Evan Gershkovich: US says journalist is wrongfully detained in Russia
The United States has designated journalist Evan Gershkovich as being "wrongfully detained" by Russia and called for his immediate release.
Mr Gershkovich, an experienced Russia reporter, was arrested last month in the city of Yekaterinburg while working for the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
He has since been formally charged with spying, but the WSJ denies this.
It is the first time Moscow has accused a US journalist of espionage since the Soviet era.
The "wrongfully detained" designation in the US means the case will now be transferred to the office of the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs. This will raise the profile of the case and allow the government to allocate more resources to securing his release. read more
The United States has designated journalist Evan Gershkovich as being "wrongfully detained" by Russia and called for his immediate release.
Mr Gershkovich, an experienced Russia reporter, was arrested last month in the city of Yekaterinburg while working for the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
He has since been formally charged with spying, but the WSJ denies this.
It is the first time Moscow has accused a US journalist of espionage since the Soviet era.
The "wrongfully detained" designation in the US means the case will now be transferred to the office of the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs. This will raise the profile of the case and allow the government to allocate more resources to securing his release. read more
Pentagon leak shows S Korea torn on sending Ukraine weapons
A leaked Pentagon document seen by the BBC reveals a sensitive conversation between high-level South Korean officials on whether to sell weapons that could be used in Ukraine.
The intercept targeted two of President Yoon Suk Yeol's senior advisors.
They are torn between US pressure to send ammunition to Ukraine and their policy not to arm countries at war.
One of the advisers suggests sending the shells to Poland instead, to avoid appearing to have given in to the US.
Washington has been scrambling to trace the source of the leaks, which the Pentagon says are a serious risk to national security. read more
A leaked Pentagon document seen by the BBC reveals a sensitive conversation between high-level South Korean officials on whether to sell weapons that could be used in Ukraine.
The intercept targeted two of President Yoon Suk Yeol's senior advisors.
They are torn between US pressure to send ammunition to Ukraine and their policy not to arm countries at war.
One of the advisers suggests sending the shells to Poland instead, to avoid appearing to have given in to the US.
Washington has been scrambling to trace the source of the leaks, which the Pentagon says are a serious risk to national security. read more
Ukraine war: Leak shows Western special forces on the ground
The UK is among a number of countries with military special forces operating inside Ukraine, according to one of dozens of documents leaked online.
It confirms what has been the subject of quiet speculation for over a year.
The leaked files, some marked "top secret", paint a detailed picture of the war in Ukraine, including sensitive details of Ukraine's preparations for a spring counter-offensive.
The US government says it is investigating the source of the leak.
According to the document, dated 23 March, the UK has the largest contingent of special forces in Ukraine (50), followed by fellow Nato states Latvia (17), France (15), the US (14) and the Netherlands (1). read more
The UK is among a number of countries with military special forces operating inside Ukraine, according to one of dozens of documents leaked online.
It confirms what has been the subject of quiet speculation for over a year.
The leaked files, some marked "top secret", paint a detailed picture of the war in Ukraine, including sensitive details of Ukraine's preparations for a spring counter-offensive.
The US government says it is investigating the source of the leak.
According to the document, dated 23 March, the UK has the largest contingent of special forces in Ukraine (50), followed by fellow Nato states Latvia (17), France (15), the US (14) and the Netherlands (1). read more
Elon Musk tells BBC that owning Twitter has been quite painful
Twitter boss Elon Musk has told the BBC that running the company has been "quite painful" and "a rollercoaster".
However, the multi-billionaire entrepreneur also says that he would sell the company if the right person came along.
Mr Musk, who also runs car maker Tesla and rocket firm SpaceX, bought Twitter for $44bn (£35.4bn) in October.
He was taking part in an interview on Twitter Spaces, which attracted more than three million listeners.
Asked about the decision to add a label to the BBC's main Twitter account describing it as "government funded media", Mr Musk said: "I know the BBC is generally not thrilled about being labelled state media." read more
Twitter boss Elon Musk has told the BBC that running the company has been "quite painful" and "a rollercoaster".
However, the multi-billionaire entrepreneur also says that he would sell the company if the right person came along.
Mr Musk, who also runs car maker Tesla and rocket firm SpaceX, bought Twitter for $44bn (£35.4bn) in October.
He was taking part in an interview on Twitter Spaces, which attracted more than three million listeners.
