Cluster bombs: Unease grows over US sending cluster bombs to Ukraine
Several allies of the US have expressed unease at Washington's decision to supply Ukraine with cluster bombs.
On Friday, the US confirmed it was sending the controversial weapons to Ukraine, with President Joe Biden calling it a "very difficult decision".
In response, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Spain all said they were opposed to the use of the weapons.
Cluster bombs have been banned by more than 100 countries because of the danger they pose to civilians.
They typically release lots of smaller bomblets that can kill indiscriminately over a wide area.
The munitions have also caused controversy over their failure - or dud - rate. Unexploded bomblets can linger on the ground for years and then indiscriminately detonate. read more
Several allies of the US have expressed unease at Washington's decision to supply Ukraine with cluster bombs.
On Friday, the US confirmed it was sending the controversial weapons to Ukraine, with President Joe Biden calling it a "very difficult decision".
In response, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Spain all said they were opposed to the use of the weapons.
Cluster bombs have been banned by more than 100 countries because of the danger they pose to civilians.
They typically release lots of smaller bomblets that can kill indiscriminately over a wide area.
The munitions have also caused controversy over their failure - or dud - rate. Unexploded bomblets can linger on the ground for years and then indiscriminately detonate. read more
Joe Biden in UK to meet Sunak and King Charles amid Ukraine concerns
US President Joe Biden has landed in the UK ahead of a Nato summit in Lithuania later this week - which comes after several allies questioned his call to send cluster bombs to Ukraine.
The UK and Canada are among those who voiced concern about supplying the bombs, which are widely banned because of the danger they pose to civilians.
The US says they are needed because Ukraine's weapon stocks are dwindling.
On Monday, Mr Biden will meet UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The two men are expected to discuss various issues, including the war in Ukraine. read more
US President Joe Biden has landed in the UK ahead of a Nato summit in Lithuania later this week - which comes after several allies questioned his call to send cluster bombs to Ukraine.
The UK and Canada are among those who voiced concern about supplying the bombs, which are widely banned because of the danger they pose to civilians.
The US says they are needed because Ukraine's weapon stocks are dwindling.
On Monday, Mr Biden will meet UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The two men are expected to discuss various issues, including the war in Ukraine. read more
Nato summit: Ukraine's future membership to be discussed by leaders in Vilnius
Nato leaders are gathering in Lithuania for a crucial summit that could shape the direction of the war in Ukraine and the future of the Western alliance.
The 31 allies hope to show Russia they have the resolve to support Ukraine militarily for the long term.
They arrive with a welcome boost after Turkey dropped its objections to Sweden joining the alliance.
But there remains disagreement over what to say about Ukraine's own ambitions of future membership.
It is thought some allies will promise Kyiv new security guarantees designed to deter future Russian aggression. They will also discuss providing more weapons and ammunition. read more
Nato leaders are gathering in Lithuania for a crucial summit that could shape the direction of the war in Ukraine and the future of the Western alliance.
The 31 allies hope to show Russia they have the resolve to support Ukraine militarily for the long term.
They arrive with a welcome boost after Turkey dropped its objections to Sweden joining the alliance.
But there remains disagreement over what to say about Ukraine's own ambitions of future membership.
It is thought some allies will promise Kyiv new security guarantees designed to deter future Russian aggression. They will also discuss providing more weapons and ammunition. read more
Trump seeks to delay classified documents trial until after 2024 election
Donald Trump has asked for his trial on charges of illegally stashing classified documents to be postponed until after the 2024 election.
In a filing on Monday, lawyers for the former US president said a proposed trial date of 11 December would deny them reasonable time to prepare.
They also cited challenges in finding an impartial jury due to the election.
Mr Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 counts during an arraignment in Miami, Florida last month.
Prosecutors allege he illegally held on to files with sensitive information at his Mar-a-Lago estate and obstructed federal government efforts to retrieve them. read more
Donald Trump has asked for his trial on charges of illegally stashing classified documents to be postponed until after the 2024 election.
