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Casualties have been pouring into overcrowded hospitals in Gaza as Israel continues its offensive against militant groups.
David Cameron proposes to axe tax on basic rate taxpayers' savings and to increase pensioners' tax free allowances.
US President-elect Barack Obama is seeing Congressional leaders to discuss his stimulus plan, which reports say could total $800bn.
Iconic china and ceramics firm Waterford Wedgwood goes into administration as the economic slowdown hits sales.
The New Year Arctic weather brings sub-zero temperatures and disruption to parts of the UK, with more freezing conditions expected overnight.
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair will be awarded the US's highest civilian award next week, the White House confirms.
Officers in eastern DR Congo's main rebel group say they have ousted leader Gen Laurent Nkunda - a claim he denies.
The teenager who murdered schoolboy Rhys Jones is attacked in jail, the Prison Service confirms.
US carmakers report sharp falls in their sales in December as the economic slowdown drives customers away from showrooms.
A type of iguana missed by Darwin during his Galapagos trip promises to rewrite the animal's history in the islands.
Two German children aged six and five are stopped by police on their way to Africa for a secret "wedding" in the sun.
Carlos Villanueva's goal earns Blackburn victory over non-league Blyth Spartans in the FA Cup third round.
Tottenham and Portsmouth are thought to be about £1.5m apart in their valuations of Pompey striker Jermain Defoe.
Phil Taylor grabs his 14th world title after demolishing Raymond van Barneveld 7-1 in the PDC World Championship final.
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A motorist is killed when a train hits her car at a level crossing after a road collision in Lincolnshire, despite "frantic" attempts to get off the line.
A company is fined after one of its vessels capsized off the coast of Scotland with the loss of eight lives.
Fourteen caravans are destroyed in an arson at a holiday park, while six boats are hit in a separate fire at a marina.
A family, including two children aged under five, are robbed by an armed gang in their County Antrim home.
Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga holds crisis talks with his party leaders amid complaints he is being sidelined by the president.
At least 33 people die and dozens more are missing after part of a mountain collapses on to a road in northern Guatemala.
The new US embassy in Baghdad - one of the largest and most expensive ever built - is officially opened Iraq's capital.
Stock markets in Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong have a strong start to 2009 on hopes of fresh stimulus packages.
Greek police say a weapon that left a shot policeman in critical condition is linked to an anti-US militant group.
Sri Lankan troops are at the southern outskirts of a key rebel-held pass to the northern Jaffna peninsula, the military says.
A ban on the short-selling of financial shares is to be lifted, the UK's financial regulator confirms.
Lady Thatcher leads tributes to her "fearless" economics adviser Sir Alan Walters, who has died aged 82.
Products that claim to help the body "detox" are often based on meaningless claims, scientists warn.
Ofsted announces a crackdown on boring teaching as a way of tackling disruptive behaviour in the classroom.
Scientists from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) have devised ultra-hard vehicle armour to protect military personnel.
Author Sebastian Barry and 91-year-old Diana Athill are among five authors shortlisted for the Costa Book of the Year.
Steve Jobs, head of Apple, has disclosed in a statement that he is being treated for a hormone imbalance.
