President Barack Obama says a potential US government shutdown is "entirely avoidable" as only a few hours remain to avert it.

The national minimum wage rises to £6.31 for adults in the UK, an increase of 12p an hour, and by 5p to £5.03 for 18-to-20-year-olds.

Adrienne Morgan recalls being diagnosed with cancer of the spine five years after receiving treatment for breast cancer.

Illegal drugs are now cheaper and purer than at any time over the last 20 years, suggesting the global "war on drugs" has failed, researchers warn.

Ten "critical" gaps in knowledge about how breast cancer spreads and evades therapy must be addressed, say leading experts.

Women who lead a stressful life in their 40s may be at increased risk of developing dementia, researchers say.

Syria's foreign minister claims that "terrorists from more than 83 countries" are killing soldiers and civilians across the nation.

Venezuela gives three US diplomats 48 hours to leave the country, after accusing them of plotting to sabotage the country's economy.