Obama Optimist About America's Future

In his final State of the Union Address, president Barack Obama has urged Americans not to fear the future. He said in a time of extraordinary change the United States should see opportunities and could emerge stronger than before.

Officials in New York say they're establishing special courts and a new police unit to tackle gun-related violence. The city mayor said the aim was to ensure that firearms cases were prosecuted quickly and efficiently.

Scientists in the United States say women who eat potatoes regularly during pregnancy are increasing their risk of developing gestational diabetes by 50%.