Abounding Opportunities

Some residents are warned it is too late to leave as multiple fires rage south of Canberra.

Iowa caucuses: A guide to the first US state to vote

The 2020 election is about to begin so here’s an unconventional guide to the first US state to vote.

Christopher Hasson: White supremacist Coast Guard officer jailed for 13 years

Christopher Hasson, a former lieutenant, was arrested last year after stockpiling weapons.

Black and in the police: 'I've been called a traitor'

Here's how black police officers are dealing with the stigma, like Love Island's Mike Boateng.

Kashmir avalanche: 'My baby's toy torch saved me from death'

Shakila was buried for hours under deep snow in Kashmir, hoping her daughter was alive.

Lina Ben Mhenni: The woman who blogged Tunisia's revolution

"Freedom, better education and health: that's all we wanted," one of Lina Ben Mhenni's friends says.

Kobe Bryant helicopter firm was not allowed to fly in fog

Island Express Helicopters was restricted to flying in clear conditions, officials say.

Could you handle the most remote campsite on earth?

Take a look inside an Antarctic campsite and find out how they survive.

Australia fires: How a unique slug species survived

The bright pink species is only found in a small habitat in Australia, experts say.

Amazon rainforest: The 90-year-old trying to stop destruction

Newsnight was given rare access to a once-in-a-generation meeting of indigenous groups trying to save the Amazon.

Worker dies in Russian sport stadium roof collapse

Dramatic footage shows a worker trying to run to safety as the massive structure disintegrates.

The efforts to save the Great Dismal Swamp

The area, which is now a wildlife refuge, has become vulnerable to climate change.

Huduma Namba: Kenya court halts biometric ID over data fears

Judges says data protection laws need to be enacted to safeguard a wealth of sensitive information.

Tesla boss Elon Musk releases electronic dance track

Mr Musk posted a teaser picture of himself in a studio shortly before sharing the track, which he wrote.

The British citizens trying to flee China

UK nationals are being evacuated from China as the country tries to deal with a coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus: Worldwide cases surpass Sars outbreak in 2003

The number of worldwide cases of the new coronavirus surpasses that of a similar outbreak in 2003.

Russia may drop murder charge in Khachaturyan sisters case

Three young women are accused of killing their father after years of domestic abuse.

Deaf woman, 60, rows Atlantic Ocean in world first

Mo O'Brien also sets a world record as part of the fastest female trio to make the 3,000-mile journey.

Family removed from flight for body odour suing airline

The Adler family claim American Airlines staff made comments about their Orthodox Jewish faith.

Belgium euthanasia: Three doctors cleared in landmark trial

Tine Nys's family had argued that her request to die back in 2010 should never have been granted.

Plastic pollution: 'Hidden' chemicals build up in seabirds

Chemicals in plastics can build up in seabirds at levels thousands of times higher than normal.

Michel Barnier: 'We are weaker than if we were together'

EU's chief negotiator says his thoughts are with millions of people who are sad about Brexit.

Brexit: Europeans look to uncertain future as UK leaves EU

Europeans from across the EU share their thoughts about what will change in their relationship with the UK.

Hostage-taker in India shot dead at fake children’s party

Indian police kill a man who arranged a birthday party for his daughter, then took 20 hostages.

Australia fires: State of emergency declared for Canberra region

Huge bushfires are raging near Canberra in the worst threat to the region since 2003, officials say.

Wilbur Ross says Coronavirus could boost US jobs

US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross says firms may bring production back to the US in response to the virus.

Trump impeachment: All eyes on moderate Republicans in witnesses battle

Moderate Republican senators are expected to announce their decisions in key witnesses debate.

Shane Fitzsimmons: 'Tireless' fire chief steering Australians through disaster

Fire chief Shane Fitzsimmons has worked tirelessly and "masterfully" to save lives, close observers say.

Claudia Andujar: A glimpse of Yanomami life in the jungle

A gallery of Claudia Andujar's photographs of Yanomami tribespeople

Iowa caucuses: Nine unusual things about the Democratic race

Democrats are deciding who they want to take on Trump - and it can be a noisy, chaotic process.

Censorship claims emerge as TikTok gets political in India

A TikTok influencer says his videos on Hindu-Muslim unity have triggered censorship on the app.

Making beautiful colours without toxic chemicals

Dyeing clothes uses a lot of water and chemicals, but new tech is drawing on nature for colours.

Coronavirus: Why are we catching more diseases from animals?

Climate change is shifting our relationship with the animal kingdom and helping diseases evolve.

Trump's wall: High winds blow over section of US-Mexico border fence

The fence is part of the US president's attempt to improve the barrier along the US-Mexico border.