In a filing on Monday, lawyers for the former US president said a proposed trial date of 11 December would deny them reasonable time to prepare.
They also cited challenges in finding an impartial jury due to the election.
Mr Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 counts during an arraignment in Miami, Florida last month.
Prosecutors allege he illegally held on to files with sensitive information at his Mar-a-Lago estate and obstructed federal government efforts to retrieve them. read more
Nato summit: Allies refuse to give Ukraine timeframe on joining
Nato states have said Ukraine can join the military alliance "when allies agree and conditions are met" after President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the "absurd" delay to accession.
In a communique, Nato said it recognised the need to move faster but would not be drawn on a timeframe.
Earlier Mr Zelensky said there seemed to be "no readiness" to invite Ukraine to Nato or make it a member.
He is now in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, where the summit is happening.
Kyiv accepts it cannot join Nato while it is at war with Russia but wants to join as soon as possible after fighting ends. read more
Nato states have said Ukraine can join the military alliance "when allies agree and conditions are met" after President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the "absurd" delay to accession.
In a communique, Nato said it recognised the need to move faster but would not be drawn on a timeframe.
Earlier Mr Zelensky said there seemed to be "no readiness" to invite Ukraine to Nato or make it a member.
He is now in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, where the summit is happening.
Kyiv accepts it cannot join Nato while it is at war with Russia but wants to join as soon as possible after fighting ends. read more
Nato: Warm words but a diplomatic reality check for Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky may or may not be a Rolling Stones fan - but after this Nato summit, he is probably familiar with their song entitled You Can't Always Get What You Want.
Ukraine's president came to Vilnius, Lithuania, with high expectations.
He was looking for an assurance that his country would join Nato after the war with Russia was over. He wanted membership of the world's most powerful military alliance to be a beacon of hope for his people, the ultimate peace dividend that could ensure that never again would Russian troops despoil the Ukrainian homeland.
Instead, Mr Zelensky was simply told Ukraine would be invited to become a member "when allies agree and conditions are met". So far, so noncommittal. read more
Volodymyr Zelensky may or may not be a Rolling Stones fan - but after this Nato summit, he is probably familiar with their song entitled You Can't Always Get What You Want.
Ukraine's president came to Vilnius, Lithuania, with high expectations.
He was looking for an assurance that his country would join Nato after the war with Russia was over. He wanted membership of the world's most powerful military alliance to be a beacon of hope for his people, the ultimate peace dividend that could ensure that never again would Russian troops despoil the Ukrainian homeland.
Instead, Mr Zelensky was simply told Ukraine would be invited to become a member "when allies agree and conditions are met". So far, so noncommittal. read more
Greek coastguard 'pressured' disaster survivors to blame Egyptian men
New evidence found by BBC News casts further doubt on the Greek coastguard's version of events surrounding last month's deadly migrant boat sinking, in which up to 600 people died.
Two survivors have described how the coastguard pressed them to identify nine Egyptians on board as traffickers.
A new video of the overcrowded boat foundering at sea also challenges the Greek coastguard's account.
It was taken when the boat was said to be on a "steady course". read more
New evidence found by BBC News casts further doubt on the Greek coastguard's version of events surrounding last month's deadly migrant boat sinking, in which up to 600 people died.
Two survivors have described how the coastguard pressed them to identify nine Egyptians on board as traffickers.
A new video of the overcrowded boat foundering at sea also challenges the Greek coastguard's account.
It was taken when the boat was said to be on a "steady course". read more
SAG strike: Hollywood actors walk out over pay and AI worries
Hollywood actors have joined a strike by screenwriters in the industry's biggest shutdown for more than 60 years.
Some 160,000 performers stopped work at midnight in Los Angeles, bringing to a halt most US film and TV productions.
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) wants streaming giants to agree to a fairer split of profits and better working conditions.
It also wants to protect actors from being usurped by digital replicas.
The union is seeking guarantees that artificial intelligence (AI) and computer-generated faces and voices will not be used to replace actors.
While the strike lasts, actors cannot appear in films or even promote movies that they have already made.
