First Attempt To Lift AirAsia Fuselage Fails
Ropes supporting the core piece of wreckage as it was lifted from the sea floor snapped just as the fuselage neared the surface, officials say.
Asia
Thai Lawmakers Vote To Impeach Ousted Premier
Yingluck Shinawatra, whose government was removed from office in a military coup in May, has been accused of criminal negligence related to a failed program to prop up the price of rice.
Fate Of Japanese Hostages Unclear After Islamic State's Deadline Lapses
A video purportedly by the militants says "the countdown has begun." Japan says it's still trying to secure Haruna Yukawa and Kenji Goto's release. The Islamists want $200 million for their release.
ISIS Demands $200 Million From Japan To Free Hostages
The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, says it will kill the two hostages if the ransom is not paid. Renee Montagne talks to Anna Fifield, Tokyo bureau chief for The Washington Post.
Shanghai Fires 4 Officials Over Fatal New Year's Eve Stampede
Investigators said the officials were off enjoying a banquet at an opulent Japanese restaurant during the stampede along the city's waterfront that killed three dozen people and injured 49 others.
ISIS Demands $200 Million Ransom For Japanese Hostages
The Japanese government is facing a ransom demand of $200 million for the lives of two Japanese men held by the self-described Islamic State. The demand was made in a video posted online, in which a hooded fighter gave Japan 72 hours to come up with the money.
The Challenge Of Fact-Checking North Korea
A prominent North Korean defector now says he made up some parts of his story. His case highlights the difficulties of pinning down information in a closed, secretive society.
Shanghai Officials Fired Over Stampede That Killed 36
It was announced that the Huangpu District's Communist Party secretary, government chief, police chief and deputy police chief were fired and 7 other officials were demoted or otherwise disciplined.
Chinese Prisoners Inovate How To Get Out Of Jail
A law allows certain prison terms to be commuted for convicts who come up with serious technical innovations. The Beijing Youth Daily reports that's led to a business in "get out of jail" patents.
Bacon Blamed For China's Smog Problem
An environmental official says smoking, the traditional method used to preserve pork, is polluting the air. As residents smoke meat in preparation for the Chinese New Year, the smog has increased.