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US govt shuts down over border

WASHINGTON - The US federal government was expected to remain partially shut down past Christmas as the standoff deepened on Saturday over US President Donald Trump's demand for funds to build a border wall with Mexico.

France's 'yellow vests' protests lose some steam after six weeks

The French mass movement, known as "yellow vests", ebbed considerably on Saturday as it entered the sixth straight weekend, likely appeased by the concessions made by President Emmanuel Macron and Christmas holidays.

Nissan's Ghosn to serve 10 more days

TOKYO - A Japanese court approved prosecutors' request on Sunday to keep Nissan's former chairman Carlos Ghosn in detention for another 10 days.

Italy goes on holiday as security tightens

ROME - Millions of Italians and foreign holidaymakers got on the road on Saturday as authorities ramped up security measures at transportation hubs and tourist attractions ahead of the busy Christmas and New Year festivities.

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US allies rattled after Mattis resigns

The abrupt resignation of US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis sparked concern among Asia-Pacific allies who credit the retired general with building trust and tempering isolationist impulses, regional officials and analysts said on Friday.

Japan has record defense budget

Japan's military budget will swell to a record $47 billion for the next fiscal year, the government said on Friday, as Tokyo beefs up its missile defense and deploys stealth jets.

Gatwick reopens after drone saboteur sows chaos

LONDON - London Gatwick Airport - Britain's second busiest - reopened on Friday after a drone saboteur wrought travel chaos for hundreds of thousands of Christmas travelers by flying drones overhead, playing cat-and-mouse with police snipers and the army.

Poll results awaited amid uncertainty in Madagascar

Former Malagasy president Andry Rajoelina continued to lead his rival Marc Ravalomanana as the counting of ballots entered its second day in Madagascar.

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Putin 'issues warning' on US relations

The annual news conference of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday sent strong signals to the United States on their future relations, but also showed confidence in Russia's economic prospects, experts said.