Shares in New York hit levels not seen since before the 2008 financial crisis on Thursday after positive jobs market news.

Prosecutors in Germany ask parliament to lift President Christian Wulff's immunity over an escalating home loan scandal.

The new leader of the Maldives, Mohamed Waheed, says elections scheduled for late 2012 could be brought forward in an apparent concession to his ousted predecessor.

Amanda Knox, cleared of the murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher, signs a book deal with HarperCollins for a reported $4m (£2.5m).

New Jersey's state Assembly passes a bill legalising same-sex marriage, sending the measure to Governor Chris Christie, who has vowed to veto it.

The UK is to sign a deal with France to strengthen co-operation on civil nuclear energy, Downing Street says ahead of a Franco-British summit in Paris.

A small plane grounded by the US Air Force after it violated presidential airspace above Los Angeles was found to be carrying 18kg (40lb) of marijuana, reports say.

A joint House-Senate panel agrees a deal on a year-long extension of the payroll tax cut, a key part of President Obama's economic programme.