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Berlin inaugurates repainted stretch of Wall, bringing new life to historical remnant

Berlin inaugurates repainted Wall section

BERLIN — The Berlin Wall’s longest remaining stretch has been restored to its state of nearly two decades ago after artists repainted the colorful murals they created in the aftermath of the notorious barrier’s opening.

Son of Gabon’s longtime dictator sworn in as president

LIBREVILLE, Gabon — The son of Gabon’s longtime dictator was sworn in as president following disputed elections that opposition candidates said were fraudulent.

North Dakota State University’s president resigns amid controversies, says ‘It just isn’t fun’

FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota State University President Joseph Chapman, stung by criticism of the ballooning cost of his new home and a $22,000 trip to President Barack Obama’s inauguration for himself and his family, announced Wednesday that he is resigning.

Mexico’s political theater reaches new heights (or lows) with street vendor’s election scheme

MEXICO CITY — An eccentric street vendor known for his Rambo-style headband took charge of Mexico City’s most populous borough Thursday — at least for a few hours.

CAPITAL CULTURE: As Obamamania cools, T-shirt and tchotchke sales track president’s polls

WASHINGTON — They cashed out retirement funds to build their business during the 2008 presidential campaign. Now they have 3,000 jack-in-the-boxes with smiling Barack Obama puppets inside — all sitting in a California warehouse, waiting to be sprung open for $29.95 apiece.

91-year-old evangelist Oral Roberts returns to campus to help inaugurate ORU’s 3rd president

TULSA, Okla. — Oral Roberts University has inaugurated the third president in the Oklahoma school’s history.

Dartmouth president describes lessons from childhood at inauguration

HANOVER, N.H. — Dartmouth College is the first Ivy League school to inaugurate an Asian-American president.

Brazil and Guyana open border bridge, looking to boost trade between Caribbean, South America

GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The leader of Brazil and Guyana met Monday to inaugurate a border bridge that is expected to boost trade between the giant South American country and the Caribbean.

This is your president, how can I help you?: S. African president opens complaint hot line

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s president took a call about leaky sewers to inaugurate a hot line meant to help fulfill his campaign promises to be responsive and accessible.

Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman resigns to become ambassador to China; Lt. Gov. Herbert to be sworn in

SALT LAKE CITY — Gary Herbert was sworn in Tuesday as Utah’s 17th governor following the resignation of Jon Huntsman, who is now the U.S. ambassador to China.

Ahmadinejad sworn in as president in midst of election crisis that has polarized Iran

TEHRAN, Iran — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was sworn in to a second presidential term Wednesday with a call for the divided nation to “join hands,” but it was greeted by protests in the streets and snubs inside Iran’s parliament.

Ahmadinejad sworn in as Iran’s president, appeals for national unity in speech in parliament

TEHRAN, Iran — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was sworn in Wednesday for a second term in office as president of Iran, appealing for national unity and denouncing foreign interference in his inauguration speech before parliament.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is sworn in for 2nd term as Iran’s president, takes oath in parliament

TEHRAN, Iran — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been sworn in as president of Iran for a second term in office.

Iranian parliament holds ceremony to swear in Ahmadinejad for 2nd terms as president

TEHRAN, Iran — The Iranian parliament is inaugurating Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for a second term as president.

Iran says it will prosecute security forces, judicial officials accused of abusing civilians

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran says it will prosecute security forces and officials accused of abusing civilians in unrest following the disputed June 12 election.

Iran’s opposition calls for street protests during Ahmadinejad’s inauguration

TEHRAN, Iran — Opposition groups called for protesters to prepare for a new round of street demonstrations Wednesday to coincide with the inauguration ceremony for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Iran’s Supreme Leader formally endorses Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for president

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s supreme leader has formally endorse Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for second term as president in a step leading up to his inauguration in parliament.

Kyrgyz president inaugurated for 2nd term amid opposition claims of election fraud

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev was inaugurated for his second term Sunday after winning an election that the opposition has dismissed as fraudulent.

Jackson memorial drew 31.1 million viewers in United States

NEW YORK — Some 31.1 million people in the United States watched the Michael Jackson memorial on television, with millions more catching video streams on their computers.

Memorial service a national viewing experience, in gatherings both online and in person

NEW YORK — A giant audience formed for Michael Jackson’s memorial service, as millions gathered in public, in front of televisions and at computer screens to experience the mourning of the celebrated pop star.

Rescued on eve of Inauguration Day, sea turtle named for Obama gets liberty on Fourth of July

KEY WEST, Fla. — A sea turtle named after President Barack Obama that was rescued just before Inauguration Day has been set free on Independence Day.

Bankruptcy court OKs sale of Hartmarx, Chicago company that made Obama’s inaugural suits

CHICAGO — A British company has won its bid to buy a Chicago-based clothier that made inaugural and election night suits for President Barack Obama.

Federal government reimburses DC nearly $43 million for all Inauguration Day expenses

WASHINGTON — D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty says the federal government has reimbursed the city for all costs related to President Barack Obama’s inauguration, totaling nearly $43 million.

Clinton seeks to revamp US image in Latin America after decades of strife

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is trying to ease long-standing resentment of U.S. policies in Latin America by attending events this week that highlight Washington’s awkward history with the region.

El Salvador inaugurates 1st leftist president from party of former Marxist guerrillas

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — A journalist from a party of former Marxist guerrillas became El Salvador’s first leftist president Monday, immediately restoring ties with Cuba while promising to remain friendly with the United States.