White House continues to slam insurers

President Obama is turning up the heat on private health insurers again, taking his increasingly populist health care overhaul pitch on the road to Missouri.

Forbes lists world's richest people

Forbes magazine released its annual list of the world's richest people Wednesday, and for only the second time since 1995, Microsoft founder Bill Gates' name was not at the top.

'Lost Boys' star Corey Haim dies at 38

Former 1980s teen movie actor and heartthrob Corey Haim died early Wednesday, authorities said.

Police: 'Jihad Jane' tried suicide in '05

Colleen LaRose, the Pennsylvania woman indicted for allegedly conspiring to support terrorists and kill a person in a foreign country, attempted to commit suicide in 2005, according to a police report filed at the time.

CDC: Most with herpes don't know it

As much as 16 percent of the U.S. population between the ages of 14 and 49 has genital herpes, according to a government study released Tuesday.

Air traffic perfect storm for NYC

Flying in and out of New York -- which is usually no picnic -- is likely to get worse this spring and summer. A new nationwide rule on tarmac delays, possible exemptions to that rule and a runway closure may create a perfect storm for air travelers when bad weather is added to the mix.

Answers sought in bulldozer death

American Rachel Corrie was crushed by an Israeli bulldozer in 2003 as it razed homes in a Palestinian camp. On Wednesday, her parents seek answers in an Israeli court.

Chief justice: Obama speech 'troubling'

Simmering tension between the White House and U.S. Supreme Court spilled into public this week when Chief Justice John Roberts labeled the political atmosphere at this year's State of the Union address "very troubling."

N.Y. state loses 2nd top cop in 2 weeks

New York state's top police official announced Wednesday he was quitting, the second acting superintendent to step down in as many weeks.

Beckham's return spoiled

Wayne Rooney (right) scores twice as Manchester United crush AC Milan 4-0 to reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League and ruin David Beckham's return to Old Trafford.

Contractors 'divert Somalia aid'

Up to half the food aid in Somalia is routinely diverted to corrupt contractors and militants, a leaked UN report says.

Haiti situation 'dire', Obama says

Barack Obama warns that the crisis in quake-hit Haiti is not over, as he meets the country's President, Rene Preval.

Mexican shakes up world rich list

Mexican Carlos Slim overtakes Bill Gates as the world's richest man, according to the Forbes "rich list", with a fortune of $53.5bn.

Scientists to review climate body

The UN secretary general asks the world's leading science academies to review the UN's climate science body.

Israel under pressure over homes

Israel comes under growing international pressure following its approval of new building in occupied East Jerusalem.

Nigeria charges over Jos killings

Police say 49 people are to be charged with murder following communal violence that left scores of Nigerian villagers dead.

Berezovsky wins poison libel case

Businessman Boris Berezovsky wins his libel case over claims he was behind the murder of former Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko.

Lost Boys actor Haim dies aged 38

Lost Boys actor Corey Haim dies at the age of 38, the Los Angeles coroner's office confirms.

Google to scan old Italian books

Italy signs a deal with Google to put online the contents of its two national libraries, including works by Dante and Galileo.

Israel supermarket uses parody film of Dubai assassins in advert

An Israeli supermarket chain uses spoof surveillance footage, parodying that of the alleged assassins of a Hamas commander in Dubai, in a TV advert.

Baby elephant shocks Sydney zoo with 'miracle' survival

An elephant in a Sydney zoo shocks vets by giving birth to a live baby elephant who appears to have survived labour in a coma in the womb.

Classy Man Utd crush sorry Milan

Wayne Rooney scores twice in another irresistible display as Manchester United beat Milan 4-0 on the night and 7-2 on aggregate to ease into the Champions League quarter-finals.

Real crash out of Champions League

Lyon draw 1-1 in the Bernebau to earn a 2-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid.

Can US broker Middle East peace?

Joe Biden is in the region to encourage talks between the Palestinians and Israel. What can be achieved?

BBC World News

Afghan anxieties

Why the UK fears politics and force are out of synch

Fighting the tide

Church authority at risk as scandals spread in Europe

Hewitt on Europe

Ashton in EU turf battle over new diplomatic team

Jumbo job

It's a big task, but how do you recycle a plane?

