New Pentagon command launched for space warfare

WASHINGTON - The US government announced on Thursday the establishment of the US Space Command to defend its interests in space.

Trump says deal with Taliban is close

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States plans to withdraw more than 5,000 troops from Afghanistan and then will determine further drawdowns in the longest war in the country's history.

UN extends mandate of peacekeepers in Lebanon

UNITED NATIONS - The UN Security Council warned on Thursday that violations of the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon in the latter country's south "could lead to a new conflict that none of the parties or the region can afford".

Burning ban takes effect as Amazon fires rage

PORTO VELHO, Brazil - A 60-day ban on burning in Brazil took effect on Thursday after a global outcry over fires raging in the Amazon and data showing hundreds of new blazes in the rainforest.

Spanish kids get 'werewolf syndrome' in medicine mix-up

Several Spanish children suddenly sprouted hair all over their bodies earlier this year after developing "werewolf syndrome" as a result of a mix-up of medicines that the country's Health Ministry is continuing to investigate.

IN BRIEF (Page 8)

Retrials ordered for Park, Samsung heir

SEOUL - South Korea's top court on Thursday sent back jailed ex-president Park Geun-hye's corruption case to a lower court. There will be a separate trial on the bribery charges for which she has already been convicted. A ruling could increase her already-lengthy prison term.

Can matcha craze save Japan's tea industry?

FUJIEDA, Japan - From matcha ice cream to matcha cake and matcha chocolate, producers of traditional Japanese green tea are capitalizing on growing global interest in its flavor - even as demand for the drink declines at home.

Swedish teen activist sails across Atlantic for UN climate meeting

NEW YORK - Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg sailed into New York Harbor on Wednesday in a zero-carbon emissions vessel, completing her nearly 14-day journey from England to take part in a United Nations climate meeting.

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.