How does the US national debt affect consumers around the world?

The US national debt has more than doubled in a decade to reach a milestone $40tn (£29.4tn), Treasury figures show. The rise reflects years of heavy spending under both the Donald Trump and Joe Biden administrations, along with higher interest payments that have steadily added to the total. In 2016, the national debt stood at just under $20tn.

The BBC's Nathalie Jimenez explains how the debt can affect American consumers and the entire world.

How Harry and Meghan are ending their 'American dream'

The BBC's Shaimaa Khalil examines the life the couple built in Hollywood, as they sought privacy and independence.

Take a timelapse ride along the IndyCar racetrack in Washington

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will take place 22-23 August. It's the first motor race to be held in the US capital.

How the Meta trial could change social media for young people

The trial stems from a lawsuit filed in 2023 by 29 US states, in which they claim numerous violations of federal and state privacy laws for children.

Firefighters tackle blaze in Ohio after industrial explosion

Firefighters battle flames after an explosion on 18 August at an industrial recycling facility in Toledo, Ohio.

Watch: What we learned from opening statements in Tupac murder trial

The BBC's Shaimaa Khalil breaks down the key arguments as the long-awaited trial gets under way.

'He's a real hero' - Trump meets teen lifeguard after dramatic rescue

The US president hosted Ryder Williams at the White House after the 16-year-old rescued a 10-year-old boy from a beach in California on 25 July.

Watch: Flash flood sweeps vehicle away in Hawaii after Hurricane Lala

Tropical storm warnings remain for some of the state's islands, as the storm is due to progress west.

'I want my brother back' - Tupac’s brother tells BBC murder trial won’t bring justice

The BBC's Shaimaa Khalil sat down with Mopreme Shakur ahead of the trial for his brother and late rapper's 1996 murder.

Watch: Flooding destroys a road in Indiana after heavy rainfall

Officials in Indiana said at least six deaths have been confirmed across the state.

Watch: Why Tupac Shakur's murder trial is happening 30 years after he was killed

The rapper was fatally shot four times in a drive-by crime in September 1996, and only one person has ever been charged in connection to his death.

Trump on USS Lincoln deployment: 'Not nearly long enough'

President Donald Trump also denied that family members were concerned about the welfare of their relatives on board the US aircraft carrier.

'I shot Mr Thompson' - Inside the court as Mangione pleaded guilty

The BBC's New York correspondent Nada Tawfik explains what unfolded in court, what the plea means and what comes next in the case.

Watch: What happens if Luigi Mangione pleads guilty today?

Attorneys for Mangione, who is accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, are meeting federal prosecutors on Friday.

BBC Verify speaks to woman who filmed ICE agent pointing gun at her

BBC Verify has examined footage shared by a Virginia woman in which an ICE agent points his gun at her.

Watch: Venomous snake pulled from football helmet

The high school student was not bitten, but wore the helmet for nearly an hour before the poisonous cottonmouth snake was removed.

Watch: Key moments from Karoline Leavitt's White House tenure

Leavitt became the youngest press secretary in the country's history when she took the job in January 2025 at age 27.

Watch: Why are ICE agents getting controversial shock gloves?

The BBC’s Sarah Smith looks at what the new equipment could mean for the agency as tensions over immigration enforcement continue to escalate.

Watch: What is it like to travel on Air Force One with Trump?

Donald Trump secretly swapped planes as he left a Nato summit in Turkey last month, deceiving even the press pool who flew on board without him.

Watch: Severe storms overturn vehicle and trigger flooding in Ohio

Residents are being urged to prepare for additional severe storms in the coming days, as officials also report at least one fatality.

Drone captures devastating aftermath of Spokane wildfires

The aerial footage shows homes destroyed down to their foundations, with burned cars still parked in some driveways.