Too big for rugby, Mailata tackling job with Eagles

GOLD COAST, Australia - Jordan Mailata can laugh about it now, the concept of being "too big" that led him on an extraordinary journey to the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles.

Suarez weighs in on Pogba problems

BARCELONA - Luis Suarez thinks Paul Pogba should be challenging for more trophies than he currently is at Manchester United - and that the France forward would always be welcome at Barcelona.

DPRK vows to be nuclear-free

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has shown its determination to solve the peninsula issues after its top leader voiced support for denuclearization during a meeting with envoys from the Republic of Korea.

Trump op-ed sets off wild guesses on author

WASHINGTON - An opinion piece in The New York Times by an anonymous senior administration official claiming to be part of a "resistance" working "from within" to thwart President Donald Trump's "worst inclinations" set off a wild guessing game inside and outside the White House on the author's identity.

11 passengers hospitalized in plane outbreak

NEW YORK - Eleven people on an Emirates airline flight were taken to a New York City hospital suffering flu-like symptoms on Wednesday after scores of passengers and crew complained of feeling sick during a 14-hour trip from the Middle East, officials said.

Powerful quake hits Japan's Hokkaido

A strong earthquake rocked Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido in the predawn hours of Thursday, killing at least seven people and leaving more than 300 injured and dozens unaccounted.

'Feel China' event kicks off in Mongolia

ULAN BATOR - A culture and tourism promotion event called "Feel China" that aims to strengthen cultural ties between Mongolia and China kicked off at the Mongolian National Modern Art Gallery on Wednesday.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Argentina seeks early release of loan

WASHINGTON - Argentina has "made progress" in talks with the International Monetary Fund aimed at securing an accelerated disbursement of a $50 billion loan it hopes will calm its debilitating economic crisis.

Fashion-forward youngsters setting 'hair-burning' trend

DHAKA - To the uninitiated, the unusual technique that uses fire to set and cut men's hair might seem shocking.

Chaotic hearings find nominee in hot seat

WASHINGTON - US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh touted the importance of an independent judiciary as his confirmation hearings began with strident Democratic criticism that he would be President Donald Trump's man on the high court.

Canada to stick to guns at NAFTA discussions

WASHINGTON/OTTAWA - Canada heads into talks in Washington on Wednesday to renew NAFTA determined not to back down on key issues despite threats from US President Donald Trump to retaliate against the Canadian economy unless Ottawa gives ground quickly.