LA Times News

LA Times News

Russia's historic Borodino battlefield is in war with cottages

Posted: 02 Sep 2012 12:00 AM PDT

Russia has let country cottages advance on the Borodino national parkland where soldiers fought the invading French 200 years ago, on a battlefield immortalized in 'War and Peace.'

BORODINO, Russia — Dozens of war buffs in fur hats, capes and tights rode prancing horses, practicing for the battle reenactment. Workers frantically laid tiles, paved roads and touched up monuments in a skirmish of last-minute activity before Sunday's anniversary festivities.

Syria rebels appear to be targeting air bases

Posted: 02 Sep 2012 12:00 AM PDT

Syria rebels reportedly capture an air base and antiaircraft missiles in the east, apparently the latest attempt to thwart the government's air superiority.

BEIRUT — Thwarted by aerial attacks, Syrian rebels appear to have begun systemically targeting government air bases and aircraft, while trying to capture antiaircraft missiles that can shoot down helicopters and fighter jets.

Venezuela challenger Henrique Capriles highlights his vigor

Posted: 02 Sep 2012 12:00 AM PDT

Venezuela presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, 40, runs with supporters, highlighting the contrast with Hugo Chavez, 58, who has been battling cancer.

MARGARITA ISLAND, Venezuela — On a campaign visit here last month, presidential candidate Henrique Capriles ran through the streets of beach town Boca del Rio at breakneck speed with hundreds of supporters in tow. At another stop, he played a fast-paced, 10-minute game of full-court basketball with young supporters in Altagracia.

Medieval France town is under siege — by tourists

Posted: 02 Sep 2012 12:00 AM PDT

Saint-Cirq Lapopie, recently voted France's favorite village, expects 600,000 visitors this year. Some fear the invasion will spoil its beauty.

SAINT-CIRQ LAPOPIE, France — The valley of the Lot River as it wends its way through southwestern France is known for its exceptional natural beauty, picturesque villages and historic chateaux.

German company apologizes for thalidomide

Posted: 01 Sep 2012 03:18 AM PDT

Gruenenthal Group's CEO issues an apology to mothers who took the drug during the 1950s and 1960s, and to children who suffered birth defects.

The German manufacturer of a notorious drug that caused thousands of babies to be born with shortened arms and legs, or no limbs at all, issued its first ever apology Friday — 50 years after pulling the drug off the market.