Greta Thunberg to trademark 'Fridays for Future'

The climate change activist said people had tried to sell products and make money in the movement's name.

Nike Varporfly: World Athletics set to rule on running shoe range

World Athletics is set to tighten regulations of high-tech running shoes, including the controversial Nike Vaporfly range.

Party with Super Bowl champions

Sergio Aguero, Ronaldinho, Neymar and Usain Bolt have all partied with Purple. Now Miami's celebrity host is throwing a once-in-a-lifetime party for the winners of the Super Bowl.

How yoga helped an Indian rape survivor to love her body

Natasha Noel overcame childhood abuse and is now a successful yoga and wellness coach in India.

Coronavirus Wuhan diary: Living alone in a city gone quiet

Loneliness, emptiness, and hyper-hygiene - one woman describes life in a city gone quiet.

Australia fires: Footage shows speed fires can spread

The newly released footage from New South Wales shows how quickly a bushfire can spread.

Facebook: Privacy scandals take toll on profits

The firm recorded its first annual decline in profits in at least five years in 2019.

Sex Education: 'I wish I knew sex could be fun growing up'

The cast of Sex Education tell us why they wish the show had existed years ago.

Lungs 'magically' heal damage from smoking

The effect has even been seen in people who had smoked for 40 years.

Coronavirus: Scientists race to develop a vaccine

US researchers are already working on a vaccine against the new virus that has emerged in China.

Kobe Bryant: Vanessa breaks silence on husband's death

Vanessa makes her first comments after Sunday's crash that also killed one of the couple's daughters.

Brexit: Tears and Auld Lang Syne as MEPs back terms

There were emotional moments as members of the European Parliament backed the terms of the UK's exit.

US-Mexico border: 'Longest ever' smuggling tunnel discovered

The tunnel had rail track, drainage and air ventilation systems, and stretched for 4,309ft (1,313m).

Я/МЫ: Why are Russians using this symbol?

The phrase means "it's all of us" and is being used to rally support against the Russian government.

Venezuela crisis forced José abroad to access HIV drugs

José Tovar is an HIV-positive refugee, forced to choose between staying in Venezuela or leaving home.

Coronavirus: Death toll rises as virus spreads to every Chinese region

With one of the 7,711 confirmed cases reported in Tibet, the virus is now in every region of China.

Sun's surface seen in remarkable new detail

A telescope positioned atop a Hawaiian volcano acquires remarkable pictures of our convulsing star.

Homero Gómez: Missing Mexican butterfly activist found dead

Activists fear that Homero Gómez may have been targeted because of his fight against illegal logging.

Is visiting a strip club anti-feminist?

Videos of pop star Dua Lipa at a strip club provoked a question: can a feminist go to a strip joint?

A holiday camp for India's captive elephants

Once a year, captive elephants get pampered at the camp in India which has become a popular event.

Britons give Brexit boost to idyllic French village

The share of property held by Britons may be falling in France, but the opposite is happening in Eymet.

African diaspora: Did Ghana's Year of Return attract foreign visitors?

Ghana's president has declared the Year of Return targeting the African diaspora a great success - but is he right?

Kobe Bryant: Washington Post reporter reinstated after tweet row

The Washington Post backtracks after suspending a reporter who posted about Kobe Bryant's rape case.

Costa Book of the Year: Auschwitz resistance biography wins £30,000 prize

The Volunteer, by ex-war reporter Jack Fairweather, beats four other books to the £30,000 award.

Trump Middle East plan: Palestinians reject 'conspiracy'

The plan offers a Palestinian state but also recognises West Bank settlements occupied by Israel.

Kunal Kamra: Airline ban on India comedian sparks fiery debate

Kunal Kamra berated popular news anchor Arnab Goswami aboard a flight and released a video.

Apple credits iPhone 11 demand for record sales

The tech giant says it is monitoring the coronavirus outbreak, which has made forecasting difficult.

Dissatisfaction with democracy 'at record high'

A global study warns of rising levels of discontent with democracy, particularly in the UK and US.

Antarctica melting: Climate change and the journey to the 'doomsday glacier'

Thwaites Glacier, also known as the "doomsday glacier", is reported to be melting quicker than previously thought - scientists are now trying to find out why.

Oscars 2020: Ten things we spotted in the class photo

The annual Academy Awards luncheon had all the quirks and questionable outfits you could ask for.

Snotsicles and snowdrifts: Extreme climate science

The BBC's Justin Rowlatt explains some of the challenges of doing science in the Antarctic.

Maryland police officer charged with murder in killing of handcuffed man

The officer shot a man who was handcuffed inside a patrol car seven times, police say.

How worried should we be about 'Big Brother' technology?

Why do we fear government surveillance, but voluntarily use technology which monitors our lives?

Peru's opposition leader Keiko Fujimori in custody again

Keiko Fujimori says the accusations of corruption and money laundering are politically motivated.

Australia fires: Firefighters dance on TikTok to 'raise spirits'

The videos from the front line of Australia’s bushfire crisis also have a serious purpose.

Haunting image of trapped sea turtle wins underwater photo award

Shane Gross captured the haunting photo while diving near the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.

Playing basketball with Kobe

Kyle Helton grew up with the late basketball legend and remembers his dedication on and off the court.

Australia fires: Blaze 'sparked by helicopter lights' rages near Canberra

The bushfire crisis continues as a national park burns south of Canberra.

Coronavirus: Foreigners evacuated from Wuhan as China death toll rises

Hundreds of people fly out of Wuhan as the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rises to 132.

Brexit: French petition launched for Briton denied citizenship

Carpenter Mark Lawrence has lived in France for 27 years but authorities say he does not earn enough.

Putin's Russia: Do Russians care what president does next?

Russia's president plans to change things at the top but most Russians have little time for Moscow politics.

Shaheen Bagh: The 'traitors' targeted by hardliners in poll battle

Protesters in a Muslim-dominated part of Delhi have become the focus of a bitter battle for votes.

Neelam Krishnamoorthy: The film tickets that destroyed a family

Neelam Krishnamoorthy got film tickets for her kids. She now calls them "tickets to death".

Coronavirus: Australian scientists first to recreate virus outside China

Australian scientists say it is a "significant breakthrough" in efforts to contain the new coronavirus.

Trump's Middle East peace plan: Smiles and sorrow on the ground

President Donald Trump calls the strategy a win-win opportunity for both sides - but is it?

Holocaust: SS officer's photos reveal Sobibor death camp

Two out of 361 previously unseen photos show notorious SS guard John Demjanjuk, researchers say.

Antarctica melting: Journey to the 'doomsday glacier'

Scientists are studying why the Thwaites Glacier is melting quicker than previously thought.

UK to allow Huawei 'limited role' in 5G network

The US failed to convince the Prime Minister to ban the Chinese firm from any involvement.

Netanyahu drops bid for immunity in corruption cases

The Israeli prime minister had requested parliamentary immunity after being charged in November.

Kobe Bryant: Washington Post reporter suspended after tweets

The Washington Post suspended Felicia Sonmez over tweets about sexual claims against Kobe Bryant.

Fugitive Colombian senator Aída Merlano captured in Venezuela

Aída Merlano, who escaped from a dental surgery using a rope last year, is caught across the border.

Man arrested with 30 phones in cycling shorts after rock gig

Dutch police catch a suspect in a tight spot after being alerted to mobile phone thefts.

Coronavirus: Hong Kong to slash border travel as virus spreads

It wants to drastically reduce visits from mainland China, where the death toll has reached 106.

India cleared to bring cheetahs back to forests

The world's fastest land animal was hunted was hunted into extinction in India more than 70 years ago.

Rare Bolivian glass frogs seen for first time in 18 years

Conservationists spot three rare "glass frogs" in a Bolivian national park.

Coronavirus: Wuhan residents shout from windows in solidarity

Residents in the quarantined city battling a virus outbreak are shouting and singing to boost morale.

Coronavirus: Tales of solidarity from China's virus-hit Wuhan

The number of coronavirus cases continues to climb but some in Wuhan are determined to spread cheer.

Jeffrey Epstein accusers outraged by Prince Andrew's 'lack of co-operation'

A US lawyer, who represents some of the late Jeffrey Epstein's accusers, urges the duke to assist the probe.

Huawei 5G verdict is a decision 'with few good options'

The government is due to decide later whether to ban Huawei from the UK's 5G networks.

Bride Price: 'My husband can't afford me'

Some cultures exchange money before a marriage, but should we continue the Bride Price tradition?

'It's astounding to find out she died violently'

A team of experts appear to have solved a mystery that has confounded academics - and the public - for decades.

The silenced YouTube stars of Indian-administered Kashmir

Kashmiri Kalkharabs, a popular Kashmiri YouTube channel, has been forced into silence since August.

NPR reporter barred from Mike Pompeo trip after tense interview

The ban comes days after another NPR journalist had a tense interview with the secretary of state.

Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to 106 as China tightens measures

Transport restrictions have been further tightened as the number of new infections almost doubles.

Twitter and Facebook accounts for 15 NFL teams hacked

The American football teams were targeted by a group that said the accounts had lax security.

Alabama fire: Eight killed as blaze engulfs 35 boats in marina

The aluminium roof of the wooden dock in a marina in Arizona collapsed, and some of the boats sank.

