destroying 'Jungle'

Clashes broke out between French riot police and migrants on Monday as authorities began destroying makeshift shelters in the grim shantytown on the edge of Calais known as the "Jungle".

Petrobras corruption investigation targets Lula

Federal prosecutors who uncovered a huge corruption scandal at oil company Petrobras are looking into whether Brazil's former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva received undue favors from engineering companies they are investigating.

Nanny waving child's severed head detained in Moscow

Moscow police arrested a nanny on Monday for beheading a young girl in her care, with witnesses saying the black-clad woman was carrying a severed head and threatening to "blow everyone up".

Money in politics deepens social divide

A dozen US states were holding their primaries on Tuesday to decide the candidates to represent the Republican and Democratic parties in the November 2016 presidential election.

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