US-Africa summit: Joe Biden says US is 'all in' on Africa's future
US President Joe Biden has announced billions of dollars in support and investment for Africa at a summit with the continent's heads of state.
"The United States is all in on Africa's future," President Biden told the 49 African leaders attending the Washington DC meeting.
It is the first such gathering hosted by Washington for eight years.
The summit is seen as a US attempt to re-assert its influence in Africa to counter Chinese involvement. read more
US President Joe Biden has announced billions of dollars in support and investment for Africa at a summit with the continent's heads of state.
"The United States is all in on Africa's future," President Biden told the 49 African leaders attending the Washington DC meeting.
It is the first such gathering hosted by Washington for eight years.
The summit is seen as a US attempt to re-assert its influence in Africa to counter Chinese involvement. read more
Thousands of unedited government JFK assassination files released
The White House has ordered the release of thousands of documents on the murder of US President John F Kennedy in full for the first time.
With the publication of some 13,173 files online, the White House said more than 97% of records in the collection were now publicly available.
No huge revelations are expected from the papers, but historians hope to learn more about the alleged assassin.
Kennedy was shot during a visit to Dallas, Texas, on 22 November 1963.
A 1992 law required the government to release all documents on the assassination by October 2017.
On Thursday, President Joe Biden issued an executive order authorising the latest disclosure. read more
The White House has ordered the release of thousands of documents on the murder of US President John F Kennedy in full for the first time.
With the publication of some 13,173 files online, the White House said more than 97% of records in the collection were now publicly available.
No huge revelations are expected from the papers, but historians hope to learn more about the alleged assassin.
Kennedy was shot during a visit to Dallas, Texas, on 22 November 1963.
A 1992 law required the government to release all documents on the assassination by October 2017.
On Thursday, President Joe Biden issued an executive order authorising the latest disclosure. read more
Berlin AquaDom aquarium: Police not seeking suspects over explosion
Berlin police say they are not seeking suspects following the explosion of the "AquaDom" aquarium on Friday, warning the public about what they say is a fake tweet suggesting they are.
The explosion in the Radisson Blu hotel spilled one million litres of saltwater, flooding the hotel and nearby streets.
Hundreds of fish died and two people were injured by falling glass.
Inspectors have now declared the building safe.
A police source told local media on Friday there was no evidence the blast in the 15.85m high (52 ft) aquarium was the result of a targeted attack. read more
Berlin police say they are not seeking suspects following the explosion of the "AquaDom" aquarium on Friday, warning the public about what they say is a fake tweet suggesting they are.
The explosion in the Radisson Blu hotel spilled one million litres of saltwater, flooding the hotel and nearby streets.
Hundreds of fish died and two people were injured by falling glass.
Inspectors have now declared the building safe.
A police source told local media on Friday there was no evidence the blast in the 15.85m high (52 ft) aquarium was the result of a targeted attack. read more
Salah Hammouri: Israel deports Palestinian lawyer to France
Israel's interior ministry says it has deported a Palestinian-French human rights lawyer after accusing him of security threats.
Salah Hamouri, 37, was escorted onto a flight to France by police early on Sunday morning, the ministry said.
A lifelong resident of Jerusalem, he was stripped of his residency rights after officials accused him of being a member of a terrorist organisation.
Mr Hamouri denies the charges and rights groups have condemned the move.
But in a statement, the interior ministry said Mr Hamouri had "organised, inspired and planned to commit terror attacks" against "citizens and well-known Israelis". read more
Israel's interior ministry says it has deported a Palestinian-French human rights lawyer after accusing him of security threats.
Salah Hamouri, 37, was escorted onto a flight to France by police early on Sunday morning, the ministry said.
A lifelong resident of Jerusalem, he was stripped of his residency rights after officials accused him of being a member of a terrorist organisation.
Mr Hamouri denies the charges and rights groups have condemned the move.
But in a statement, the interior ministry said Mr Hamouri had "organised, inspired and planned to commit terror attacks" against "citizens and well-known Israelis". read more
Thailand navy ship sinks stranding more than 100 sailors
A Thai naval ship capsized during a storm in the Gulf of Thailand on Sunday night, leaving more than 100 sailors needing to be rescued.
Authorities said there were still 28 sailors stranded in the water on Monday, after the HTMAS Sukhotai sank.
No fatalities have been reported, but three crew members are in a critical condition.
Officials said the ship went down after it took on water, flooding its hull and short-circuiting its power room.
With the power lost, crew battled to retain control of the ship which listed onto its side before sinking around 23:30 local time Sunday (16:30 GMT). read more
A Thai naval ship capsized during a storm in the Gulf of Thailand on Sunday night, leaving more than 100 sailors needing to be rescued.
Authorities said there were still 28 sailors stranded in the water on Monday, after the HTMAS Sukhotai sank.
No fatalities have been reported, but three crew members are in a critical condition.
Officials said the ship went down after it took on water, flooding its hull and short-circuiting its power room.
With the power lost, crew battled to retain control of the ship which listed onto its side before sinking around 23:30 local time Sunday (16:30 GMT). read more
Elon Musk: Twitter users vote in favour of boss resigning
Twitter users have voted in favour of Elon Musk stepping down as the platform's chief executive after the billionaire ran a poll on his future.
A total of 57.5% voted "yes" after Mr Musk asked his 122 million followers whether he should stand down.
Mr Musk, who bought Twitter for $44bn (£36bn), said before the poll closed that he would abide by the result.
The technology tycoon, who also runs Tesla and Space X, has faced much criticism since taking over the site.
Mr Musk is yet to comment since the poll closed. Even if he were to resign as chief executive, he would remain as Twitter's owner. read more
Twitter users have voted in favour of Elon Musk stepping down as the platform's chief executive after the billionaire ran a poll on his future.
A total of 57.5% voted "yes" after Mr Musk asked his 122 million followers whether he should stand down.
Mr Musk, who bought Twitter for $44bn (£36bn), said before the poll closed that he would abide by the result.
The technology tycoon, who also runs Tesla and Space X, has faced much criticism since taking over the site.
Mr Musk is yet to comment since the poll closed. Even if he were to resign as chief executive, he would remain as Twitter's owner. read more
Harvey Weinstein found guilty in second sex crimes trial
Former Hollywood film mogul Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty by a Los Angeles jury of raping a woman.
The two-month trial heard how Weinstein used his influence to lure women into private meetings before attacking them.
The 70-year-old Oscar winner is facing up to 24 years in prison when he is sentenced.
He is already serving 23 years in jail after he was convicted of rape and sexual assault at his first trial in New York two years ago. read more
Former Hollywood film mogul Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty by a Los Angeles jury of raping a woman.
The two-month trial heard how Weinstein used his influence to lure women into private meetings before attacking them.
The 70-year-old Oscar winner is facing up to 24 years in prison when he is sentenced.
He is already serving 23 years in jail after he was convicted of rape and sexual assault at his first trial in New York two years ago. read more
Elon Musk to quit as Twitter CEO when replacement found
Elon Musk has said he will resign as Twitter's chief executive officer when he finds someone "foolish enough to take the job".
The billionaire promised earlier to abide by the result of a Twitter poll which saw 57.5% of users vote "yes" to him quitting the role.
He says he will still run the software and servers teams after his replacement is found.
Changes on the platform since his takeover have been much criticised. read more
Elon Musk has said he will resign as Twitter's chief executive officer when he finds someone "foolish enough to take the job".
The billionaire promised earlier to abide by the result of a Twitter poll which saw 57.5% of users vote "yes" to him quitting the role.
He says he will still run the software and servers teams after his replacement is found.
Changes on the platform since his takeover have been much criticised. read more
Zelensky in Washington: Ukraine's leader heads to US for first foreign trip
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is on his way to Washington, where he will meet US President Joe Biden on Wednesday.
It is his first foreign trip since Russia invaded in February.
Details of how and when he travelled are unlikely to be made public, given the security risks involved.
The White House confirmed it would supply Ukraine with a Patriot missile system, significantly increasing the country's air defence capability.
"On my way to the US to strengthen resilience and defense capabilities of Ukraine," Mr Zelensky wrote on Twitter. read more
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is on his way to Washington, where he will meet US President Joe Biden on Wednesday.
It is his first foreign trip since Russia invaded in February.
Details of how and when he travelled are unlikely to be made public, given the security risks involved.
The White House confirmed it would supply Ukraine with a Patriot missile system, significantly increasing the country's air defence capability.
"On my way to the US to strengthen resilience and defense capabilities of Ukraine," Mr Zelensky wrote on Twitter. read more
Ukraine war: Biden tells Zelensky his country will never stand alone
President Joe Biden has told President Volodymyr Zelensky the US will stick by Ukraine "for as long as it takes" in its war with Russia.
