Ukraine rebels hold ‘self-rule’ vote
Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine hold “self-rule” referendums, as BBC correspondents observe chaotic scenes at polling stations. BBC News – Europe
Craig Taylor
Mexico sets up new Michoacan force
Mexico starts to swear in members of its newly-created rural police force in Michoacan, as part of a drive to disarm local vigilantes. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean
UK mental health cost of Afghan war
There has been a “significant increase” in the number of Afghanistan veterans seeking mental health treatment, charity Combat Stress says. BBC News – UK
Sam is NFL’s first openly gay player
Former US college athlete Michael Sam becomes the first openly gay player in history to be drafted into the National Football League. BBC News – US & Canada
Nigeria abducted girls ‘sighted’
The governor of Nigeria’s Borno state says he has information on the whereabouts of 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamist group Boko Haram. BBC News – Africa
Argentina bishops condemn violence
Roman Catholic bishops in Argentina say the country is “sick with violence” and compare corruption to a cancer “causing injustice and death”. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean