World News: Defiant Mubarak sacks his cabinet but clings to power

Egypt's president fired his Cabinet today after protesters engulfed his country in chaos - battling police with stones and firebombs, burning down the ruling party headquarters and defying a night curfew enforced by the army.

In a nationally televised address, President Hosni Mubarak made vague promises of social reform but did not offer to step down himself.

He also defended his security forces - outraging protesters calling for an end to his nearly 30-year regime.

"We want Mubarak to go and instead he is digging in further," protester Kamal Mohammad said.

"He thinks it is calming down the situation but he is just angering people more."

Pouring on to the streets after Friday noon prayers, protesters ignored extreme measures that included cutting off the internet and mobile phone services in Cairo and other areas, calling the army into the streets and imposing a nationwide nighttime curfew.

Crowds remained on the streets long after midnight. Buildings and tyres were still burning and there was widespread looting. At least one protester was killed yesterday, bringing the toll for the week to eight.

Chavez opponent faces trial

A VENEZUELAN court has ordered an opponent of President Hugo Chavez to be tried on charges of hiding explosives in his home.

Alejandro Pena Esclusa called the case a politically motivated vendetta, saying he is a "victim of a plot by the Venezuelan government".

EU probes organ trade

The EU has launched an investigation into allegations that Kosovo prime minister Hashim Thaci once led a ring trafficking in human organs.

Mr Thaci was allegedly the "boss" of a criminal underworld behind the organ trade during the 1998-99 war against Serbia.

Gay protest mars funeral

An anti-gay protester created a commotion at the funeral for a prominent activist slain in Uganda, yelling out homophobic phrases that led to a scuffle with mourners attending the burial.

Hundreds of people attended services for David Kato, who was bludgeoned to death earlier this week at his home in Uganda's capital.

Police had to intervene after the outburst from Anglican priest Thomas Musoke led to a scuffle.

Leader killed in suicide blast

Kandahar's deputy provincial governor has been killed by a suicide bomber who attacked his convoy in the southern Afghan city.

Abdul Latif Ashna was killed as he was being driven to work when a suicide bomber on a motorcycle slammed into his car.

Mum accused of murdering her children

United States: A 50-year-old woman has been charged with shooting and killing her teenage son and daughter in Tampa, Florida.

Julie Powers Schenecker faces two charges of first-degree murder.

Jamaica: An American Airlines jet en route to Miami from Ecuador made an emergency landing at Montego Bay Airport. All 155 passengers were able to disembark from the Boeing 757 without incident.