Denmark considers banning protests burning Quran and other religious texts
Denmark is considering banning protests involving burning the Quran or other religious texts over security and diplomatic concerns.
The Danish foreign ministry said whilst protecting freedom of expression is crucial, such protests benefit extremists and pose a security threat.
Copenhagen is looking at legal means to intervene in some circumstances, including protests outside embassies.
Sweden's prime minister also said work on a similar process has begun there. read more
Denmark is considering banning protests involving burning the Quran or other religious texts over security and diplomatic concerns.
The Danish foreign ministry said whilst protecting freedom of expression is crucial, such protests benefit extremists and pose a security threat.
Copenhagen is looking at legal means to intervene in some circumstances, including protests outside embassies.
Sweden's prime minister also said work on a similar process has begun there. read more
Ukraine war: 'People call us the Ghosts of Bakhmut'
Ukrainian forces are trying to retake the city of Bakhmut in the country's east. The BBC was given exclusive access to a team of elite snipers, referred to as "the Ghosts of Bakhmut", who are conducting night raids nearby.
Ghost, the sniping team's commander, takes us to the place he calls the "edge of existence" - their base on the outskirts of the city.
"Ghost is my call sign," he tells me. "When we started bringing terror to Bakhmut, we got the name 'the Ghosts of Bakhmut'." read more
Ukrainian forces are trying to retake the city of Bakhmut in the country's east. The BBC was given exclusive access to a team of elite snipers, referred to as "the Ghosts of Bakhmut", who are conducting night raids nearby.
Ghost, the sniping team's commander, takes us to the place he calls the "edge of existence" - their base on the outskirts of the city.
"Ghost is my call sign," he tells me. "When we started bringing terror to Bakhmut, we got the name 'the Ghosts of Bakhmut'." read more
Angus Cloud: HBO Euphoria actor who played 'Fez' dead aged 25
Angus Cloud, who starred on HBO hit series Euphoria has died aged 25.
Cloud, who played drug dealer Fezco "Fez" O'Neill on the teen drama, died on Monday at his family home in Oakland, California, said a publicist.
"It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today," said a statement from Cloud's family.
Cloud buried his father last week, according to family, and was in a "battle with mental health". read more
Angus Cloud, who starred on HBO hit series Euphoria has died aged 25.
Cloud, who played drug dealer Fezco "Fez" O'Neill on the teen drama, died on Monday at his family home in Oakland, California, said a publicist.
"It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today," said a statement from Cloud's family.
Cloud buried his father last week, according to family, and was in a "battle with mental health". read more
Niger coup: France to evacuate citizens after embassy attack
France is preparing to evacuate its citizens from the West African nation of Niger because of anti-French sentiment following last week's coup.
It has said it will also help other European nationals to leave.
The coup has prompted demonstrations against the former colonial power, with the French embassy coming under attack.
It comes as the juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali warned that any forcible attempt to restore the ousted president would be seen as a declaration of war.
The two neighbours, also former French colonies, have both moved away from France and towards Russia, after staging their own coups in recent years. read more
France is preparing to evacuate its citizens from the West African nation of Niger because of anti-French sentiment following last week's coup.
It has said it will also help other European nationals to leave.
The coup has prompted demonstrations against the former colonial power, with the French embassy coming under attack.
It comes as the juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali warned that any forcible attempt to restore the ousted president would be seen as a declaration of war.
The two neighbours, also former French colonies, have both moved away from France and towards Russia, after staging their own coups in recent years. read more
Donald Trump indictment: Ex-president charged over bid to overturn 2020 election
Former US President Donald Trump has been criminally charged with plotting to overturn his 2020 election defeat.
He is accused of four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the US, tampering with a witness and conspiracy against the rights of citizens.
The indictment caps an inquiry into events surrounding the January 6, 2021 riot at the US Capitol.
Mr Trump, 77, who is again running for president, denies wrongdoing. On social media he called the case "ridiculous". read more
Former US President Donald Trump has been criminally charged with plotting to overturn his 2020 election defeat.
He is accused of four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the US, tampering with a witness and conspiracy against the rights of citizens.
The indictment caps an inquiry into events surrounding the January 6, 2021 riot at the US Capitol.
Mr Trump, 77, who is again running for president, denies wrongdoing. On social media he called the case "ridiculous". read more
Niger power blackouts blamed on coup sanctions
Major cities in Niger are facing rolling blackouts following last week's coup in the West African country.
The power shortages are a result of Nigeria cutting supplies to its northern neighbour, Niger's electricity company Nigelec says.
