Brazilians protest social security reforms

RIO DE JANEIRO - Hundreds of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against a social security reform which is being pushed by the government. There were protests in all state capitals and a number of smaller cities.

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Winter storm paralyzes much of US Northeast

NEW YORK - A strong late winter storm lashed the northeast of the United States with blizzard on Tuesday, grounding more than 6,000 flights and knocking out power to about 250,000 customers.

Bee thefts leave sting on honey producers

WELLINGTON - New Zealand's bees are being stolen and traded by organized crime syndicates seeking to profit from skyrocketing honey prices, police and beekeepers said on Tuesday, proving that bees make money.

Hawaii fears travel ban goes against welcoming aloha spirit

HONOLULU - Hawaii's white sand beaches, towering volcanoes and relaxing tropical vistas attract millions of visitors annually from around the globe. But the announcement of US President Donald Trump's revised travel ban has stoked fears that the state's main economic driver - tourism - could take a hit.

Pressure mounts on Japanese minister to quit over scandal

TOKYO - Japan's defense minister is under pressure to stand down after becoming embroiled in an ongoing scandal surrounding a school operator in Osaka.

Seoul sets presidential vote for May

SEOUL - The Republic of Korea said on Wednesday it will hold an election on May 9 to choose a successor for former president Park Geun-hye, who was removed from office in a historic court ruling last week over a widening corruption scandal.

Dutch voting in election seen as a barometer of populism

THE HAGUE - Prime Minister Mark Rutte and anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders cast Wednesday's Dutch parliamentary elections as a litmus test for populism in Europe, only months ahead of crucial votes in France and Germany.

Tillerson kicks off his first Asian tour

United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday, kicking off his first Asian trip that will also take him to the Republic of Korea and China.

White House says Trump paid $38m in income taxes in 2005

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump reported more than $150 million in income in 2005 and $38 million paid in taxes that year, according to a statement released on Tuesday by the White House.

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Park facing possibility of going from palace to prison

SEOUL - When impeached president Park Geun-hye leaves the presidential palace, she will go back to her house in Seoul's luxury Gangnam district surrounded by a high wall and bamboo. She may have to move again, next time to a cramped jail cell.