US

The US grew at its strongest pace since 1984 last year as it bounced back from 2020’s pandemic-driven downturn, official figures show. GDP in the world’s biggest economy expanded by 5.7% in 2021 after shrinking by 3.4% the year before, according to America’s bureau of economic analysis. It has not enjoyed such strong one-year growth

Prince Andrew has asked for a jury trial and denied all the allegations against him as he officially responded to Virginia Giuffre’s sexual assault lawsuit. Court documents filed in New York show he “hereby demands a trial by jury on all causes of action asserted in the complaint”. Ms Giuffre accuses the Duke of York

The US has given Russia its written responses to a set of security demands by Moscow over Ukraine amid fears it could invade its neighbour. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the “ball is in Russia’s court”, as he added: “We’re ready either way.” Russia has massed about 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border

Joe Biden has said he would consider imposing personal sanctions on Vladimir Putin if Russia invades neighbouring Ukraine. The US president also said there would be “enormous consequences” for the world if President Putin’s troops push into the former Soviet state, that lies on its south-western border. Some 8,500 US troops have been put on

A search is under way off the Florida coast after a boat reportedly capsized with 40 people on board in a suspected “human smuggling” incident, according to US officials. One person has been rescued after being found clinging to the vessel by a “good Samaritan” about 45 miles east of Fort Pierce Inlet. The survivor

A Texas woman has been arrested after allegedly trying to buy a child for $500,000 (£370,912) at a Walmart. Rebecca Lanette Taylor was arrested on Tuesday and charged with the sale or purchase of a child, according to NBC News. The 49-year-old allegedly approached a mother-of-two in a self-checkout queue of a Walmart in Crockett,

The US has ordered the families of all American embassy staff in Kyiv to leave Ukraine amid heightened fears of a Russian invasion. The US State Department told the dependants of staffers at the US embassy in Ukraine’s capital that they must leave the country and said that non-essential employees could also leave at government

Boris Johnson has warned that “gloomy” intelligence suggested Russia was planning a lightning raid on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv as fears grow of an invasion – with NATO sending additional ships and jets to its deployments in eastern Europe. The alliance said it could also add additional combat units in response to Russia’s military build-up on

Tributes are being paid to the son of Oscar-winning actress Regina King, who has died just days after his 26th birthday. Ian Alexander Jr was a musician and DJ who often accompanied his mother to red carpet events, and both were big champions of each other’s work. A spokesperson for King confirmed his death was

A New York City police officer was killed and a second injured following a shooting in Harlem on Friday. Jason Rivera, 22, died while responding to a call from a mother saying she was fighting with one of her sons. The gunman was shot by a third officer at the scene and taken to hospital

The boyfriend of Gabby Petito claimed responsibility for her death before taking his own life, according to the FBI. Brian Laundrie had been on a cross-country trip in the US with Ms Petito when she disappeared. Her body was found in Wyoming in September, sparking a manhunt for Laundrie, who officials believe returned to Florida

A group of teenagers from a Christian youth group, bundled up in scarves and beanie hats, march down the National Mall in Washington DC chanting “Hey Ho, Hey Ho, Roe has got to go.” They are protesting a decision that legalised abortion long before they were born, and for some of them, before even their

Meat Loaf, an American singer and actor has died at the age of 74, a statement on his official Facebook page said. Real name, Michael Lee Aday, the performer has sold more than 65 million albums worldwide. The statement said: “Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with

The committee investigating the US Capitol riot has requested an interview with Ivanka Trump. In a letter to Ms Trump, politicians say they are seeking her voluntary cooperation and want to talk to her in early February about the events leading up to and during the insurrection on 6 January 2021. The US House of

President Joe Biden has warned that “Russia will pay a heavy price” if it invades Ukraine. Speaking on Thursday, the US leader said he has been “absolutely clear with President Putin” that “if any assembled Russian units move across the Ukrainian border, that is an invasion”. That invasion, he said, would be met with a

President Joe Biden has said he thinks Russia will mount an attack on Ukraine.  Speaking at a news conference marking a year in office, the US President suggested there was an inevitability about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions. “My guess is he will move in; he has to do something,” Joe Biden said. Image: A