Visit Nepal's yeti: How mythical creature divided Himalayan nation

An idea to bring more tourists to Nepal has ended in a row over what a yeti actually looks like.

Letter from Africa: The 'leopard unit', vigilantes and Nigeria's kidnap crisis

A plan by Nigeria's south-western states to start a new security unit divides the country.

German police probe Nazi-style beer brand

A beer with a label stating "German Reich Brewery" sells out in a store in eastern Germany.

Dos Santos: Whistleblower named a Football Leaks author

Man behind football revelations named a Luanda Leaks whistleblower about Africa's richest woman.

Passenger plane crashes in Afghanistan

Passenger plane crashes and catches fire in eastern Afghan Ghazni province - officials.

Kobe Bryant: US mourns basketball legend killed in helicopter crash

The star's 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, was also among the nine killed in the helicopter crash.

Iranian aircraft slides onto highway after pilot 'misses' runway

The Caspian Airlines plane carrying 135 passengers ended up in the middle of a public street.

Kobe Bryant: LA Lakers star scores 60 points in final NBA game

Watch Kobe Bryant's final game for the LA Lakers in 2016, when the five-time NBA champion bowed out with a sensational 60 points against Utah Jazz in Los Angeles.

How the camp became centre of Nazi Holocaust

It is 75 years since Soviet Union troops liberated Auschwitz - now marked as Holocaust Memorial Day.

Photos from families ripped apart by the Holocaust

Jewish survivors use family photos to describe their relatives murdered by the Nazis at Auschwitz.

Auschwitz survivor recalls his ordeal in the camp

Henri Kichka lost his family in Auschwitz but lived to tell his own story of survival.

Kobe Bryant tributes across United States

Members of the public and celebrities reacted in shock to the death of basketball star Kobe Bryant.

Democrats call for Bolton to testify in impeachment trial

The ex-national security advisor's evidence could undermine Donald Trump's trial defence, reports say.

Billie Eilish is the big winner at the Grammys

The 18-year-old wins multiple awards, including best new artist and song of the year.

Woman dies in Australia Day lamington-eating contest

The woman, aged 60, suffered a seizure while speed-eating the cakes during an Australia Day event.

Coronavirus: Death toll rises to 80 as China extends holiday

The new year holiday has been extended by three days, in an attempt to contain the outbreak.

Rockets hit US embassy in Baghdad amid protests

There are reports that three people were injured when rockets hit the embassy in the Iraqi capital.

The Fighter and the Pimp: Fighting for Kinshasa’s most vulnerable girls

Shaki is an inspiration for dozens of street children, and her home has become a refuge for girls.

'I was 90% dead': Henri's story of surviving Auschwitz

Henri Kichka lost his family in the Nazi death camp, but lived on to tell his own story of survival.

Nambi Narayanan: The fake spy scandal that blew up a rocket scientist’s career

Falsely charged with selling secrets to Pakistan, Nambi Narayanan's life was knocked off course.

Teenage adoption: The family that took in a 17-year-old girl

How a 17-year-old girl got out of foster care and found a permanent home with a loving family.

The art of buildings

The winners of Art of Building Photographer of the Year 2019

'They are invaders': Brazil indigenous group takes on mining giant

Brazil's Mura indigenous group starts consultation that could reject a proposed mining project.

The man teaching 300 million people a new language

Luis von Ahn is the founder and boss of Duolingo, the world's most popular language learning app.

Salvini faces setback in Italian regional election

The Italian far-right leader had focused heavily on campaigning in the Emilia-Romagna region.

Early Grammys for Dolly Parton and Lil Nas X

Stars are collecting awards ahead of the main ceremony, with many paying tribute to Kobe Bryant.

Holocaust: Dutch PM apologises over failure to protect Jews

Mark Rutte is the first prime minister to acknowledge the Netherlands' role in persecuting Jews.

Kobe Bryant dies in helicopter crash - US media

Basketball great Kobe Bryant, 41, has died in a helicopter crash, US media report

Para-swimmer Grace Harvey speaks about walking in a robotic suit

Grace Harvey reveals the mixed emotions she had after walking for the first time in a robotic suit.

In pictures: India marks Republic Day with military parade

Thousands gather for a parade in Delhi, showing off India's military might and cultural diversity.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's aunt reappears after six years

Kim Kyong-hui, once a powerful figure, has not been seen since her husband's execution.

Turkey earthquake: Rescue efforts near end as death toll rises

Hopes fade of finding more survivors from a powerful earthquake that hit eastern Turkey on Friday.

Mali: Militants on motorbikes kill 15 troops, officials say

Gunmen raid a military camp in the centre of the country, as witnesses tell of "complete chaos".

Brazil floods: Dozens dead in severe Minas Gerais rainstorms

At least 30 people have died during severe rainstorms in Brazil's Minas Gerais state.

Gauff's Australian Open run ended by Kenin

Coco Gauff misses out on her first Grand Slam quarter-final as fellow American Sofia Kenin fights back to win in the Australian Open fourth round.

China coronavirus: Road blocks and ghost towns

A BBC team travels into Hubei province, where the deadly new coronavirus originated.

Trump ordered to remove envoy in Ukraine in 2018 - video

In a video, the president is heard saying "Get rid of her!" about ambassador Marie Yovanovitch.

China coronavirus: 2,000 infected and more than 50 dead

The new coronavirus is said to be infectious during its incubation period, making to harder to contain.

Peru Congress vote: Election follows September dissolution

The poll comes almost four months after the president dissolved the body, accusing it of obstruction.

Boeing 777X: World’s largest twin-engine jet completes first flight

The 777X test flight comes after Boeing's 737 Max plane was grounded following two fatal crashes.

Three women who were part of a quiet resistance against the Nazis in Berlin

The three were part of a quiet resistance against the Nazis in Second World War Berlin.

A murder mystery, the PM and his estranged wife

Lesotho's prime minister and his wife are caught up in an investigation into the death of his former partner.

The tiger ‘gift’ that horrified Polish rescuers

Tigers recovering from a nightmare journey could have ended up as Asian ‘medicine’

Paternity leave: Why Japan is talking about Shinjiro Koizumi

This politician is going on leave to take care of his newborn son, and it's pretty controversial.

Doris Miller: US Navy aircraft carrier to honour black sailor

Doris Miller won a Navy Cross for his actions during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Burnout: 'Sick and tired of feeling sick and tired'

Amber Coster's physical symptoms baffled doctors - until a psychiatrist examined her way of working.

New solar power source and storage developed

Tie-up of flexible solar film and energy storage aims to take homes and business off-grid.

Arizona man dresses up fake skeleton to drive in HOV lane

Officials say the man dressed the skeleton in a camouflage hat to try to disguise it as a passenger.

Impeachment: Democrats undoing 2016 election, say Trump lawyers

Lawyers start their defence of the US president at the impeachment trial in the Senate.

Iran executes 'Crocodile of the Gulf' drug kingpin

The Gulf state executes an international drug dealer it caught smuggling 100 tonnes of drugs.

Thai officials accidentally auction off car loaded with amphetamine

Thailand's anti-drugs chief apologises after 94,000 pills are found in a car sold at a police auction.

Brexit: US 'wants to reach trade deal with UK this year'

The US's treasury secretary says he is "optimistic" a deal can be reached with the UK this year.

Art exhibition showcases the Kurdish experience

A show at the Middle East Institute explores the nuances of a community that is often marginalised.

Iraqis security forces raid Baghdad protest site

They used live ammunition and tear gas against anti-government protesters in the city, witnesses say.

China coronavirus: Stricter measures start Lunar New Year

On the first day of the year of the rat, China announces more anti-coronavirus steps.

ICYMI: Real-life Rapunzel and space bakes

A few of the stories you may have missed this week.

Turkey earthquake: At least 20 dead as buildings collapse

A devastating earthquake has hit Turkey's Elazig province, with over a thousand injured and many dead.

Chinese New Year: What you need to know

Here's what you need to know about one of the world's biggest celebrations

Does country music recognise its roots?

We speak to the most famous African American country music singer about the lack of diversity in the genre.

Still seeking answers a year after Brazil dam collapse

One year on from the dam collapse at Brazil's Corrego de Feijao mine, many are still seeking answers.

Bodies of three children found in County Dublin

A woman has been taken to hospital and gardaí described the deaths in Newcastle as 'unexplained'.

China coronavirus: Death toll rises as disease spreads

Fifteen more people have been killed by the virus in China, as the country celebrates Lunar New Year.

Facebook and YouTube moderators sign PTSD disclosure

Content moderators review hundreds of disturbing images each day for social media sites.

Why China’s LGBT hide their identities at Lunar New Year

Representation of China's LGBT community is improving but many still struggle during Lunar New Year.

Auschwitz: Searching for traces of my grandfather

Meijer Nieweg was murdered in August 1942. It has taken decades for details of his death to emerge.

Chinese diasporas on edge over coronavirus

Chinese overseas are concerned for their own health and that of their families back home.

Coronavirus: How can China build a hospital so quickly?

Wuhan is building a new hospital that will be finished within six days, according to China's state media.

Coronavirus: How worried should we be?

Hundreds of people people have been infected with a newly-discovered virus.

