New Amy Winehouse inquest due to be heard
A new inquest into the death of troubled British singer Amy Winehouse, which was ordered when it emerged that the original coroner was not qualified for the job.
141 journalists killed in 2012: media watchdog
Last year was one of the deadliest on record for journalists, with 141 killed in 29 different countries and Syria the most dangerous place on earth for reporters.
Syria conflict kills 60,000, says UN, as clashes rage
More than 60,000 people have been killed in the Syrian conflict, the UN said on Wednesday, as dozens more died or were wounded when an air strike hit a service station near Damascus.
Indian gang-rape victim dies in Singapore
An Indian student whose savage gang-rape on a bus in New Delhi sparked mass protests across the country died on Saturday in a Singapore hospital after suffering severe organ failure.
'Stormin Norman' Schwarzkopf dead at 78
Norman Schwarzkopf, the US general who led Operation Desert Storm, which liberated Kuwait from Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 1991, died on Thursday at the age of 78.
Shock and sadness as Irish minister found dead
The Irish political world was in shock Saturday after a member of Prime Minister Enda Kenny's government was found dead in circumstances that police said were not suspicious.
Drug war debate heats up after another brutal year
Even when a feared drug lord lied dead in a funeral home, Mexican authorities could not prevent the cartel kingpin from slipping away.
Indian sitar legend Ravi Shankar dies, aged 92
Legendary Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar, a major influence on Western musicians ranging from The Beatles to Yehudi Menuhin, has died at the age of 92.
Six hurt in Sudan protests over student deaths: AFP
Six people were injured on Sunday as Sudanese police clashed with hundreds of protesters showing support for four dead students originally from the conflict-plagued Darfur region.
World's biggest, oldest trees are dying: research
Scientists Friday warned of an alarming increase in the death rates of the largest living organisms on the planet, the giant, old trees that harbour and sustain countless birds and wildlife.
Brasilia architect Oscar Niemeyer dead at 104
Oscar Niemeyer, the Brazilian icon who revolutionized modern architecture and designed much of the country's futuristic capital Brasilia, died in Rio Wednesday.
Murdoch matriarch devoted to charity work
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch was not just a leading philanthropist but also matriarch of one of the world's most powerful families and a key confidant to son Rupert as he built his global media empire.
US actor Larry Hagman dies at 81: family
US actor Larry Hagman, who became famous for his role of J.R. Ewing in the US television show "Dallas," has died at the age of 81 after losing a battle with cancer.
Ecuador's Lonesome George wasn't lonely after all
When Lonesome George, the last Pinta Island giant tortoise, died in June in the Galapagos, the world mourned the demise of a species.
Spate of Iraq bombings kill 15 on eve of Islamic new year
A series of bombings across Iraq on the eve of a Muslim festival killed 15 people and wounded dozens of others on Wednesday.
Man dies of thirst in Australian Outback
A 25-year-old man died and another was recovering in hospital Wednesday after they became stranded in the harsh Australian Outback, prompting warnings about the risks of the desert.
US executes man who devotes last words to election
The US state of Oklahoma on Tuesday executed a convicted murderer who made a reference to the "very close race" for the White House won by President Barack Obama in his final words.
Two Japanese tourists die in Great Wall storm: state media
Two elderly Japanese tourists died and another was missing after being trapped in sudden, heavy snowstorms during a visit to the Great Wall of China.
As Mexicans mark Day of the Dead, some no longer believe
Isaac Carrasco and his two daughters dutifully adorned the graves of several relatives with beds of marigolds and crosses made of red flowers for Mexico's Day of the Dead.
Litvinenko inquest may examine lack of British protection
The inquest into the radioactive poisoning of Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko will look at the possible culpability of the British state in failing to protect him.