World News Briefs -- March 30, 2012 (Evening Edition)

Mega Millions Jackpot Soars To $640 Million -- ABC News

The largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history leaped even higher to $640 million as throngs of hopefuls bought fistfuls of last minute tickets.

The cash lump sum payment is now worth $462 million, up from $389.8 million.

The drawing earlier today was just $540 million, surpassing the estimated $476 million jackpot and previous record of $390 million.

But it jumped by $100 million as long lines of ticket buyers jammed stores for their chance to join the country's one percent.

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MIDDLE EAST

Arabs clash with IDF, scores hurt in West Bank, Gaza. Israeli efforts to defuse 'Land Day' tensions fail as clashes erupt at checkpoint.

Activists: Fresh clashes erupt in Syria.

U.S. stymies Iran bid to snatch Iraqi oil.

Exclusive: Iran helps Syria ship oil to China: sources.

Iran suspends accreditation for Reuters in Tehran.

Clinton meets Saudi king amid Syria, Iran tensions.

ASIA

Asean expects Region's economies to grow in 2012.

Afghan policeman kills 9 sleeping fellow officers. Afghan policeman shoots dead nine colleagues.

U.S. suspends food aid to North Korea over missile plan.

Baluchistan separatists in Pakistan beset by divisions.

US stands by Japan over N.Korea. Japan will intercept NKorean rocket if threatened.

Aung San Suu Kyi vows to fight on despite election irregularities in Burma. Aung San Suu Kyi criticises Burmese election irregularities.

Intrigue grows in Chinese 'murder mystery'. Exclusive – China Communist Party scandal triggered by British man’s death.

AFRICA

Sudan troops fight rebels over town in oil-rich state. Rebels launch assault on town in Sudan's main oil state.

Tuareg rebels seize northern Mali town. Sanctions loom in Mali, junta holds onto power.

Mali's neighbors threaten border closure in aftermath of coup.

In post-Gaddafi Libya, Islamists are rising in influence.

EUROPE

Adolf Hitler's parents' tombstone removed.

Euro zone agrees to boost rescue capacity.Eurozone ministers boost firewall to $1tn. Eurozone boosts financial buffers to $1.1 trillion.

French police swoop nets Islamist militant suspects.

Spain unveils $36 billion austerity package.

Falklands reminds Britain of past glories, future challenges.

Terror in Europe fuels immigration tensions.

AMERICAS

Record Mega Millions jackpot tops $540m.

Honduras San Pedro Sula prison unrest and fire kill 13.

Wiretaps signal that Mexico's election season has begun. Mexico's vanquished ruling party stages a comeback.

Bad omen for U.S. healthcare law: Many comments from the justices. Justices meet Friday to vote on health care case.

Canada budget raises pensions benefit age and cuts penny.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Judge awards $44 million for '83 Beirut attack.

Bin Laden 'fathered four children while on run'. On the run, Bin Laden lived in 5 houses.

Revealed: bin Laden's life on the run.

US drone strike kills 4 militants in Pakistan: officials.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Asia now leads the world in centa-millionaires.

Toyota raises price for Prius, other models as auto sales heat up.

MasterCard warns of possible security breach, Visa also reportedly affected.

Audit faults Apple supplier.

BlackBerry maker gives up on consumer market. BlackBerry maker in turmoil.