More than Aus$25 mn raised as Australia reels from bushfire fury A global appeal to help Australian firefighters tackling catastrophic bushfires raised more than Aus$25 million today, as swaths of the country suffered extensive damage and the death toll from the long-running crisis hit 24.

Chile president announces tougher public order laws Chile's President Sebastian Pinera on Thursday announced a series of measures to tighten public order in the wake of three weeks of anti-government protests that have left 20 people dead.

Chile president fends off police abuse claims amid fresh clashes Chile's president said on Wednesday his government had "nothing to hide" concerning allegations that police killed, tortured and sexually assaulted civilians during deadly protests against him.

Chile leader Pinera says will not resign over protests Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said Tuesday he will not resign in the face of deadly protests over inequality and poor social conditions that have entered their third week.

Chile launches fresh talks to calm deadly unrest Chile's government met with opposition leaders on Thursday in a fresh bid to end deadly protests that forced the country to abandon hosting two major economic and climate summits, but leftist parties poured scorn on the efforts.

State of emergency as California wildfires rage California's governor declared a state-wide emergency on Sunday as a huge wind-fueled blaze forced evacuations and massive power blackouts, threatening towns in the famed Sonoma wine region.

Fish bring hope

2018 a record for French tourism, despite 'yellow vest' protests French tourism figures reached a new record in 2018 despite weeks of violent "yellow vest" protests that caused a late slump, the national statistics institute (INSEE) said on Tuesday.

Malaysia ex-PM Najib to go on trial for corruption

Malaysia's former leader Najib Razak will go on trial Wednesday over a multi-billion-dollar financial scandal that contributed to his long-ruling coalition's downfall last year and sent shockwaves around the world.

Macron unveils new measures in bid to end ’yellow vest’ revolt

Embattled French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday (local time) announced a series of financial measures seeking to defuse the "yellow vest" revolt that has triggered violent protests in cities across the country.