The West African trading bloc Ecowas has imposed sanctions on Niger over the coup but has not said if these include electricity supplies.
Ecowas defence chiefs are meeting in Nigeria to discuss the Niger crisis.
On Sunday, West African leaders gave Niger's military junta a week to give up power or face possible military intervention. read more
Major cities in Niger are facing rolling blackouts following last week's coup in the West African country.
The power shortages are a result of Nigeria cutting supplies to its northern neighbour, Niger's electricity company Nigelec says.
The West African trading bloc Ecowas has imposed sanctions on Niger over the coup but has not said if these include electricity supplies.
Ecowas defence chiefs are meeting in Nigeria to discuss the Niger crisis.
On Sunday, West African leaders gave Niger's military junta a week to give up power or face possible military intervention. read more
Pope meets victims of clerical sexual abuse in Portugal
Pope Francis has held a private meeting with victims of clerical sexual abuse during a five-day visit to Portugal.
In a statement, the Vatican said the gathering had been held on Wednesday in an "atmosphere of intense listening".
A report this year concluded that at least 4,815 children had been abused in Portugal and that the Church had sought "systematically" to conceal the issue.
At an evening service in Lisbon, the Pope said the Church must listen to "the anguished cry of the victims". read more
Pope Francis has held a private meeting with victims of clerical sexual abuse during a five-day visit to Portugal.
In a statement, the Vatican said the gathering had been held on Wednesday in an "atmosphere of intense listening".
A report this year concluded that at least 4,815 children had been abused in Portugal and that the Church had sought "systematically" to conceal the issue.
At an evening service in Lisbon, the Pope said the Church must listen to "the anguished cry of the victims". read more
Travis King: North Korea confirms custody of US soldier
North Korea has confirmed custody of Travis King in its first response to requests for information on the US soldier's whereabouts, the UN Command has said.
The 23-year-old private dashed across the border from South Korea on 18 July while on a guided tour.
The UN Command said it would not give more details about Pyongyang's response at this time.
It said it "did not want to interfere with the efforts to bring him home".
However, the reply indicates Pyongyang could be ready to start negotiating. read more
North Korea has confirmed custody of Travis King in its first response to requests for information on the US soldier's whereabouts, the UN Command has said.
The 23-year-old private dashed across the border from South Korea on 18 July while on a guided tour.
The UN Command said it would not give more details about Pyongyang's response at this time.
It said it "did not want to interfere with the efforts to bring him home".
However, the reply indicates Pyongyang could be ready to start negotiating. read more
Two US Navy sailors charged with spying for China
Two US Navy sailors in California have been arrested on charges of providing sensitive military information to China.
Jinchao Wei, 22, a naturalised US citizen, is accused of conspiring to send national defence information to a Chinese agent.
Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, 26, was arrested on charges of accepting money for sensitive photos and videos.
It is unclear if the same Chinese agent is alleged to have contacted the pair. read more
Two US Navy sailors in California have been arrested on charges of providing sensitive military information to China.
Jinchao Wei, 22, a naturalised US citizen, is accused of conspiring to send national defence information to a Chinese agent.
Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, 26, was arrested on charges of accepting money for sensitive photos and videos.
It is unclear if the same Chinese agent is alleged to have contacted the pair. read more
Russia says tanker hit in Ukrainian attack near Crimea
A Russian tanker with 11 crew members has been hit in a Ukrainian attack in the Black Sea, Russian officials say.
They said the vessel's engine room was damaged in the overnight strike in the Kerch Strait. No-one was hurt.
Ukraine has not publicly commented. But a Ukrainian security service source told the BBC a sea drone had been used.
Saturday's attack is the second in as many days involving such weapons. Russia, however, has not admitted any damage during Friday's attack. read more
A Russian tanker with 11 crew members has been hit in a Ukrainian attack in the Black Sea, Russian officials say.
They said the vessel's engine room was damaged in the overnight strike in the Kerch Strait. No-one was hurt.
Ukraine has not publicly commented. But a Ukrainian security service source told the BBC a sea drone had been used.
Saturday's attack is the second in as many days involving such weapons. Russia, however, has not admitted any damage during Friday's attack. read more
Pakistan passenger train derails killing 30
At least 30 people have been killed and 100 injured when a train derailed in southern Pakistan, a police spokesman has confirmed.
Several carriages of the Hazara Express overturned near Sahara railway station in Nawabshah, about 275km (171 miles) from the largest city Karachi.
Wounded passengers were moved to nearby hospitals. Rescue teams are trying to free people from the twisted wreckage.
