Australia greenlights coal mine near Barrier Reef

SYDNEY - Australia approved on Thursday the construction of a controversial coal mine near the Great Barrier Reef, paving the way for a dramatic and unfashionable increase in coal exports.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Project brightens up Philippine town

The northern Philippine town of Baliwet is less than 200 kilometers away from Manila. Despite its relative proximity to the capital city, this remote town in Zambales Province has no access to electricity - a fate it shares with many other poor rural areas in the country.

Jury picked in case of missing scholar

A jury was selected on Tuesday in the trial of a man accused of kidnapping and killing visiting Chinese scholar Zhang Yingying.

Islamophobia in UK driving far-right rise

The threat from the far-right is a growing concern for anti-racism groups in the United Kingdom, and experts believe it has intensified as international events fuel right-wing ideology leading to hate crimes and Islamophobia.

Helicopter crashes on roof of NYC skyscraper, killing pilot

The pilot of a helicopter was killed on Monday after his chopper crashed onto the roof of a high-rise in Midtown Manhattan and burst into flames.

Dutch seed man wins 'Nobel Prize of food'

The World Food Prize Foundation on Monday named Simon N. Groot of the Netherlands as the 2019 World Food Prize Laureate, honoring his transformative role in empowering millions of small farmers in more than 60 countries to earn greater incomes through increased vegetable production.

London fire survivors seeking damages

Several survivors of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London and the relatives of some of the 72 residents who perished when the 24-floor building went up in flames are set to launch a legal action in the United States against three companies they blame for the disaster.

The old take care of older in aging Japan

At the age of 63, Mikiko Kyouren could be mistaken for a resident in the Shichimi-Kotobukien, a residence for seniors in Imizu in Japan's Toyama prefecture, but she doesn't intend to retire anytime soon.

Tourists a threat to Kalash traditions

BUMBURATE, Pakistan - In a remote valley in Pakistan, dozens of Kalash minority women dance to celebrate spring's arrival. But as a gaggle of men scramble to catch them on camera, the community fears an influx of domestic tourists is threatening their unique traditions.

Lebanon launches biggest beach cleanup

BEIRUT, Lebanon - Thousands of Lebanese volunteers on Sunday took part in the biggest ever national beach cleanup campaign, the National News Agency reported.

Officials urge US-China subnational cooperation

Officials and business leaders in both China and the United States are urging cooperation at the subnational level, despite the economic tensions between the two countries.