YANGON, Myanmar — A political party backed by Myanmar’s ruling junta opened offices across the country Friday — months after the main opposition group was forced to close theirs — as preparations begin for a general election in November.

Afghan president: Donors should stop supporting private security, share contract information

Karzai: Shutter private security companies

Pelosi announces House will return from vacation next week to clear state aid bill for Obama

Afghan peace conference delayed 5 days; focus to be incentives for insurgents to stop fight

Afghan peace conference delayed for 2nd time

Insurgents launch ground assault against NATO’s main base in southern Afghanistan

Insurgents attack NATO’s southern Afghan base

Labour, Conservatives court third-place center-left party, trying to form British government

Labour, Conservatives court third-place UK party

In unpredictable UK election, parties prepare to wrangle over who gets keys to Downing Street

Election: Who will lead Britain if no one wins?

Hamas says it can’t pay full salaries for second month in a row, but denies financial crisis

Hamas: Gaza civil servants to get partial salaries

Britain reportedly makes contingency plans for possible hung Parliament after election

Britain mulls plans for possible hung Parliament

Transit strikes bedevil Brits as election nears, but unions weaker now than in the ’70s

Strikes bedevil Brits again, but unions weaker now

A complete list of winners in 76th annual National Headliner Awards

Botswana launches “draconian” dress code for teachers, government employees

Botswana dress: Skimpy wear out, long sleeves in

‘Quiet corruption’ seen in Africa as teachers, public servants skip work, hurting the poor

‘Quiet corruption’ hurting Africa’s poor: report

Retiring House Democrat faces allegation of misconduct, House majority leader confirms

President Barack Obama, daughter Sasha Obama and wife

House majority leader Hoyer knew of allegation of misconduct against retiring Democrat Messa

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House majority leader says he knew of allegation of misconduct against retiring Democrat

NY Rep. Massa, a Democrat, to retire in vulnerable district after 1 term, cites health

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NY Rep. Massa, Democrat, retiring in vulnerable district and cites health reasons

U.S. President Barack Obama joins Martha Coakley

As NY governor resists pressure to step down, his state police chief abruptly resigns

NY state police chief abruptly retires in scandal

As NY governor resists pressure to step down, State Police chief abruptly resigns

NY State Police chief abuptly retires amid scandal

French environment minister hopes for breakthrough in air traffic controllers’ strike

French gov’t in talks with air traffic controllers

Alexander Haig, dead at 85, is remembered for service to 3 presidents and a remark gone awry

Protesters rally outside the White House

Alexander Haig dies; four-star general, secretary of state, praised by President Obama

Alexander Haig, four-star general and former secretary of state for Reagan, dies at age 85

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Obama thanks Indiana Sen. Bayh for decades of public service, wishes him well in future

Bored stiff? Experts warn that being bored at work could increase your chance of dying early

Being bored could be bad for your health

LONDON — Can you really be bored to death?

Study: Poor quality malaria-fighting drugs litter Africa, raising fears of resistance

Bad malaria pills in Africa raise resistance fears

Former UK attorney general initially said second resolution required on Iraq invasion

Former attorney general testifies in Iraq inquiry

Under new constitution approved by lawmakers, president to be picked by parliament

Angolan president to be picked by parliament

W.Va. House OKs bill adding more info, spouses to ethics filings; includes revolving door ban

W.Va. House passes ethics reporting bill

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s public servants would disclose more about their financial holdings and outside jobs, and for the first time report the same details about their spouses, under legislation advanced Wednesday to the state Senate.