Ukraine Russia war: US warns Avdiivka could fall
The US has warned that Russia could seize Ukraine's key eastern town of Avdiivka - the scene of some of the fiercest fighting in recent months.
"Avdiivka is at risk of falling into Russian control," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, citing Ukraine's ammunition shortages.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to do everything to "save as many Ukrainian lives as possible".
Russian troops have made gains in Avdiivka, threatening to encircle it. read more
The US has warned that Russia could seize Ukraine's key eastern town of Avdiivka - the scene of some of the fiercest fighting in recent months.
"Avdiivka is at risk of falling into Russian control," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, citing Ukraine's ammunition shortages.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to do everything to "save as many Ukrainian lives as possible".
Russian troops have made gains in Avdiivka, threatening to encircle it. read more
Prabowo Subianto: The tainted ex-military chief who will be Indonesia's new leader
After two failed attempts, Prabowo Subianto has finally clawed his way into Indonesia's ultimate seat of power.
The ex-military general, accused of rights abuses and war crimes during the dark days of the Suharto regime, has triumphed in a modern-day democratic vote.
Gone were the inflammatory, nationalist comments of his previous presidential runs; in the 2024 election he sold himself as a cute grandpa on TikTok, flashing heart signs and doddering around with a viral dance.
It worked for younger voters - a generation poorly informed of the country's past under a military dictatorship. read more
After two failed attempts, Prabowo Subianto has finally clawed his way into Indonesia's ultimate seat of power.
The ex-military general, accused of rights abuses and war crimes during the dark days of the Suharto regime, has triumphed in a modern-day democratic vote.
Gone were the inflammatory, nationalist comments of his previous presidential runs; in the 2024 election he sold himself as a cute grandpa on TikTok, flashing heart signs and doddering around with a viral dance.
It worked for younger voters - a generation poorly informed of the country's past under a military dictatorship. read more
Papua New Guinea ambush: More than 60 shot dead in Highlands region
At least 64 people have died in an ambush in Papua New Guinea's remote Highlands region.
The victims were shot dead during a tribal dispute in the Enga province over the weekend, a national police spokesman told the BBC.
The Highlands area has long struggled with violence, but these killings are believed to be the worst in years.
An influx of illegal firearms have made clashes more deadly and fuelled a cycle of violence. read more
At least 64 people have died in an ambush in Papua New Guinea's remote Highlands region.
The victims were shot dead during a tribal dispute in the Enga province over the weekend, a national police spokesman told the BBC.
The Highlands area has long struggled with violence, but these killings are believed to be the worst in years.
An influx of illegal firearms have made clashes more deadly and fuelled a cycle of violence. read more
Israel indicates March deadline for Gaza ground offensive in Rafah
Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz has warned that unless Hamas frees all hostages held in Gaza by 10 March an offensive will be launched in Rafah.
It is the first time Israel has said when its troops might enter Gaza's overcrowded southern city.
Global opposition is growing to such an attack in Rafah, where some 1.5 million Palestinians are sheltering.
Earlier, the UN public health agency said a key Gaza hospital had ceased to function following an Israeli raid. read more
Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz has warned that unless Hamas frees all hostages held in Gaza by 10 March an offensive will be launched in Rafah.
It is the first time Israel has said when its troops might enter Gaza's overcrowded southern city.
Global opposition is growing to such an attack in Rafah, where some 1.5 million Palestinians are sheltering.
Earlier, the UN public health agency said a key Gaza hospital had ceased to function following an Israeli raid. read more
Israel Gaza: China condemns US veto of call for immediate ceasefire at UN
China has sharply criticised the US for vetoing a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Beijing said the move sent the "wrong message" and effectively gave a "green light to the continued slaughter".
The White House said the Algerian-proposed resolution would "jeopardise" talks to end the war.
The US has proposed its own temporary ceasefire resolution, which also warned Israel not to invade the city of Rafah. read more
China has sharply criticised the US for vetoing a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Beijing said the move sent the "wrong message" and effectively gave a "green light to the continued slaughter".
The White House said the Algerian-proposed resolution would "jeopardise" talks to end the war.
The US has proposed its own temporary ceasefire resolution, which also warned Israel not to invade the city of Rafah. read more
Dani Alves trial: Ex-Brazil player guilty of nightclub rape
A court in Spain has found former Barcelona and Brazil footballer Dani Alves guilty of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub.
