Miss P, a tail-wagging beagle, takes top honors at Westminster; fighting continues in Kiev despite cease-fire deadline; A-Rod "apologizes" to the fans and more national and international news for Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015.
1. OBAMA'S ARAB WORLD VIEW CHALLENGED BY CRISES
The president often cited Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Libya as models for his successful approach in a volatile region. Terrorism and conflict have exposed the weaknesses in those countries and the flaws in his approach.
2. KIEV SAYS REBELS CONTINUING ATTACK IN EAST
Ukraine's troops are withdrawing from the Debaltseve, the epicenter of fighting between the government and the pro-Russian factions.
3. CHINESE NEW YEAR HAS GLOBAL IMPACT
The weeklong holiday that shuts down China's industries ripples through to a global stock market lull and a busy travel season throughout Asia.
4. IN PAKISTAN, A BATTLE AGAINST VACCINATION CONTINUES
Thecountry's anti-vaccine campaigners don't cite scientifically questionable research; they target health workers with deadly violence that derails efforts to immunize children.
5. WHY CONSUMERS ARE STILL NOT SPENDING THEIR CASH
The trend of cushioning savings and paying off debt which started after the recent financial crisis is continuing despite cheap gas prices.
6. HOW RISING SEAS ARE CREEPING ONTO INDIA'S ISLANDS
In the country's Sundarbans, a low-lying delta region in the Bay of Bengal, saltwater is rising at twice the global average, pushing poor farmers further and further inland.
7. VAPE 'EMIF YOU'VE GOT 'EM, INMATES TOLD
Many jail officials say the benefits of e-cigarettes — for instance, they decrease traditional cigarette contraband — outweigh potential problems or health risks.
8. 'MODERNFAMILY' GREETS MODERN TECHNOLOGY
Other than a few scenes shot with a MacBook Pro, the Feb. 25 episode of the ABC show was captured entirely with iPhone 6s and iPads.
9. A-ROD APOLOGIZES 'TO THE FANS'
In a vague handwritten note referencing "the mistakes that led to my suspension," the MLB star says he's ready "to put this chapter behind me and play some ball."
10. WHO'S CROWNED AT WESTMINSTER
Miss P, a soft-spoken beagle, followed in the footsteps of great uncle Uno, the 2008 winner, to become the nation's top dog this year.