Asked about the decision to add a label to the BBC's main Twitter account describing it as "government funded media", Mr Musk said: "I know the BBC is generally not thrilled about being labelled state media." read more
Pentagon leaks: US thinks UN head Guterres too accommodating to Moscow, files suggest
The US government believes the UN Secretary General is too willing to accommodate Russian interests, according to fresh revelations in classified documents leaked online.
The files suggest Washington has been closely monitoring Antonio Guterres.
Several documents describe private communications involving Mr Guterres and his deputy.
It is the latest from a leak of secret documents, which US officials are scrambling to get to the bottom of.
The documents contain candid observations from Mr Guterres about the war in Ukraine and a number of African leaders. read more
The US government believes the UN Secretary General is too willing to accommodate Russian interests, according to fresh revelations in classified documents leaked online.
The files suggest Washington has been closely monitoring Antonio Guterres.
Several documents describe private communications involving Mr Guterres and his deputy.
It is the latest from a leak of secret documents, which US officials are scrambling to get to the bottom of.
The documents contain candid observations from Mr Guterres about the war in Ukraine and a number of African leaders. read more
Dalai Lama defended over tongue-sucking remark
A top Tibetan leader has defended the Dalai Lama over a video that showed him asking a child to suck his tongue.
Penpa Tsering, head of Tibet's government-in-exile, has called the spiritual leader's actions "innocent" and said it demonstrated his "affectionate behaviour".
The video sparked outrage after it went viral on social media, with users calling his actions inappropriate.
The Dalai Lama's office has apologised over the incident.
In the video, the Dalai Lama can be heard asking the boy to kiss him on his cheek and then his lips after the boy asks if he can give him a hug.
The leader then put his forehead to that of the boy's, before sticking out his tongue, saying "and suck my tongue". read more
A top Tibetan leader has defended the Dalai Lama over a video that showed him asking a child to suck his tongue.
Penpa Tsering, head of Tibet's government-in-exile, has called the spiritual leader's actions "innocent" and said it demonstrated his "affectionate behaviour".
The video sparked outrage after it went viral on social media, with users calling his actions inappropriate.
The Dalai Lama's office has apologised over the incident.
In the video, the Dalai Lama can be heard asking the boy to kiss him on his cheek and then his lips after the boy asks if he can give him a hug.
The leader then put his forehead to that of the boy's, before sticking out his tongue, saying "and suck my tongue". read more
Jack Teixeira: US airman charged over Pentagon documents leak
The US airman accused of leaking confidential intelligence and defence documents has been officially charged in a court appearance in Boston.
Jack Teixeira, 21, wore shackles and a prison uniform as he stood before a federal judge on Friday.
After a shout of "love you, Jack" from a person in the courtroom, the defendant replied "you too, dad".
Mr Teixeira faces up to 15 years in prison over charges of unauthorised transmission of defence information.
He is also charged with the unauthorised removal and retention of classified documents. read more
The US airman accused of leaking confidential intelligence and defence documents has been officially charged in a court appearance in Boston.
Jack Teixeira, 21, wore shackles and a prison uniform as he stood before a federal judge on Friday.
After a shout of "love you, Jack" from a person in the courtroom, the defendant replied "you too, dad".
Mr Teixeira faces up to 15 years in prison over charges of unauthorised transmission of defence information.
He is also charged with the unauthorised removal and retention of classified documents. read more
The Script guitarist Mark Sheehan dies aged 46
The co-founder and guitarist of Irish rock band The Script, Mark Sheehan, has died.
The 46-year-old died in hospital on Friday following a brief illness, the band announced.
Sheehan formed the group in 2001 alongside vocalist Danny O'Donoghue and drummer Glen Power.
A statement on the band's social media pages said Sheehan was a "much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend".
It asked fans to respect the privacy of his family and bandmates.
Contemporaries of Sheehan's in the entertainment industry were quick to honour his memory. read more
The co-founder and guitarist of Irish rock band The Script, Mark Sheehan, has died.
The 46-year-old died in hospital on Friday following a brief illness, the band announced.
Sheehan formed the group in 2001 alongside vocalist Danny O'Donoghue and drummer Glen Power.
A statement on the band's social media pages said Sheehan was a "much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend".
It asked fans to respect the privacy of his family and bandmates.
Contemporaries of Sheehan's in the entertainment industry were quick to honour his memory. read more
Sudan fighting: The military rivalry behind the clashes in Khartoum
The fighting that has erupted in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country is a direct result of a vicious power struggle within the country's military leadership.
