AP - Soldiers scrambled to shore up soggy levies with sandbags Tuesday in southern China as forecasters warned that more heavy rain in the central region could trigger flooding on the country's second-longest river. The death toll rose to 171, state-run media said.

AP - Hundreds of Taliban fighters invaded villages just outside Afghanistan's second-largest city Monday, forcing NATO and Afghan troops to rush in while frightened residents fled.

AP - Military psychologists were enlisted to help develop more aggressive interrogation methods, including snarling dogs, forced nudity and long periods of standing, against terrorism suspects, according to a Senate investigation.

AP - Hundreds of gay and lesbian couples had appointments to secure marriage licenses and exchange vows Tuesday, the first full day same-sex nuptials will be legal throughout California.

AFP - Tens of thousands of victims of China's earthquake were evacuated Monday as torrential rain lashed the region, triggering flood warnings on major rivers including the Yangtze and the Pearl.

AFP - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Monday announced new troops for Afghanistan and tougher sanctions on Iran, delighting US President George W. Bush who was wrapping up a farewell trip to Europe.

Reuters - A bomb exploded in a Shi'ite Muslim mosque in Pakistan's northwestern city of Dera Ismail Khan on Monday, killing four people and wounding two, police said.

Reuters - The Supreme Court said on Monday it would decide whether a lawsuit can proceed against the former U.S. attorney general and the FBI director in a case brought by a Pakistani man who said he was abused in detention after the September 11 attacks.

Reuters - Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe threatened on Monday to arrest opposition leaders over election campaign violence for which his opponents blame ruling party supporters.

Reuters - Policy- makers around the globe declared soaring inflation a top threat on Monday, with pressure rising for central bank interest rate increases amid protests against higher costs of living.

Reuters - Israel sought on Monday to lower U.S. expectations for any deal with the Palestinians this year, brushing aside pressure over settlements and calling for decisions on Jerusalem's future to be deferred.

Reuters - U.S. President George W. Bush won Britain's backing on Monday for tighter sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program and secured a British pledge to send more troops to Afghanistan.

Reuters - The worst flooding in the Midwest for 15 years sent fresh shocks to global markets and consumers on Monday as corn prices hit record highs on fears of crop losses in the heart of the world's top grain exporter.

AP - Rocco Mediate made up two strokes in two holes and closed within a shot of an erratic Tiger Woods with six holes left in their 18-hole playoff Monday at the U.S. Open.