"You will never stand alone," Mr Biden told Mr Zelensky as he visited the White House on his first overseas trip since the Russian invasion began.
Mr Biden confirmed a new package of more than $2bn (£1.7bn) in assistance for Ukraine and promised another $45bn.
Mr Zelensky expressed his gratitude for Washington's backing.
At Wednesday's joint news conference, Mr Biden told reporters he was "not at all worried" about holding the international coalition together. read more
President Joe Biden has told President Volodymyr Zelensky the US will stick by Ukraine "for as long as it takes" in its war with Russia.
"You will never stand alone," Mr Biden told Mr Zelensky as he visited the White House on his first overseas trip since the Russian invasion began.
Mr Biden confirmed a new package of more than $2bn (£1.7bn) in assistance for Ukraine and promised another $45bn.
Mr Zelensky expressed his gratitude for Washington's backing.
At Wednesday's joint news conference, Mr Biden told reporters he was "not at all worried" about holding the international coalition together. read more
US winter storm will bring frostbite within minutes
Plunging temperatures wreaking havoc across the US and Canada can lead to frostbite on bare skin in only five to 10 minutes, experts are warning.
A powerful Arctic winter storm has placed more than 135 million people under weekend weather alerts ahead of the busiest travel days of the year.
The alerts stretch from coast to coast and reach as far south as the US-Mexico border and Florida, the Sunshine State.
Major airports have cancelled thousands of flights as the storm intensifies.
The cold snap could bring the iciest Christmas in decades, say forecasters.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said temperatures of -50F (-45C) and -70F were possible by the end of this week in some parts of the country. read more
Plunging temperatures wreaking havoc across the US and Canada can lead to frostbite on bare skin in only five to 10 minutes, experts are warning.
A powerful Arctic winter storm has placed more than 135 million people under weekend weather alerts ahead of the busiest travel days of the year.
The alerts stretch from coast to coast and reach as far south as the US-Mexico border and Florida, the Sunshine State.
Major airports have cancelled thousands of flights as the storm intensifies.
The cold snap could bring the iciest Christmas in decades, say forecasters.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said temperatures of -50F (-45C) and -70F were possible by the end of this week in some parts of the country. read more
FTX founder released to parents on $250m bail
Former FTX boss Sam Bankman-Fried will face home detention while awaiting trial in the US on charges that he defrauded customers and investors of the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange.
A US judge said the 30-year-old former billionaire could be released to his parents on a $250m (£207m) bond.
At the hearing, Mr Bankman-Fried did not admit or deny guilt.
He has previously distanced himself from the charges, which have shaken the entire crypto industry.
"I didn't knowingly commit fraud. I don't think I committed fraud. I didn't want any of this to happen. I was certainly not nearly as competent as I thought I was," he told the BBC, shortly before his 12 December arrest in the Bahamas, where he lived, and FTX was based. read more
Former FTX boss Sam Bankman-Fried will face home detention while awaiting trial in the US on charges that he defrauded customers and investors of the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange.
A US judge said the 30-year-old former billionaire could be released to his parents on a $250m (£207m) bond.
At the hearing, Mr Bankman-Fried did not admit or deny guilt.
He has previously distanced himself from the charges, which have shaken the entire crypto industry.
"I didn't knowingly commit fraud. I don't think I committed fraud. I didn't want any of this to happen. I was certainly not nearly as competent as I thought I was," he told the BBC, shortly before his 12 December arrest in the Bahamas, where he lived, and FTX was based. read more
Meta settles Cambridge Analytica scandal case for $725m
Facebook owner Meta has agreed to pay $725m (£600m) to settle legal action over a data breach linked to political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.
The long-running dispute accused the social media giant of allowing third parties, including the British firm, to access Facebook users' personal data.
The proposed sum is the largest in a US data privacy class action, lawyers say.
Meta, which did not admit wrongdoing, said it had "revamped" its approach to privacy over the past three years.
In a statement, the company said settling was "in the best interest of our community and shareholders". read more
Facebook owner Meta has agreed to pay $725m (£600m) to settle legal action over a data breach linked to political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.
The long-running dispute accused the social media giant of allowing third parties, including the British firm, to access Facebook users' personal data.
The proposed sum is the largest in a US data privacy class action, lawyers say.
