The headless, mutilated body of a gay Syrian man is identified by gay housemates in Istanbul.

The White House dismisses claims that the US paid a ransom to Iran in exchange for the release of five American prisoners.

The US Supreme Court temporarily overturns a ruling that allowed a transgender high school student to use the bathroom of his choice.

The Olympic torch arrives in the host city Rio de Janeiro, but the relay is challenged by hundreds of protesters angry about the high cost of the Games.

Hurricane Earl heads for landfall in the Caribbean nation of Belize, felling trees and power lines as it heads westwards, officials say.

Australia's government "strongly refutes" claims from rights organisations that it deliberately ignores abuse of asylum seekers on Nauru.

China's Jade Rabbit says a final goodbye and shuts down forever, after 31 months exploring the Moon, far outliving its predicted lifespan.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will need to rely on the support of the controversial anti-immigration One Nation party, led by Senator Pauline Hanson.