World

BEIJING—China has created three new military bodies as part of reforms to modernize its military—the world’s largest standing force—and improve its fighting capacity. 

Birmingham, Alabama —Severe weather has plagued the southern US during Christmas week, and the misery continued as a tornado touched down in north-central Alabama on Christmas Day. 

By Ellen Knickmeyer / The Associated Press Los Angeles—A Pakistani woman’s role as a shooter in the San Bernardino massacre is raising fears that foreign-born brides who support the Islamic State group could marry Americans to come to the US to carry out extremist missions. 

San Bernardino, California— The Pakistani woman who joined her US-born husband in killing 14 people in a commando-style assault is at the center of a massive Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) terrorism investigation, yet she remains shrouded in mystery.

By John-Thor Dahlburg  / The Associated Press Brussels—Belgium’s capital entered a security lockdown on Saturday as the government warned of a threat of a repeat of Paris-style attacks, with subways in Brussels closed and heavily armed police and soldiers deployed. At least one suspect from the deadly Paris attacks is at large, and was last seen crossing into Belgium. 

Hanoi, Vietnam—Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Vietnam last week comes as the two communist countries seek to mend ties strained over territorial disputes in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). 

St. Louis—A divided Illinois Supreme Court has again rejected a $10.1-billion class-action judgment against Philip Morris over its past efforts to market “low-tar” and “light” cigarettes as healthier alternatives. 

  Beijing—China won’t get involved in Taiwan’s upcoming elections, a government spokesman said, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding polls in which the island’s pro-independence opposition is expected to make a strong showing. 

United Nations—The United States recently voted against a United Nations (UN) resolution condemning its embargo on Cuba, even though US President Barack Obama has called on Congress to lift the trade restrictions. 

  Washington—United States Vice President Joe Biden said he won’t be a candidate in the 2016 White House campaign, solidifying Hillary Rodham Clinton’s status as the Democratic front-runner and the party’s likely heir to President Barack Obama’s legacy.