Desperate Housewives star Valerie Mahaffey dies aged 71

The star died in California on Friday after being diagnosed with cancer, her publicist says.

Hamas makes hostage pledge but demands changes to US Gaza ceasefire plan

The response is seen as neither an explicit rejection nor clear acceptance of the proposal, but US envoy Steve Witkoff has branded it "unacceptable".

Gaza aid trucks rushed by desperate and hungry crowds, WFP says

"Starving people will not let a food truck pass. They need to feed their families", the World Food Programme said.

EU 'strongly' regrets US plan to double steel tariffs

The 27-member bloc says Donald Trump's move undermines efforts to reach a deal, warning of "countermeasures".

New Banksy mystery location revealed

The new piece of street art depicts the shadow of a lighthouse emerging out of a bollard.

China trade talks have stalled, US treasury secretary says

The US treasury secretary says Trump and Xi Jinping may need to get directly involved in talks.

Video footage shows paraglider's perilous accidental 8000m-high flight

Peng Yujiang, 55, was testing new equipment when a rare "cloud suck" pulled him higher into a cloud formation.

Smokey Robinson files $500m case against rape accusers

The case accuses four ex-housekeepers of fabricating allegations as part of an "extortionate" lawsuit.

Chinese paraglider pulled 8,000m high into clouds

Peng Yujiang was pulled 8,500m above sea level by a rare updraft called a 'cloud suck'.

Iran investigates 'missing' Indian nationals

The families of the men, who are from Punjab state, allege they have been kidnapped in Iran.

Musk 'disappointed' by Trump's tax and spending bill

As the former Doge chief, Musk had worked to reduce government spending which he says this bill contradicts.

Kenyan president apologises to Tanzania over deportation row

It follows growing criticism from Kenyans targeting Tanzania's president over the recent deportation of activists.

Slovakia approves sale of brown bear meat to public

Brown bears are a protected EU species but the government has launched a cull after recent attacks.

South Africans pay tribute to acting 'icon' Chweneyagae who died age 40

Presley Chweneyagae, the star of Oscar-winning 2005 film Tsotsi, died from natural causes, his family says.

North Korea says US 'Golden Dome' risks 'space nuclear war'

Pyongyang says Washington's plan to counter aerial threats is "the height of self-righteousness".

India's ex-wrestling chief cleared of sexually harassing girl

Singh still faces a separate case of sexual harassment and stalking by six adult wrestlers, which he has denied.

Why is King Charles in Canada, and what is the throne speech?

On Tuesday, the parliament in Ottawa will be opened by a monarch for the first time in decades.

Head of controversial Israel-backed Gaza aid group resigns

The UN has said the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's plan would make "starvation a bargaining chip".

Japan flight made emergency landing after man tried opening door

Police said the man was "having a medical crisis" and was restrained by fellow passengers and crew.

Americans remember George Floyd on fifth anniversary of death

As the cities where Floyd grew up and died hold commemorations, the US "reckoning" with racism seems to be fading.

Father of nine children killed by Israeli strike still in critical condition

Hamdi al-Najjar's "life remains in danger", a Bulgarian doctor working at Nasser hospital in southern Gaza tells the BBC.

Bodies of five skiers found near Switzerland resort

Mountain rescue recovered the five bodies a day after they were alerted to multiple pairs of abandoned skis.

Second suspected sabotage in France as power cut hits Nice

Officials say the blaze that caused the power outage is probably of "criminal origin".

Ronaldo 'could play' in Club World Cup - Infantino

"There are discussions" over Cristiano Ronaldo playing at the Club World Cup despite his current club not qualifying, says Fifa president Gianni Infantino.

Ugandan activist alleges she was raped while in Tanzanian detention

Tanzanian authorities are not commenting on the allegations, which include sexual assault.

Russia launches major aerial attack on Ukraine capital

At least 14 people were injured after Moscow fired ballistic missiles and drones at Kyiv.

Israeli strike kills nine of Gaza doctor's children, hospital says

A British surgeon working in Nasser Hospital said he had operated on the doctor's surviving 11-year-old.

Amazon tribe sues New York Times over story it says led to porn addict claims

The lawsuit claims a report portrayed the Marubo people as "unable to handle" basic internet exposure.

New satellite photos show damaged North Korean warship

Kim Jong Un has called the shipyard accident a "criminal act" and vowed to find those responsible.

Activist freed in Tanzania after Kenyan government demand

Kenya had earlier said it had been denied access to Boniface Mwangi and expressed concern over his health.

Apple iPhone designer Jony Ive joins OpenAI in $6.5bn deal

OpenAI says partnering with the "greatest designer in the world" will allow it to re-imagine what a computer can do.

Ukrainian ex-top official shot dead outside Madrid school - reports

The man, named by Ukrainian and Spanish sources as Andriy Portnov, had just dropped his children off at the school, reports say.

Tennis' French Open is days away - what do players need to succeed on clay?

