Improved ties spur Philippine tourism

The rise of Chinese travelers is finally making the Philippines a key tourism destination in Southeast Asia.

Parliament suspension triggers fury

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to suspend Parliament for five weeks has provoked an angry backlash from members of Parliament as well as opponents of a no-deal Brexit. They have mounted impromptu protests across the country on Wednesday and launched a legal challenge and a petition that quickly drew more than 1 million signatures.

Brazil bans burning for 60 days to defuse Amazon wildfire crisis

PORTO VELHO, Brazil - Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro signed a decree on Wednesday to ban burning throughout the country for two months, government sources cited by local media said, as the authorities scramble to defuse the Amazon fires which have triggered a global outcry.

Conte accepts mandate to form new govt

ROME - Italian President Sergio Mattarella asked Giuseppe Conte to head a coalition of the 5-Star Movement and opposition Democratic Party, or PD, on Thursday, a move could that could mark a turning point in Italy's frayed relations with the European Union.

26 killed, dozens injured in fiery attack on bar in southern Mexico

COATZACOALCOS, Mexico - Gang members burst into a bar, blocked all the exits and then started a fire that killed 26 people and injured about a dozen others, Mexican officials said on Wednesday.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Seoul slams Tokyo as curbs take effect

The removal of South Korea from a Japanese list of preferred trading partners took effect on Wednesday, a step that has aroused a strong backlash from Seoul.

Japan orders 850,000 to flee heavy rains

TOKYO - Two people were confirmed dead on Wednesday as heavy rains pounded southwest Japan, prompting flood and landslide warnings and orders for 850,000 people to seek safety.

Another opioid giant reportedly looks to settle

A major US opioid manufacturer is offering to pay $10 billion to $12 billion to settle more than 2,000 lawsuits brought by states, counties and cities across the United States, according to a media report.

Prosecutor: Najib uses 'elaborate' plan to loot fund

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's second corruption trial started on Wednesday, with a prosecutor alleging he pilfered billions of dollars from the 1MDB state investment fund through an "elaborate charade" and then sought to cover his tracks.

Johnson plans to suspend Parliament before Brexit

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to lock the doors to the Parliament soon after MPs return from their summer vacation on Sept 4 in an apparent attempt to stop opponents blocking his plan to take the United Kingdom out of the European Union on Oct 31, regardless of consequences.

Italy making progress toward coalition government

The two parties seeking to form a new Italian government made progress toward a coalition deal on Wednesday, after agreeing that Giuseppe Conte should stay on as prime minister.