National News from Yahoo

Source: French, Malians reach Timbuktu in rebel-held north

BAMAKO/SEVARE, Mali (Reuters) - French and Malian troops advancing against Islamist rebels in northern Mali have reached Timbuktu, the fabled Saharan trading town occupied last year by al Qaeda-allied fighters, a Malian military source said on Sunday. "They've gone past Niafounke and since yesterday evening are at the gates of Timbuktu," the source, who asked not to be named, told Reuters in Bamako. The French and Malians had not so far encountered any resistance from the rebels at Timbuktu. ...


California home may be second most expensive property ever sold

The $117.5 million estate of a financier in Northern California may be the second most expensive property ever sold in the U.S., according to SF Luxe. SF Luxe reported that financier Tully Friedman, the previous owner, sold the property on Nov. 27, 2012, according to...

Teen Chef Makes Debut at Beverly Hills Restaurant

He has cooked for more than 120 people at a time, worked in top restaurants across the country, and entertains 12 people at his home monthly for an 18-course meal. These accomplishments may seem like the work of a veteran chef, but this cook is...


NYC mayor tops $1B in gifts to Johns Hopkins Univ.

BALTIMORE (AP) — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has pledged $350 million to Johns Hopkins University, mainly to expand its interdisciplinary research on an array of issues including global health and urban revitalization as his lifetime giving to his alma mater eclipses $1 billion.


North Korean leader vows strong action

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un convened top security and foreign affairs officials and ordered them to take "substantial and high-profile important state measures," state media said Sunday, fueling speculation that he plans to push forward with a threat to explode a nuclear device in defiance of the United Nations.


Death toll rises to 31 in Egypt violence

PORT SAID, Egypt (AP) — The death toll from rioting in the Egyptian city of Port Said has risen to 31, health officials said Sunday, as army troops backed by tanks and armored vehicles staked out positions at key government facilities to try to restore order.


Pages