The Singer George Michael Has Died Aged 53

The star who launched his career with Wham! in the 1980s and later continued his success as a solo performer, has been confirmed dead by his publicist. Police say there were no suspicious circumstances.

Russia is observing a day of mourning after a military plane bound for Syria crashed. 92 people were on board the plane, which crashed just moments after taking off from the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

In Nigeria, the 21 girls released in October by Boko Haram have been reunited with their families in Chibok for Christmas.