WASHINGTON News

'Five million' homeless in quake
Almost five million people have been left homeless by Monday's earthquake in China, officials say.

Pioneering US winemaker dies
Robert Mondavi, who helped put Californian Cabernets and Chardonnays on the world map, dies at the age of 94.

US resumes North Korea food aid
The US announces a resumption of food aid to North Korea, thought to be facing famine this summer.

Suicide bomb in Sri Lanka capital
At least 10 people are killed in a suicide attack in the heart of Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, the army says.

Zimbabwe attacks 'out of control'
The US ambassador to Zimbabwe warns post-poll violence is "out of control" as a date is set for a run-off.

Woman jailed for smuggling baby
A Nigerian woman is jailed for 26 months for bringing a child illegally into the UK.

Oil edges towards $128 a barrel
Oil prices hit a record approaching $128 a barrel for the first time on fresh worries about global supplies.

Reform spells change for Portugal
Portugal introduces contentious changes to the language, spelling many words the Brazilian way.

A cat-and-mouse chase causes 72-hour blackout in Albania
Albania's main electricity provider blames a cat chasing a mouse for a 72-hour blackout.

Alien invader threatens pre-eminence of black truffle delicacy
A Chinese truffle is discovered growing in European soils, threatening the pre-eminence and culinary extravagance of the famous Perigord black truffle.