Japan closer to controversial labor reforms

The Lower House of Japan's parliament on Thursday approved the labor reform bill, defined by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as top of the agenda for the current session. The bill will be sent to the Upper House for deliberation and approval.

Journalist turns up at news conference after reported murder

KIEV/MOSCOW - Ukraine sought to justify faking the death of a Russian journalist who appeared alive and well at a news conference in Kiev less than 24 hours after he was "murdered", citing an alleged Russian plot to kill him.

Brazil oil workers begin strike in new blow

RIO DE JANEIRO/SAO PAULO - Brazilian oil workers began a 72-hour strike on Wednesday in a new blow to President Michel Temer following a nationwide trucker protest that has strangled Latin America's largest economy for over a week.

Europe talks tough over US tariffs

The European Union is bracing for new United States' tariffs against steel and aluminum as tension between the two trading superpowers ratchets up.

Shuttle diplomacy over key summit

The key to setting the stage for the historic summit between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea top leader Kim Jong-un and the United States President Donald Trump is whether the visiting DPRK high-ranking official and his US counterpart can settle the disagreements in denuclearization, experts said.

UK homes in on nuisance callers

Directors of companies that bombard people in Britain with unsolicited nuisance phone calls could face fines of up to half a million pounds ($666,000) under new proposals being considered by the government.

Former student claims doctor left her feeling 'violated'

He moved his hands in and out of her body, took off his gloves, and then proceeded to stroke her breasts.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

US sees 'signs of progress' for Trump-Kim meeting

The "Trump-Kim" summit is necessary for both the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to start a possible peaceful relationship, yet there should not be excessive expectations, experts said.

Russia hits back at claims of MH17 downing

Russia on Tuesday rejected Dutch representations at the United Nations that it was responsible for the downing of Flight MH17 over Ukraine, after it was accused in an investigation saying that a Russian army missile was used in the attack.

Tension escalates as Israel hits more Hamas sites in Gaza

The long-running dispute between Palestinians and Israelis will continue and bring even greater obstacles to reconciliation, said a Chinese expert, as the tension in the Gaza Strip escalated with recent military moves from both sides.

52 file complaints against USC doctor

The Los Angeles Police Department has announced that 52 patients of George Tyndall, a former University of Southern California gynecologist, had come forward to report his inappropriate conduct.