Day in pictures

Eye-catching images from around the world

Tough task

Challenges ahead for new president in quake-hit Chile

US reports record budget deficit

The US government records a budget deficit of $221bn (£147.6bn) in February - the largest monthly deficit in its history.

China's exports see big increase

China's exports surged 46% in February, figures show, raising hopes of a strong recovery in global trade.

BA strike talks end without deal

Talks between British Airways and Unite aimed at averting strike action by cabin crew break down without agreement.

Internet up for Nobel Peace Prize

The internet is among a record 237 individuals and organisations nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

Mobile phone allows boss to snoop

Mobile technology that could allow prying bosses to monitor every movement of their staff is developed in Japan.

Facebook calls for 'iconic games'

Facebook calls on game designers to make an iconic title, such as Mario or Halo, specifically for the social network.

Academy defends Fawcett snub

Actress Farrah Fawcett was not in the Oscars memorial segment because she was more known as a TV star, the Academy says.

Anna Nicole opera to be staged

London's Royal Opera House is to host the world premiere of an opera about the life of ex- Playboy model Anna Nicole Smith.

EU to back bluefin tuna trade ban

EU nations decide to support a ban on international trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna until stocks recover.

Ring may be giant 'impact crater'

Deforestation has revealed what could be a giant impact crater in Central Africa, according to Italian scientists.

'No proof' IVF aided by acupuncture

There is no evidence acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine boost the chance of IVF success, fertility experts warn.

ANC seeks Winnie Mandela answers

South Africa's ANC asks Winnie Mandela to clarify a media report in which she apparently fiercely criticised ex-husband Nelson.

Zuma submits finance declaration

South African President Jacob Zuma submits his declaration of interests, after critics urged an inquiry into his finances.

Insurers 'face $7bn Chile bill'

The earthquake in Chile may cost the global insurance industry as much as $7bn (£4.7bn), Swiss Re estimates.

Biden steps up pressure on Israel

The US vice-president renews criticism of Israel over an East Jerusalem building project and calls for bold steps for peace.

'Bali bomber' killed in Indonesia

Indonesia's President Yudhoyono confirms security forces killed Bali bomb suspect Dulmatin in raids in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Firm denies Fifa sweatshop claims

A Shanghai company denies it used sweatshop labour to produce World Cup mascots, as Fifa suspends its contract.

Spanish hostage in Africa freed

A Spanish woman aid worker kidnapped in West Africa last year has been freed, the Spanish government says.

Ashton sets out diplomatic vision

The EU's foreign policy chief, Lady Ashton, tells MEPs how she will shape Europe's new diplomatic service, as officials vie for influence.

Egypt's top cleric dies aged 81

Egypt's top Muslim cleric has died suddenly in Saudi Arabia at the age of 81.

Iran attacks US over Afghanistan

Iranian President says it is the US, not Tehran, that is playing a "double game" in Afghanistan.

Pakistan attack kills aid workers

Militants attack the office of a Western aid agency, killing six people and wounding others, the agency and police say.

Pakistan bans for Yousuf and Younus

The Pakistan Cricket Board issues indefinite bans to former captains Mohammad Yousuf and Younus Khan for "infighting".

Labour MP facing expenses probe

Labour MP Harry Cohen is being investigated by the police over his expenses claims, the BBC understands.

Pakistan kidnap father returns to UK

The father of a British boy kidnapped in Pakistan returns to the UK against the wishes of the country's police, the BBC learns.

Ex-chief warns over defence funds

Ministers will have to cut back all but the most essential projects to meet a funding shortfall, a former defence chief warns.

Apology for women raped by father

Two women raped by their father over 25 years - bearing nine of his children - are given a public apology by the authorities.

Tories allege plan to cut police

The Tories allege ministers plan to cut the number of uniformed officers despite a pledge to protect front line police.

Bulger error man in plea to Straw

A man subjected to a hate campaign over false claims he is Jon Venables pleads with Jack Straw to reveal his new identity.

