Pope on global problems...Polygamist sect custody hearing...Complaining candidates

UNITED NATIONS (AP) Pope Benedict has told diplomats that the world's problems call for collective intervention. Speaking to the U.N. General Assembly, Benedict said the promotion of human rights is the key to eliminating inequalities and increasing security. But he also says too much power is concentrated among too few, and that's undermining international cooperation.

SAN ANGELO, Texas (AP) An expert on children in cults is telling a Texas judge that the belief system at a polygamous sect is abusive. The psychiatrist says the teenage girls do not resist early marriages because they are trained to be obedient and compliant. It's the second day of a custody hearing for the more than 400 children seized from the compound.

RADNOR, Pa. (AP) Barack Obama's people say Hillary Rodham CLinton has no room to talk, when she criticizes Obama for complaining about tough questioning at a debate this week. Obama's camp points out that it wasn't too long ago that Clinton was doing the complaining about her treatment at debates. Clinton says today that those debate questions are nothing compared to what Obama would face in the White House.

Washington (AP) John McCain's latest tax returns show he earned more than $400,000 last year and donated a quarter of it to charity. But the returns only present a partial picture of his family's wealth. The Republican presidential candidate and his wife keep their finances separate and file separate returns. Cindy McCain is keeping her return private.

TOKYO (AP) Japan is telling the maker of Crocs footwear that it needs to change their design. The Trade Ministry says it has received dozens of complaints about children getting stuck on escalators and injuring their feet.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-18-08 1346CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list