Philippines President Benigno Aquino signs into law a family planning bill that took 14 years to pass amid opposition from the Catholic Church.

Police in New York arrest a woman in connection with the death of a man pushed in front of a subway train.

A 24-year-old woman is arrested in connection with the guns used to kill two firefighters in New York state on Christmas Eve.

Greece's socialist party expels ex-Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou over allegations he tried to shield relatives from a tax probe.

The government of the Central African Republic and a rebel coalition have agreed to hold talks after weeks of unrest.

US President Barack Obama says he is "modestly optimistic" that a deal to avoid the "fiscal cliff" is possible, after a last-ditch White House meeting.

US requests extradition of Henry de Jesus Lopez, one of Colombia's most wanted drug dealers, detained two months ago in Argentina.

The number of murders in New York City is expected to hit a record low this year, as officials credited police efforts in reducing crime.