Police strike in Rio, bringing fears for Carnival

RIO DE JANEIRO — Not content with legislative approval of a big pay raise, Rio state police officers went on strike Friday, raising fears for the security of the glittering Carnival extravaganza that sets this seaside city throbbing.

2 men, boy plucked from Pacific in dramatic rescue

HONOLULU — West James beamed as he showed off a new entry in his journal: "I survived a dangerous rescue."

2nd deposition sought for convicted Ponzi schemer

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Convicted Florida Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein could be ordered to give a second round of sworn testimony about the inner workings of his $1.2 billion fraud.

Social worker recounts minutes before Powell fire

SEATTLE — Josh Powell told his 7-year-old son he had a "surprise" for him moments before attacking and killing him and his 5-year-old brother, according to the state social worker who was supposed to supervise a visit between Powell and his sons.

World stocks slip as Greek bailout hangs in limbo

BANGKOK — World stock markets dropped Friday after Europe's finance ministers demanded more spending cuts from Greece before clearing a euro130 billion ($170 billion) bailout to stave off the country's bankruptcy.

Two explosions hit northern Syrian city of Aleppo

BEIRUT — Two explosions targeted security compounds in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Friday, state media said, causing an unspecified number of casualties in a major city seen as key to President Bashar Assad's grip on power.

Groups demand new probe into Marine photo

SAN DIEGO — A leading Jewish organization and others outraged by a photo showing Marine snipers in Afghanistan posing with a logo resembling a notorious Nazi symbol are demanding President Barack Obama order an investigation and hold the troops accountable.

Pakistan court rejects PM's plea in contempt case

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan's top court rejected Friday a last-ditch appeal filed by the prime minister against a looming contempt charge, paving the way for a case that could plunge the nuclear-armed country into political turmoil.

Swiss police: car drives into crowd, 1 dead

GENEVA — Swiss police appealed for witnesses Friday after a car hit a group of people standing outside a Zurich bar, killing one person and injuring five others.

Murder trial of former U.Va. athlete set to resume

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The trial of a former University of Virginia lacrosse player accused of killing his ex-girlfriend is nearing the end of its first week.