Los Angeles county health officials issue a warning to residents telling them to be on the lookout for rabid bats, after a rise in the numbers found.

A US nurse accused of urging people he met online to commit suicide pleads not guilty to felony counts, as his lawyer asserts a freedom of speech defence.

Nigerian officials seize 130kg of heroin, worth nearly $10m (£6.25m), which they say was concealed in engine parts shipped from Iran.

The Irish government is to hold a cabinet meeting this weekend to finalise its four-year-plan to cut its budget deficit, the BBC learns.

The US Senate approves a $4.6bn (£2.9bn) payment to Native Americans and black farmers who complained of government discrimination.

Panama grants asylum to a former head of Colombia's secret police wanted in connection with illegal wiretapping operations.

The Vatican says it is preparing guidelines on how to prevent clerical sex abuse, as the Pope holds a rare meeting with about 150 cardinals from around the world.

Gas tests at a mine in New Zealand where 29 men are trapped have not yet shown it is safe for rescue workers to enter, officials say.