Sliding, slicing and a powerful forehand - BBC Sport assesses what makes a good clay-court player.

West Nile virus detected in UK mosquitoes for first time

A UK Health Safety Agency spokesperson said the risk to the general public is "very low".

Biden's cancer diagnosis raises fresh questions about his health in White House

The news that he has "aggressive" prostate cancer has some medics asking why it was not detected sooner.

Spain clamps down on Airbnb as tourism backlash returns for summer

The Spanish government calls for the removal of almost 66,000 property listings saying they breach tourism rules.

Zelensky accuses Russia of 'buying time' to stall truce talks

It follows Donald Trump saying Russia and Ukraine will "immediately" start negotiating, after a two-hour phone call with Vladimir Putin.

Pope Leo XIV holds Vatican talks with JD Vance

The Vatican says a meeting between the new Pope and US vice-president was "cordial".

France to open high-security prison in Amazon jungle

The €400 million high-security jail will be built in France's overseas region of French Guiana in South America.

South Africa to pursue appeal against Nigerian pastor acquitted of rape

Timothy Omotoso, who denies assaulting women from his church, has reportedly returned to Nigeria.

Watch: Cat caught smuggling drugs into Costa Rica prison

The feline was found carrying 235.65g of marijuana and 67.76g of heroin, authorities say.

Russia launches biggest drone attack since invasion began, says Ukraine

The barrage came just a day after the first talks in three years between Russian and Ukrainian sides.

Kenya's ex-justice minister 'detained' in Tanzania

Karua was allowed into Tanzania last month but has been stopped this time ahead of the trial for Lissu.

All hospitals in north Gaza out of service, says health ministry

Hamas-run ministry says Indonesian hospital besieged by Israeli forces.

Five dead after tornado tears through St Louis

The tornado uprooted trees, knocked down power lines and damaged about 5,000 properties.

'To Easy LoL' - New Orleans jail break may have been inside job

The inmates ripped a toilet from the wall and escaped through a hole before running across a highway.

Russia jails Australian man for fighting alongside Ukraine

Oscar Jenkins, 33, is sentenced to 13 years by a Russian-controlled court in eastern Ukraine.

Polish voters set for tight presidential race after 10 years of Duda

Sunday's first-round is expected to set up a run-off between Warsaw's liberal mayor and a conservative historian.

Watch: Moment Ben & Jerry's co-founder interrupts RFK Jr speech

The co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, Ben Cohen, was part of a protest in the US Senate.

Son files criminal complaint over alleged blackmail plot

Tottenham captain Son Heung-min files a criminal complaint with the South Korean police for being the victim of an alleged blackmail plot.

Pregnant Israeli woman killed in West Bank shooting attack

Tzeela Gez died from her injuries, but doctors were able to deliver her baby.

Peru's prime minister resigns ahead of no-confidence vote

Gustavo Adrianzén's resignation is another blow to President Dina Boluarte amid anger over rising crime.

Military rulers in Mali dissolve all political parties

All political meetings have also been banned as the junta intensifies its grip on power.

Zelensky vows to 'do everything' to ensure direct talks with Putin in Turkey

Russia has not yet said who it will send to Istanbul on Thursday and has refused to respond to ultimatums.

Watch timelapse of Trump's marathon handshake session with Saudis

Dozens of senior officials, military leaders and businessmen queued to greet the US president in Saudi Arabia.

Germany arrests self-declared 'king' and bans his extremist group

Police arrest the leaders of Germany's largest Reichsbürger faction, that calls itself "Kingdom of Germany".

Zambia warns diplomats after US reveals 'systematic' aid theft

The foreign minister says raising concerns publicly amounts to interference in domestic affairs.

Pope calls for journalists to be released from prison

The new pontiff expressed solidarity with journalists who had been jailed for "reporting the truth".

Crates full of Nazi documents found in Argentine court's basement

The crates, dating back to 1941, contain Nazi party membership booklets and Nazi propaganda material.

Entire Gaza population at critical risk of famine, UN-backed assessment says

Famine is not currently occurring in Gaza, the assessment says, but it calls for urgent action to increase humanitarian aid.

First white South Africans flying to US under Trump refugee plan

Donald Trump says they are victims of "racial discrimination", which is strongly denied by South Africa.

Taliban suspends chess over gambling concerns

Chess will be suspended until religious considerations are addressed, a spokesman said.

Watch: Crowds cheer as Pope holds first Sunday address

Worshippers packed St Peter's Square as Pope Leo XIV called for an end to global conflicts.

What Trump does next on Ukraine is key - and he could go either way

Neither Putin nor Zelensky want to be seen by Trump as the obstacle to peace, writes Frank Gardner.

European leaders call Trump to discuss 30-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire

France, Britain, Germany and Poland met President Vlodomyr Zelensky to discuss an unconditional ceasfire.

Taylor Swift criticises Lively-Baldoni court summons

The singer's representatives say the court summons was designed to create "tabloid clickbait".