Technology's Richest Billionaires - Forbes

White House continues to slam insurers - CNN

Senate Democrats Seek to Abolish Filibusters - FOXNews

A Terror Suspect Who Fits No Profile - CBS News

Netanyahu regrets 'timing' of E. J'lem housing announcement - Ha'aretz

Chief justice chides State of the Union as 'political pep rally' - CNN

Female WWII aviators honored with gold medal - The Associated Press

Obama, Key Senators Make Their Pitch for Climate and Energy Bill - New York Times

Va. gov McDonnell signs offshore energy bills - The Associated Press

Iran's Ahmadinejad Criticizes US Role in Afghanistan - Voice of America

Pelosi: Dems close on health care agreement (AP)

AP - Democrats claimed momentum Wednesday in their drive to enact the sweeping health care legislation sought by President Barack Obama, citing near agreement on crucial issues despite persistent Republican efforts to knock them offstride.

US-Israel row highlights quandary over settlements (AP)

AP - An open diplomatic row during the visit of Vice President Joe Biden has shined a spotlight on the U.S. failure to rein in Israeli settlement ambitions and deepened Palestinian suspicions that the United States is too weak to broker a deal.

'Lost Boys' actor Corey Haim dead in Calif. at 38 (AP)

AP - Corey Haim, a 1980s teen heartthrob whose career was blighted by drug abuse, has died. He was 38. Haim died early Wednesday at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, Los Angeles County coroner's Lt. Cheryl MacWillie said.

Female WWII aviators honored with gold medal (AP)

AP - They flew planes during World War II but weren't considered "real" military pilots. No flags were draped over their coffins when they died on duty. And when their service ended, they had to pay their own bus fare home.

Church abuse scandal reaches pope's brother (AP)

AP - Church abuse scandals in Germany have reached the older brother of Pope Benedict XVI and are creeping ever closer to the pontiff himself.

Pa. suspect: Caretaker by day, 'Jihad Jane' online (AP)

AP - Colleen LaRose spent long days caring for her boyfriend's father in a second-floor apartment in Pennsburg, a small town north of Philadelphia.

Ex-Detroit councilwoman gets 37 months for bribery (AP)

AP - A former Detroit city councilwoman was sentenced to more than three years in prison Wednesday for bribery after a federal judge refused to set aside her guilty plea during a stormy court hearing dominated by a dispute over evidence of other payoffs.

Study suggests too many invasive heart tests given (AP)

AP - A troublingly high number of U.S. patients who are given angiograms to check for heart disease turn out not to have a significant problem, according to the latest study to suggest Americans get an excess of medical tests.

Police: Burglar uses church equipment to view porn (AP)

AP - Second-degree burglary charges have been filed against an Ames man who broke into a church where he allegedly used the institution's electronic equipment to watch pornography. Police allege the 55-year-old man broke into the First Christian Church on Thursday. After gathering items from around the building, he is believed to have gone to the basement to spend the night.

Garciaparra rejoins Red Sox for day, then retires (AP)

AP - Nomar Garciaparra rejoined the Red Sox for one day and then retired, ending a 14-year career in which he won two batting titles with Boston and was once a beloved player in the city.

Sebelius piles pressure on insurers (Reuters)

Reuters - Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius ratcheted up the pressure on health insurance companies on Wednesday, urging them to forgo short-term profits to make coverage more affordable and to stop fighting the Obama administration's reform effort.

World's mega-rich adding wealth, Carlos Slim No. 1 (Reuters)

Reuters - Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim is the world's richest person, knocking Microsoft founder Bill Gates into second spot, as the wealth of the world's billionaires grew by 50 percent over the last year, Forbes magazine said on Wednesday.

Arab League chief says Mideast talks off (Reuters)

Reuters - Arab League chief Amr Moussa said on Wednesday that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had told him he would not enter indirect talks with Israel.

NY governor in hot water, 2nd-in-command steps up (Reuters)

Reuters - With Governor David Paterson enveloped in scandal, New York's lieutenant governor is leading the notoriously difficult budget process and freeing up his boss to fight for his political life, experts say.

Another runaway Toyota Prius reported (Reuters)

Reuters - Federal regulators said they were looking into a report of another runaway Toyota Prius, this one in Westchester County, New York, where police said a woman pulling out of a driveway zoomed across a busy street and into a stone wall.

