Chaos as protests, strikes challenge Macron

PARIS - Tens of thousands of nurses, teachers and other public sector workers joined forces to march against French President Emmanuel Macron's reforms on Thursday, causing widespread travel disruption and bringing brief clashes with police in some cities.

Lee Myung-bak arrested on corruption charges

SEOUL - South Korean ex-president Lee Myung-bak was arrested and jailed early on Friday over a range of corruption allegations, becoming the latest in a series of disgraced leaders embroiled in scandals and other problems after leaving office.

IN BRIEF (Page 8)

Japanese firms turn to refugees

TOKYO - At an office in Tokyo, a group of asylum-seekers clutching resumes listened to three Japanese companies describe their openings - rare opportunities in the country's often impenetrable job market.

Robot fish exploring mysteries of the deep

WASHINGTON - When exploring marine environments, underwater robots tend to be a bull trout in a china shop, disturbing marine life with their bulk and disruptive propulsion. Enter SoFi, the soft, agile robotic fish with a delicate demeanor.

Facebook furor rages as apology fails to placate lawmakers, Wall St

WASHINGTON/LONDON - Facebook came under further pressure from lawmakers, investors, advertisers and users on Thursday, the day after its chief executive Mark Zuckerberg admitted the social media network made mistakes in letting 50 million users' data get into the hands of political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.

Truck art polishes image in Thailand

BANGKOK - Music pounds from the speakers and LED lights ripple across the customized cabs at a "truck party" hosted by proud Thai drivers showing off their lorries with swag.

Robot champions technology as endless source of opportunities

KATHMANDU - When Sophia, the world's first robot citizen, greeted the audience at a conference in Kathmandu with "Namaste Nepal", the hall burst into applause.

Britain appoints first black female high commissioner

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, also known as the FCO, has appointed its first black female high commissioner, as it looks to transform the image of its diplomatic service as a white, male-dominated organization.

Afghan teenage beekeeper creates entrepreneurial buzz

LONDON - Three years ago a schoolgirl in rural Afghanistan took out a small loan and bought two beehives. In her first year she harvested 16 kilograms of honey, enough to repay the loan and leave her with a small profit.

Beetle threatens famed blossoms

TOKYO - Across Japan's capital, pink and white cherry blossoms are emerging, but the famed blooms are facing a potentially mortal enemy, experts say: an invasive foreign beetle.

Master of illusion shaking up art world

BUENOS AIRES - Thousands of visitors have posed on his trompe-l'oeil facades, he made the pointed tip of the Buenos Aires Obelisk disappear and he even tricked visitors into thinking they were seeing others underwater in a giant pool.