Accidents on Pakistan's antiquated railway system are not uncommon. read more
At least 30 people have been killed and 100 injured when a train derailed in southern Pakistan, a police spokesman has confirmed.
Several carriages of the Hazara Express overturned near Sahara railway station in Nawabshah, about 275km (171 miles) from the largest city Karachi.
Wounded passengers were moved to nearby hospitals. Rescue teams are trying to free people from the twisted wreckage.
Accidents on Pakistan's antiquated railway system are not uncommon. read more
Niger coup: US envoy holds 'difficult' talks with junta
A senior US official has held face-to-face talks with Niger's military leaders following last month's coup.
Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland said the conversations had been "extremely frank and at times quite difficult".
Washington has said the coup can still be ended diplomatically and President Mohamed Bazoum reinstated, but has suspended aid payments in the meantime.
West African countries are set to meet on Thursday to discuss the crisis. read more
A senior US official has held face-to-face talks with Niger's military leaders following last month's coup.
Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland said the conversations had been "extremely frank and at times quite difficult".
Washington has said the coup can still be ended diplomatically and President Mohamed Bazoum reinstated, but has suspended aid payments in the meantime.
West African countries are set to meet on Thursday to discuss the crisis. read more
Amazon nations fall short of agreed goal to end deforestation
The eight countries that share the Amazon basin have fallen short of an agreed goal to end deforestation.
Delegates from the countries are meeting in the Brazilian city of Belém for a two-day summit on the issue, the first such gathering in 14 years.
A joint declaration on Tuesday created an alliance to combat deforestation, but left each country to pursue its own conservation goals.
Preserving the Amazon is a central part of efforts to tackle climate change. read more
The eight countries that share the Amazon basin have fallen short of an agreed goal to end deforestation.
Delegates from the countries are meeting in the Brazilian city of Belém for a two-day summit on the issue, the first such gathering in 14 years.
A joint declaration on Tuesday created an alliance to combat deforestation, but left each country to pursue its own conservation goals.
Preserving the Amazon is a central part of efforts to tackle climate change. read more
Hawaii wildfires burn historic town of Lahaina 'to the ground'
Raging wildfires fanned by hurricane winds have devastated the historic town of Lahaina on Hawaii's island of Maui.
Brian Schatz, a US senator from the state, said on social media that Lahaina is "almost totally burnt to the ground".
At least six people were killed in Maui County, officials said on Wednesday.
Maui's hospital system has been overwhelmed with burn patients and people suffering from smoke inhalation.
"Firefighters are still trying to get the fires under control, and our first responders are in search and rescue mode," Mr Schatz said. read more
Raging wildfires fanned by hurricane winds have devastated the historic town of Lahaina on Hawaii's island of Maui.
Brian Schatz, a US senator from the state, said on social media that Lahaina is "almost totally burnt to the ground".
At least six people were killed in Maui County, officials said on Wednesday.
Maui's hospital system has been overwhelmed with burn patients and people suffering from smoke inhalation.
"Firefighters are still trying to get the fires under control, and our first responders are in search and rescue mode," Mr Schatz said. read more
Hawaii fires deadliest natural disaster in state history
The Hawaii wildfires have reached a grim milestone as the death toll rose to 67, making it the deadliest natural disaster in the state's history.
Hundreds more have been reported missing and the toll may still rise.
It comes as some Lahaina residents are being allowed to briefly return home on Friday to take stock of the damage to their fire-ravaged town.
They returned amid warnings they would be greeted by "destruction like they've not ever seen in their lives". read more
The Hawaii wildfires have reached a grim milestone as the death toll rose to 67, making it the deadliest natural disaster in the state's history.
Hundreds more have been reported missing and the toll may still rise.
It comes as some Lahaina residents are being allowed to briefly return home on Friday to take stock of the damage to their fire-ravaged town.
They returned amid warnings they would be greeted by "destruction like they've not ever seen in their lives". read more
Hawaii wildfires: Crews may find 10 to 20 wildfire victims a day - governor
Recovery crews combing through homes and vehicles burned to a cinder in Hawaii are likely to find 10 to 20 more victims per day, the governor has warned.
The death toll grew to 96 on Sunday, making this the deadliest US wildfire in more than a century.
Governor Josh Green told CBS News it could take up to 10 days to learn the full death toll.
The number of missing now stands at around 1,300, he said. read more
Recovery crews combing through homes and vehicles burned to a cinder in Hawaii are likely to find 10 to 20 more victims per day, the governor has warned.
The death toll grew to 96 on Sunday, making this the deadliest US wildfire in more than a century.
