AP - In the dead of night and without firing a shot, Thailand's military overthrew popularly elected Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday amid mounting criticism that he had undermined democracy.

AP - "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin was remembered Wednesday for his "great zest for life" at a public memorial service for the beloved conservationist and entertainer.

E! Online - The Crocoseum was bursting at the seams Wednesday morning in Australia as more than 5,000 people gathered to celebrate the life of conservationist, adventurer and devoted family man Steve Irwin.

AP - The mother of a man accused of abducting and assaulting a 14-year-old girl who eventually was able to send a text message for help was charged Tuesday with helping her son elude authorities and survive in underground bunkers, a sheriff said.

AP - A day after being asked in a debate about his immigrant mother's heritage, Sen. George Allen fired back in a written statement Tuesday confirming his Jewish ancestry.

Reuters - Pope Benedict faced a growing chorus of demands on Tuesday for an unequivocal apology for remarks seen as portraying Islam as a violent faith, despite attempts by Western leaders and churchmen to defuse the crisis.

AFP - Thousands of mourners streamed into daredevil naturalist Steve Irwin's zoo ahead of a public memorial service that will be watched by millions of viewers across the world.

Reuters - A khaki-clad choir, Hollywood stars and thousands of ordinary Australians bid farewell to "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin at a memorial service for the TV naturalist at his "Crocoseum" on Wednesday.

Reuters - Police and rioters clashed on the streets of Budapest on Wednesday for the second consecutive night after an anti-government protest sparked by Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany's admission of lying to voters in an election.

AP - A type of fish so common that practically every American kid who ever dropped a fishing line and a bobber into a pond has probably caught one is being enlisted in the fight against terrorism.

AP - Voracious carp that can literally throw themselves right into boats and pose a major ecological threat to Midwestern rivers and lakes could someday be a meal at the local zoo.

Reuters - Parents who spend time and money to teach their children music, take heart -- a new Canadian study shows young children who take music lessons have better memories than their nonmusical peers.