The US and China are finally talking. Why now?

Economic pressures are forcing Donald Trump and Xi Jinping to seek an off-ramp in the trade war.

White House 'actively looking at' suspending habeas corpus

Miller comments come as judges have sought to challenge some recent detentions made by the Trump administration in an effort to combat illegal immigration

Xi shows he wants to be close to Putin - but not too close

The relationship between China and Russia is no longer one of equals.

Pope Leo XIV calls Church 'a beacon to illuminate dark nights' in first mass

Chicago-born Robert Prevost, 69, is the first North American to be elected pontiff.

Three things we learned from Putin's Red Square parade

BC Monitoring's Russia Editor Vitaly Shevchenko reflects on the Victory Day spectacle in Moscow.

Watch: Pope Leo XIV's first Mass as pontiff

Cardinals joined the newly appointed pope in the Sistine Chapel, in a service that began with a prayer.

Ukraine labels Russian ceasefire a farce after reports of hundreds of violations

A three-day truce was called by Vladimir Putin ahead of Russia's World War Two Victory Day celebrations.

Israel PM 'uncertain' over condition of three Gaza hostages

Benjamin Netanyahu said he knew "with certainty" that 21 hostages were alive but the status of "three more" were unclear.

US judge blocks plan to deport migrants to Libya

The order comes after lawyers expressed alarm that the US was planning to deport migrants to the North African country "immediately".

Watch: Moments past conclaves elected new popes

See the moments previous popes were elected by conclaves past, from 1939 to 2013.

Airports closed, eerie silence in Indian-administered Kashmir

In Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir, a road, normally busy with tourists and travellers, lies deserted.

International gang sentenced for smuggling thousands of ants in Kenya

The four suspects – two Belgians, a Vietnamese and a Kenyan – were arrested last month with 5,000 ants.

'World Cup can be incentive for Russia to end war', says Trump

'World Cup can be incentive for Russia to end war', says Trump

Israel tells people to evacuate from Yemen's main airport

An IDF spokesman warned "failure to evacuate and stay away from the area puts you in danger."

Merz defeat 'an obstacle not a catastrophe'

The man expected to be Germany's next foreign minister reacts after Friedrich Merz fell short in a parliamentary vote to be named chancellor.

Peru imposes curfew in province where 13 mine workers were killed

A local prosecutor says there is a "war" raging in the area between illegal and legal gold miners.

Mexican mayor arrested over alleged links to cartel training camp

The mayor of Teuchitlán is suspected of colluding with the New Generation Jalisco Cartel, which he denies.

Ancient Indian skeleton still waiting for home

The find could shed light on how Indians lived 1,000 years ago - but is without a museum because of red tape.

Popemobile to become health clinic for Gaza children

One of the famous vehicles is being refitted as a frontline clinic on wheels, following a request by the late pontiff.

Israel security cabinet approves plan to expand Gaza offensive

The Israeli military has called up tens of thousands of reservists, saying it is aiming to increase pressure on Hamas.

Brazil police thwart bomb attack on Lady Gaga concert

Police say the plan was orchestrated by a group promoting hate speech and the radicalisation of teenagers.

Australia's opposition left reeling after crushing election defeat

Peter Dutton has been ousted from parliament after Anthony Albanese's landslide win.

Elon Musk's Starbase in Texas will officially become a city

Residents approved incorporating a patch of land as the new municipality in an election on Saturday.

Paramilitaries strike Port Sudan for first time, army says

It is the first time RSF attacks have reached the city, which is the de-facto capital of the army-led government.

Six people arrested over triple murder in Sweden

Police are investigating whether the shooting at a hair salon in Uppsala is related to a wave of gang violence.

Australia PM Albanese makes stunning comeback with landslide win

Australians voted for stability as international uncertainty appears to be swaying voters away from change.

Tunisia jails ex-prime minister on terrorism charges

Ali Laarayedh is the latest high-profile critic of the president to be jailed as campaigners slam "sham trials".

Tariffs on car parts entering the US come into force

Import taxes were eased after carmaker outcry, but it's "still a big tariff", analysts say.

Chile issues tsunami warning after earthquake

The warning is issued for parts of the remote Magallanes region after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake strikes off the coast.

South African woman convicted of kidnapping daughter Joshlin Smith

Joshlin Smith's disappearance last year sent shockwaves across South Africa. She is yet to be found.

Hong Kong police arrest family of pro-democracy activist, reports say

Anna Kwok's father and brother have been accused of helping the US-based pro-democracy activist with her finances, local media report.

Anger as Uganda president's son says he's holding opposition bodyguard

The bodyguard of opposition leader Bobi Wine went missing five days ago, leading to fears for his safety.

DR Congo seeks to remove ex-President Kabila's immunity

He is accused of backing M23 rebels in the east but he has previously denied links to the group.

Snake halts Japanese bullet trains after wrapping around power line

The famously punctual train service was suspended for almost two hours.