Two charged with planning terror attack

Two men were charged on Wednesday with planning to launch an imminent terrorist attack in Australia, after police seized a homemade flag associated with the Islamic State group, a machete and a hunting knife in a counterterrorism raid.

Schools troubled by radical parents

The radicalization of some Australian parents and students has become a serious issue among schools in Victoria state, with some parents reportedly abandoning their children to fight in the Middle East.

Critics of former PM 'try to discredit her with escape rumors'

Opponents of former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra were trying to discredit her by spreading false rumors that she would flee abroad before she is due to face criminal charges this month, her lawyer said on Wednesday.

Hostage found good in all

Even while being held hostage by Islamic State extremists, Kayla Mueller found good in everything.

Dozens killed before Minsk peace talks

The leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany were due to hold peace talks on Wednesday aimed at halting a 10-month war in Ukraine where dozens were killed in the latest fighting.

300 migrants feared lost at sea

An estimated 300 people died this week when their overcrowded dinghies sank in the Mediterranean during stormy weather as they attempted to reach Italy, the UN refugee agency said on Wednesday after speaking to a handful of survivors.

Three US rear admirals faulted over bribe scandal

The US navy has censured three rear admirals over a widening bribery scandal centered on a Singapore-based contractor who admitted to showering officers with cash, gifts and prostitutes to further his firm's interests, the Navy said on Tuesday.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Fighting animal cruelty, one tweet at a time

Veterinarian Carmen Soto is gently swabbing what is left of Grecia the toucan's bright beak, preparing to fit him with a prosthesis to replace the part hacked off by vandals.

UN report: Girls who try to get an education face rising violence

High-profile attacks such as the abduction of 300 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Nigeria and the shooting of Malala Yousafzai in Pakistan are a fraction of what is suffered by girls trying to get an education, the United Nations human rights office said on Monday.

Around the world

United States

Foreign aid can assist armed forces

Seeking a more assertive diplomatic and national security role internationally, Japan's Cabinet adopted on Tuesday new guidelines for international aid that for the first time clearly state that it will allow supplying provisions to foreign armed forces, although for nonmilitary purposes only.