BANGKOK (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of protesters converged in Bangkok on Sunday to give Thailand's military-backed government an ultimatum: either call elections or face more pro-democracy demonstrations over the coming week.

AP - Investigators with Toyota Motor Corp. and the federal government were unable to make a Toyota Prius speed out of control as its owner said it did on a California freeway, according to a memorandum obtained Saturday by The Associated Press that casts doubt on the driver's story.

AP - The governor of Kandahar province demanded more security Sunday after 12 coordinated explosions in Afghanistan's largest southern city killed dozens of people in the Taliban heartland.

AP - Strong winds and heavy rain pounded parts of the Northeast on Saturday, knocking out power to more than a half-million homes and businesses and stranding about 500 passengers on a New York-bound train for more than five hours.

AP - Fighting on the star, Manny Pacquiao showed once again why he is the star.

Reuters - Tens of thousands of protesters converged in Bangkok on Sunday to give Thailand's military-backed government an ultimatum: either call elections or face more pro-democracy demonstrations over the coming week.

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Police in Mumbai said on Sunday they have arrested two men they say were preparing to attack several targets in the Indian financial hub, including the offices of energy firm Oil and Natural Gas Corp.

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of protesters converged in Bangkok on Sunday and gave Thailand's military-backed government an ultimatum: call elections in 24 hours or face crippling demonstrations across the capital.

AP - Utility crews pushed through fallen trees and windblown debris to reach downed power lines Sunday, working to restore electricity to more than a half-million homes and businesses after strong winds and heavy rain wreaked havoc in parts of the Northeast.

AP - An avalanche struck a rally of up to 200 snowmobilers in Canada's Rocky Mountains on Saturday, killing at least three people and leaving an unknown number missing, police said.

Reuters - Police in Mumbai said on Sunday they have arrested two men they say were preparing to attack several targets in the Indian financial hub, including the offices of energy firm Oil and Natural Gas Corp.

Reuters - Tens of thousands of protesters converged in Bangkok on Sunday and gave Thailand's military-backed government an ultimatum: call elections in 24 hours or face crippling demonstrations across the capital.

AFP - Tens of thousands of red-shirted supporters of deposed Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra were rallying amid tight security in Bangkok Sunday to demand the government's resignation.

AFP - The United States is to blame for recent tensions in Sino-US ties and must take steps to repair the damage, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Sunday, indicating no let-up in their diplomatic row.

BEIJING (Reuters) - The United States is to blame for strains between Beijing and Washington and should take steps to repair ties, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Sunday, indicating the two powers have not overcome a recent rough patch.

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced regret Sunday for the announcement of a Jewish settlement plan that has strained ties with Washington and threatens the revival of Middle East peace talks.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (Reuters) - A roadside bomb killed a Pakistani construction worker and wounded six of his compatriots on Sunday in Afghanistan's southern city of Kandahar, police said.

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli forces arrested a senior Hamas figure on Sunday after a raid in the town of Ramallah, the seat of the West Bank-based Palestinian government, the Israeli military said.

AP - Two guns used in high-profile shootings this year at the Pentagon and a Las Vegas courthouse both came from the same unlikely place: the police and court system of Memphis, Tenn.

AP - China vowed Sunday to remain alert to any renewed signs of economic crisis and forcefully defended its currency, trade and more assertive foreign policies as helping global rebalancing, not undermining it.

Reuters - The United States is to blame for strains between Beijing and Washington and should take steps to repair ties, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Sunday, indicating the two powers have not overcome a recent rough patch.

Reuters - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced regret Sunday for the announcement of a Jewish settlement plan that has strained ties with Washington and threatens the revival of Middle East peace talks.

Reuters - A roadside bomb killed a Pakistani construction worker and wounded six of his compatriots on Sunday in Afghanistan's southern city of Kandahar, police said.

Reuters - Israeli forces arrested a senior Hamas figure on Sunday after a raid in the town of Ramallah, the seat of the West Bank-based Palestinian government, the Israeli military said.

AFP - Tens of thousands of red-shirted supporters of deposed Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra rallied amid tight security in Bangkok Sunday to demand that the government step down.

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistani fighter planes bombed Taliban positions in the northwest on Sunday, killing 16 militants and destroying three hideouts, a government official said.

SAARISELKA, Finland (Reuters) - A U.N. resolution on new sanctions against Iran may not be ready until June and if a vote on it fails, European states could take unilateral measures instead, French and Finnish ministers said on Sunday.