He has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
The 40-year-old, who is one of the most decorated footballers in history, had denied sexually assaulting the woman in the early hours of 31 December 2022.
His lawyer had asked for his acquittal and said she would appeal against the verdict. read more
A court in Spain has found former Barcelona and Brazil footballer Dani Alves guilty of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub.
He has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
The 40-year-old, who is one of the most decorated footballers in history, had denied sexually assaulting the woman in the early hours of 31 December 2022.
His lawyer had asked for his acquittal and said she would appeal against the verdict. read more
Intuitive Machines: US company makes historic Moon landing
An American company has made history by becoming the first commercial outfit to put a spacecraft on the Moon.
Houston-based Intuitive Machines landed its Odysseus robot near the lunar south pole.
It took some minutes for controllers to establish that the craft was down, but eventually a signal was received.
"What we can confirm, without a doubt, is our equipment is on the surface of the Moon and we are transmitting," flight director Tim Crain announced.
Staff at the company cheered and clapped at the news. read more
An American company has made history by becoming the first commercial outfit to put a spacecraft on the Moon.
Houston-based Intuitive Machines landed its Odysseus robot near the lunar south pole.
It took some minutes for controllers to establish that the craft was down, but eventually a signal was received.
"What we can confirm, without a doubt, is our equipment is on the surface of the Moon and we are transmitting," flight director Tim Crain announced.
Staff at the company cheered and clapped at the news. read more
Two years into Russia's invasion, exhausted Ukrainians refuse to give up
It translates as "crooked horn", but President Zelensky calls Kryvyi Rih his "big soul and heart".
He credits this gritty, industrial city with moulding his character. He grew up in a sprawling block of flats known as the Anthill.
When you stand in front of this towering structure, Volodymyr Zelensky's journey from this setting to wartime leader feels remarkable. read more
It translates as "crooked horn", but President Zelensky calls Kryvyi Rih his "big soul and heart".
He credits this gritty, industrial city with moulding his character. He grew up in a sprawling block of flats known as the Anthill.
When you stand in front of this towering structure, Volodymyr Zelensky's journey from this setting to wartime leader feels remarkable. read more
Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's former president denies coup allegations
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has claimed he has been a victim of political persecution since leaving office just over a year ago.
He told tens of thousands of supporters in São Paulo that coup allegations against him were a "lie".
He also called for an amnesty for hundreds of his supporters convicted for attacks on public buildings.
Police are investigation whether Mr Bolsonaro incited a failed coup after losing the 2022 election. read more
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has claimed he has been a victim of political persecution since leaving office just over a year ago.
He told tens of thousands of supporters in São Paulo that coup allegations against him were a "lie".
He also called for an amnesty for hundreds of his supporters convicted for attacks on public buildings.
Police are investigation whether Mr Bolsonaro incited a failed coup after losing the 2022 election. read more
Macron says Russian defeat in Ukraine vital for security in Europe
French President Emmanuel Macron has said it is key for Europe's security to defeat Russia in Ukraine, amid urgent pleas for more weapons from Kyiv.
He was speaking in Paris where he said that European leaders had agreed to set up a coalition to give Ukraine medium- and long-range missiles and bombs.
He added that there was "no consensus" on sending Western troops to Ukraine but "nothing should be excluded". read more
French President Emmanuel Macron has said it is key for Europe's security to defeat Russia in Ukraine, amid urgent pleas for more weapons from Kyiv.
He was speaking in Paris where he said that European leaders had agreed to set up a coalition to give Ukraine medium- and long-range missiles and bombs.
He added that there was "no consensus" on sending Western troops to Ukraine but "nothing should be excluded". read more
Trump and Biden projected to win Michigan primaries
President Joe Biden is projected to win Michigan's Democratic presidential primary comfortably, though thousands of people sent a protest vote during the contest.
Grassroots organisations urged Democrats to vote "uncommitted" rather than cast a ballot for the president because of his stance towards Israel's war in Gaza.
With 24% of the votes counted, more than 30,000 had chosen "uncommitted".
Mr Biden had received 80% of the vote. read more
President Joe Biden is projected to win Michigan's Democratic presidential primary comfortably, though thousands of people sent a protest vote during the contest.
Grassroots organisations urged Democrats to vote "uncommitted" rather than cast a ballot for the president because of his stance towards Israel's war in Gaza.
With 24% of the votes counted, more than 30,000 had chosen "uncommitted".
