Denied U.S. entry, Mexican cuts own throat on bridge over Rio Grande
A Mexican asylum-seeker slit his own throat on a bridge across the Rio Grande after being denied entry into the United States, two Mexican security officials said on Wednesday.
Australia’s Suncorp has received $237 million in bushfire claims
Australian insurer Suncorp Group Ltd on Thursday said it has received more than 2,600 bushfire-related claims since September with a total estimated cost of between A$315 million to A$345 million ($216.37 million to $236.98 million).
At U.N., U.S. justifies killing Iranian commander as self-defense
The United States told the United Nations on Wednesday that the killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani last week was self-defense and vowed to take additional action “as necessary” in the Middle East to protect U.S. personnel and interests.
Australian prime minister says troops will remain in Iraq
Australian troops and personnel will stay in Iraq to continue their mission, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday, as tensions eased following an Iranian attack on U.S. forces there.
Japan minister launches counterattack after Ghosn blasts justice system
Japan’s justice minister launched a rare and forceful public takedown of auto executive-turned-fugitive Carlos Ghosn after he blasted the country’s legal system as allowing him “zero chance” of a fair trial as he sought to justify his escape to Beirut….
Soccer: Women’s match postponed as bushfires continue to affect sport in Australia
Australia’s rampaging bushfires continue to affect top-level sporting events with a women’s soccer match scheduled for Newcastle on Friday postponed because of the poor air quality and expected soaring temperatures.
Singapore opposition party makes first legal challenge to fake news law
A Singapore opposition party has asked a court to overturn government orders to attach correction notices to its online posts, the first legal challenge to a controversial fake news law that came into effect three months ago.
Taiwan’s China-friendly presidential hopeful faces backlash in divided south
In balmy southern Taiwan, with its rural hamlets, industrial belts and slower-paced cities, a rising tide of residents are pushing back against opposition presidential hopeful Han Kuo-yu, fearing he’ll sell out core Taiwan interests to China.
Australia weather bureau sees no sign of cooler weather or rain to quell bushfires
Australia’s weather agency sees no sign of cooler weather or significant rainfall in the next few months, an unwelcome forecast for authorities who have warned that only a large downpour will halt bushfires sweeping across the country.
U.S. lawmakers predict passage of bill backing China’s Uighurs
Republican and Democratic members of the U.S. Congress predicted on Wednesday that the House of Representatives and Senate would agree on a compromise version of legislation requiring a tougher Trump administration response to China’s crackdown on its …