Meta, which did not admit wrongdoing, said it had "revamped" its approach to privacy over the past three years.
In a statement, the company said settling was "in the best interest of our community and shareholders". read more
Ukraine war: Drone attack on Russian bomber base leaves three dead
A Ukrainian drone attack on Engels bomber base in south Russia has left three people dead, Moscow says.
Air defences reportedly shot down the drone but falling debris caused the casualties in the overnight attack.
Russia accuses Ukraine of carrying out a similar attack on the airfield, home to strategic bombers, on 5 December. The base lies about 500km (310 miles) north-east of the border with Ukraine.
The Ukrainian military has not officially commented on those attacks.
Russia's defence ministry says its air defences shot down the Ukrainian drone flying at low altitude at about 01:35 local time on Monday (22:35 GMT Sunday). read more
A Ukrainian drone attack on Engels bomber base in south Russia has left three people dead, Moscow says.
Air defences reportedly shot down the drone but falling debris caused the casualties in the overnight attack.
Russia accuses Ukraine of carrying out a similar attack on the airfield, home to strategic bombers, on 5 December. The base lies about 500km (310 miles) north-east of the border with Ukraine.
The Ukrainian military has not officially commented on those attacks.
Russia's defence ministry says its air defences shot down the Ukrainian drone flying at low altitude at about 01:35 local time on Monday (22:35 GMT Sunday). read more
Kosovo: Serbia puts troops on high alert over rising tensions
The Serbian army says it is at its "highest level of combat readiness" after weeks of escalating tensions between Serbia and Kosovo.
President Aleksandar Vucic says he will "take all measures to protect our people and preserve Serbia".
The sabre-rattling is louder than ever and follows some media claims in Serbia that Pristina is preparing "an attack" on ethnic Serb areas in north Kosovo.
The government in Pristina has made no comment about the allegations.
But it has previously accused Mr Vucic of playing "games" to stir up trouble. read more
The Serbian army says it is at its "highest level of combat readiness" after weeks of escalating tensions between Serbia and Kosovo.
President Aleksandar Vucic says he will "take all measures to protect our people and preserve Serbia".
The sabre-rattling is louder than ever and follows some media claims in Serbia that Pristina is preparing "an attack" on ethnic Serb areas in north Kosovo.
The government in Pristina has made no comment about the allegations.
But it has previously accused Mr Vucic of playing "games" to stir up trouble. read more
Republican George Santos admits lying on his CV
Newly elected Republican congressman George Santos has apologised after admitting he lied about his education and work experience.
Mr Santos, who was elected in New York, told the New York Post: "My sins here are embellishing my resume. I'm sorry."
He insisted he was "not a criminal" and said that the controversy would not deter him from serving his two-year term in Congress.
The allegation was first made in a New York Times report last week.
At the time, a lawyer for Mr Santos hit back at the claims that he misrepresented where he went to college and his alleged employment history, describing them as "defamatory" and a "shotgun blast of attacks". read more
Newly elected Republican congressman George Santos has apologised after admitting he lied about his education and work experience.
Mr Santos, who was elected in New York, told the New York Post: "My sins here are embellishing my resume. I'm sorry."
He insisted he was "not a criminal" and said that the controversy would not deter him from serving his two-year term in Congress.
The allegation was first made in a New York Times report last week.
At the time, a lawyer for Mr Santos hit back at the claims that he misrepresented where he went to college and his alleged employment history, describing them as "defamatory" and a "shotgun blast of attacks". read more
Energy giant ExxonMobil sues EU to block energy windfall tax
US energy giant ExxonMobil is suing the European Union (EU) in a bid to stop its new windfall tax on oil firms.
A windfall tax is imposed on firms that benefited from something they were not responsible for.
Energy firms are getting much more money for their oil and gas, partly due to supply concerns after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
But Exxon has accused Brussels of exceeding its legal authority, calling the measure "counter-productive".
ExxonMobil reported a quarterly profit of almost $20 billion (£17.3 billion) in October. read more
US energy giant ExxonMobil is suing the European Union (EU) in a bid to stop its new windfall tax on oil firms.
A windfall tax is imposed on firms that benefited from something they were not responsible for.
Energy firms are getting much more money for their oil and gas, partly due to supply concerns after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
But Exxon has accused Brussels of exceeding its legal authority, calling the measure "counter-productive".
