News in brief

N Korea halts rocket launch-pad work

SEOUL, South Korea (AP): North Korea has stopped construction work at a site meant to launch bigger and better long-range rockets, a possible sign that Pyongyang is slowing or even halting development of larger rockets, according to a new analysis of recent satellite imagery.

The sight of unfinished roads and grass growing from the foundation of a large new rocket assembly building could be welcome news for Washington and others who see Pyongyang's nuclear and missile work as a threat, though it is unknown if the work stoppage is only temporary.

Two accidents claim 26 lives in India

NEW DELHI (AP): At least 26 people have died in two separate road accidents in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, police said Tuesday.

A bus and a truck carrying passengers collided in the state's Bijapur district Monday afternoon killing 18 people, said police official Ajay Hilori.

The truck tried to overtake a vehicle on a curved road and crashed into the bus coming from the opposite direction.

Hilori said the truck had a capacity of 16 passengers, but was carrying 22.

Judge recognises Ohio men's same-sex marriage

CINCINNATI (AP): A federal judge has ruled in favour of two Ohio men who want their out-of-state marriage recognised as one of them nears death.

Federal Judge Timothy Black says ailing John Arthur's death certificate can show James Obergefell as his surviving spouse so they can be buried next to each other.