As a result, stars Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt left the premiere of Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer in London on Thursday night as the strike was declared. read more
Hollywood actors have joined a strike by screenwriters in the industry's biggest shutdown for more than 60 years.
Some 160,000 performers stopped work at midnight in Los Angeles, bringing to a halt most US film and TV productions.
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) wants streaming giants to agree to a fairer split of profits and better working conditions.
It also wants to protect actors from being usurped by digital replicas.
The union is seeking guarantees that artificial intelligence (AI) and computer-generated faces and voices will not be used to replace actors.
While the strike lasts, actors cannot appear in films or even promote movies that they have already made.
As a result, stars Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt left the premiere of Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer in London on Thursday night as the strike was declared. read more
Europe heatwave: Red alerts issued in 16 Italian cities
Red alerts have been issued for 16 cities across Italy as extreme heat continues to affect southern Europe.
The alerts, which indicate risks even for healthy people, apply to tourist hotspots including Rome, Florence, and Bologna for the coming days.
More high temperatures are expected in Europe next week as another heatwave approaches.
The European Space Agency (ESA) says Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Poland may see extreme conditions.
The ESA monitors land and sea temperatures via its satellites. read more
Red alerts have been issued for 16 cities across Italy as extreme heat continues to affect southern Europe.
The alerts, which indicate risks even for healthy people, apply to tourist hotspots including Rome, Florence, and Bologna for the coming days.
More high temperatures are expected in Europe next week as another heatwave approaches.
The European Space Agency (ESA) says Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Poland may see extreme conditions.
The ESA monitors land and sea temperatures via its satellites. read more
John Kerry in Beijing: Can US and China set aside rivalry for climate action?
As John Kerry touches down in China, the main question will be whether the world's biggest superpowers - and polluters - can dispel diplomatic tensions to focus on key climate goals.
Mr Kerry, the US special envoy on climate, is the latest top official to be dispatched from Washington following visits by Antony Blinken and Janet Yellen - as the US seeks to restart stalled relations with Beijing.
He will meet his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua and other officials on his four-day trip. Mr Kerry's office says he wants to engage with China on "increasing implementation and ambition", and ensuring a successful COP28, the UN climate change conference scheduled for the end of the year. read more
As John Kerry touches down in China, the main question will be whether the world's biggest superpowers - and polluters - can dispel diplomatic tensions to focus on key climate goals.
Mr Kerry, the US special envoy on climate, is the latest top official to be dispatched from Washington following visits by Antony Blinken and Janet Yellen - as the US seeks to restart stalled relations with Beijing.
He will meet his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua and other officials on his four-day trip. Mr Kerry's office says he wants to engage with China on "increasing implementation and ambition", and ensuring a successful COP28, the UN climate change conference scheduled for the end of the year. read more
Australia baffled as unidentified mystery object washes up on beach
Police have been baffled by a mysterious "unidentified" dome that washed up on a West Australian beach.
The giant metal object was found by locals at Green Head beach, about 250km (155 miles) north of Perth.
State and federal authorities are investigating the item, which is not currently believed to be from a commercial aircraft.
It is being treated as hazardous, and police have requested people keep a safe distance. read more
Police have been baffled by a mysterious "unidentified" dome that washed up on a West Australian beach.
The giant metal object was found by locals at Green Head beach, about 250km (155 miles) north of Perth.
State and federal authorities are investigating the item, which is not currently believed to be from a commercial aircraft.
It is being treated as hazardous, and police have requested people keep a safe distance. read more
Commonwealth Games: 2026 event in doubt after Victoria cancels
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are in doubt after the Australian state of Victoria cancelled its plans to host due to budget blowouts.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) struggled to find a host before Victoria volunteered in April 2022.
But the premier said the projected cost had now tripled and become "well and truly too much" for the state to bear.
CGF called the decision "hugely disappointing" and said it is "committed to finding a solution". read more
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are in doubt after the Australian state of Victoria cancelled its plans to host due to budget blowouts.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) struggled to find a host before Victoria volunteered in April 2022.