AP - Two guns used in high-profile shootings this year at the Pentagon and a Las Vegas courthouse both came from the same unlikely place: the police and court system of Memphis, Tenn.

AP - The governor of Kandahar province demanded more security around Afghanistan's largest southern city Sunday after a series of explosions killed dozens of people in the Taliban heartland — the target of the war's next major offensive by Afghan and international forces.

AP - Pakistani fighter jets pounded a series of Taliban hide-outs near the Afghan border Sunday, killing nine insurgents, a local official said.

AP - Tens of thousands of red-shirted protesters rallied in Thailand's capital Sunday to press their demand that the government dissolve Parliament or face massive demonstrations at key locations in the city.

Reuters - Pakistani fighter planes bombed Taliban positions in the northwest on Sunday, killing 16 militants and destroying three hideouts, a government official said.

Reuters - A U.N. resolution on new sanctions against Iran may not be ready until June and if a vote on it fails, European states could take unilateral measures instead, French and Finnish ministers said on Sunday.

AFP - Red-clad supporters of deposed Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra vowed Sunday to march on military barracks holding the government as they stepped up protests in Bangkok amid tight security.

AFP - A top Hamas commander in the West Bank has been arrested by the Israeli security services after more than a decade on the run, an Israeli military spokesman announced on Sunday.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A senior White House adviser said on Sunday that President Barack Obama would get the votes necessary to pass a sweeping overhaul of the healthcare system.

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Finance ministers from countries using the euro hope to agree on Monday on a way of providing heavily indebted Greece with financial aid, despite French doubts that a deal will be reached.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. regulators will announce a major Internet policy this week to revolutionize how Americans communicate and play, proposing a dramatic increase in broadband speeds that could let people download a high-definition film in minutes instead of hours.

TBILISI (Reuters) - Georgia's opposition accused the government on Sunday of being behind a fake primetime news report that Russian tanks had entered the capital at the call of the opposition, causing widespread panic.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - College student Ashton Eaton upstaged the top multi-event competitors when he set an indoor world record in the men's heptathlon.

AP - The top House Republican says the GOP can defeat the Democratic health care bill that may reach the House floor this coming week.

AP - The Taliban say deadly bomb attacks in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar were a warning to NATO's top general as he plans a major offensive against the insurgents in the region.

AP - Early results released by Iraq's election committee show the prime minister ahead in the oil-rich Basra province, strengthening his lead in the country's historic elections.

AP - Tens of thousands of red-shirted protesters rallied in Thailand's capital Sunday to press their demand that the government dissolve Parliament or face massive demonstrations at key sites in the city.

Reuters - A senior White House adviser said on Sunday that President Barack Obama would get the votes necessary to pass a sweeping overhaul of the healthcare system.

Reuters - Finance ministers from countries using the euro hope to agree on Monday on a way of providing heavily indebted Greece with financial aid, despite French doubts that a deal will be reached.

Reuters - U.S. regulators will announce a major Internet policy this week to revolutionize how Americans communicate and play, proposing a dramatic increase in broadband speeds that could let people download a high-definition film in minutes instead of hours.

Reuters - Georgia's opposition accused the government on Sunday of being behind a fake primetime news report that Russian tanks had entered the capital at the call of the opposition, causing widespread panic.

AFP - Red-clad protesters loyal to deposed Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra vowed Sunday to march on military barracks housing the government as they stepped up their campaign amid tight security.

AFP - Thirty-five people were killed in an assault on Kandahar described by the Taliban as a pre-emptive response to Western plans to eradicate them from the strategic city, officials said Sunday.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - White House officials on Sunday confidently predicted quick final passage of healthcare reform but a top Democratic vote-counter said they still need to line up more support in the House of Representatives.

BANGKOK (Reuters) - More than 100,000 protesters converged in Bangkok on Sunday and gave Thailand's military-backed government an ultimatum to call elections within 24 hours or face crippling demonstrations across the capital.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki edged ahead on Sunday in early results of an election Iraqis hoped would end years of sectarian strife, but the tight race indicated long and fraught negotiations to form a government.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama is 'outraged' by the murders in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico of three people connected with the U.S. consulate there, a White House official said on Sunday.

AP - Pakistani fighter jets pounded Taliban hide-outs near the Afghan border Sunday, killing 17 insurgents, local officials said.

AP - Investigators with Toyota Motor Corp. and the federal government could not replicate the runaway speeding reported by a Prius owner who said his car's accelerator stuck as he drove on a California freeway, according to a memo drafted for a congressional panel.

AP - Alice is still ruling the movie palace.

Reuters - More than 100,000 protesters converged in Bangkok on Sunday and gave Thailand's military-backed government an ultimatum to call elections within 24 hours or face crippling demonstrations across the capital.

Reuters - Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki edged ahead on Sunday in early results of an election Iraqis hoped would end years of sectarian strife, but the tight race indicated long and fraught negotiations to form a government.

Reuters - President Barack Obama is 'outraged' by the murders in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico of three people connected with the U.S. consulate there, a White House official said on Sunday.

AFP - Anti-government demonstrators vowed Sunday to march on military barracks housing Thailand's top leaders as their icon, deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra, urged them from exile not to give up.

AFP - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged calm on Sunday as an angry Washington said it was insulted by Israel's 'destructive' announcement of plans to expand settlements in east Jerusalem.

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Irish police have released a woman arrested along with six other people last week over an alleged plot to murder a Swedish cartoonist who drew the Prophet Mohammad with the body of a dog, officials said.

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (Reuters) - Three people connected to the U.S. consulate in Mexico's most violent border city were murdered, police said on Sunday, prompting U.S. President Barack Obama to respond with outrage and sadness.

AP - The House's chief Democratic headcounter said Sunday he hadn't rounded up enough votes to pass President Barack Obama's health care overhaul heading into a make-or-break week, even as the White House's top political adviser said he was 'absolutely confident' in its prospects.

AP - Partial counts from all of Iraq's 18 provinces show the prime minister's bloc leading in the country's key parliamentary elections.

AP - As many as 100,000 people demonstrated peacefully against Thailand's government at a party-like rally Sunday, but the capital was being kept on edge by their threat to continue protesting until Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva calls new elections.

AP - An avalanche struck an informal snowmobile rally in Canada's Rocky Mountains, killing at least two people and leaving an unknown number missing at an annual gathering best known for its party atmosphere and stunt riding.

AP - A lawyer representing a driver who reports his Toyota Prius sped out of control on a California freeway is sticking by his client's story despite a congressional memo that raises questions about what happened.

AP - Alice is still ruling the movie palace.

Reuters - Three people connected to the U.S. consulate in Mexico's most violent border city were murdered, police said on Sunday, prompting U.S. President Barack Obama to respond with outrage and sadness.

Reuters - Irish police have released a woman arrested along with six other people last week over an alleged plot to murder a Swedish cartoonist who drew the Prophet Mohammad with the body of a dog, officials said.

ROME (Reuters) - Pope Benedict told Rome's Lutheran congregation on Sunday that Protestants and Roman Catholics should be thankful for all the unity achieved among Christians rather than complain about the slow pace of dialogue.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki pulled ahead on Sunday in early results of an election Iraqis hoped would end years of sectarian strife, but a divided vote suggested long and fraught talks to form a government are ahead.

AP - Iraq's prime minister edged ahead in a tight race in the country's parliamentary elections Sunday after partial results from all of 18 provinces showed his bloc leading in seven provinces — two more than his chief rival.

AP - A relative has identified a U.S. consulate employee and her husband who were killed in a drug-plagued Mexican border city.

AP - EGG HARBOR CITY, N.J. — Last month, the Northeast was smothered by blizzards. Now, it's waterlogged by torrential rains.

AP - As many as 100,000 people demonstrated peacefully against Thailand's government at a party-like rally Sunday, but the capital was being kept on edge by their threat to continue protesting until Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva calls new elections.

AP - The senator trying to rewrite the nation's financial industry rules is dropping plans to create a stand-alone consumer financial protection agency and give a single regulator the power to oversee all banks, according to people familiar with the evolving proposal.

Reuters - Pope Benedict told Rome's Lutheran congregation on Sunday that Protestants and Roman Catholics should be thankful for all the unity achieved among Christians rather than complain about the slow pace of dialogue.

Reuters - Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki pulled ahead on Sunday in early results of an election Iraqis hoped would end years of sectarian strife, but a divided vote suggested long and fraught talks to form a government are ahead.

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thousands of anti-government protesters in Bangkok plan to march to a military base on Monday to step up pressure on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve would win sweeping new powers over nonbank financial firms and keep much of its authority over banks, under revised legislation to be unveiled on Monday by the chief architect of financial reform in the Senate.

