News
Israel closes Gaza crossings
Israel tightened its closure of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip on Friday in response to cross-border rocket fire by militants, preventing even U.N. humanitarian supplies from getting in, officials said.
Kenya protest violence spreads
One man was killed in ethnic violence on Friday when Kenyan opposition protests against a disputed election spread to an area near the famed Maasai Mara game reserve in the south of the country.
China's Wen invites Brown to attend Beijing Games
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao invited Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife to attend this year's Beijing Olympics on Friday.
Lily Allen suffers miscarriage
Lily Allen has had a miscarriage, a source close to the singer told Reuters on Friday. The 22-year-old, nominated for a Grammy award for best alternative music album, was expecting her first child with Chemical Brothers star Ed Simons.
Weak retail sales open door for Feb rate cut
Retail sales unexpectedly fell in December, despite heavy discounting, with a slowdown on the high street striking at the busiest period for retailers and opening the door for an interest rate cut next month.
EMI and Warner submit Chrysalis bids
EMI, under its new owner Guy Hands, has tabled an indicative bid for music firm Chrysalis - one of many indicative offers submitted for the group, sources involved in the situation said on Friday.
Flood fears grow as heavy rain forecast
Residents in flood-prone areas were on high alert on Friday as more rain swept in and forecasters predicted downpours for the weekend.
Shanghai warns train protesters before Brown trip
Shanghai authorities warned residents on Friday not to conduct illegal protests against its high-speed "maglev" train project, a day before a visit to the city by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
British Gas hikes power and gas charges
British Gas on Friday raised charges for domestic gas and electricity by 15 percent with immediate effect, its owner Centrica said.
High stakes for Republican candidates in South Carolina
Republican candidates are racing against time to win over voters in South Carolina before its primary Saturday, where the result is predicted to either boost or break several campaigns.
Christian Aid events to challenge scandal of poverty in Ghana
A new series of events by Christian Aid aims to throw the spotlight on the poverty that continues to grip Ghana in spite of its wealth of natural resources.
£3m restoration appeal launched for Westminster Cathedral
Cardinal appeals for £3 million to carry out major repairs on Westminster Cathedral.
Mission to Seafarers to make waves with new triathlon
The Mission to Seafarers has announced a new annual triathlon as part of its fundraising campaign.
Excommunicated archbishop urges married priesthood
Excommunicated African Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo took his campaign for a married priesthood to the Pope's backyard on Thursday at a raucous book presentation where supporters cheered him and critics shouted him down.
Hope08 challenges secondary schools to work for community
Every secondary school in the UK is being challenged to bring hope to their local communities by carrying out good deeds as part of the nationwide initiative Hope08.
Kenya opposition says will stop protests
Opposition street protests over the disputed re-election of Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki will end after demonstrations planned for Friday, a spokesman said.