Pelosi faces biggest test on healthcare vote (Reuters)

Reuters - The leader of the House of Representatives -- a persuasive arm twister and deal maker -- faces her toughest challenge yet: getting 216 votes to pass final legislation revamping the U.S. healthcare system.

Iraq PM said to be ahead on eve of vote results (Reuters)

Reuters - Initial results from Iraq's national election are likely to be released by Thursday, Iraqi and U.N. officials said on Wednesday, as further signs emerged of a strong showing for Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

U.S. says hikers detained in Iran call families (Reuters)

Reuters - Three American detained in Iran last year and accused of spying have been allowed to telephone their families, although formal consular access has not been granted, the U.S. State Department said on Wednesday.

Gunmen storm US charity in Pakistan killing six aid workers (AFP)

AFP - Militants armed with guns and grenades stormed the offices of a US-based Christian charity in Pakistan on Wednesday, killing six aid workers in an attack blamed on Islamist rebels.

Biden condemns Israel settlement move at Palestinian talks (AFP)

AFP - US Vice President Joe Biden told Palestinian leaders on Wednesday that Washington will hold accountable any side that hurts peace prospects, pointedly citing Israel's settlement expansion plans.

Biden: Palestinians deserve ‘viable’ state

Vice President Joe Biden voices displeasure over an Israeli plan to enlarge an east Jerusalem settlement and reassures his Palestinian hosts that they deserve an independent state.

6 dead in attack on U.S. aid group in Pakistan

Suspected militants attacked the offices of a U.S.-based Christian aid group helping earthquake survivors in northwestern Pakistan, killing six Pakistani employees.

German Catholics to investigate abuse charges

Catholic authorities in Germany announced two major abuse investigations Wednesday.

Taliban claim suicide attack on NATO base

The Taliban claims responsibility for a suicide bombing inside a U.S.-Afghan base in eastern Afghanistan that killed two NATO service members.

Quake claims Haiti’s best and brightest

The Jan. 12 earthquake disproportionately killed young professionals, and compounding the loss is a quickening brain drain of people with the ability and means to leave a ravaged country.

U.K. millionaire to move to mud hut

An ex-con U.K. millionaire is selling his 16th-century farmhouse and businesses to start a children's charity in Uganda.

New death threats for Swedish cartoonist

The Swedish cartoonist whose sketch of the Prophet Muhammad has angered Muslims says he's received more death threats since arrests were made this week over an alleged plot to kill him.

Israeli TV ad spoofs Hamas killing

An Israeli supermarket chain looks to cash in on the publicity over the assassination of a Hamas operative in Dubai with a series of new TV ads offering "killer prices."

Obama hosts Haitian President Preval for talks

President Barack Obama is renewing America's commitment to the recovery and reconstruction of earthquake-devastated Haiti, telling visiting President Rene Preval he understands the situation there "remains dire."

China space program selects first women astronauts

A Chinese proverb says women hold up half the sky. In the future, they'll be doing it from space.

NYT: Michelangelo bumped from art chart by ...

By one new metric, Michelangelo has been bumped from his perch atop the Italian art charts by Caravaggio.

Pirates target tropical tourist hot spot

Families: 3 Americans detained in Iran call home

Cindy Hickey had rehearsed what she would say to her son when she finally got to talk to him months after he was detained in Iran. When the time came, the conversation lasted only about a minute, she said, "so it was hard to say a lot."

Dalai Lama: China aims to annihilate Buddhism

The Dalai Lama lashed out at China on Wednesday, accusing it of trying to "annihilate Buddhism" in Tibet and rebuffing all his efforts to reach a compromise over the disputed Himalayan region.

NYT: Flu shots in kids provide ‘herd immunity’

Although previous studies have demonstrated what scientists call “herd immunity,” none have been so incontrovertible as a study of farming colonies in Canada.

Denmark's coast hits by oil pollution

The northwestern coast of Denmark has been hit by oil pollution, according to reports reaching here from Copenhagen on Tuesday.

Women make big strides in past century: senior woman executive

On the eve of the 100th anniversary of the International Women's Day, a senior woman executive said that women have come a really long way in the last 100 years, but cautioned they are not quite there yet in terms of equal pay and equal treatment.

