How US policy on Cuba could shift under Obama Read more…

UK wholesale gas prices rise after Russia cuts gas supplies to neighbouring Ukraine, raising fears suppliers could delay price cuts. Read more…

Madonna's Sticky and Sweet show was the highest-earning music tour of 2008, taking $281.6m (??193m) worldwide. Read more…

Mortgage approvals fell in November to their lowest level for at least nine years, says the Bank of England. Read more…

Prolific mystery author Donald E Westlake dies of a suspected heart attack while on holiday in Mexico. Read more…

The Star Trek muse and other lesser-reported losses Read more…

The exercise bikes that recycle your own energy Read more…

Chinese dairy firms involved in the tainted milk scandal beg for forgiveness in a New Year text message sent to millions of mobile phone subscribers. Read more…

Supermarket chain Waitrose reports a 41% surge in sales for Christmas week, despite the economic slowdown. Read more…

French actress Isabelle Huppert will be the president of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in France this May. Read more…

Will 2009 see an explosion in electro-pop? Read more…

Israel tightens security as Hamas calls a "day of wrath" in protest at Israel's bombing of Gaza, now entering a seventh day. Read more…

A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said. Read more…

The final closure of the remaining Woolworths stores is to be delayed by one day, as some stock remains to be sold. Read more…

Airline Flybe offers free insurance to its customers, allowing them to claim refunds on travel costs if they lose their jobs. Read more…

Goalkeeper Shay Given could be set to leave Newcastle after saying he is disillusioned with the club's situation both on and off the pitch. Read more…

Asian shares rise on the first day of trading in 2009 after record falls last year but analysts say the gains might not continue. Read more…

South Africa name an unchanged side for the third and final Test against Australia which begins in Sydney at 2200 GMT on Friday. Read more…

The two largest pro-reform newspapers in Vietnam have lost their chief editors as the new year arrives. Read more…

Australia says it is considering a United States request to take in prisoners from the detention centre at Guantanomo Bay. Read more…

The Vatican will no longer automatically adopt laws passed by Italy, because of possible conflicts with Church principles. Read more…

Guyana's president asks police to investigate who is impersonating him on Facebook, the social networking website, reports say. Read more…

The father of an 11-year-old Idaho girl who froze to death in a Christmas Day snowstorm is charged with murder. Read more…

Chinese graduates will struggle to find jobs this year Read more…

Why some fondly recall an African dictatorship Read more…