NewsWorldAssad regime planned US journalist's kidnap for weeks, BBC findsAustin Tice’s abduction was approved by Syria’s former leader Bashar al-Assad, a source claims.41 mins agoWorldUS interest rates raised for first time in three yearsRates were hiked in a unanimous decision despite fierce opposition from President Donald Trump, who had called for a cut.5 hrs agoBusinessEU chief backs plan for Canada to become 'associate member'Trump, who has frequently clashed with Canada's PM, threatens to cut trade with the European Union in response to the proposal.5 hrs agoEuropeInternational students, 'visa hoppers' and backpackers targeted in Australia migration crackdownThe government wants to reduce net overseas migration to 225,000 people by 2028.37 mins agoAustraliaSnapchat open to putting time limits on teens, boss tells BBCEvan Spiegel says it would be "an important step forward for the industry" in an interview with the BBC.6 hrs agoRosenberg: Russia's elections will have few surprises, but for the Kremlin they matterThere is no doubt over the outcome of this vote, but for the Kremlin they are still an important moment.41 mins agoEuropePhotos show widespread damage at US sites from Iranian attacksA wrecked air force plane and destroyed buildings are among the images obtained by the BBC's partner CBS News.11 hrs agoWorldUS House votes to hold billionaire Epstein associate Leon Black in contemptBlack - who had business ties to Epstein - declined to appear and provide documents related to the convicted sex offender.Eight children among 21 killed after war-damaged Gaza building collapses, rescuers saySome 10 families had reportedly been living in the six-storey building in Gaza City that was hit by an Israeli strike last year.Michelin-starred Seoul restaurant fined for using ants as garnishThe owner of the acclaimed establishment avoids jail but is made to pay 15 million won (£8,144; $10,965).Eight German state premiers back Merz amid speculation over futureChristian Democratic Union leadership throws its weight behind the chancellor ahead of two state elections this weekend.Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles announces she's cancer-freeThe 69-year-old White House chief of staff is a powerful figure and particularly close to the US president. FeaturesWhy Trump is all-in on AI despite the warningsThe US president has pushed the issue to the forefront of American politics - even at the risk of losing supporters.Carney's new love-in with EU has everything to do with TrumpThe Canadian PM is in Strasbourg this week seeking a "unique alliance" - and there is one clear catalyst.Satellite image reveals major damage that shut crucial Saudi oil pipelineExperts tell BBC Verify the pipeline's closure could cut oil supplies by as much as 3.6 million barrels per day.What weapon could the US have put into space?The announcement by the US points to a developing field of modern warfare in the Earth's orbit.Ukraine's postal workers deliver lifeline under Russian fireThe state post service delivers pensions, medicine and letters to people just miles from the front.Watch/ListenInside Singapore's 'Fort Knox' for city's $2bn dirty money auctionThe BBC goes inside a fortified storage facility to view luxury goods seized by police that are now up for auction.Watch: Leaked photos reveal extensive damage at US bases in GulfThe photos, provided by active military personnel, show a severed radar jet, flattened trailers and severely damaged buildings as a result of Iranian strikes.Runaway horse captured by police on motorbikesThe unharmed horse escaped from its owner before the start of a parade in New MexicoWarning of space arms race as US confirms weapons in Earth's orbitThe BBC's defence correspondent Jonathan Beale explains what an arms race in space might look like - and what it could mean for us on the ground.Latest updates23 mins ago'No doubt' that climate change led to Nepal-Tibet flood, study findsThere was "no doubt that human-induced climate change played a role here", one of the study's authors said.23 mins ago37 mins agoInternational students, 'visa hoppers' and backpackers targeted in Australia migration crackdownThe government wants to reduce net overseas migration to 225,000 people by 2028.37 mins ago41 mins agoRosenberg: Russia's elections will have few surprises, but for the Kremlin they matterThere is no doubt over the outcome of this vote, but for the Kremlin they are still an important moment.41 mins ago2 hrs agoUS blocks Palestinian leader from UN meeting in New York for second year in rowThe US State Department extended visa sanctions after accusing Palestinian officials of failing to live up to peace process commitments.2 hrs ago3 hrs agoFiji declares HIV a national emergency as cases surgeOne in 60 adults in the tiny Pacific nation of less than a million people are living with the virus.3 hrs ago5 hrs agoLena Dunham announces birth of first baby via surrogacyThe writer and actress announced the birth of her daughter in an op-ed published by Vogue on Wednesday.5 hrs ago5 hrs agoWhy Trump's hand-picked Fed chair defied him by raising interest ratesThe 0.25% increase comes despite fierce opposition from the US president, who has called for rates to be cut.5 hrs ago5 hrs agoEU chief backs plan for Canada to become 'associate member'Trump, who has frequently clashed with Canada's PM, threatens to cut trade with the European Union in response to the proposal.5 hrs ago6 hrs agoTop Democrat opposes US sale of heavy bombs to IsraelBut the objection is not enough to stop the sale - the Trump administration can still press ahead.6 hrs ago...
