Caribbean talks conservation on Branson's island
NECKER ISLAND, British Virgin Islands (AP) -- Surrounded by a turquoise sea and a menagerie of exotic animals on a billionaire's private island, political and business leaders gathered Friday to back an initiative aimed at expanding protection for the Caribbean's imperiled coasts and waters....

French president signs gay marriage into law
PARIS (AP) -- French President Francois Hollande has signed a law authorizing gay marriage and adoption by same-sex couples, after months of nationwide protests and wrenching debate....

Merkel and Francis talk about a 'strong' Europe
VATICAN CITY (AP) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel, mindful of the weight of Christian voters in September elections, has discussed with Pope Francis how Europe's economy should better serve people....

Hot off the press: Seen and heard in Cannes
CANNES, France (AP) -- Associated Press journalists open their notebooks at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival:...

SKorea says NKorea fires 3 short-range missiles
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- North Korea fired three short-range guided missiles into its eastern waters on Saturday, a South Korean official said. It routinely tests such missiles, but the latest launches came during a period of tentative diplomacy aimed at easing tensions....

Hard-line Afghan MPs block law protecting women
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Conservative religious lawmakers in Afghanistan blocked a law on Saturday that aims to protect women's freedoms, with some arguing that parts of it violate Islamic principles or encourage women to have sex outside of marriage....

Venezuela's military enters high-crime slums
PETARE, Venezuela (AP) -- Stern-looking soldiers clutching assault rifles wave down the beat-up Chevy Caprice entering this sprawling slum on the outskirts of Caracas....

Weinstein showcases Grace Kelly, Mandela flicks
CANNES, France (AP) -- The Weinstein Company's fall slate of awards contenders will feature a glamorous Grace Kelly, a brawny Nelson Mandela and a mysterious J.D. Salinger....

AP PHOTOS: Cuba's LGBT community celebrates
HAVANA (AP) -- A week of drag shows, colorful marches and social and cultural events in Havana culminates Friday with celebrations of the International Day Against Homophobia....

Egyptians targeted with blasphemy charges
CAIRO (AP) -- The pale, young Christian woman sat handcuffed in the courtroom, accused of insulting Islam while teaching history of religions to fourth-graders. A team of Islamist lawyers with long beards sang in unison, "All except the Prophet Muhammad."...