There are clashes at key strategic places across the capital as members of a paramilitary force - Rapid Support Forces (RSF) - and regular soldiers fight. read more
The fighting that has erupted in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country is a direct result of a vicious power struggle within the country's military leadership.
There are clashes at key strategic places across the capital as members of a paramilitary force - Rapid Support Forces (RSF) - and regular soldiers fight. read more
Sudan: Army and RSF battle over key sites, with 3 UN staff dead
A power struggle between Sudan's army and a notorious paramilitary force has rocked the country, with 27 reported dead and nearly 200 injured.
Residents dodged gunfire in the capital, Khartoum, as rival forces battled over the presidential palace, state TV, and army headquarters.
Among the dead were three UN workers, who were shot after the two sides exchanged gunfire at a military base.
The clashes erupted after tensions over a proposed transition to civilian rule.
Both the army and its opponents, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), claimed they had control of the airport and other key sites in Khartoum, where fighting continued overnight. read more
A power struggle between Sudan's army and a notorious paramilitary force has rocked the country, with 27 reported dead and nearly 200 injured.
Residents dodged gunfire in the capital, Khartoum, as rival forces battled over the presidential palace, state TV, and army headquarters.
Among the dead were three UN workers, who were shot after the two sides exchanged gunfire at a military base.
The clashes erupted after tensions over a proposed transition to civilian rule.
Both the army and its opponents, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), claimed they had control of the airport and other key sites in Khartoum, where fighting continued overnight. read more
Holy Fire celebrated by Christians in Jerusalem amid Israeli police restrictions
Thousands of Christians filled Jerusalem's Old City on Saturday for an important Orthodox Easter ritual, despite restrictions by Israeli police.
The Holy Fire ceremony drew huge crowds to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in occupied East Jerusalem, where Israeli Police control security.
It sits on the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and buried.
Police had limited attendance to 1,800 people inside and 1,200 outside, citing safety reasons.
Church leaders urged Christians to ignore restrictions and criticised the police presence at the event. read more
Thousands of Christians filled Jerusalem's Old City on Saturday for an important Orthodox Easter ritual, despite restrictions by Israeli police.
The Holy Fire ceremony drew huge crowds to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in occupied East Jerusalem, where Israeli Police control security.
It sits on the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and buried.
Police had limited attendance to 1,800 people inside and 1,200 outside, citing safety reasons.
Church leaders urged Christians to ignore restrictions and criticised the police presence at the event. read more
Sudan crisis: Further fierce fighting as clashes spread
Fierce clashes have been reported across Sudan as fighting between rival armed factions continues to spread.
The escalation came on the second day of clashes between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries which have now left at least 59 dead.
The Sudanese army said it had taken hold of RSF bases in Port Sudan, Kasala, Kadaref, Demazin and Kosti.
The RSF claimed to occupy sites in Omdurman and Darfur, as well as Merowe Airport in the north.
But later accounts indicated that the army had regained control of the airport, with the military saying they were dealing with "small pockets of rebels". read more
Fierce clashes have been reported across Sudan as fighting between rival armed factions continues to spread.
The escalation came on the second day of clashes between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries which have now left at least 59 dead.
The Sudanese army said it had taken hold of RSF bases in Port Sudan, Kasala, Kadaref, Demazin and Kosti.
The RSF claimed to occupy sites in Omdurman and Darfur, as well as Merowe Airport in the north.
But later accounts indicated that the army had regained control of the airport, with the military saying they were dealing with "small pockets of rebels". read more
Elon Musk's SpaceX firm set to fly giant Starship rocket system
The most powerful rocket ever developed is about to attempt a maiden launch.
The vehicle, known as Starship, has been built by the American entrepreneur Elon Musk's SpaceX company.
It stands almost 120m (400ft) high and is designed to have almost double the thrust of any rocket in history.
Monday's uncrewed demonstration will lift off from Boca Chica in Texas. The aim is to send the upper-stage of the vehicle eastward, to complete almost one circuit of the globe. read more
The most powerful rocket ever developed is about to attempt a maiden launch.
The vehicle, known as Starship, has been built by the American entrepreneur Elon Musk's SpaceX company.
It stands almost 120m (400ft) high and is designed to have almost double the thrust of any rocket in history.
