Australia admits it knew of 'Prisoner X' in detention
Foreign Minister Bob Carr admitted Thursday Canberra knew an Australian had been detained by Tel Aviv in 2010 for national security offences, as media suggested he may have been held for treason.
Coca-Cola habit a factor in New Zealander's death: coroner
A New Zealand woman's 10-litre (2.2 gallon) a day Coca-Cola habit was a major factor in her death, a coroner found Tuesday, urging the soft drink giant to put health warnings on its caffeinated products.
Natalie Wood's husband snubs new death probe
Hollywood icon Natalie Wood's husband has declined to talk to detectives who have re-opened a probe into his wife's mystery 1981 death, saying he has already answered all questions.
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.
