China has launched an unmanned spacecraft, in what is described as Beijing’s first step toward building its own space station. The 8.5 ton module — known as Tiangong-1, or “Heavenly Palace” — lifted off from a site in China’s northwestern Gobi desert late Thursday night local time. The craft was propelled by a Long March […]
China Launches Spacecraft, Eyes Space Station
Posted September 29th, 2011 at 1:15 pm (UTC-5)
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German Parliament Approves Bill to Increase Bailout Fund
Posted September 29th, 2011 at 12:51 pm (UTC-5)
German lawmakers have approved a bill to increase the size of a bailout fund for struggling eurozone countries. The lower house of parliament voted to expand the fund to $593 billion on Thursday. The vote was seen as a key test of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s center-right coalition. The $593 billion figure was agreed to […]
Chavez Denies “Rumors” of Worsening Condition
Posted September 29th, 2011 at 12:42 pm (UTC-5)
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is denying reports his health is in decline, countering an article in the U.S.-based EL Nuevo Herald saying he had been hospitalized. Mr. Chavez spoke by telephone to Venezuelan state television Thursday, urging people not to pay attention to what he said were rumors. He said he is working at “half-speed” […]
Ukraine’s Tymoshenko Calls Trial a ‘Political Lynching’
Posted September 29th, 2011 at 12:41 pm (UTC-5)
Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has denounced her abuse of power trial as a “political lynching,” in her final statement to the court. Speaking at the end of her trial Thursday, Ms. Tymoshenko called the trial a ploy used by President Viktor Yanukovych to rid himself of a dangerous political rival. Standing up after […]
US Stocks Advance in Midday Trading Thursday
Posted September 29th, 2011 at 12:36 pm (UTC-5)
U.S. stocks moved higher Thursday after a U.S. report showed that its economy expanded more than first estimated in the second quarter this year and jobless benefit claims declined last week. In midday trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average of 30 key stocks is up 1.6 percent, while the broader S&P 500 index is ahead […]
Pakistan Officials Reject Outside Pressure to Go After Haqqani Network
Posted September 29th, 2011 at 12:34 pm (UTC-5)
Top Pakistani officials have denied U.S. allegations of connections between Pakistan’s intelligence service and an al-Qaida-linked Afghan militant group, and rejected outside pressure to do more in the war on terrorism. Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told a meeting of leading politicians and top military commanders held in Islamabad Thursday that Pakistan “cannot be […]
US House Approves Gov’t Funding Through Oct. 4
Posted September 29th, 2011 at 12:29 pm (UTC-5)
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation that would temporarily avert a government shutdown when the current fiscal year ends on Friday. The measure passed Thursday, known as a short-term continuing resolution, continues funding for the government until October 4. The Senate approved the bill earlier this week. Its next stop is the White […]
Uniformed Gunmen Protest Against Cameroon President
Posted September 29th, 2011 at 12:25 pm (UTC-5)
Witnesses report a heavy military presence in Cameroon’s commercial hub, Douala, after gunmen dressed in military uniform opened fire on a major bridge to protest the country’s longtime president. Officials say at least five gunmen blockaded the busy Wouri Bridge early Thursday and exchanged gunfire with security forces for about three hours. No injuries were […]
Mandela Granddaughters to Star in Reality Show
Posted September 29th, 2011 at 12:15 pm (UTC-5)
Three granddaughters of South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela are planning to star in a television reality show about their family. The three young women appeared at a news conference in Johannesburg Thursday. They and the South African and American producers working with them say they hope a TV series will showcase the emerging middle […]
Syria Accuses US of Inciting Unrest; US Envoy Attacked
Posted September 29th, 2011 at 12:14 pm (UTC-5)
Syria increased its criticism of the United States, accusing Washington Thursday of inciting violence against security forces. Earlier Thursday, government loyalists hurled tomatoes and stones at a U.S. envoy. A state media report says a Foreign Ministry official accused the United States of encouraging “armed terrorist groups” to carry out attacks against Syrian troops. The […]
