Government changes to the welfare system have started coming into effect, including benefit cuts for some people with spare bedrooms.

Cutting British forces in Afghanistan too quickly could "endanger" progress at a critical time, the UK's top commander there warns.

A chief constable expresses disappointment that one of his officers is suing a petrol station owner after she tripped on a kerb.

Ex-foreign secretary David Miliband has resigned from his role on the board of Sunderland FC because of new manager Paolo Di Canio's "past political statements".

Nelson Mandela spends a sixth day in hospital for pneumonia treatment, as South African doctors report his condition is improving further.

Sunderland say claims Paolo Di Canio has racist or fascist sympathies is insulting to both the "integrity of the club" and its new manager.

President Barack Obama has asked the daughter of former President John F Kennedy to be America's ambassador to Japan, US media report.

The government's reforms of the NHS in England have come into force with NHS leaders warning of a tough year ahead.