The battle over which flag to fly in America's Chinatowns

Chinatowns across the US are switching to the flag of mainland China, but not without protest.

Avalanche survivors in Pakistan-administered Kashmir tell of horror

Journalist Sajid Mir trekked for hours to reach villagers cut off in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Space cookies: First food baked in space by astronauts

They were cooked in a special oven at the International Space Station - but are yet to be tasted.

Neo-Nazi Rinaldo Nazzaro running US militant group The Base from Russia

The American founder of a US-based militant neo-Nazi group is directing the organisation from Russia, a BBC investigation has found.

Japan postman 'could not be bothered' to deliver 24,000 items

The unnamed 61-year-old man reportedly told police it was "too much bother to deliver them".

Jordan Belfort: Real Wolf of Wall Street sue film studio for $300m

Jordan Belfort says the filmmakers lied to him when he first sold them the rights to his story.

Mexican police push back hundreds of US-bound migrants

Some 1,000 migrants have been prevented from entering Mexico from Guatemala.

Huge rally as Iraqis demand US troops pull out

Iraqi Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has called for a million people to join the march in Baghdad.

Detroit bank calls police on black man depositing cheque

Sauntore Thomas was depositing a cheque won in a racial bias lawsuit against his old employer.

Brexit: EU leaders sign UK withdrawal deal

The deal formally ending UK membership is signed by EU leaders in Brussels.

Climate change: 'We're not perfect', says Marion Cotillard on Antarctica trip

Actor Marion Cotillard says even remote places like "pristine" Antarctica are being harmed by humans.

Indonesian needlefish boy: 'A fish jumped out the water and stabbed my neck'

Muhammad Idul tells the BBC the force threw him from his boat before a desperate race to hospital.

Locusts: UN calls for international help in East Africa

"Unprecedented" swarms of desert locusts, the worst in decades, are devouring crops in East Africa.

China coronavirus: The lessons learned from the Sars outbreak

Almost two decades after Sars, a new mystery virus puts China back in the global spotlight.

Iraq after Soleimani: What is the future for US troops?

US forces face a backlash after the killing of a top Iranian commander, says Nafiseh Kohnavard.

American Dirt: Oprah book club pick suffers Latino backlash

A new novel about a family fleeing Mexico for the US spurs a fierce debate over fiction writing.

Australia fires: US crew killed in air tanker crash identified

The three victims of an air tanker crash had extensive experience fighting fires, their employer says.

Coronavirus: Chinese embassy in Paris finds woman who 'cheated' checks

The woman boasted about taking medicine to bring her temperature down in order to clear customs.

Jhon Viáfara: Colombia extradites ex-footballer to US on drugs charges

Jhon Viáfara is extradited to Texas accused of being a members of a major drugs cartel.

Trump impeachment: Senators play games and nap during trial

Senators have been seen chewing gum, handing out fidget spinners and sleeping during the trial.

What can school strikers learn from protest veterans?

Do today's school strikers think protests lead to change and what can they learn from the past?

Giant koala sand art captures Australian bushfires emotions

Australian artist "Edward" channelled his "raw emotion" about the bushfires into the artwork.

What does Trump actually believe on climate change?

He has called it all of these things: "mythical", "a hoax", not a hoax, and "a very serious subject".

What's the difference between pandemic and epidemic?

Concerns are growing that the recently-detected coronavirus may spread. Dr Rosalind Eggo explains.

How Italy's far right is hoping to cause a political earthquake

Matteo Salvini is hoping to cause a political shock by winning a traditional stronghold of the left.

Coronavirus: Fears trigger Shanghai face mask shortage

Customers queue outside a pharmacy in Shanghai to buy face masks in bid to avoid new coronavirus.

Juice WRLD: Rapper died from accidental overdose of painkillers, coroner rules

A medical examiner has ruled that the rapper died as a result of oxycodone and codeine toxicity,

World court acts to prevent Rohingya genocide

World court orders measures to prevent Rohingya Muslim genocide in Myanmar, rejecting Aung San Suu Kyi's arguments

World leaders gather in Israel for Holocaust forum

The event marking the 75th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation will focus on fighting anti-Semitism.

Rohingya crisis: The Gambian who took Aung San Suu Kyi to the world court

Gambian Abubacarr Tambadou has forced the Nobel laureate to defend Myanmar against genocide charges.

My Money: 'I had to get tickets, it was a huge sum, $519!'

As part of a BBC blog series, Sunneva María Svövudóttir from Iceland shares what she spent this week.

Why is 'pettifogging' suddenly in the news?

The word has all but disappeared from modern usage - so what does it mean and why is it relevant?

Isabel Dos Santos: Africa's richest woman accused of fraud

Africa's richest woman has been formally accused of embezzlement by her country's prosecutors.

