North Korea marks 7th anniversary of Kim Jong Il's death

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — North Koreans are marking the seventh anniversary of the death of leader Kim Jong Il with visits to statues and vows of loyalty to his son, Kim Jong Un. As snow fell Sunday, a steady flow of North Koreans offering flowers and paying respects to the late leader could be seen at...

Strike, lockdown shut Kashmir amid anger over killings

SRINAGAR, India (AP) — A security clampdown and a strike sponsored by separatists fighting against Indian rule shut most of Indian-administered Kashmir on Sunday, a day after chaotic protests and fighting killed seven civilians and four combatants in the disputed region. Armed police and paramilitary...

AP Interview: Catalan separatists on hunger strike speak out

SANT JOAN DE VILATORRADA, Spain (AP) — As a hunger strike by jailed Catalan separatist politicians enters its third week and begins to take a toll on their health, they say their upcoming rebellion trial will allow them to peacefully promote their cause for independence from Spain. In rare interviews in a...

College brewing up new recipe for hospitality success

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Daytona State College is brewing up the only program of its kind in Florida: one in which the classroom is a pub, and the froth-filled lessons, a recipe for success. In January, the college will offer a 30-credit hospitality beverage science associate of science certificate,...

Pakistan summons Iran envoy over militant attack near border

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan has lodged a protest with Iran over the killing of six paramilitary troops who were ambushed by militants while patrolling the border. The Foreign Ministry says it summoned Iran's ambassador to demand it take action against the armed group responsible for the attack. No one has...

Sri Lanka president reinstates Wickremesinghe as premier

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka's president has reappointed Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister, nearly two months after firing him and setting off weeks of political stalemate. Wickremesinghe's United National Party says on its official Twitter account that Wickremesinghe took oath before President...

Sri Lankan president has reinstated Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister after nearly 2 months of political impasse

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lankan president has reinstated Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister after nearly 2 months of political impasse.

Poultry growers lean heavily on government-backed loans

After 20 years, Mississippi chicken farmer Kevin Kemp is getting out of the chicken business. He raised millions of pounds of chicken since 1996, alongside his father and brother. But Kemp said even though he's done well as a poultry grower, raising chickens is "not all it's cracked up to be." "The chicken...

Baxter County court honors 4 justices nearing end of term

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. (AP) — The Baxter County Quorum Court recently recognized four of its justices of the peace that were attending their final meeting as county officials. County Judge Mickey Pendergrass presented plaques on Dec. 4 to justices Rick Steiner, Bill Lucas, Marilyn Williamson and Neal...

Investigations look at Trump's life from all angles

WASHINGTON (AP) — Investigations now entangle Donald Trump's White House, campaign, transition, inauguration, charity and business. For Trump, the political, the personal and the deeply personal are all under examination. Less than two years into Trump's presidency, his business associates, political...