Mr Biden had received 80% of the vote. read more
What video and eyewitness accounts tell us about Gazans killed at aid drop
At least 112 Palestinians were killed as crowds rushed around lorries delivering desperately needed food aid in the small hours of Thursday morning, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Hundreds of people descended on the line of vehicles as it travelled in darkness northwards along the coastal road just outside Gaza City, accompanied by the Israeli military.
In addition to the dead, 760 people were injured, the ministry said. read more
At least 112 Palestinians were killed as crowds rushed around lorries delivering desperately needed food aid in the small hours of Thursday morning, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Hundreds of people descended on the line of vehicles as it travelled in darkness northwards along the coastal road just outside Gaza City, accompanied by the Israeli military.
In addition to the dead, 760 people were injured, the ministry said. read more
Israel Gaza: Large number of gunshot wounds among those injured in aid convoy rush - UN
Many of the people treated for injuries following a rush on an aid convoy in Gaza on Thursday suffered gunshot wounds, the UN has said.
UN observers visited Gaza City's al-Shifa Hospital and saw some of the roughly 200 people still being treated.
Hamas, which governs Gaza, has accused Israel of firing at civilians, but Israel said most died in a stampede after its troops fired warning shots.
Leaders around the world have called for a full investigation. read more
Many of the people treated for injuries following a rush on an aid convoy in Gaza on Thursday suffered gunshot wounds, the UN has said.
UN observers visited Gaza City's al-Shifa Hospital and saw some of the roughly 200 people still being treated.
Hamas, which governs Gaza, has accused Israel of firing at civilians, but Israel said most died in a stampede after its troops fired warning shots.
Leaders around the world have called for a full investigation. read more
Bad blood over Singapore Taylor Swift Eras tour subsidies
In the glitzy Asian city-state of Singapore, the sequins are out, limousines polished and hotel pillows plumped.
The city's hosting Taylor Swift's Eras tour this week - an honour, but one that has come at a cost.
That price was initially reported to be as high as S$24 million (£14m; $18m) for the six shows to be exclusive to the South East Asian country.
Culture minister Edwin Tong has since told Singapore's CNA the figure was "nowhere as high" - although he still refused to be drawn on the exact figure. The broadcaster, however, suggested it may have been just S$2m for all six. read more
In the glitzy Asian city-state of Singapore, the sequins are out, limousines polished and hotel pillows plumped.
The city's hosting Taylor Swift's Eras tour this week - an honour, but one that has come at a cost.
That price was initially reported to be as high as S$24 million (£14m; $18m) for the six shows to be exclusive to the South East Asian country.
Culture minister Edwin Tong has since told Singapore's CNA the figure was "nowhere as high" - although he still refused to be drawn on the exact figure. The broadcaster, however, suggested it may have been just S$2m for all six. read more
Haiti violence: Gangs free 4,000 inmates in mass jailbreak
Armed gangs have stormed the main prison in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, releasing many inmates.
The vast majority of about 4,000 men held there have now escaped, a local journalist told BBC News.
Among those detained were gang members charged in connection with the 2021 killing of President Jovenel Moïse.
Violence in Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has worsened in recent years. Gangs aiming to oust PM Ariel Henry control 80% of Port-au-Prince. read more
Armed gangs have stormed the main prison in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, releasing many inmates.
The vast majority of about 4,000 men held there have now escaped, a local journalist told BBC News.
Among those detained were gang members charged in connection with the 2021 killing of President Jovenel Moïse.
Violence in Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has worsened in recent years. Gangs aiming to oust PM Ariel Henry control 80% of Port-au-Prince. read more
Israel-Gaza war: Kamala Harris urges more aid for starving Gazans
US Vice-President Kamala Harris says people in Gaza "are starving" and has urged Israel to "significantly increase the flow of aid" there.
She said "there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks", which would "get the [Israeli] hostages out".
Earlier, Israel did not attend truce talks in Egypt, saying Hamas was not giving a list of hostages still alive.
Hamas told the BBC it was unable to do so because of the Israeli bombing. read more
US Vice-President Kamala Harris says people in Gaza "are starving" and has urged Israel to "significantly increase the flow of aid" there.
She said "there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks", which would "get the [Israeli] hostages out".
Earlier, Israel did not attend truce talks in Egypt, saying Hamas was not giving a list of hostages still alive.
