Gov't urged to drop defense pact with US

A Philippine columnist on Saturday called on the incoming Philippine government to drop a defense pact between the Philippines and the United States, arguing it was reducing the country into one big US military base.

Police seekmotive for killing of The Voice singer

Christina Grimmie was a vivacious, outgoing singer whose career was born on social media and propelled toward the big time by television. She didn't consider herself a famous person, not like the judges on The Voice, where she competed, but she had a following that was as enthusiastic about her music as she was.

Syrians now pay smugglers to return home

Europe seemed like the promised land, worth risking their lives to reach. But in a muddy field on the northern edge of Greece, their dreams died. Now, dozens of Syrian refugees are risking their lives again but in the opposite direction - paying smugglers to take them back to Turkey, and heading home.

Gunman kills 50 in gay club rampage

Fifty people died and another 53 were injured when a gunman opened fire and seized hostages at a gay nightclub in Florida, police said on Sunday, making it the worst mass shooting in US history.

Suicide bombers strike near capital

Two suicide bombers struck close to the Syrian capital on Saturday, killing at least 12 people and wounding dozens more in the latest attack to hit the predominantly Shiite area in recent months, state TV and an opposition activist group said.

Army gains ground against IS

Iraqi troops advanced against Islamic State south of Mosul on Sunday as the US-led coalition intensified its campaign against the militants on multiple fronts across their self-proclaimed caliphate.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Celebrating the bridges of Suzhou Creek

The Suzhou Creek, nicknamed by the locals as a "natural museum of bridges" because of the sheer number of such structures on it, will soon be getting yet another addition to its collection.

Sharapova to appeal 'unfairly harsh' ban

Russian tennis superstar Maria Sharapova on Wednesday vowed to appeal a two-year doping ban that looks certain to end one of sport's most high-profile careers.

LeBron leads Cavaliers' cavalry

Crawling on the floor after a loose ball, LeBron James gathered himself and quickly got to his feet.

Colombia into last eight, US bounces back

Colombia became the first side to reach the quarterfinals of the Copa America Centenario on Tuesday, while the United States thumped Costa Rica 4-0 to get its campaign back on track.

Officials' embrace of TV show good way of rebuilding province's image

SHANXI TELEVISION, the provincial broadcaster in North China's Shanxi province, recently introduced a live show in which the Party chiefs or mayors of 11 local cities competed with each other to promote their cities to tourists. Rednet.cn comments: