Seven babies died after being fed an additive used to help thicken infant formula or breast milk, U.S. regulators said.The deaths were among 21 premature infants and one born full-term that developed inflamed intestines after they were given SimplyThick, the Food and Drug Administration said in a consumer update today. The product is a thickening gel designed to help premature babies swallow food

World News Sept. 19, 2012

South Korean stocks got off to a weak start on Wednesday as major tech firms suffered losses, analysts said.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 7.18 points, or 0.36 percent, to 1,997.78 in the first 15 minutes of trading.Tech blue chips led the decline, with Samsung Electronics falling 0.76 percent and its smaller rival LG Electronics declining 0.52 percent following a law

Sept. 19, 2012

South Korea will sharply increase the budget intended to provide more support and incentives for foreign businesses interested in making investments here, the finance ministry said Wednesday.The government will set aside 300 billion won (US$268.1million) for next year, which will be used exclusively to attract foreign investment, according to the ministry. The amount is up 36.1 percent from 220.5

Sept. 19, 2012

A South Korean disabled athlete has accused his coach of repeatedly physically assaulting him since 2010 and taking money to cover training expenses, officials said Tuesday.Prosecutors in Incheon said they're investigating charges brought on Monday by a boccia athlete, identified only as A. The athlete, who has cerebral palsy, competed at the London Paralympics this month, and alleged his coach ab

More Sports Sept. 19, 2012

A former South Korean government provided support to a secret network of civilians working to rescue South Korean prisoners of war (POWs) in North Korea, a journalist-turned-scholar here said Tuesday."I believe the network is still running," Melanie Kirkpatrick, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington D.C., said in an interview.The former veteran journalist was introducing her new bo

North Korea Sept. 19, 2012

The 81st anniversary of a Japanese invasion brought a fresh wave of anti-Japan demonstrations in China on Tuesday, with thousands of protesters venting anger over the colonial past and a current dispute involving contested islands in the East China Sea.Outside the Japanese Embassy in Beijing, thousands shouted patriotic slogans and demanded boycotts of Japanese goods. Similar protests took place i

World News Sept. 18, 2012

Foods that make a person healthier also make them better looking, a U.S. food expert says. "Vitamin C rich foods, especially strawberries, can help keep your skin glowing and bright. Vitamin C is an important building block for collagen, which supports the underlying structure of your skin. Just 1 cup of delicious strawberries contains over 100 percent of your daily vitamin C recommendation," Phil

Technology Sept. 18, 2012

Shakira and Usher are to replace Christina Aguilera and CeeLo Green as mentors for Season 4 of the U.S. competition series "The Voice," NBC announced.Current "Voice" coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will stay with the show when it returns for its fourth outing next spring.Aguilera and Green, who are leaving the series to fulfill other professional commitments, are expected to return the follo

Television Sept. 18, 2012

A Delaware man was arrested for allegedly stealing his own impounded car, then leading police on a 35-minute chase before driving into a pond, police said.Donald Smith II, of Bear, was arrested early Friday and charged with theft, trespass and related offenses for the incident, the Philadelphia Daily News reported.Police said Smith used a front-end loader to steal his pickup truck from a repair sh

World News Sept. 18, 2012

South Korean stocks started higher Tuesday, led by gains in big tech firms, analysts said.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) gained0.81 points, or 0.04 percent, to 2003.16 in the first 15 minutes of trading.Big-cap tech names led the rise, with market bellwether Samsung Electronics increasing 0.99 percent and SK hynix climbing 0.87 percent.The local currency was trading at 1,1

Sept. 18, 2012

U.S.-China trade tensions heated up Monday as the U.S. lodged a complaint over Beijing's automotive subsidies with the WTO and China countered with a filing over U.S. duties on Chinese products.Washington accused China of providing at least $1 billion in illegal subsidies to Chinese auto and auto parts exporters over 2009-2011, helping them beat U.S. manufacturers in the huge U.S. market.The U.S.

World Business Sept. 18, 2012

Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, renowned for her peaceful struggle against military rule, began a marathon tour of the U.S. Monday, the latest milestone in her remarkable journey from political prisoner to globe-trotting stateswoman.The Nobel Peace laureate will be presented with Congress' highest award during a 17-day visit that comes as the Obama administration considers easing remain

World News Sept. 18, 2012

Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Kun-hee did not lodge an appeal by the due date against the latest high court ruling that found him guilty of malpractices carried out to make his son's takeover of the conglomerate easier, industry and court officials said Monday. South Korea's richest man showed no signs of filing an appeal at the Daegu District High Court, which was due on Sept. 12 if he had dec

Industry Sept. 18, 2012