Wal-Mart, the largest private sector employer in the US, offers health insurance to the same-sex partners of its staff.

The mother of a baby allegedly shot dead by two teenagers in the US state of Georgia last year testifies she tried to shield her son from the gunfire.

A US bank chairman pleads guilty to using bailout money given to rescue his firm to buy a luxury home in Florida.

The New York Times website goes out of service for the second time in a month after what the company describes as a "malicious external attack".

Suspected Boko Haram militants kill at least 20 people in apparent revenge attacks on vigilante groups formed to fight the violent sect.

Justin Timberlake is the big winner at the MTV video awards, but Miley Cyrus steals the show with risque performance.

US Vice President Joe Biden says there is "no doubt" the Syrian government used chemical weapons and it must be held accountable.

Li Tianyi, the son of high-profile Chinese army general Li Shuangjiang, is to go on trial for rape, state media say.