Japan has declared a state of emergency at a nuclear power plant when its cooling system failed after the massive earthquake struck.

CHILE’S 33 rescued miners posed with the president and were poked by doctors yesterday, itching to reunite with families and sleep in their own beds for the first time since a cave-in nearly killed them on August 5.

Right-wing billionaire Sebastian Pinera set himself up for an election run-off against a veteran of the coalition that has ruled Chile for two decades of democracy.

Chile’s Supreme Court today stripped former dictator Gen Augusto Pinochet of immunity from prosecution, allowing a trial against him for his alleged responsibility in the killing and disappearance of 15 dissidents during his 1973-90 regime.