Lawmaker: Australian leaders trying to buy power 17 minutes ago CANBERRA, Australia - A key independent lawmaker accused the leaders of Australia's two main political parties of attempting to buy power Friday as they battle to form the nation's first minority government since World War II.Full Story
Election official: Chavez breaking campaign rules 22 minutes ago CARACAS, Venezuela - An electoral official accused President Hugo Chavez and his allies of breaking campaign laws by using state-run media to berate rivals and praise friends ahead of this month's legislative elections.Full Story
FBI: 6 accused in forced labour of 400 Thai workers 24 minutes ago HONOLULU, Hawaii - Six recruiters were accused Thursday of luring 400 labourers from Thailand to the United States and forcing them to work, according to a federal indictment that the FBI called the largest human-trafficking case ever charged in U.S. history.Full Story
NZ minister sees 'racism' in foreign ownership row 25 minutes ago WELLINGTON (AFP) - A New Zealand minister has suggested that opposition to foreign land ownership is more about "racism" than economic concerns, as a Hong Kong-based company vies to take over a bankrupt farm group.Full Story
Death toll in China fireworks blast jumps to 33 38 minutes ago BEIJING (AFP) - The death toll from an explosion last month at a fireworks factory in northeastern China has leapt to 33 from a previously reported 20 dead, state media said.Full Story
