NewsUS & CanadaAssad regime planned US journalist Austin Tice's kidnap for weeks, BBC findsAustin Tice’s abduction was approved by Syria’s former leader Bashar al-Assad, a source claims.4 hrs agoWorldUncontrolled AI could lead to 'silicon species' rivalling humans, warns MicrosoftMustafa Suleyman says he believes rival AI firm Anthropic is in effect teaching Claude it "may be conscious". 26 mins agoTechnologyWhy Trump's hand-picked Fed chair defied him by raising interest ratesThe 0.25% increase comes despite fierce opposition from the US president, who has called for rates to be cut.8 hrs agoUS & CanadaWatch: How will higher interest rates impact US consumers?The BBC's Samira Hussain looks at the factors considered in the increase by the Federal Reserve and what it could mean for the US economy.10 hrs agoBusinessStadium owner Robert Kraft says Ed Sheeran asked him to donate $2m in aid after Macklemore backlashIt comes after Macklemore pledged $1m to Palestinian causes, challenging the tycoon to match the sum.Just nowCultureLena Dunham announces birth of first baby via surrogacyThe writer and actress announced the birth of her daughter in an op-ed published by Vogue on Wednesday.8 hrs agoUS & CanadaUS interest rates raised for first time in three yearsRates were hiked in a unanimous decision despite fierce opposition from President Donald Trump, who had called for a cut.8 hrs agoBusinessPhotos show widespread damage at US sites from Iranian attacksA wrecked air force plane and destroyed buildings are among the images obtained by the BBC's partner CBS News.Top Democrat opposes US sale of heavy bombs to IsraelBut the objection is not enough to stop the sale - the Trump administration can still press ahead.Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles announces she's cancer-freeThe 69-year-old White House chief of staff is a powerful figure and particularly close to the US president. UK prosecutors file for extradition of the Tate brothers from the USThe brothers are facing a total of 59 charges in the UK, including rape. Both men deny any wrongdoing.US dictionary adds 1,400 words, including neckbeard, trash panda and cuffing seasonTrash panda, crashout, Rickroll, vibe coding and Sunday scaries are among the 1,400 new words added to Merriam-Webster's dictionary.Watch/ListenWatch: Leaked photos reveal extensive damage at US bases in GulfThe photos, provided by active military personnel, show a severed radar jet, flattened trailers and severely damaged buildings as a result of Iranian strikes.Watch: Will Ed Sheeran cancel his tour as support acts quit?Sheeran's backing band and all of his support acts pulled out of his US tour, so what happens now?How rising bond yields impact American consumersThe BBC’s Samira Hussain explains why some could see increased interest rates for mortgages and business loans.Moment NBC presenters confirm live on air that their helicopter crashed in LA During emotional live coverage on NBC4, veteran news anchor Colleen Williams confirmed it was the local news station's helicopter that crashed.Why is Donald Trump so opposed to regulating AI?The BBC's North America editor Sarah Smith looks at why the US president is contradicting AI leaders, who are calling for the technology's development to be slowed down.FeaturesCarney's new love-in with EU has everything to do with TrumpThe Canadian PM is in Strasbourg this week seeking a "unique alliance" - and there is one clear catalyst.Why Trump is all-in on AI despite the warningsThe US president has pushed the issue to the forefront of American politics - even at the risk of losing supporters.What weapon could the US have put into space?The announcement by the US points to a developing field of modern warfare in the Earth's orbit.Five takeaways from Canada's push to woo the world's richest investorsA $1tn sales pitch, more than 160 projects on offer, pivot to the EU amid a bitter trade war with the US - takeaways from the first Canada Investment Summit.AI regulation faces political deadlock as calls grow for US Congress to actWith Trump opposed and Congress divided, new safety legislation on AI is unlikely to pass anytime soon despite mounting pressure.Latest updates8 hrs agoLena Dunham announces birth of first baby via surrogacyThe writer and actress announced the birth of her daughter in an op-ed published by Vogue on Wednesday.8 hrs ago8 hrs agoWhy Trump's hand-picked Fed chair defied him by raising interest ratesThe 0.25% increase comes despite fierce opposition from the US president, who has called for rates to be cut.8 hrs ago10 hrs agoTop Democrat opposes US sale of heavy bombs to IsraelBut the objection is not enough to stop the sale - the Trump administration can still press ahead.10 hrs ago11 hrs agoPhotos show charred wreckage from deadly crash of news helicopter in LAA 29-year-old pedestrian who was the third victim of the unexplained crash has been identified.11 hrs ago13 hrs agoUS House votes to hold billionaire Epstein associate Leon Black in contemptBlack - who had business ties to Epstein - declined to appear and provide documents related to the convicted sex offender.13 hrs ago14 hrs agoTrump chief of staff Susie Wiles announces she's cancer-freeThe 69-year-old White House chief of staff is a powerful figure and particularly close to the US president. 14 hrs ago15 hrs agoUS dictionary adds 1,400 words, including neckbeard, trash panda and cuffing seasonTrash panda, crashout, Rickroll, vibe coding and Sunday scaries are among the 1,400 new words added to Merriam-Webster's dictionary.15 hrs ago17 hrs agoCharlie Kirk's family alleges 'stunning failures' by Utah officials led to his shootingThe conservative activist was speaking to a crowd of thousands on the university campus when he was shot and killed by a gunman positioned on a roof.17 hrs ago17 hrs agoObamas' 'fiery and gorgeous' dog Sunny dies at 13The Portuguese Water Dog met many high-profile visitors to the White House, including Pope Francis.17 hrs ago...
