A New Jersey court has lifted a ban on same-sex marriage, effective 21 October, but the state's top official has announced plans to appeal the decision.

The UN Security Council unanimously adopts a binding resolution to destroy Syria's chemical weapons, after experts agree a timetable for the process.

A United Airlines flight carrying 161 passengers was forced to make an emergency landing on Thursday after a pilot suffered a fatal heart attack.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro says he cancelled his planned trip to New York to speak at the United Nations out of fear for his security.

Three former soldiers have been arrested in connection with drug trafficking and the murder-for-hire of a US law enforcement agent.

Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) says it will begin talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats on forming a coalition.

Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta says he will quit unless his shaky coalition cabinet is backed in a parliamentary vote expected next week.

Athletes in Cuba are to be allowed to keep most of their overseas prize money and sign with foreign teams for the first time in decades.