International donors pledge $6 billion in Syria aid

International donors pledged $6 billion in aid for war-ravaged Syria on Wednesday as the UN Security Council held emergency talks over a suspected chemical attack that killed dozens in a rebel-held town.

South Koreans file petition against THAAD

SEOUL - South Korean residents and civic group activists filed a petition on Thursday against the deployment of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile defense system, which they claim is unconstitutional.

Trump drops Steve Bannon from National Security Council

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump removed his chief strategist Steve Bannon from the National Security Council on Wednesday, reversing his controversial decision early this year to give a political adviser an unprecedented role in security discussions.

Norway plans world's first ship tunnel at sea, through mountain

OSLO - Norway on Wednesday unveiled plans to build the world's first sea tunnel to pass through a mountain, avoiding dangerous waters that intimidated even the Vikings.

IN BRIEF

Students raise glass to rosy future

DIJON, France - Chen Yanfen swirls a glass of Burgundy wine, noting its ruby red robe and fruity bouquet before taking her first sip.

Chile desert combed for Mars clues

ESTACI YUNGAY, Chile - The Atacama desert may seem to contain little besides red-grey rocks and sand - but scientists are busy searching here for clues to life in a place it much resembles: Mars.

Keeping the peace in frozen Far North

KAUTOKEINO, Norway - Mathis Andreas, an indigenous Sami reindeer herder, sees a snowmobile with glowing fluorescent strips approach his remote cabin in the frozen tundra and worries what the neighboring herder may think.

11 candidates lock horns in TV debate

PARIS - The first televised debate for the French presidential campaign opened on Wednesday with intense discussions, as the top five candidates were trying to appeal to swaying voters.

Free movement could continue during Brexit implementation

LONDON - British Prime Minister Theresa May has not ruled out allowing the free movement of people between Britain and the European Union during "an implementation phase" after Britain leaves the bloc, the BBC reported on Wednesday.

In India, switching to vegetables and oranges could help save water

ROME - India could save water and reduce planet-warming emissions if people added more vegetables and fruits like melon, oranges and papaya to their diet while reducing wheat and poultry, researchers said on Wednesday.

Colombia probes cause of mudslides

MOCOA, Colombia - The number of people killed in southern Colombia's massive mudslides climbed to 290 on Wednesday, as officials investigated how the horrific disaster might have been prevented.