A lingering volcanic ash plume forced extended no-fly restrictions over much of Europe on Saturday, as thousands were stranded in Asia for a second day.
A ceremony kicked off the American leg of Southwest Chamber Music's "Ascending Dragon Music Festival" - the largest-ever cultural exchange between Vietnam and the U.S.
Rescuers probed the rubble for sounds or movement Friday in a rush to find anyone buried alive more than 48 hours after an earthquake hit western China, killing at least 791 people.
Air travellers around the world braced for a fresh wave of cancelled and delayed flights after a volcanic ash cloud from Iceland prompted authorities to close airspace across northern Europe.
Thailand's government urged "Red Shirt" protesters Thursday to return to the negotiating table as the army cleared abandoned armoured vehicles from Bangkok's streets.
Rescue workers dug through piles of rubble Thursday searching for survivors of a devastating quake in China which killed over 600 people and left thousands homeless.
US President Barack Obama will urge world leaders to harden their resolve to lock down nuclear material on the second day of a summit Tuesday aimed at keeping atomic weapons out of terrorist hands.