SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – Soon after the ground shook around its nuclear testing facility, North Korea trumpeted its first hydrogen bomb test – a powerful, self-proclaimed “H-bomb of justice” that would mark a major and unanticipated advance for its still-limited nuclear arsenal. Pyongyang’s announcement Wednesday was met with widespread …

TOKYO (AP) – The announcement Wednesday from North Korea that it had carried out a nuclear test brought to the front lines of global attention a phrase not often heard since the Cold War – “the H-bomb.” As opposed to the atomic bomb, the kind dropped on Japan in the …

ZURICH (AP) – The FIFA ethics committee has extended the ban on Jerome Valcke for another 45 days while it processes a case against him. Valcke faces a nine-year ban after being charged with violating the FIFA code of ethics while serving as President Sepp Blatter’s secretary general since 2007. …

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been named as this year’s recipient of a prestigious international award, with organizers lauding her “great moral leadership” in Germany and pivotal role in tackling the crises buffeting Europe. The Dutch-based Roosevelt Foundation says Merkel will receive the International Four …

VATICAN CITY (AP) – Pope Francis says restless hearts are seeking sure answers to life’s questions without finding them. Francis has voiced this reflection during Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica Wednesday to mark Epiphany, recalling the Gospel account of the Three Kings, or Magi, who follow a star to find …

LAS VEGAS (AP) – The latest developments surrounding the consumer-electronics show in Las Vegas known as CES (all times local): 10:15 p.m. Volkswagen’s old Microbus is getting a major update and could be in a garage near you in around three years. The company unveiled a futuristic battery-powered concept of …