ExxonMobil reported a quarterly profit of almost $20 billion (£17.3 billion) in October. read more
'Thank you, King': Brazil lights up in honour of Pele
Brazil has woken up to its first day without footballing legend Pele.
"The King", who won three World Cups and was widely considered the greatest footballer of all time, died at the age of 82 in Sao Paulo on Thursday.
Overnight, Pele's face shone on buildings across the South American nation and landmarks were lit up in his memory. Fans took the streets dressed in his iconic number 10 shirt.
Brazil's government has declared three days of national mourning.
Fans started gathering outside Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein hospital on Thursday afternoon when they heard news of Pele's death. Outside, a banner read "Eternal King Pele". read more
Brazil has woken up to its first day without footballing legend Pele.
"The King", who won three World Cups and was widely considered the greatest footballer of all time, died at the age of 82 in Sao Paulo on Thursday.
Overnight, Pele's face shone on buildings across the South American nation and landmarks were lit up in his memory. Fans took the streets dressed in his iconic number 10 shirt.
Brazil's government has declared three days of national mourning.
Fans started gathering outside Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein hospital on Thursday afternoon when they heard news of Pele's death. Outside, a banner read "Eternal King Pele". read more
Former Pope Benedict XVI dies at 95
Former Pope Benedict XVI has died at his Vatican residence, aged 95, almost a decade after he stood down because of ailing health.
He led the Catholic Church for less than eight years until, in 2013, he became the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.
Benedict spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the walls of the Vatican.
His successor Pope Francis said he had visited him there frequently.
The Vatican said in a statement: "With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.
"Further information will be provided as soon as possible."
Although the former pontiff had been ill for some time, the Holy See said there had been an aggravation in his condition because of advancing age. read more
Former Pope Benedict XVI has died at his Vatican residence, aged 95, almost a decade after he stood down because of ailing health.
He led the Catholic Church for less than eight years until, in 2013, he became the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.
Benedict spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the walls of the Vatican.
His successor Pope Francis said he had visited him there frequently.
The Vatican said in a statement: "With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.
"Further information will be provided as soon as possible."
Although the former pontiff had been ill for some time, the Holy See said there had been an aggravation in his condition because of advancing age. read more
Dubai scraps 30% alcohol tax and licence fee in apparent bid to boost tourism
Dubai has scrapped its 30% alcohol tax in an apparent bid to boost tourism.
It will also stop charging for personal alcohol licences - something residents who want to drink at home must have.
Dubai has been relaxing laws for some time, allowing the sale of alcohol in daylight during Ramadan and approving home delivery during the pandemic.
This latest move is thought to be an attempt to make the city more attractive to foreigners, in the face of competition from neighbours.
The two companies which distribute alcohol in Dubai, Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI), and African & Eastern, said they would reflect the cut in tax for consumers. read more
Dubai has scrapped its 30% alcohol tax in an apparent bid to boost tourism.
It will also stop charging for personal alcohol licences - something residents who want to drink at home must have.
Dubai has been relaxing laws for some time, allowing the sale of alcohol in daylight during Ramadan and approving home delivery during the pandemic.
This latest move is thought to be an attempt to make the city more attractive to foreigners, in the face of competition from neighbours.
The two companies which distribute alcohol in Dubai, Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI), and African & Eastern, said they would reflect the cut in tax for consumers. read more
Makiivka: Russia blames missile attack on troops' phone use
Russia has said a new year missile attack that killed at least 89 Russian soldiers happened because troops were using their mobile phones.
Ukraine hit a college for conscripts in Makiivka, in the occupied Donetsk area, shortly after midnight on 1 January.
Soldiers' use of banned phones allowed the enemy to locate its target, the Russian military has now said.
While the number of people killed is unverified, it is the largest death toll acknowledged by Russia in the war.
Ukraine claims the figure is far higher, saying 400 soldiers were killed in the attack and a further 300 wounded. read more
Russia has said a new year missile attack that killed at least 89 Russian soldiers happened because troops were using their mobile phones.
Ukraine hit a college for conscripts in Makiivka, in the occupied Donetsk area, shortly after midnight on 1 January.
Soldiers' use of banned phones allowed the enemy to locate its target, the Russian military has now said.
While the number of people killed is unverified, it is the largest death toll acknowledged by Russia in the war.
Ukraine claims the figure is far higher, saying 400 soldiers were killed in the attack and a further 300 wounded. read more