US toy manufacturer Mattel shuts its flagship, six-storey Barbie concept store in Shanghai after two years.

Warner Bros Television fires actor Charlie Sheen from the popular US sitcom Two and a Half Men, amid controversy over his behaviour.

Amnesty International urges Guatemala to do more to stop high numbers of women being killed in the country, in an appeal timed to coincide with the 100th International Women's Day.

US President Barack Obama is to name Gary Locke as the new US ambassador to China, succeeding envoy Jon Huntsman, US officials say.

The world's first tissue-engineered urethras, grown in the lab using patients' own cells, have been hailed a success by medical experts.

At least 20 oil workers are abducted by suspected Farc rebels in a remote jungle region of eastern Colombia.

The trial of US aid worker Alan Gross for crimes against the state in Cuba ends, with the verdict yet to be formally announced.

Plans for a possible no-fly zone over Libya gather pace as forces loyal to Col Gaddafi launch fierce counter-attacks on areas held by rebel forces.