Monday's uncrewed demonstration will lift off from Boca Chica in Texas. The aim is to send the upper-stage of the vehicle eastward, to complete almost one circuit of the globe. read more
SpaceX halts Starship launch at last minute
- Elon Musk's company SpaceX postpones the debut launch of the most powerful rocket ever built
- The entrepreneur says a frozen valve meant the giant rocket could not take off as planned, but they will try again in a few days
- The vehicle is being put to the test in the belief it could eventually usher in an era of interplanetary travel
- Thousands of people had gathered on beaches along the Gulf of Mexico hoping to witness the spectacle
- When it does eventually take off, the planned test flight should fly most of the way around the Earth and splash down in Hawaii
- Ahead of the launch Musk said he wanted to lower expectations, and said afterwards that the team had learned a lot read more
- Elon Musk's company SpaceX postpones the debut launch of the most powerful rocket ever built
- The entrepreneur says a frozen valve meant the giant rocket could not take off as planned, but they will try again in a few days
- The vehicle is being put to the test in the belief it could eventually usher in an era of interplanetary travel
- Thousands of people had gathered on beaches along the Gulf of Mexico hoping to witness the spectacle
- When it does eventually take off, the planned test flight should fly most of the way around the Earth and splash down in Hawaii
- Ahead of the launch Musk said he wanted to lower expectations, and said afterwards that the team had learned a lot read more
Sudan fighting: Blinken says US diplomatic convoy fired upon
A US diplomatic convoy came under fire in Sudan on Monday but nobody was hurt, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.
"This action was reckless, it was irresponsible and of course unsafe," he told reporters in Japan after G7 talks.
Sudan has been gripped for days by deadly fighting between rival forces.
Earlier, it was reported that the EU's ambassador in Sudan, Aidan O'Hara, has been assaulted at his home in the capital Khartoum.
Around 185 people have been killed and more than 1,800 injured in three days of fighting in Sudan, according to the UN. The city has seen air strikes, shelling and heavy small-arms fire. read more
A US diplomatic convoy came under fire in Sudan on Monday but nobody was hurt, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.
"This action was reckless, it was irresponsible and of course unsafe," he told reporters in Japan after G7 talks.
Sudan has been gripped for days by deadly fighting between rival forces.
Earlier, it was reported that the EU's ambassador in Sudan, Aidan O'Hara, has been assaulted at his home in the capital Khartoum.
Around 185 people have been killed and more than 1,800 injured in three days of fighting in Sudan, according to the UN. The city has seen air strikes, shelling and heavy small-arms fire. read more
Ukraine war: Putin visits occupied Kherson region in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited occupied parts of the Ukrainian region of Kherson.
He attended a military meeting to hear reports from commanders, according to the Kremlin.
Mr Putin is also thought to have visited the Luhansk region. Russia annexed Kherson and Luhansk last year.
Such trips by the Russian leader are rare, although he made a surprise visit to the city of Mariupol in March.
Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted that Mr Putin was touring "the occupied and ruined territories" of Ukraine "to enjoy the crimes of his minions for the last time". read more
Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited occupied parts of the Ukrainian region of Kherson.
He attended a military meeting to hear reports from commanders, according to the Kremlin.
Mr Putin is also thought to have visited the Luhansk region. Russia annexed Kherson and Luhansk last year.
Such trips by the Russian leader are rare, although he made a surprise visit to the city of Mariupol in March.
Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted that Mr Putin was touring "the occupied and ruined territories" of Ukraine "to enjoy the crimes of his minions for the last time". read more
Trigger IX: $5bn of drugs seized in Latin American operation
Police in Latin America have seized cocaine and other drugs worth $5bn (£4bn) in an operation lasting three weeks and spanning 15 countries.
They also seized more than 8,000 illicit firearms and carried out almost 15,000 arrests.
Police forces from Mexico in the north to Argentina in the south exchanged information in the operation, which was co-ordinated by Interpol.
Interpol said the arrests had disrupted the workings of several powerful gangs.
Dubbed Trigger IX, the international effort was mainly aimed at fighting the trafficking of illicit firearms. read more
Police in Latin America have seized cocaine and other drugs worth $5bn (£4bn) in an operation lasting three weeks and spanning 15 countries.
They also seized more than 8,000 illicit firearms and carried out almost 15,000 arrests.
Police forces from Mexico in the north to Argentina in the south exchanged information in the operation, which was co-ordinated by Interpol.
Interpol said the arrests had disrupted the workings of several powerful gangs.
Dubbed Trigger IX, the international effort was mainly aimed at fighting the trafficking of illicit firearms. read more
Fox News settles Dominion defamation case for $787.5m
Fox News has settled a defamation lawsuit from the voting machine company, Dominion, over its reporting of the 2020 presidential election.