Governor Josh Green told CBS News it could take up to 10 days to learn the full death toll.
The number of missing now stands at around 1,300, he said. read more
Hawaii wildfires: Joe Biden vows to visit soon amid criticism
US President Joe Biden says he will travel to Hawaii "as soon as he can" amid criticism of his response to the island's deadly wildfires.
Speaking in Milwaukee on Tuesday, Mr Biden said he wanted to ensure that the people in the state had "everything they need".
The death toll from the fires is now 101 with some 1,300 people missing.
Hawaii residents have complained about the pace of the federal government's response to the disaster.
While at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, over the weekend, Mr Biden was asked by a reporter about the rising death toll in Hawaii, and responded: "No comment." read more
US President Joe Biden says he will travel to Hawaii "as soon as he can" amid criticism of his response to the island's deadly wildfires.
Speaking in Milwaukee on Tuesday, Mr Biden said he wanted to ensure that the people in the state had "everything they need".
The death toll from the fires is now 101 with some 1,300 people missing.
Hawaii residents have complained about the pace of the federal government's response to the disaster.
While at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, over the weekend, Mr Biden was asked by a reporter about the rising death toll in Hawaii, and responded: "No comment." read more
Britney Spears' husband Sam Asghari says their marriage is over
Britney Spears' husband Sam Asghari has said the pair have decided to end their "journey together" after 14 months of marriage.
A divorce petition filed on Wednesday and seen by BBC News cited "irreconcilable differences" between Mr Asghari, 29, and Ms Spears, 41.
The couple got engaged in September 2021 and were married in a small but star-studded ceremony in June 2022.
Rumours of their marital struggles were reported in US tabloids this year. read more
Britney Spears' husband Sam Asghari has said the pair have decided to end their "journey together" after 14 months of marriage.
A divorce petition filed on Wednesday and seen by BBC News cited "irreconcilable differences" between Mr Asghari, 29, and Ms Spears, 41.
The couple got engaged in September 2021 and were married in a small but star-studded ceremony in June 2022.
Rumours of their marital struggles were reported in US tabloids this year. read more
Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: Deaths from starvation after aid halted - official
At least 1,400 people have starved to death in Ethiopia's northern Tigray since food aid was suspended because it was being stolen, an official has said.
The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) and the US's leading aid agency halted food aid to Tigray about four months ago.
A subsequent investigation by Tigrayan authorities found that almost 500 people were involved in the theft, the official told the BBC.
Tigray was hit by a brutal conflict in 2020, causing famine-like conditions. read more
At least 1,400 people have starved to death in Ethiopia's northern Tigray since food aid was suspended because it was being stolen, an official has said.
The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) and the US's leading aid agency halted food aid to Tigray about four months ago.
A subsequent investigation by Tigrayan authorities found that almost 500 people were involved in the theft, the official told the BBC.
Tigray was hit by a brutal conflict in 2020, causing famine-like conditions. read more
Canada wildfires: British Columbia province declares emergency
A state of emergency has been declared in Canada's western British Columbia province, as a fast-moving wildfire threatens to destroy more homes in the area around the city of West Kelowna.
Premier David Eby warned that "the situation has evolved rapidly and we are in for an extremely challenging situation in the days ahead".
The McDougall Creek wildfire has grown from 64 to 6,800 hectares in 24 hours.
Some 4,800 people are now under evacuation orders. read more
A state of emergency has been declared in Canada's western British Columbia province, as a fast-moving wildfire threatens to destroy more homes in the area around the city of West Kelowna.
Premier David Eby warned that "the situation has evolved rapidly and we are in for an extremely challenging situation in the days ahead".
The McDougall Creek wildfire has grown from 64 to 6,800 hectares in 24 hours.
Some 4,800 people are now under evacuation orders. read more
Chandrayaan-3: India's lunar lander Vikram searches for safe Moon landing spot
India's space agency has released images of the far side of the Moon as its third lunar mission attempts to locate a safe landing spot on the little-explored south pole.
The pictures have been taken by Vikram, Chandrayaan-3's lander, which began the last phase of its mission on Thursday.
Vikram, which carries a rover in its belly, is due to land on 23 August.
The photos come a day after Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft crashed into the Moon after spinning out of control. read more
India's space agency has released images of the far side of the Moon as its third lunar mission attempts to locate a safe landing spot on the little-explored south pole.
The pictures have been taken by Vikram, Chandrayaan-3's lander, which began the last phase of its mission on Thursday.
Vikram, which carries a rover in its belly, is due to land on 23 August.
The photos come a day after Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft crashed into the Moon after spinning out of control. read more