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
Pope Benedict XVI: Around 200,000 attend lying in state
Almost 200,000 people paid homage to former Pope Benedict XVI during his lying in state over the last three days, the Vatican says.
His body has been sealed in a coffin ahead of his funeral on Thursday.
Pope Francis will preside over the funeral - the first time a sitting Pope has led his predecessor's funeral in over 220 years, the Vatican says.
The former Pope died on New Year's Eve at the age of 95, almost a decade after standing down because of ill-health.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the funeral in St Peter's Square, in front of St Peter's Basilica, at 9:30 local time (8:30 GMT).
The event will be marked by simplicity, in line with what Benedict had asked for, the Vatican says. read more
Almost 200,000 people paid homage to former Pope Benedict XVI during his lying in state over the last three days, the Vatican says.
His body has been sealed in a coffin ahead of his funeral on Thursday.
Pope Francis will preside over the funeral - the first time a sitting Pope has led his predecessor's funeral in over 220 years, the Vatican says.
The former Pope died on New Year's Eve at the age of 95, almost a decade after standing down because of ill-health.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the funeral in St Peter's Square, in front of St Peter's Basilica, at 9:30 local time (8:30 GMT).
The event will be marked by simplicity, in line with what Benedict had asked for, the Vatican says. read more
Kevin McCarthy elected US House Speaker after 15 rounds of voting
Kevin McCarthy has been elected Speaker of the US House of Representatives after heated exchanges which almost saw fellow Republicans come to blows.
It took 15 rounds of voting for Mr McCarthy to win the job, despite his party having a majority in the chamber.
It came after a dramatic pressure campaign played out live on the House floor as party rebel Matt Gaetz was urged to vote for Mr McCarthy.
The Florida Congressman was among six holdouts who relented late on Friday.
Earlier, amid heated scenes in the chamber, Mr Gaetz had almost come to blows with Rep Mike Rogers - a supporter of Mr McCarthy. The Alabama congressman had to be physically restrained by colleagues as he bellowed and jabbed his finger at Mr Gaetz. read more
Kevin McCarthy has been elected Speaker of the US House of Representatives after heated exchanges which almost saw fellow Republicans come to blows.
It took 15 rounds of voting for Mr McCarthy to win the job, despite his party having a majority in the chamber.
It came after a dramatic pressure campaign played out live on the House floor as party rebel Matt Gaetz was urged to vote for Mr McCarthy.
The Florida Congressman was among six holdouts who relented late on Friday.
Earlier, amid heated scenes in the chamber, Mr Gaetz had almost come to blows with Rep Mike Rogers - a supporter of Mr McCarthy. The Alabama congressman had to be physically restrained by colleagues as he bellowed and jabbed his finger at Mr Gaetz. read more
Jack Ma to give up control of fintech giant Ant Group
The billionaire founder of Ant Group, Jack Ma, is to give up control of the Chinese fintech giant after a regulatory crackdown.
Ant Group said that after the change no-one would have overall control.
The formerly flamboyant Mr Ma has seldom been seen in public since criticising China's financial sector in 2020.
Following that criticism, Ant Group's planned stock market flotation was abruptly halted.
Ant Group runs Alipay, the main online payment system in China, which has eclipsed cash, cheques and credit cards.
Mr Ma, a former English teacher who founded e-commerce giant Alibaba, directly and indirectly controls more than 50% of Ant Group. read more
The billionaire founder of Ant Group, Jack Ma, is to give up control of the Chinese fintech giant after a regulatory crackdown.
Ant Group said that after the change no-one would have overall control.
The formerly flamboyant Mr Ma has seldom been seen in public since criticising China's financial sector in 2020.
Following that criticism, Ant Group's planned stock market flotation was abruptly halted.
Ant Group runs Alipay, the main online payment system in China, which has eclipsed cash, cheques and credit cards.
Mr Ma, a former English teacher who founded e-commerce giant Alibaba, directly and indirectly controls more than 50% of Ant Group. read more
Brazil Congress: Lula vows to punish supporters of Bolsonaro after riot
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has vowed to punish supporters of the country's ex-leader, Jair Bolsonaro, after they stormed Congress.
Supporters of the ousted far-right leader also stormed the Supreme Court and surrounded the presidential palace.
But police regained control of the buildings in the capital Brasilia on Sunday evening after hours of clashes.
Arriving in the city, Lula toured the Supreme Court building to see the damage for himself.
Justice Minister Flavio Dino told local media that some 200 people had already been arrested. read more
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has vowed to punish supporters of the country's ex-leader, Jair Bolsonaro, after they stormed Congress.