But the premier said the projected cost had now tripled and become "well and truly too much" for the state to bear.
CGF called the decision "hugely disappointing" and said it is "committed to finding a solution". read more
Manipur: India outrage after women paraded naked in violence-hit state
A video showing two women being paraded naked by a mob in the north-eastern state of Manipur, hit by violent ethnic clashes, has sparked outrage in India.
The police say they have opened a case of gang rape and arrested a man, adding that others will be held soon.
On Thursday, parliament's session in Delhi was disrupted as lawmakers demanded a debate on the issue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said the incident had "shamed India" and that "no guilty will be spared". read more
A video showing two women being paraded naked by a mob in the north-eastern state of Manipur, hit by violent ethnic clashes, has sparked outrage in India.
The police say they have opened a case of gang rape and arrested a man, adding that others will be held soon.
On Thursday, parliament's session in Delhi was disrupted as lawmakers demanded a debate on the issue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said the incident had "shamed India" and that "no guilty will be spared". read more
Tony Bennett: Legendary New York crooner dies aged 96
Tony Bennett, the legendary New York pop and jazz singer, has died aged 96.
Bennett was known for songs such as The Way You Look Tonight, Body and Soul and (I Left My Heart) In San Francisco.
He also collaborated with star performers from Lady Gaga to Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra, who called him "the best singer in the business".
During a career that spanned eight decades, the crooner sold millions of records and won 20 Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award. read more
Tony Bennett, the legendary New York pop and jazz singer, has died aged 96.
Bennett was known for songs such as The Way You Look Tonight, Body and Soul and (I Left My Heart) In San Francisco.
He also collaborated with star performers from Lady Gaga to Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra, who called him "the best singer in the business".
During a career that spanned eight decades, the crooner sold millions of records and won 20 Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award. read more
Jamshid Sharmahd: Iran could execute my dad at any time, says German woman
It was the middle of the night when the phone call came.
Gazelle Sharmahd was woken up by her mother, who told her that her father, Jamshid, was calling from his jail cell in Iran. Gazelle hadn't been allowed to talk to her father, an Iranian-German businessman, for two years.
"We didn't even know if he'd already been executed and they hadn't told us," she told me from her home in Los Angeles a few days later.
Iran sentenced Jamshid Sharmahd to death last February for so-called "corruption on Earth" - a vague catch-all term the Iranian regime uses for any expression of opposition. Amnesty International condemned his trial as a sham. read more
It was the middle of the night when the phone call came.
Gazelle Sharmahd was woken up by her mother, who told her that her father, Jamshid, was calling from his jail cell in Iran. Gazelle hadn't been allowed to talk to her father, an Iranian-German businessman, for two years.
"We didn't even know if he'd already been executed and they hadn't told us," she told me from her home in Los Angeles a few days later.
Iran sentenced Jamshid Sharmahd to death last February for so-called "corruption on Earth" - a vague catch-all term the Iranian regime uses for any expression of opposition. Amnesty International condemned his trial as a sham. read more
Elon Musk: Time to say goodbye to Twitter logo
Twitter owner Elon Musk has said he wants to get rid of the Twitter bird logo, and replace it with an "X".
However, Mr Musk also has a history of making statements that fail to happen or are not serious.
Mr Musk, who has changed the name of the business to X Corp, said the replacement "should have been done a long time ago".
According to reports, the billionaire wants to create a "super app" called "X" which is similar to China's WeChat. read more
Twitter owner Elon Musk has said he wants to get rid of the Twitter bird logo, and replace it with an "X".
However, Mr Musk also has a history of making statements that fail to happen or are not serious.
Mr Musk, who has changed the name of the business to X Corp, said the replacement "should have been done a long time ago".
According to reports, the billionaire wants to create a "super app" called "X" which is similar to China's WeChat. read more
Spain's conservatives miss out on all-out victory as left celebrates
The leader of Spain's opposition conservative party Alberto Núñez Feijóo has claimed victory in a snap election, but without the result he needed.
Even with the support of the far right, his Popular Party (PP) has fallen short of a majority in parliament.
