World datelines

Australia: Pope hails pilgrims

SYDNEY — A massive Catholic youth celebration kicked off Tuesday with an Australian "G'Day" and a welcoming text message from Pope Benedict XVI to the tens of thousands of pilgrims who have traveled here from around the world.

As the clock struck midnight, a giant countdown clock ticked over to read "G'Day Pilgrims" — Good Day Pilgrims — drawing wild cheers from flag-waving youth who had gathered at St. Mary's Cathedral to mark the start of the six-day celebration.

Bermuda: Bertha slams island

HAMILTON — White-capped storm surf thundered against beaches, and high winds knocked out power to thousands of Bermudians on Monday as Tropical Storm Bertha swept over the Atlantic tourist island before heading back out over open ocean.

The streets of the capital, Hamilton, were empty, and all ferries and flights were canceled. Bertha flooded roads and felled utility poles, leaving up to 4,000 without electricity. There were no reports of injuries.

Iraq: Suicide blast kills 20

BAGHDAD — Iraqi police say a suicide bomber blew himself up in a crowd of army recruits in the city of Baqouba, killing at least 20 people.

A police official says 55 recruits were injured in the blast today 35 miles northeast of Baghdad.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the media. A doctor at the local morgue confirms the death toll.

Canada: U.S. deserter denied

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Canada's federal court ruled Monday that a U.S. Army deserter can be deported to the United States, rejecting his request for a stay to the order.

Justice Anne Mactavish said that Robin Long did not provide clear and convincing evidence that he will suffer irreparable harm if he is returned to the United States.

Long, 25, fled to Canada in 2005 to avoid serving in Iraq.

China: Migrant workers protest

BEIJING — Hundreds of migrant workers attacked a police station in eastern China after one was allegedly beaten while trying to get a residence permit, highlighting enduring tensions between temporary workers and authorities.