British fashion designer Alexander McQueen has been found dead at his London home, his spokeswoman said. He was 40 years old.

The World Health Organization will hold an expert meeting later this month to consider whether the swine flu pandemic's peak has passed.

Masked merrymakers are cavorting in Venice, Italy, to mark the start of Carnival, the city's pre-Lenten festivities. Here are some fabulous masks and costumes from the celebration.