LA Times News

LA Times News

James Murdoch reelected to British Sky Broadcasting board

Posted: 01 Nov 2012 10:16 AM PDT

James Murdoch won an endorsement from shareholders to serve another year on the board of satellite television service British Sky Broadcasting.

Dengue, where is thy sting?

Posted: 01 Nov 2012 07:03 PM PDT

Researchers in Brazil are genetically modifying mosquitoes in the hope of wiping them out in the wild and ending the spread of dengue fever. But it's a controversial approach.

JUAZEIRO, Brazil — Under normal circumstances, Cicera Maria da Silva would be less than excited about a researcher intentionally releasing thousands of mosquitoes just outside her husband's corner grocery store.

U.S. eases rules on sale of medicines to Iran

Posted: 02 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PDT

Washington is apparently worried that suffering among ordinary citizens could erode support for the West's sanctions targeting Tehran's nuclear program.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration has quietly eased restrictions on the sale of medicine to Iran amid signs that concern over the suffering of ordinary citizens could complicate an international campaign to punish Iran for its disputed nuclear program.

Video appears to show Syria rebels executing soldiers

Posted: 01 Nov 2012 08:02 PM PDT

A British-based group that backs the opposition says more than eight troops were slain at a checkpoint near Saraqeb, and labels it a "massacre."

BEIRUT — New video emerged Thursday that appeared to show Syrian rebels beating and kicking government soldiers captured at a checkpoint and then training their rifles on the huddled prisoners, executing at least eight.

British retailer tries to clear up 'coffee confusion'

Posted: 02 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PDT

After a survey found that many java drinkers are baffled by terms such as latte, mocha, venti and grande, Debenhams adopts 'plain English' for its cafe menus.

What we've got here is "coffee confusion."

Rich Chinese want to buy happiness -- by emigrating

Posted: 02 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PDT

Wealthy Chinese look to the U.S., Australia and Canada in search of less stress, cleaner air, better schools and a more stable political climate.

BEIJING — At 49, Wang Zeqiang has achieved the Chinese equivalent of the American dream. Raised in the cornfields of eastern China's Shandong province, he founded an auto parts business that today has several dozen employees. He has two houses, two cars and, because he's rich enough to pay the fines for defying the country's family planning policy, two children.