World Story of the Day

Poland does not allow gay marriage or same-sex unions, and is unlikely to amend these laws anytime soon. But the city of Gdansk elected an openly gay mayor and has hosted its first gay pride march.

Serbia has long had close ties to Russia. But as with other Slavic countries, it's also looking to develop ties with Western Europe. It's a tough balance to strike these days.

Tests have confirmed the bones under a Madrid convent belong to Spain's most famous writer. He wished to be buried there because the nuns raised money and paid a ransom when he was captive in Africa.

Like young adults everywhere, soldiers in the Russian military are fond of documenting their doings via social media. One journalist traced a soldier's presence in Ukraine through his photos online.

He may have lost, but Napoleon still holds a fascination for thousands of re-enactors who came to Belgium this week to eat, sleep and wage mock war in the manner of the 1815 battle of Waterloo.

Over the past few months, case tallies have dipped toward zero, only to bounce back up. Health officials worry the outbreak could never end if people keep hiding cases and dead bodies.

A Palestinian man in Ramallah faces charges of insulting officials — based on his Facebook comments. This case and others point to the limits to free speech under the Palestinian Authority.

Parvez Henry Gill says the cross is intended as a "symbol of peace." But in a city where sectarian violence is common, the cross could become a target. Gill acknowledges that death threats are common.

The U.S has sent humanitarian aid to help Syrian civilians, but only a small number of refugees have been allowed into America. Now the U.S. says it will increase the number of those admitted.

After decades of work, Israel now gets about a quarter of its water from the sea. But experts say desalination is not a magic bullet, and conservation and infrastructure fixes are also needed.