King Charles's France visit postponed after pension protests
King Charles III's state visit to France has been postponed, after a request by President Emmanuel Macron, Downing Street says.
The Elysée Palace said the decision was taken jointly, due to a 10th day of pension protests next Tuesday.
The trip to Paris and Bordeaux had been due to begin on Sunday, but France saw some of the worst violence on Thursday since demonstrations began in January.
Buckingham Palace said the delay was due to the "situation in France".
In a statement, it said: "Their Majesties greatly look forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as dates can be found." read more
King Charles III's state visit to France has been postponed, after a request by President Emmanuel Macron, Downing Street says.
The Elysée Palace said the decision was taken jointly, due to a 10th day of pension protests next Tuesday.
The trip to Paris and Bordeaux had been due to begin on Sunday, but France saw some of the worst violence on Thursday since demonstrations began in January.
Buckingham Palace said the delay was due to the "situation in France".
In a statement, it said: "Their Majesties greatly look forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as dates can be found." read more
Rare show of Northern Lights dazzles North America
Hues of pink, purple and green streaked the skies in North America overnight in a dazzling display of Northern Lights.
Weather officials said the aurora, which was seen from California to New York, as far south as Arizona and north into Canada, was "fairly unusual".
The event was categorised as a "severe geomagnetic storm" and received the second highest rating in strength, a G4. The strongest would be a G5.
A less severe storm is expected this weekend.
"We got more of an impact than we expected," Bill Murtagh, programme co-ordinator at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Space Weather and Prediction Center, told the BBC. read more
Hues of pink, purple and green streaked the skies in North America overnight in a dazzling display of Northern Lights.
Weather officials said the aurora, which was seen from California to New York, as far south as Arizona and north into Canada, was "fairly unusual".
The event was categorised as a "severe geomagnetic storm" and received the second highest rating in strength, a G4. The strongest would be a G5.
A less severe storm is expected this weekend.
"We got more of an impact than we expected," Bill Murtagh, programme co-ordinator at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Space Weather and Prediction Center, told the BBC. read more
Vatican returns Parthenon sculptures to Greece
The Vatican has returned three fragments of the Parthenon sculptures to Greece in a move that has been described as a "gesture of friendship".
The decision to return the 2,500-year-old marbles was announced by Pope Francis last year.
One is a chunk of a horses head, the other a bearded man and the third a head of a boy.
Greece hopes the move will spur other overseas institutions that hold Parthenon sculptures to return them.
About 50% of the Parthenon's original sculptures have survived and almost half of them are in the British Museum. read more
The Vatican has returned three fragments of the Parthenon sculptures to Greece in a move that has been described as a "gesture of friendship".
The decision to return the 2,500-year-old marbles was announced by Pope Francis last year.
One is a chunk of a horses head, the other a bearded man and the third a head of a boy.
Greece hopes the move will spur other overseas institutions that hold Parthenon sculptures to return them.
About 50% of the Parthenon's original sculptures have survived and almost half of them are in the British Museum. read more
Tornado kills 23 and brings devastation to Mississippi
At least 23 people have died after a tornado tore through the US state of Mississippi on Friday night.
More people are thought to be trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings.
The twister caused devastation in several rural towns, where trees and power lines were torn down and tens of thousands of power outages were reported.
Several other southern states are also braced for powerful storms.
Hail the size of golf balls and heavy rainfall were reported in several areas of the state.
It is not yet clear whether one or several tornadoes hit the area. Although yesterday the National Weather Service warned that several tornadoes were forecast, it's possible the devastation was caused by a "skipping tornado" - a single twister that lifts from the surface only to touch down again. read more
At least 23 people have died after a tornado tore through the US state of Mississippi on Friday night.
More people are thought to be trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings.
The twister caused devastation in several rural towns, where trees and power lines were torn down and tens of thousands of power outages were reported.
Several other southern states are also braced for powerful storms.
Hail the size of golf balls and heavy rainfall were reported in several areas of the state.
