Merkel accepts Britain's decision to delay EU exit

Germany and Britain agreed on Wednesday that Prime Minister Theresa May needed time to prepare for talks to leave the EU, after London took the first step toward Brexit by giving up its presidency of the European Union.

IN BRIEF (Page 10)

Bitter cold devastates alpaca farmers

Fleece sold for only $5 a kilogram and a jacket made of the wool can fetch $5,000

Brooklyn area thrives along Superfund canal

It could be a postcard for Brooklyn's hip resurgence: A shimmering new building of modern apartments renting for $5,000 a month, a gourmet grocery with a rooftop greenhouse, and a funky barbecue joint with drinks flowing on the outdoor deck.

Pistachios 'green gold' coveted by Taliban

Raiders illegally harvest up to 40 percent of crop

Hidden Budapest bath a locals' favorite for vibe, healing power

Hungary's capital owes its popularity as a tourist destination partly to its numerous hot springs and bathing culture which have drawn visitors to the area since Roman times.

Police told not to play Pokemon Go while on the job

Indonesia has ordered police not to play Pokemon Go while on duty and will soon ban military personnel as well, officials said on Wednesday, as the armed forces chief warned the smartphone game was a security threat.

Earth's record heat could hit global economy with big losses

Earth's persistent record 2016 heat is now dancing near levels that a world agreement is trying to avoid, federal scientists said.

Russian balloonist more than halfway to circling globe

A 65-year-old Russian adventurer was battling sleep deprivation, freezing temperatures and ice in his oxygen mask but was ahead of schedule for his record attempt to fly solo in a balloon around the world nonstop, his son said on Wednesday.

Ankara seeks to re-emerge from rubble

Govt bans academics from foreign travel; fires many teachers and university deans

Johnson refuses to apologize for insults

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on Tuesday it would take far too long for him to apologize for the "rich thesaurus" of rude comments and insults he has directed at world leaders and others over the years.

In bumpy coronation, Trump takes the crown

The art of the coronation has taken something of a beating at the Republican National Convention. Nevertheless, Donald Trump now has the crown and a final chance to summon unity from the party's restive ranks in the ritual's closing days.