Europe

Ruble's Drop Has Implications For Global Economy

11:29am December 17, 2014

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been conspicuously silent since the ruble's plunge. Renee Montagne talks to Russian business journalist Kirill Belyaninov about why the ruble is in freefall.

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AP Photographer Snaps Engagement Photo

11:29am December 17, 2014

Jon McAchran proposed to his girlfriend Ashley while skating on an ice rink beneath the Eiffel Tower. An AP photographer was taking pictures of tourists and captured Jon giving her the ring.

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World News

Denmark Files Claim To Portion Of The Arctic

6:11pm December 16, 2014

by Sam Sanders

Denmark and Greenland are claiming ownership of about 350,000 square miles of the Arctic. Some of that territory includes the North Pole. Russia and Canada think the area should belong to them.

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World News

Google News Is Taken Offline In Spain, After A Call For Payments

5:01pm December 16, 2014

by Bill Chappell

In Spain, Google and other news aggregators would face steep fines if they publish headlines and abstracts without paying.

Customers line up at an electronics store in Moscow on Monday. With the value of Russia's ruble declining rapidly, prices are expected to soar, and many shoppers are frantically spending their money on electronics, furniture and even cars.

World News

Has Vladimir Putin Just Overplayed His Hand?

1:16pm December 16, 2014

by Greg Myre

The Russia leader was riding high at home this year with the successful Winter Olympics and his annexation of Crimea. Now he's staring at a recession and has alienated Western nations that could help.

World News

Russia's Rate Increase Fails To Stop Currency's Steep Decline

9:42am December 16, 2014

by Eyder Peralta

The ruble plunged to a record low against the dollar today despite efforts by the Russian central bank to stabilize it.

Russia Boosts Interest Rates To 17 Percent Amid Currency's Slide

6:11pm December 15, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

The move to raise rates from 10.5 percent is aimed at limiting the ruble's slide and curbing inflation. Sanctions and low oil prices have made it the world's worst-performing major currency this year.

World News

Denmark Claims Part Of The Arctic, Including The North Pole

2:51pm December 15, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

The region claimed is more than the size of Texas and Oklahoma combined. The energy-rich Arctic is also contested by Canada, Russia, Norway and the U.S. A U.N. panel will study the Danish claim.

Vatican, Citing 'Delicate Situation,' Rejects Dalai Lama Meeting With Pope

8:48am December 15, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

It's an apparent reference to the Holy See's relations with China — they haven't had diplomatic ties since 1949. Tibet's spiritual leader is in Rome for a meeting of Nobel Peace Prize winners.

Hallucinogenic Mushrooms Found At Buckingham Palace

7:16am December 15, 2014

The royals, however, won't be eating them. A palace spokesperson said, "fungi from the garden are not used in the palace kitchens."

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