Hamas told the BBC it was unable to do so because of the Israeli bombing. read more
Children starving to death in northern Gaza - WHO
Children are dying of starvation in northern Gaza, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief says.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency's visits over the weekend to the Al-Awda and Kamal Adwan hospitals were the first since early October.
In a post on social media, he spoke of "grim findings".
A lack of food resulted in the deaths of 10 children and "severe levels of malnutrition", while hospital buildings have been destroyed, he wrote. read more
Children are dying of starvation in northern Gaza, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief says.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency's visits over the weekend to the Al-Awda and Kamal Adwan hospitals were the first since early October.
In a post on social media, he spoke of "grim findings".
A lack of food resulted in the deaths of 10 children and "severe levels of malnutrition", while hospital buildings have been destroyed, he wrote. read more
Haiti gang leader threatens 'civil war' if PM does not resign
The gang leader behind the violence blighting the Haitian capital has warned there will be a "civil war" if Haiti's prime minister, Ariel Henry, does not step down.
Jimmy "Barbecue" Chérizier made the threat as members of his gang tried to seize the capital's airport to stop Mr Henry from returning from abroad.
Unrest has spread to other cities with a prison riot reported in Jacmel.
Thousands have been displaced by the violence. read more
The gang leader behind the violence blighting the Haitian capital has warned there will be a "civil war" if Haiti's prime minister, Ariel Henry, does not step down.
Jimmy "Barbecue" Chérizier made the threat as members of his gang tried to seize the capital's airport to stop Mr Henry from returning from abroad.
Unrest has spread to other cities with a prison riot reported in Jacmel.
Thousands have been displaced by the violence. read more
Dragon Ball: Japan manga creator Akira Toriyama dies
The creator of Dragon Ball, one of the most influential and best-selling Japanese comics of all time, has died at 68.
Akira Toriyama suffered an acute subdural hematoma, a type of bleeding near the brain, his studio said Friday.
Dragon Ball is hugely popular around the world and the comic series has also spawned cartoon and film versions.
Fans have paid tribute to Mr Toriyama for creating characters that have become a part of their childhood.
The Dragon Ball comic series debuted in 1984. It follows a boy named Son Goku in his quest to collect magical dragon balls to defend Earth against alien humanoids called Saiyans. read more
The creator of Dragon Ball, one of the most influential and best-selling Japanese comics of all time, has died at 68.
Akira Toriyama suffered an acute subdural hematoma, a type of bleeding near the brain, his studio said Friday.
Dragon Ball is hugely popular around the world and the comic series has also spawned cartoon and film versions.
Fans have paid tribute to Mr Toriyama for creating characters that have become a part of their childhood.
The Dragon Ball comic series debuted in 1984. It follows a boy named Son Goku in his quest to collect magical dragon balls to defend Earth against alien humanoids called Saiyans. read more
US military ship heading to Gaza to build port
A US military ship is sailing towards the Middle East, carrying equipment to build a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza, the army says.
The support ship, General Frank S Besson, set sail from a military base in the state of Virginia on Saturday.
It comes after President Joe Biden said the US would build the floating harbour to help get aid into Gaza by sea.
The UN has warned that famine in the Gaza Strip is "almost inevitable" and children are starving to death. read more
A US military ship is sailing towards the Middle East, carrying equipment to build a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza, the army says.
The support ship, General Frank S Besson, set sail from a military base in the state of Virginia on Saturday.
It comes after President Joe Biden said the US would build the floating harbour to help get aid into Gaza by sea.
The UN has warned that famine in the Gaza Strip is "almost inevitable" and children are starving to death. read more
Trump will not give a penny to Ukraine - Hungary PM Orban
Donald Trump will not fund Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion if he is elected US president again, Hungarian PM Viktor Orban has said.
"He will not give a penny in the Ukraine-Russia war. That is why the war will end," the conservative premier said after meeting Mr Trump in Florida.
The former US president has pledged to end the war "within 24 hours" if elected - but provided no details.
Mr Orban is openly backing his long-term ally in the 2024 White House race. read more
Donald Trump will not fund Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion if he is elected US president again, Hungarian PM Viktor Orban has said.
"He will not give a penny in the Ukraine-Russia war. That is why the war will end," the conservative premier said after meeting Mr Trump in Florida.
The former US president has pledged to end the war "within 24 hours" if elected - but provided no details.
Mr Orban is openly backing his long-term ally in the 2024 White House race. read more