Tesla overtakes Volkswagen as value hits $100bn

Tesla sold more than 367,000 cars last year, just a fraction of its competitors.

Meet Vyom - India's first robot 'astronaut'

India's space agency has unveiled a robot that will travel to space later this year.

Coronavirus: British passenger 'wasn't sure' he could get out of Wuhan'

British passenger describes the journey from the virus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan after the spread of coronavirus.

Coronavirus: Anxiety rises as Chinese city goes into lockdown

Authorities suspend outbound planes, trains and public transport in the city of 11 million people.

Mental health: How to spot if you are suffering 'burnout'

Nerina Ramlakhan explains the four signs of burnout that people can exhibit, due to stress at work.

Australia fires: Canberra Airport shut down amid blaze threat

Flights are cancelled out of the Australian capital as bushfires intensify across the nation's south-east.

Seattle shooting: Manhunt after one person killed and seven wounded

One person was killed and seven others wounded when a gunman opened fire in the city centre.

Impeachment: Democrats reject witness swap in Trump trial

Joe Biden says he wants no part of "a farce or political theatre" in the Senate impeachment case.

US plans limits for 'emotional support' animals on flights

Passengers have attempted to bring increasingly exotic animals on board flights.

Auschwitz: How death camp became centre of Nazi Holocaust

It is 75 years since Soviet Union troops liberated Auschwitz - now marked as Holocaust Memorial Day.

'I have to live on $1,175 a year'

Brazil's army of fruit workers speak of struggling with low pay and dangerous working conditions.

Yad Vashem: Why Poland won't be attending Holocaust memorial

Poland's president has snubbed an Israeli event to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

Three generations join Delhi women's citizenship sit-in

Thousands of women are camping out in a Delhi suburb in protest over a law they see as anti-Muslim.

Lions and tigers escape circus for vast new home

Seventeen big cats rescued from Guatemalan circuses have moved to a South African wildlife sanctuary.

Ivory Coast is using plastic waste to build schools

The West African country has partnered with UNICEF to transform landfill waste into bricks for schools.

Storm Gloria floods major river delta in eastern Spain

A storm surge ruins rice paddies on Spain's Ebro River and beach resorts are damaged.

Davos: Greta Thunberg & Donald Trump clash on climate change

The Swedish climate activist and the US president gave very different speeches at Davos.

South Korea transgender soldier to sue after landmark dismissal

Byun Hui-soo accuses South Korea's military of intolerance after it said she had broken regulations.

Pre-Hispanic sweat lodge uncovered in Mexico City

The remains of the sweat lodge still has the part where the tub or pool for the steam bath was located.

Greece migrant crisis: Islanders strike over crowded camps

Protests take place on Lesbos, Samos and Chios over the handling of people arriving from Turkey.

Trump impeachment: What happened on day one?

After nearly 13 hours of fierce debate, the US Senate adopts ground rules for the trial.

Jeff Bezos hack: Saudi Arabia calls claim ‘absurd’

The Saudi crown prince's WhatsApp account has reportedly been linked to the data breach.

'No crime, no impeachment' for Trump - is that true?

The White House defence that no crime means no impeachment ignores history, says legal scholar Jonathan Turley.

Meng Wanzhou 'irreplaceable' to company, says Huawei executive

The Huawei CFO is fighting extradition to the US from Canada, where she was arrested in 2018.

How a boy from Vietnam became a slave on a UK cannabis farm

Ba was a street child in Ho Chi Minh city. He ended up growing cannabis as a slave in the UK - until he escaped.

Immune discovery 'may treat all cancer'

Research is at an early stage but scientists said it had huge potential for destroying cancers.

Australia PM 'misled public' on fires

Malcolm Turnbull tells the BBC he "cannot explain" Scott Morrison's actions during the crisis.

New China virus: Officials warn it 'could mutate and spread further'

China has said that it is now at the "most critical stage" of prevention and control.

Earth's oldest asteroid impact 'may have ended ice age'

The 2.2 billion-year-old asteroid impact may explain the end of an ice age, scientists say.

Venezuela crisis: Secret service raids offices of opposition leader Guaidó

The opposition leader, widely recognised as Venezuela's interim president, is on a visit to the UK.

Lebanon protests: New government ends months of deadlock

There has been a caretaker administration since October, when mass anti-government protests erupted.

Architect of CIA's 'enhanced interrogation' testifies at Guantánamo tribunal

A psychologist who designed the "enhanced interrogation" techniques gives evidence at Guantánamo Bay.

Holocaust row bubbles as leaders gather in Israel

The 75th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation threatens to be overshadowed by recriminations.