It is not yet clear whether one or several tornadoes hit the area. Although yesterday the National Weather Service warned that several tornadoes were forecast, it's possible the devastation was caused by a "skipping tornado" - a single twister that lifts from the surface only to touch down again. read more
'God, guns and Trump': Thousands turn out for Texas rally
In his first public appearance since speculating a week ago that he would soon be arrested, Donald Trump lashed out against the multiple criminal inquiries that have bedevilled him since he left office in January 2021.
At an airfield rally in Waco, Texas, in front of thousands of supporters, the former president called the New York City investigation into hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels an expletive.
"The district attorney of New York under the auspices and direction of the 'department of injustice' in Washington, DC, is investigating me for something that is not a crime, not a misdemeanour, not an affair," he said, before belittling Ms Daniels' personal appearance. read more
In his first public appearance since speculating a week ago that he would soon be arrested, Donald Trump lashed out against the multiple criminal inquiries that have bedevilled him since he left office in January 2021.
At an airfield rally in Waco, Texas, in front of thousands of supporters, the former president called the New York City investigation into hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels an expletive.
"The district attorney of New York under the auspices and direction of the 'department of injustice' in Washington, DC, is investigating me for something that is not a crime, not a misdemeanour, not an affair," he said, before belittling Ms Daniels' personal appearance. read more
Deadly Mississippi tornado brings devastation to US state
At least 26 people have died in Mississippi and Alabama after a tornado tore through the southern US states.
Search and rescue efforts are continuing, and the Mississippi state government has declared a state of emergency.
In Rolling Fork, crushed cars, bricks and glass litter the streets - the town has been almost entirely wiped out.
One resident told the BBC he was lucky to survive after seeking shelter in his bath tub.
Approaching the neighbourhood in western Sharkey County, there is little indication of anything unusual. read more
At least 26 people have died in Mississippi and Alabama after a tornado tore through the southern US states.
Search and rescue efforts are continuing, and the Mississippi state government has declared a state of emergency.
In Rolling Fork, crushed cars, bricks and glass litter the streets - the town has been almost entirely wiped out.
One resident told the BBC he was lucky to survive after seeking shelter in his bath tub.
Approaching the neighbourhood in western Sharkey County, there is little indication of anything unusual. read more
Israel defence minister fired in legal reform row
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has been sacked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after calling for the scrapping of controversial plans to overhaul the justice system.
Mr Netanyahu summoned Mr Gallant to a meeting and told him he no longer had faith in him as defence minister.
The plan to limit the powers of the judiciary has led to months of public protests.
Mr Gallant had called it an "immediate and tangible danger" to state security. read more
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has been sacked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after calling for the scrapping of controversial plans to overhaul the justice system.
Mr Netanyahu summoned Mr Gallant to a meeting and told him he no longer had faith in him as defence minister.
The plan to limit the powers of the judiciary has led to months of public protests.
Mr Gallant had called it an "immediate and tangible danger" to state security. read more
Mass Israel protests after Netanyahu fires defence minister
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets across Israel after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defence minister.
Yoav Gallant had spoken out against controversial plans to overhaul the justice system.
In Jerusalem, police and soldiers used water cannon against demonstrators near Mr Netanyahu's house.
Early on Monday morning, Israel's President Isaac Herzog called on the government to halt the reforms.
"For the sake of the unity of the people of Israel, for the sake of responsibility, I call on you to stop the legislative process immediately," he said on Twitter, adding that "the eyes of all the people of Israel are on you". read more
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets across Israel after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defence minister.
Yoav Gallant had spoken out against controversial plans to overhaul the justice system.
In Jerusalem, police and soldiers used water cannon against demonstrators near Mr Netanyahu's house.
Early on Monday morning, Israel's President Isaac Herzog called on the government to halt the reforms.
"For the sake of the unity of the people of Israel, for the sake of responsibility, I call on you to stop the legislative process immediately," he said on Twitter, adding that "the eyes of all the people of Israel are on you". read more
Afghanistan girls' education: 'When I see the boys going to school, it hurts'
"Every day I wake up with the hope of going back to school. They [the Taliban] keep saying they will open schools. But it's been almost two years now. I don't believe them. It breaks my heart," says 17-year-old Habiba.
She blinks and bites her lip trying hard not to tear up.
Habiba and her former classmates Mahtab and Tamana are among hundreds of thousands of teenage girls who have been barred from attending secondary school in most of Afghanistan by the Taliban - the only country to take such action.
One-and-a-half years since their lives were brought to a halt, their grief is still raw.
The girls say they fear that global outrage over what's happened to them is fading, even though they live with the pain every day - intensified this week when another school term started without them. read more
"Every day I wake up with the hope of going back to school. They [the Taliban] keep saying they will open schools. But it's been almost two years now. I don't believe them. It breaks my heart," says 17-year-old Habiba.
She blinks and bites her lip trying hard not to tear up.
Habiba and her former classmates Mahtab and Tamana are among hundreds of thousands of teenage girls who have been barred from attending secondary school in most of Afghanistan by the Taliban - the only country to take such action.
One-and-a-half years since their lives were brought to a halt, their grief is still raw.
The girls say they fear that global outrage over what's happened to them is fading, even though they live with the pain every day - intensified this week when another school term started without them. read more
Israel protests: PM Netanyahu delays legal reforms after day of strikes
An uneasy calm is returning to Israel after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would delay a key part of controversial plans to overhaul the justice system.
On Monday night he said he would pause the legislation to prevent a "rupture among our people".
However it is unclear what a delay will achieve beyond buying time.
It followed intensified protests after he fired his defence minister, who had spoken against the plans.
In unprecedented events, the country's biggest trade union called a strike, and Israelis watched society close down around them. read more
An uneasy calm is returning to Israel after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would delay a key part of controversial plans to overhaul the justice system.
On Monday night he said he would pause the legislation to prevent a "rupture among our people".
However it is unclear what a delay will achieve beyond buying time.
It followed intensified protests after he fired his defence minister, who had spoken against the plans.
In unprecedented events, the country's biggest trade union called a strike, and Israelis watched society close down around them. read more
Children aged 9 named among Nashville school victims
- Six people, three of them children, have been killed in a primary school shooting in Nashville
- The student victims have been identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all aged 8 or 9
- The adult victims have been identified as Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61
- The shooter was identified as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, who was killed by police, officers said
- The Covenant School in Nashville is a private Christian school for students aged three to 11
- President Biden has called on Congress to take action on gun violence
read more
- Six people, three of them children, have been killed in a primary school shooting in Nashville
- The student victims have been identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all aged 8 or 9
- The adult victims have been identified as Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61
- The shooter was identified as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, who was killed by police, officers said
- The Covenant School in Nashville is a private Christian school for students aged three to 11
- President Biden has called on Congress to take action on gun violence
read more
Ukraine war: Germany sends much-awaited Leopard tanks
The first shipment of Leopard 2 tanks from Germany has been sent to Ukraine, the German defence ministry says.
Eighteen cutting-edge main battle tanks were delivered after Ukrainian crews were trained to use them.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said he was sure the tanks could "make a decisive contribution" on the frontlines of the war.
Challenger 2 tanks from the UK have also arrived, according to reports from Ukraine.
Ukraine has been calling for more modern vehicles and weapon systems for months to help fight Russia's invasion. read more
The first shipment of Leopard 2 tanks from Germany has been sent to Ukraine, the German defence ministry says.
Eighteen cutting-edge main battle tanks were delivered after Ukrainian crews were trained to use them.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said he was sure the tanks could "make a decisive contribution" on the frontlines of the war.
Challenger 2 tanks from the UK have also arrived, according to reports from Ukraine.
Ukraine has been calling for more modern vehicles and weapon systems for months to help fight Russia's invasion. read more
Mexico migrants: Deadly fire at Juárez migrant centre kills at least 39
At least 39 people people have died in a fire at a migrant processing centre in Mexico that officials say started during a protest against deportations.
Many of the victims had travelled from Central and South America trying to get to the US.
The fire at the centre in Ciudad Juárez broke out shortly before 22:00 local time (04:00 GMT).
The city, located across the Rio Grande river from El Paso, Texas, has seen an influx of people in recent weeks.
Many have been heading to the US border in expectation of an end to Title 42, a pandemic-era policy which gives the US government the power to quickly expel migrants trying to cross its border. read more
At least 39 people people have died in a fire at a migrant processing centre in Mexico that officials say started during a protest against deportations.
