The social networking site Facebook ramps up competition with a modern messaging system to rival old fashioned email.

Almost 15% of US households experienced a food shortage at some point in 2009, with single mothers hardest hit, a government report finds.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton defends US Afghan operations against criticism from Afghan President Hamid Karzai, saying targeted attacks on militants were a key part of US strategy.

London's Natural History Museum suspends a planned expedition to a remote region of Paraguay after protests that it might disturb one of the world's last uncontacted tribes.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's proposed extension of Canada's mission in Afghanistan comes under attack from some opposition parties.

The Mexican navy rescues 10 migrants who had been kidnapped, allegedly by police officers, as they headed towards the US.

China's police chief calls for a thorough investigation into a fire that ripped through a Shanghai high-rise building, as the death toll rises to 49.

Eurozone ministers prepare to meet in Brussels as speculation increases that Ireland may be forced to accept EU bail-out money to tackle its financial crisis.