News
Holidays putting financial strain on Brits, warns CAP
Poor holiday budgeting is landing more than half of all Brits in financial difficulty, warns leading debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty.
Brown faces test in Crewe by-election
Voters go to the polls in Crewe and Nantwich on Thursday in a closely watched by-election that could bring further misery for Gordon Brown.
Seven-year-old girl 'starves to death'
Police said on Wednesday that a man and a woman have been charged with child neglect after reports that a seven-year-old girl starved to death in Birmingham.
Banks back in court over charges
Customers could learn later on Thursday whether banks are to appeal against a ruling that potentially paves the way for current account holders to reclaim billions of pounds in fees.
Researchers see flood of 'brain-boosting' drugs
A flood of new "brain-boosting" drugs will emerge in coming decades for diseases like Alzheimer's, putting pressure on authorities over the drugs potential misuse for non-medical purposes - such as helping students cram for exams, scientists said on Thursday.
Ministers to unveil action to tackle gangs
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is to announce on Thursday that witnesses to gun crimes will be offered anonymity as soon as they come forward to police to help target the growing menace of gangs, newspapers reported.
Purpose driven pastors tackle 21st century church issues
The Purpose Driven Summit is back but with a different purpose - leader Rick Warren has pledged to do less of the talking and more of the listening to 35 of the US' most influential pastors as they share best practices for 21st century church.
U.N. chief offers hope to Burma
U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon took "a message of hope" to Burma's cyclone victims on Thursday and pressed the military government to allow large-scale international aid for the 2.4 million people left destitute.
Saakashvili leads vote as opposition cry foul
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili declared victory on Thursday as early results showed his ruling party was on course to win a majority in a parliamentary election that the opposition said was rigged.
Mbeki says Army to help end South Africa violence
South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki gave approval on Wednesday for the army to help end attacks on foreigners that have killed more than 40 people.
Palestinian truck bomber attacks border crossing
An explosives-laden truck driven by a Palestinian suicide bomber blew up on Thursday near an Israeli border crossing with the Gaza Strip but only the attacker was killed in a blast heard 30 kilometres (18 miles) away.
China pledges reconciliation with Taiwan
China vowed on Thursday to seize a chance for reconciliation with Taiwan and respect the desire of Taiwan's people to be their own masters, a sign it is in no hurry to bring the island it claims as its own back to the fold.
Rice says Iran must make 'right choice'
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Iran on Wednesday that if it did not make the "right choice" and abandon sensitive nuclear work it faced more punitive action from the international community.
China to probe builders after quake collapses
China vowed on Wednesday to deal severely with anyone found responsible for shoddy state building work, as parents demanded to know why last week's earthquake destroyed so many schools, killing thousands of children.
U.S. official says Cuba embargo successful
A U.S. trade embargo in place 46 years against Cuba has been successful, U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said on Wednesday, even though the island's communist government remains.
Alaska to sue to block polar bear listing
The state of Alaska will sue the U.S. government to stop the listing of the polar bear as a threatened species, arguing the designation will slow development in the state, Gov. Sarah Palin said on Wednesday.