Many of the victims had travelled from Central and South America trying to get to the US.
The fire at the centre in Ciudad Juárez broke out shortly before 22:00 local time (04:00 GMT).
The city, located across the Rio Grande river from El Paso, Texas, has seen an influx of people in recent weeks.
Many have been heading to the US border in expectation of an end to Title 42, a pandemic-era policy which gives the US government the power to quickly expel migrants trying to cross its border. read more
Adidas says Black Lives Matter design violates its three-stripe trademark
Adidas has asked the US Trademark Office to reject an application for a Black Lives Matter (BLM) trademark featuring three parallel stripes.
The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation design would create confusion with its own famous three-stripe mark, the sportswear giant said.
Adidas added that it has been using its logo for more than 70 years.
Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation is the most prominent entity in the decentralised BLM movement.
The group applied for a US trademark in November 2020 for a yellow three-stripe design to use on merchandise including clothing and bags. read more
Adidas has asked the US Trademark Office to reject an application for a Black Lives Matter (BLM) trademark featuring three parallel stripes.
The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation design would create confusion with its own famous three-stripe mark, the sportswear giant said.
Adidas added that it has been using its logo for more than 70 years.
Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation is the most prominent entity in the decentralised BLM movement.
The group applied for a US trademark in November 2020 for a yellow three-stripe design to use on merchandise including clothing and bags. read more
Netanyahu rejects Biden's call to drop Israel judicial overhaul
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reacted angrily to comments by the US president, who urged him to walk away from his controversial judicial reform plans.
"They cannot continue down this road," Joe Biden told reporters.
Mr Netanyahu later tweeted that Israel would make its own decisions, "not based on pressures from abroad".
It comes after protests this week brought Israel to a standstill, forcing him to pause the proposals.
The protests have intensified since Mr Netanyahu returned to power at the end of last year, leading the most right-wing, nationalist government in Israel's history and promising to curb the powers of the judiciary. read more
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reacted angrily to comments by the US president, who urged him to walk away from his controversial judicial reform plans.
"They cannot continue down this road," Joe Biden told reporters.
Mr Netanyahu later tweeted that Israel would make its own decisions, "not based on pressures from abroad".
It comes after protests this week brought Israel to a standstill, forcing him to pause the proposals.
The protests have intensified since Mr Netanyahu returned to power at the end of last year, leading the most right-wing, nationalist government in Israel's history and promising to curb the powers of the judiciary. read more
Pope Francis in hospital with respiratory infection
Pope Francis has a respiratory infection and will need to spend a few days in hospital in Rome, the Vatican says.
The 86-year-old had breathing difficulties in recent days but does not have Covid, a statement said.
It said he would need "a few days of appropriate hospital medical therapy".
"Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer," the statement added.
His closest staff, including security, are expected to stay the night at the Gemelli Hospital, a person with direct knowledge told the BBC. read more
Pope Francis has a respiratory infection and will need to spend a few days in hospital in Rome, the Vatican says.
The 86-year-old had breathing difficulties in recent days but does not have Covid, a statement said.
It said he would need "a few days of appropriate hospital medical therapy".
"Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer," the statement added.
His closest staff, including security, are expected to stay the night at the Gemelli Hospital, a person with direct knowledge told the BBC. read more
Jair Bolsonaro returning to Brazil for first time since 8 January riots
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is on his way back to Brazil, after spending months in the US.
The far-right politician is returning for the first time since supporters stormed the Supreme Court, Congress and presidential palace in January.
The riots came after weeks of protests claiming fraud in his defeat to President to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Speaking at an airport in Florida before boarding a flight, he said he would not lead the opposition to Lula.
But in an interview with CNN, Mr Bolsonaro also said he would help his Liberal Party as a "person with experience" and that he intended to travel across Brazil to campaign in next year's local elections. read more
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is on his way back to Brazil, after spending months in the US.
The far-right politician is returning for the first time since supporters stormed the Supreme Court, Congress and presidential palace in January.
The riots came after weeks of protests claiming fraud in his defeat to President to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Speaking at an airport in Florida before boarding a flight, he said he would not lead the opposition to Lula.
But in an interview with CNN, Mr Bolsonaro also said he would help his Liberal Party as a "person with experience" and that he intended to travel across Brazil to campaign in next year's local elections. read more
Donald Trump indictment: Ex-US president to be charged over hush money
Former US President Donald Trump will be charged over hush money payments made to a porn star just before the 2016 presidential election.
The details of the case against him have not yet been released.
A grand jury has voted to indict him after investigating a $130,000 pay-out to Stormy Daniels in an attempt to buy her silence over an alleged affair.
Mr Trump, 76, denies wrongdoing. He is the first serving or former US president to face a criminal charge.
The office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who has been pursuing the investigation, confirmed that it had contacted Mr Trump's attorney to "co-ordinate his surrender" on unspecified charges. read more
Former US President Donald Trump will be charged over hush money payments made to a porn star just before the 2016 presidential election.
The details of the case against him have not yet been released.
A grand jury has voted to indict him after investigating a $130,000 pay-out to Stormy Daniels in an attempt to buy her silence over an alleged affair.
Mr Trump, 76, denies wrongdoing. He is the first serving or former US president to face a criminal charge.
The office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who has been pursuing the investigation, confirmed that it had contacted Mr Trump's attorney to "co-ordinate his surrender" on unspecified charges. read more
Pope expected to leave hospital on Saturday
Pope Francis is expected to be discharged from hospital on Saturday, the Vatican has said.
His return to his Vatican residence at Santa Marta depended on the results of final tests carried out on Friday morning, it added.
The Pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Wednesday with breathing difficulties.
He was later diagnosed as having bronchitis, although the Vatican said he had responded well to antibiotics.
According to a statement, the 86-year-old Pope dined on pizza alongside medical staff on Thursday evening and after breakfast on Friday morning read some newspapers and resumed work. read more
Pope Francis is expected to be discharged from hospital on Saturday, the Vatican has said.
His return to his Vatican residence at Santa Marta depended on the results of final tests carried out on Friday morning, it added.
The Pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Wednesday with breathing difficulties.
He was later diagnosed as having bronchitis, although the Vatican said he had responded well to antibiotics.
According to a statement, the 86-year-old Pope dined on pizza alongside medical staff on Thursday evening and after breakfast on Friday morning read some newspapers and resumed work. read more
We haven’t seen indictment, says Trump lawyer
Donald Trump's lawyer has said the ex-president's legal team has not seen the indictment against him and has only media reports to go on.
Joe Tacopina was speaking after a grand jury voted to indict Mr Trump in connection with a $130,000 pay-out to porn star Stormy Daniels.
Mr Trump's legal team did not know about the indictment until Thursday evening, Mr Tacopina told CBS.
He blamed "political persecution" for the grand jury's decision.
Mr Trump is expected to appear in court to face the charges and enter a plea in New York, reportedly next Tuesday. read more
Donald Trump's lawyer has said the ex-president's legal team has not seen the indictment against him and has only media reports to go on.
Joe Tacopina was speaking after a grand jury voted to indict Mr Trump in connection with a $130,000 pay-out to porn star Stormy Daniels.
Mr Trump's legal team did not know about the indictment until Thursday evening, Mr Tacopina told CBS.
He blamed "political persecution" for the grand jury's decision.
Mr Trump is expected to appear in court to face the charges and enter a plea in New York, reportedly next Tuesday. read more
Trump will not appear in court in handcuffs - lawyer
Donald Trump's court hearing has been set for Tuesday afternoon, according to the BBC's US partner CBS News.
The former president is expected to fly from Florida on his private plane and hand himself in with federal agents there to protect him.
A grand jury has indicted Mr Trump in connection with a $130,000 (£105,000) pay-out to porn star Stormy Daniels.
The charges are not yet public, and a lawyer for Mr Trump said on Friday that he too has yet to read the indictment. read more
Donald Trump's court hearing has been set for Tuesday afternoon, according to the BBC's US partner CBS News.
The former president is expected to fly from Florida on his private plane and hand himself in with federal agents there to protect him.
A grand jury has indicted Mr Trump in connection with a $130,000 (£105,000) pay-out to porn star Stormy Daniels.
The charges are not yet public, and a lawyer for Mr Trump said on Friday that he too has yet to read the indictment. read more