Summer Study in Copenhagen, Denmark Through the Danish Institute for Study Abroad

For the undergraduate student enrolled in a college or university in the U.S. or Canada, a summer study abroad experience in Copenhagen through the Danish Institute for Study Abroad could prove very rewarding.

Soccer reduces risk of falls and bone fractures

The observed improvements in bone mineral density, strength and postural balance due to recreational soccer are of particularly interest for a large group of women but also for elderly men, says project leader Associate Professor Peter Krustrup, University of Copenhagen, and continues "It is well known that the risk of falls and fractures increases ...

2020 vision for Denmark's future

Prime minister Lars LA kke Rasmussen sets ambitious targets to increase GDP in the next decade The governmenta TMs ambitious stimulus plan announced last week aims to put Denmark among the top 10 wealthiest nations in the world by 2020.

Limbo Hitting XBLA

Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters Limbo. March 3, 2010 - COPENHAGEN, Denmark - Independent game development studio PLAYDEAD announced today that their black and white puzzle-platforming adventure, LIMBO, will be available worldwide on consoles this year, with a summer launch exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade.

La Forge part of UN conference

Sylvie La Forge did not 'overcome'. But the Glendale graduate did do her part as a small fish swimming with the international political sharks at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark Dec.

Other diplomats who saved lives

Some of the diplomats who, like George Mantello in Geneva, played a role in helping Jewish and other refugees to flee the Nazis: Hiram Bingham IV: U.S. consular official in Marseille, France, who defied State Department regulations by issuing visas, safe passes and letters of transit to Jews and other refugees fleeing Nazi persecution.

Climate Change A Global Danger, Ban Says

Global leaders must work to advance climate initiatives that have teeth as the window of opportunity closes, the U.N. secretary-general said in Indonesia.

Two Babies Born a Year Apart After Ovary Transplant

Doctors are reporting a medical first: A Danish woman has given birth separately to two children after undergoing a transplant of ovarian tissue that was taken out of her body, frozen and then implanted after she underwent successful bone cancer treatment.

Danish woman first in world to give birth to babies years apart after ovary transplant

When Stinne Holm Bergholdt of Denmark was diagnosed with bone cancer at age 27, she was afraid she wouldn't be able to have children.

Danish prime minister shuffles government

Denmark's prime minister has announced a major government shake-up, changing more than a dozen Cabinet posts including the ministers of defense, justice and foreign affairs.

Jamaica twinned with Denmark for pioneering theatre festival

JAMAICA and Denmark were twinned recently at a brief ceremony in Manchester, United Kingdom as part of Contacting the World 2010, a pioneering international theatre festival linking young people's theatre groups from around the world in the spirit of creating theatre across boundaries of geography and culture.

Climate-What? As UN Climate Chief Quits, AP Throws Pity Party;...

Yvo de Boer resigned yesterday as Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Ukraine, Denmark to conduct Northern Falcon 2010 operation

The operation is scheduled for April. Il-76MD airlifter of the Ukrainian Air Force is planned to deliver up to 500,000 liters of fuel and other cargoes to Denmark's polar station in Greenland from the U.S Air Force Thule Air Base.

Top UN climate official resigning

UN Climate Chief Yvo de Boer looks on as he sits in a chair prior to a plenary meeting during the first week of the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 on December 11, 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Fujitsu Develops Compact Frequency-Synthesizer for Terrestrial Digital TV Broadcast Tuners

Kawasaki, Japan, Feb 10, 2010 - - Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. today announced the development of a new frequency-synthesizer designed specifically for tuners for terrestrial digital television broadcast reception, which features an innovative circuit design that enables the reduction of circuit size to one-third that of conventional circuits, and ...

SDSU student gets internship with U.S. Department of State in Denmark

Bojan Salihagic, a sophomore political science major at South Dakota State University, has landed a 10-week internship with the U.S. Department of State.

University of Southern Denmark to get a low-energy building by 2013

Eco Factor: Energy-saving building to be designed by Henning Larsen Architects. Henning Larsen Architects have won the assignment to design the new building for the University of Southern Denmark, which will be inaugurated in 2013.

California political drama bad sign for ...

Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks at the United Nations Climate Change Conference on December 15, 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark.