December 22, 2016 Deadly Mexico fireworks blast hit market packed for holidays The San Pablito fireworks market was especially well stocked for the holidays and bustling with hundreds of shoppers when a powerful chain-reaction explosion ripped through its stalls, killing at least 29 people and leaving dozens more badly burned.
December 22, 2016 Parents of Canadian hostage: first time we've seen kids The parents of a Canadian man held hostage in Afghanistan say a recently released video of his family marks the first time they've seen the two grandchildren, who were born in captivity.
December 21, 2016 At least 26 killed in Congo protests, rights group says Security forces in Congo have killed at least 26 demonstrators and arrested scores more amid protests against President Joseph Kabila's hold on power, a rights group says.
December 21, 2016 Playful panda befriends a snowman The Toronto Zoo's 'Giant Panda Cam' caught a panda bear named Da Mao playing with a snowman on Tuesday.
December 21, 2016 Russian parliament urges tighter security for diplomats The lower chamber of the Russian parliament calls for heightened security measures for Russian diplomats abroad following the assassination of the ambassador to Turkey.
December 21, 2016 Debt-heavy Portugal reaps windfall from surge in tourism Portugal's fragile economy is getting a tonic from tourism this year, with revenue up by more than 10 percent through October including a 20 percent jump in visitors from the United States.
December 21, 2016 Death toll rises to 31 after explosion rocks Mexico fireworks market An explosion ripped through Mexico's best-known fireworks market on the outskirts of Mexico City Tuesday, killing at least 29 people and injuring scores more while sending a huge plume of charcoal-gray smoke billowing into the sky.
December 21, 2016 Afghan Taliban reiterate demands for peace talks with US A spokesman for the Afghan Taliban says the group is ready for peace talks with the United States, if their demands are met.
December 21, 2016 Taiwan loses diplomatic ally in move welcomed by Beijing Taiwan on Wednesday condemned the African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe's "abrupt" move to break their diplomatic ties, while rival China welcomed the defection of one of the self-governing island's small number of allies.
December 21, 2016 Merkel summons security leaders in wake of truck attack Chancellor Angela Merkel summoned Germany's top security officials Tuesday to discuss the government's response to the deadly truck attack in Berlin that claimed at least 12 lives.