A hunger strike by California prisoners enters its fourth day, with 29,000 inmates protesting against lengthy solitary confinement sentences.

US shares close at record levels following reassurance that efforts to boost the economy by the Federal Reserve will not end soon.

The US warns Egypt against further Muslim Brotherhood arrests, as supporters and opponents of ousted President Morsi prepare for new protests.

The US tells China it is "disappointed" over its failure to hand over fugitive intelligence analyst Edward Snowden, who has leaked secret US documents.

Lawmakers in the Republic of Ireland vote to allow abortion under certain conditions for the first time, following a marathon debate.

Controversial new plans which include a ban of shirtless and standing fans at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium are causing outcry in Brazil.

Chile's President Pinera outrages his critics by praising the maturity of a pregnant 11-year-old rape victim who says she is happy to have the child.

A woman described as a Saudi princess is arrested in California and accused of human trafficking after a Kenyan woman allegedly escaped from her home.