Global smartphone leader Samsung Electronics Co Ltd on Thursday confirmed expectations for its first annual profit decline since 2011, although a pickup in the fourth quarter hinted that earnings may have stabilized in the short term.

Japan is asking Britain to buy its P-1 submarine-hunting jet in a deal that could top $1 billion, a major step in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's push to arms exports after decades of self-imposed restrictions, people with knowledge of the proposal said.

Images of Miley Cyrus in a drug den have been leaked online- allegedly by a friend who's worried about her drug habits.

Phylicia Rashad, who played Bill Cosby's wife on "The Cosby Show," has come out in support of her former TV husband.

U.S. retail store sales fell 8 percent during the 2014 holiday season despite a late shopping surge, but overall holiday sales should show a 3.5 to 4 percent rise from a year ago because of stronger online buying, analytics company Retail Next said on Wednesday.

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy said on Wednesday that he wants to create a "lock box" for transportation funding because states that do not invest in infrastructure will face long-term economic struggles.

U.S. stocks rebounded on Wednesday from five straight sessions of losses after strong private sector jobs data and as minutes from the most recent Federal Reserve meeting reassured investors the bank was in no hurry to start raising interest rates.

The White House does not feel pressure to loosen restrictions on U.S. oil exports further and views debate over the issue as resolved for now, John Podesta, a top aide to President Barack Obama, told Reuters in an interview.

The United States continues to threaten Russia with retaliation for its development of new cruise missile technology.

There has been always been interest over life outside and another sighting in Mexico and Southern California may suggest Earth is not alone.