The cheers at the rival Socialist camp were just as loud as Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared: "The reactionary bloc has failed."
While both can claim success, Spain is left with an inconclusive result. read more
The leader of Spain's opposition conservative party Alberto Núñez Feijóo has claimed victory in a snap election, but without the result he needed.
Even with the support of the far right, his Popular Party (PP) has fallen short of a majority in parliament.
The cheers at the rival Socialist camp were just as loud as Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared: "The reactionary bloc has failed."
While both can claim success, Spain is left with an inconclusive result. read more
Israel judicial reform: Water cannon used outside parliament ahead of key vote
Police have used water cannon and arrested protesters outside Israel's parliament ahead of a key vote on reforms which have caused uproar.
The vote brings to a head months of turmoil with some of the biggest demonstrations in Israel's history.
About 150 major firms, including banks, are striking on Monday in protest.
The reforms aim to curb the powers of the courts, which the government says have grown too wide. Opponents say the reforms imperil Israel as a democracy. read more
Police have used water cannon and arrested protesters outside Israel's parliament ahead of a key vote on reforms which have caused uproar.
The vote brings to a head months of turmoil with some of the biggest demonstrations in Israel's history.
About 150 major firms, including banks, are striking on Monday in protest.
The reforms aim to curb the powers of the courts, which the government says have grown too wide. Opponents say the reforms imperil Israel as a democracy. read more
Spotify raises premium subscription price for millions
Spotify is raising prices for its 200 million ad-free subscribers for the first time in over a decade, the platform has announced.
In the US, the cost will increase from $9.99 to $10.99 (£8.57) for those with an individual plan.
Similar price hikes also apply to the UK, Canada, Australia and 49 other territories.
The move follows other streaming services which have also increased subscription costs. read more
Spotify is raising prices for its 200 million ad-free subscribers for the first time in over a decade, the platform has announced.
In the US, the cost will increase from $9.99 to $10.99 (£8.57) for those with an individual plan.
Similar price hikes also apply to the UK, Canada, Australia and 49 other territories.
The move follows other streaming services which have also increased subscription costs. read more
Qin Gang: China removes foreign minister after unexplained absence
China has removed Qin Gang as foreign minister less than seven months after he was appointed to the post.
The role will be taken up by the Communist Party's foreign affairs chief, Wang Yi, who was previously foreign minister.
Mr Qin's prolonged disappearance from public view - and official silence over it - has fuelled furious speculation.
The 57-year-old's last known public engagements were on 25 June. No reason was given for his removal. read more
China has removed Qin Gang as foreign minister less than seven months after he was appointed to the post.
The role will be taken up by the Communist Party's foreign affairs chief, Wang Yi, who was previously foreign minister.
Mr Qin's prolonged disappearance from public view - and official silence over it - has fuelled furious speculation.
The 57-year-old's last known public engagements were on 25 June. No reason was given for his removal. read more
Greece fires: Two pilots die after firefighting plane crashes
Two Greek air force pilots have died after a plane crashed while fighting wildfires on the Greek island of Evia, officials say.
The water-bombing plane crashed while battling a forest fire near Platanistos, the defence ministry said.
The pilots were named as 34-year-old Cdr Christos Moulas and his co-pilot, 27-year-old Pericles Stefanidis.
An intense European heatwave has also sparked wildfires across Sicily, Algeria and Tunisia.
Greek TV showed the Canadair aircraft flying low to drop water on a fire before turning sharply into a hillside and bursting into flames. read more
Two Greek air force pilots have died after a plane crashed while fighting wildfires on the Greek island of Evia, officials say.
The water-bombing plane crashed while battling a forest fire near Platanistos, the defence ministry said.
The pilots were named as 34-year-old Cdr Christos Moulas and his co-pilot, 27-year-old Pericles Stefanidis.
An intense European heatwave has also sparked wildfires across Sicily, Algeria and Tunisia.
Greek TV showed the Canadair aircraft flying low to drop water on a fire before turning sharply into a hillside and bursting into flames. read more