Costa Rica investigates after 10 US citizens die in plane disaster

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica - Investigators are looking into what caused a charter aircraft to crash in woods in the country's northwest soon after takeoff, killing the 10 US citizens and two local crew members on board.

Iran state TV: 12 killed in protests, attacks on security

TEHERAN - At least 12 people have been killed in the ongoing protests in Iran, and armed protesters have tried to take over police stations and military bases, state TV reported on Monday.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Revelers Welcome New Year

People rang in 2018 with firework displays, partying and an array of local traditions:

Pictures of a new era

China Daily has chosen a selection of powerful and evocative pictures, from tens of thousands of images taken throughout the course of the year.

Wonderland for winter sports

BEIJING AND ZHANGJIAKOU ARE TO HOST THE WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES in 2022, boosting the popularity of winter sports not only in Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning - the three provinces in Northeast China that have long winters and which have produced the majority of China's winter sports champions - but also in other places where winter is a lot shorter, such as Shandong province in East China and Henan province in Central China.

Kabul bombings kill 40, IS claims responsibility

KABUL - At least 40 people were killed and dozens more wounded in multiple blasts at a Shiite cultural center in Kabul on Thursday, officials said, in the latest deadly violence to hit the Afghan capital.

St. Petersburg blast was act of terror, Putin says

ST. PETERSBURG - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said an explosion that tore through a St. Petersburg supermarket, wounding 13 people, was an act of terror, as footage of the suspected bomber spread on the internet.

First results expected in Liberian poll

MONROVIA, Liberia - Initial results were expected on Thursday in Liberia's landmark presidential poll, pitting former soccer superstar George Weah against Vice-President Joseph Boakai.

India's 'moonwalking' traffic cop turns heads

INDORE, India - He is inspired by Bollywood and has a Freddie Mercury-style mustache - but it is the Michael Jackson dance moves of traffic cop Ranjeet Singh that grab attention on chaotic streets.

Ukraine, rebels in largest prisoner swap

KIEV - The Ukrainian government and pro-independence insurgents in the eastern part of the country on Wednesday carried out their largest prisoner swap since the start of the conflict in April 2014, according to the reports from the rival parties.

Moon: 2015 deal with Japan flawed

SEOUL - South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday the country's 2015 agreement with Japan to settle a decadelong impasse over wartime sexual slavery was seriously flawed.