Supporters of the ousted far-right leader also stormed the Supreme Court and surrounded the presidential palace.
But police regained control of the buildings in the capital Brasilia on Sunday evening after hours of clashes.
Arriving in the city, Lula toured the Supreme Court building to see the damage for himself.
Justice Minister Flavio Dino told local media that some 200 people had already been arrested. read more
China Covid: More than 88 million people in Henan infected, official says
Nearly 90% of people in Henan, China's third most populous province, have now been infected with Covid, local health officials say.
Provincial official Kan Quancheng revealed the figure - amounting to about 88.5 million people - at a press conference.
China is battling an unprecedented surge in cases after abandoning zero-Covid policies in December.
The move followed rare protests against lockdowns, quarantines and mass tests.
Mr Kan did not specify a timeline for when all the infections happened - but as China's previous zero-Covid policy kept cases to a minimum, it's likely the vast majority of Henan's infections occurred in the past few weeks. read more
Nearly 90% of people in Henan, China's third most populous province, have now been infected with Covid, local health officials say.
Provincial official Kan Quancheng revealed the figure - amounting to about 88.5 million people - at a press conference.
China is battling an unprecedented surge in cases after abandoning zero-Covid policies in December.
The move followed rare protests against lockdowns, quarantines and mass tests.
Mr Kan did not specify a timeline for when all the infections happened - but as China's previous zero-Covid policy kept cases to a minimum, it's likely the vast majority of Henan's infections occurred in the past few weeks. read more
Brazil Congress: Big pro-democracy rallies held to condemn rioters
Tens of thousands of people in Brazil have held pro-democracy rallies, in an angry response to the storming of Congress by ex-President Jair Bolsonaro's supporters.
In the country's largest city of São Paulo, crowds chanted that Mr Bolsonaro must go to prison.
About 1,500 people have been held over Sunday's riots in the capital Brasília.
They came a week after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was sworn in after October's election that divided Brazil.
On Monday evening, the 77-year-old new leader - widely known as Lula - visited the damaged buildings of Congress, the presidential palace and Supreme Court together with the country's governors, condemning the "terrorist acts" and vowing to punish the perpetrators. read more
Tens of thousands of people in Brazil have held pro-democracy rallies, in an angry response to the storming of Congress by ex-President Jair Bolsonaro's supporters.
In the country's largest city of São Paulo, crowds chanted that Mr Bolsonaro must go to prison.
About 1,500 people have been held over Sunday's riots in the capital Brasília.
They came a week after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was sworn in after October's election that divided Brazil.
On Monday evening, the 77-year-old new leader - widely known as Lula - visited the damaged buildings of Congress, the presidential palace and Supreme Court together with the country's governors, condemning the "terrorist acts" and vowing to punish the perpetrators. read more
Brazil riots: Arrests ordered for top officials after capital stormed
Brazil's judicial authorities have ordered the arrest of top public officials after rioters stormed key government buildings in Brasília.
One official, the former commander of the military police, has been arrested, local media reported.
The officials also include Brasília's former public security chief Anderson Torres and others "responsible for acts and omissions" leading to the riots, the attorney general's office said.
Mr Torres denies any role in the riots.
Colonel Fábio Augusto, the police commander, was dismissed from his role after supporters of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro stormed Congress, the presidential palace and the Supreme Court. read more
Brazil's judicial authorities have ordered the arrest of top public officials after rioters stormed key government buildings in Brasília.
One official, the former commander of the military police, has been arrested, local media reported.
The officials also include Brasília's former public security chief Anderson Torres and others "responsible for acts and omissions" leading to the riots, the attorney general's office said.
Mr Torres denies any role in the riots.
Colonel Fábio Augusto, the police commander, was dismissed from his role after supporters of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro stormed Congress, the presidential palace and the Supreme Court. read more
Second batch of classified Biden documents found
US President Joe Biden's aides have found a fresh batch of classified government records at a second location, in a growing political embarrassment for the White House.
The first cache was found at a private office in Washington DC that Mr Biden used after his vice-presidency.
The matter is under review by the US Department of Justice.
Former President Donald Trump is facing a criminal investigation for allegedly mishandling classified files.
It was not yet clear on Wednesday when or where the additional tranche of files was found by Biden aides. read more
US President Joe Biden's aides have found a fresh batch of classified government records at a second location, in a growing political embarrassment for the White House.
The first cache was found at a private office in Washington DC that Mr Biden used after his vice-presidency.
The matter is under review by the US Department of Justice.
Former President Donald Trump is facing a criminal investigation for allegedly mishandling classified files.
It was not yet clear on Wednesday when or where the additional tranche of files was found by Biden aides. read more