In a last-minute settlement before trial, the network agreed to pay $787.5m (£634m) - about half of the $1.6bn initially sought by Dominion.
Dominion argued its business was harmed by Fox spreading false claims the vote had been rigged against Donald Trump.
The deal spares Fox executives such as Rupert Murdoch from having to testify.
The judge in the case is not required to give his approval for the agreement.
Fox said Tuesday's settlement in one of the most anticipated defamation trials in recent US history reflected its "commitment to the highest journalistic standards". read more
Fox News has settled a defamation lawsuit from the voting machine company, Dominion, over its reporting of the 2020 presidential election.
In a last-minute settlement before trial, the network agreed to pay $787.5m (£634m) - about half of the $1.6bn initially sought by Dominion.
Dominion argued its business was harmed by Fox spreading false claims the vote had been rigged against Donald Trump.
The deal spares Fox executives such as Rupert Murdoch from having to testify.
The judge in the case is not required to give his approval for the agreement.
Fox said Tuesday's settlement in one of the most anticipated defamation trials in recent US history reflected its "commitment to the highest journalistic standards". read more
Ukraine war: The Russian ships accused of North Sea sabotage
Russia has a programme to sabotage wind farms and communication cables in the North Sea, according to new allegations.
The details come from a joint investigation by public broadcasters in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland.
It says Russia has a fleet of vessels disguised as fishing trawlers and research vessels in the North Sea.
They carry underwater surveillance equipment and are mapping key sites for possible sabotage.
The BBC understands that UK officials are aware of Russian vessels moving around UK waters as part of the programme. read more
Russia has a programme to sabotage wind farms and communication cables in the North Sea, according to new allegations.
The details come from a joint investigation by public broadcasters in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland.
It says Russia has a fleet of vessels disguised as fishing trawlers and research vessels in the North Sea.
They carry underwater surveillance equipment and are mapping key sites for possible sabotage.
The BBC understands that UK officials are aware of Russian vessels moving around UK waters as part of the programme. read more
Dozens die in Ramadan crush in Yemen's capital Sanaa
At least 78 people have been killed in a crush at a school in the Yemeni capital Sanaa during a distribution of charity for Ramadan, officials say.
Video footage on social media shows chaotic scenes after the incident in the Bab-al-Yemen area of the city.
Reuters news agency reports that hundreds of people crowded into the school to receive donations which amounted to about $9 (£7) per person.
Houthi rebels have run the city since they drove out the government in 2015.
Those responsible for the distribution have been detained and an investigation is under way, the interior ministry said.
A spokesman for the ministry blamed the crush on the "random distribution" of funds without co-ordination with local officials. read more
At least 78 people have been killed in a crush at a school in the Yemeni capital Sanaa during a distribution of charity for Ramadan, officials say.
Video footage on social media shows chaotic scenes after the incident in the Bab-al-Yemen area of the city.
Reuters news agency reports that hundreds of people crowded into the school to receive donations which amounted to about $9 (£7) per person.
Houthi rebels have run the city since they drove out the government in 2015.
Those responsible for the distribution have been detained and an investigation is under way, the interior ministry said.
A spokesman for the ministry blamed the crush on the "random distribution" of funds without co-ordination with local officials. read more
SpaceX Starship: Elon Musk's firm to try again with big rocket launch
Elon Musk's SpaceX company will have another go on Thursday at launching its mammoth new rocket, Starship. Watch our live coverage here.
An attempt to fly the 120m-high vehicle on Monday was thwarted nine minutes from lift-off by a frozen valve.
Airspace and ocean restrictions are again in place to allow Starship to head skyward from Texas' east coast.
A 62-minute window, starting at 08:28 local time (14:28 BST), has been set aside to get Starship up and off Earth.
If it can be made to work, the innovative rocket system will be used to take people and cargo into orbit, to the Moon and even Mars. read more
Elon Musk's SpaceX company will have another go on Thursday at launching its mammoth new rocket, Starship. Watch our live coverage here.
An attempt to fly the 120m-high vehicle on Monday was thwarted nine minutes from lift-off by a frozen valve.
Airspace and ocean restrictions are again in place to allow Starship to head skyward from Texas' east coast.
A 62-minute window, starting at 08:28 local time (14:28 BST), has been set aside to get Starship up and off Earth.
If it can be made to work, the innovative rocket system will be used to take people and cargo into orbit, to the Moon and even Mars. read more