National / International News

Syria's embattled President Assad has accused Israel of trying to "destabilise" his country, in his first remarks on a reported Israeli air strike.

Activist Moaz al Khatib said he was open to talks with representatives of the Syrian regime under certain conditions. Criticism from within Khatib's own ranks was swift, but so was support form Syrians both inside and out of the country.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

The finance director of Barclays, Chris Lucas, and its group general counsel Mark Harding are retiring from the company, it announces.

Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro claim their first UK number one album with their latest record, Opposites.

Sporting and broadcasting worlds pay tribute after the sudden death of much-respected commentator David Oates.

A man is charged with murdering Sasha Marsden, the 16-year-old girl whose body was found in an alleyway in Blackpool.

Sergio Aguero salvages a draw for Manchester City against Liverpool to leave them nine points behind leaders Manchester United.

The Icelandic government announces a unilateral lowering of its mackerel fishing quota for 2013 by 15%.

Police have used a Taser stun gun on a man who was brandishing two knives outside Buckingham Palace in London.

Italy blow the Six Nations wide open as they win at home to neighbours France for the second time in a row.

Paraguayan politician Lino Oviedo, who was running for president in the upcoming elections, has died in a helicopter crash north of the capital.

A dramatic reduction in the number of local authorities in Wales is called for by former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Elis-Thomas.

Police are continuing their efforts to free a five-year-old boy who was taken hostage in Alabama.

A Super Bowl ad produced by a group backed by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg uses old video of the NRA chief calling for limited background checks. The ad, which will air in some markets during the third quarter of the Super Bowl, comes amid a heated debate over guns.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

Sri Lanka's navy rescues 138 Bangladeshi and Burmese nationals from a sinking fishing boat in a 20-hour operation.

Police use a Taser stun gun on a man armed with two knives who was "acting aggressively" outside Buckingham Palace.

How spider venom is helping to feed the world

The family of Sasha Marsden, the 16-year-old girl who was stabbed to death in a Blackpool alleyway, say her death has left a gap in their lives.

For some months now, many of us at NPR have been enjoying a daily email from our friends here who report about books and the publishing industry. It's a tip sheet with news and a bit of attitude. "Hey, we ought to publish this," we said. Starting Monday, The Two-Way will.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne's life is in danger after he started drinking again, according to his agent.