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (Reuters) - Gunmen in the drug war-plagued Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez killed two Americans and a Mexican linked to the local U.S. consulate, an attack U.S. President Barack Obama said 'outraged' him.

AP - Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki edged ahead Sunday in a tight race in the country's parliamentary elections after partial results from all of Iraq's 18 provinces showed his bloc leading in seven — two more than his chief rival.

AP - Three people with ties to the American consulate were killed in a drug-plagued Mexican city, including a U.S. couple shot to death within sight of the border with their baby in their back seat, officials said Sunday.

AP - Israel's prime minister expressed regret Sunday for a crisis with the United States over plans to expand a Jewish neighborhood in east Jerusalem, even as American officials played down the apology and called for bold Israeli action to get peace efforts back on track.

AP - Kansas, Kentucky, Duke and Syracuse earned top billing and the No. 1 seeds for the NCAA tournament Sunday, with the Jayhawks named the top seed overall for the 2010 version of March Madness.

Reuters - Thousands of anti-government protesters in Bangkok plan to march to a military base on Monday to step up pressure on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections.

Reuters - The Federal Reserve would win sweeping new powers over nonbank financial firms and keep much of its authority over banks, under revised legislation to be unveiled on Monday by the chief architect of financial reform in the Senate.

Reuters - Gunmen in the drug war-plagued Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez killed two Americans and a Mexican linked to the local U.S. consulate, an attack U.S. President Barack Obama said 'outraged' him.

AFP - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged calm on Sunday as an angry Washington said it was insulted by Israel's 'destructive' announcement of plans to expand settlements in east Jerusalem.

AFP - President Nicolas Sarkozy suffered a stinging setback in French regional elections on Sunday as projections showed his right-wing party trailing in the first round vote.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve would win sweeping new powers over nonbank financial firms and keep much of its authority over banks, under revised legislation to be unveiled on Monday by the chief architect of financial reform in the Senate.

PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon vowed on Sunday to work to keep donor funds flowing for Haiti's recovery and reconstruction following the devastating January earthquake in the poor Caribbean state.

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - A huge increase in arms imports by Southeast Asian countries in the past five years could threaten the region's stability, a Swedish-based research institute said on Monday.

AP - The mystery surrounding a Toyota Prius whose driver reported a stuck accelerator deepened Sunday as the motorist's attorney dismissed a congressional memo that questions his client's version of events.

AP - Georgians have been panicked by a hoax television news program announcing the Russian army had invaded and killed President Mikhail Saakashvili.

Reuters - The Federal Reserve would win sweeping new powers over nonbank financial firms and keep much of its authority over banks, under revised legislation to be unveiled on Monday by the chief architect of financial reform in the Senate.

Reuters - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon vowed on Sunday to work to keep donor funds flowing for Haiti's recovery and reconstruction following the devastating January earthquake in the poor Caribbean state.

Reuters - A huge increase in arms imports by Southeast Asian countries in the past five years could threaten the region's stability, a Swedish-based research institute said on Monday.

SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Cities across Chile were without power on Sunday and output at some mines disrupted after a main power grid failed a fortnight after a massive earthquake killed hundreds and ravaged infrastructure.

AP - The mystery surrounding a Toyota Prius whose driver reported a stuck accelerator deepened Sunday as the motorist's attorney dismissed a congressional memo that questions his client's version of events.

AP - Peter Graves, the tall, stalwart actor likely best known for his portrayal of Jim Phelps, leader of a gang of special agents who battled evil conspirators in the long-running television series 'Mission: Impossible,' died Sunday.

AFP - Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's chances of retaining his post appeared strong on Monday, more than a week after a general election that has seen his bloc claim leads in several key Iraqi provinces.

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thousands of anti-government protesters started to move on Monday toward a military base in Bangkok where Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has his crisis headquarters, putting pressure on him to call fresh elections.

AP - A power failure plunged nearly the entire Chilean population into darkness Sunday night, rattling a country already anxious after last month's 8.8-magnitude quake.

AP - Army reinforcements were rushed into Thailand's capital as tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators marshaled around a key military headquarters demanding that the government dissolve Parliament by midday Monday.

Reuters - Thousands of anti-government protesters started to move on Monday toward a military base in Bangkok where Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has his crisis headquarters, putting pressure on him to call fresh elections.

AFP - Thousands of protesters loyal to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra marched on an army base housing the Thai government Monday as the clock ticked on a deadline to dissolve parliament.