UK planned to train Syrian rebels
The UK drew up plans to train and equip a 100,000-strong Syrian rebel army to defeat President Bashar al-Assad, BBC Newsnight has learned. BBC News – UK
Craig Taylor
African states agree Ebola strategy
Health ministers from 11 West African states agree a common strategy to fight an Ebola outbreak that has killed more than 400 people. BBC News – Africa
Hurricane Arthur reaches N Carolina
US meteorologists upgrade Hurricane Arthur to a Category 2 storm as it makes landfall in North Carolina, forcing thousands to abandon holiday plans. BBC News – US & Canada
Calm urged after Palestinian killing
Israeli leaders urge calm after the discovery of a kidnapped Palestinian teenager’s body sparks clashes in East Jerusalem. BBC News – Middle East
Record number of deaths on railways
A record number of people died on the UK’s railways last year, from either trespassing or committing suicide, but it remains the safest form of transport on land. BBC News – Business
Police arrest World Cup ‘tout gang’
Brazilian police arrest 11 people suspected of being part of an international gang illegally selling World Cup tickets allocated to sponsors and officials. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean