Sally Ride, the first US woman to travel into space, has died aged 61 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, her foundation announces.

The credit ratings agency Moody's has warned the outlook for Germany's AAA credit rating is negative, the first step towards a possible downgrade.

President Barack Obama warns Syria it will be held accountable if it deploys chemical weapons after Damascus threatens their use against external attack.

Family members of prominent Cuban dissident Oswaldo Paya, who died in a car crash on Sunday, say they believe his car had been driven off the road.

Venezuelan authorities say security forces are now in control of the Cepra prison in Merida state after a deadly riot that lasted more than 20 days.

Baidu, China's largest internet search engine, reports a 70% jump in profits amid continued growth in advertising revenue.

MPs call for the suspension of direct UK aid to Malawi to be lifted after the change of leadership in the African country earlier this year.

A strong typhoon hits Hong Kong overnight, leaving scores injured and hundreds of flights cancelled or delayed.