Traditional kite-making in peril as interest wanes

Shafie Jusoh loves traditional Malaysian kites so much that he can't get a good night's rest unless he's been working on them daily.

Ivo Pitanguy, celebrated plastic surgeon, dies

Ivo Pitanguy, one of the world's top plastic surgeons who helped make Brazil a popular destination for the rich and famous to get work done, died on Saturday. He was in his 90s.

Basque beret goes from peasant cap to 'emblem of France'

The beret has come a long way since its humble beginnings as the headgear of choice for pelota players in the Basque country, becoming a must-have accessory as far afield as China.

Acapulco's young surfers seek to escape crime wave

Luis Rey Hernandez feels safe and happy when he's on his surfboard, riding waves off the shores of Acapulco.

Centuries-old structures built by Afro-Brazilians crumbling

With a fine ceramic minaret, multicolored walls and a great, carved wooden door, the Grand Mosque in Benin's capital is a marvel of Afro-Brazilian architecture, yet like much in Porto Novo it faces collapse.

Thais approve new constitution

Thailand's election commissioner said voters have approved a new constitution in a referendum.

After shock, Japan warms to emperor's possible abdication

Japanese will tune in to Emperor Akihito's rare video message on Monday following reports that he would abdicate in the next few years, which initially came as shock but was welcomed by many as a deserved rest for the 82-year-old beloved monarch.

ANC suffers huge defeat at the polls

The African National Congress lost its grip on local government in Tshwane, home of the South African capital Pretoria, as results on Saturday gave the opposition Democratic Alliance a second big win in the ANC's worst election since the end of apartheid.

13 dead, 6 injured as fire hits bar in Rouen

A fast-moving fire that appeared to be accidental swept through a birthday party in a basement bar in northwest France, killing at least 13 people and injuring six others, authorities said Saturday.

Ex-firefighter describes stabbing attack

A retired US firefighter who tried to grab the man who stabbed to death a retired teacher in London this week says anyone would have tried to stop the attack.

President links 150 judges, politicians to drugs

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte publicly linked more than 150 judges, mayors, lawmakers, police and military personnel to illegal drugs on Sunday, ordering them to surrender for investigation as he ratcheted up his bloody war against what he calls a "pandemic".

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