What happens when we're too old to be 'useful'?

Can we afford to pay pensions, given the huge demographic challenge of our ageing population?

Cardiff hospital trials cooling patients after cardiac arrest

Andrew Barnett is backing a trial at a hospital a year after he nearly died while playing football.

The Sudanese women breaking taboos by playing football

Women in Sudan are taking on the patriarchy and challenging social norms.

China coronavirus: What we know so far

The BBC's online health editor explains what we know about the coronavirus.

Australia fires: How ravaged bushland is already regenerating

Australia's bushfire crisis has crippled habitats, but there are also remarkable signs of life.

Isabel dos Santos: EuroBic severs ties with Angola billionaire

It comes after leaked papers suggest Isabel dos Santos exploited Angola's wealth for her own ends.

Ozzy Osbourne reveals Parkinson's disease diagnosis

The rock star and his family tell a US TV show he has a "mild form" of the condition.

Dutch farm case: Father beat children to ward off 'bad spirits', court hears

Gerrit-Jan van Dorsten is charged with unlawful detention, child abuse and money laundering.

'Forget about net zero, we need real zero'

Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg has addressed world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

France apology after history textbook links CIA to 9/11

The statement aimed at students echoed a debunked conspiracy theory and was spotted by teachers.

Davos: Trump decries climate 'prophets of doom' at World Economic Forum

The US leader attacks environmentalists at the World Economic Forum, which Greta Thunberg is attending.

Trump Davos speech: 'This is not a time for pessimism'

The US president called for the rejection of "the perennial prophets of doom" during his speech.

Alarm at Mexico butterfly conservationist's disappearance

Homero Gómez was last seen on 13 January and a search has so far failed to yield any results.

Storm Gloria: Deadly squall batters Spain, then shifts to France

Four deaths are reported in Spain, with Gloria described as the worst storm in the region since 1982.

Future Forward: Thai opposition party cleared over Illuminati claims

A court acquits a major opposition party accused of having links to the mythical secret society.

Van Gogh self-portrait is genuine, experts decide

A portrait that has puzzled art experts for decades is finally declared a real Van Gogh.

Pyjamas in public: Chinese city apologises for 'shaming' residents

The local authority said it was trying to promote "civilised" behaviour - but later apologised.

Meng Hongwei: China sentences ex-Interpol chief to 13 years in jail

In 2018, he vanished on a trip back to China from France and was later accused of corruption.

Emiliano Sala: Claims footballer treated like a 'toy'

Footballer Emiliano Sala messaged a friend saying he felt forced out by his French club days before he died.

Windrush scandal: 'A billion pounds can't buy back my happiness'

Chiplyn Burton was denied entry back into the UK after a trip to Jamaica in the 1970s.

Trump impeachment trial set to open in US Senate

What we can expect in the trial starting on Tuesday, from the key players to unusual rules in place.

New China virus: Fourth person dies as human-to-human transfer confirmed

Authorities say two cases of infection in Guangdong were a result of human-to-human transmission.

The battle over which flag to fly in America's Chinatowns

Chinatowns across the US are switching to the flag of mainland China, but not without protest.

How Nigeria's cricket team 'shocked the world'

Nigeria's Under-19 side are world cup debutants but cricket remains a minority sport at home.

Robot tanks: On patrol but not allowed to shoot

Sophisticated unmanned mini-tanks patrol alongside soldiers, but humans still decide when to shoot.

Trump impeachment trial: Five possible twists ahead

Many believe President Trump will be acquitted in the end. But could it yet diverge from the script?

Windrush: Reunited over 70 years later

The BBC has brought together two men in their nineties who came to Britain from Jamaica in 1948 on the Empire Windrush.

Paternity leave: Why Japan is talking about Shinjiro Koizumi

Shinjiro Koizumi is the first Japanese minister and MP to take paternity leave.

The Sri Lankan hotel where an elephant is a guest

Natta Kota, a fully grown Asian bull elephant, can often be found roaming around a Sri Lankan hotel.

The girl who went from depression to international medallist

Indian athlete Abida Akhtar overcame depression to compete at international level in Wushu.

Yellow vest protests: Inquiry into police beating video

The footage shows an officer repeatedly punching a man in the face at a Paris yellow-vest protest.

Meng Wanzhou: Extradition hearings to begin for Huawei executive

Meng Wanzhou is fighting an extradition request from the US following her arrest in Canada in 2018.

Ukraine coat of arms in UK anti-terror list furore

The Ukrainian embassy demands "official apologies" over a UK police counter-extremism guide.

Two men make 'Earth sandwich', 20,000km apart

To make an Earth sandwich, you need two people at precise points on opposite sides of the globe.

Five killed as boiling water floods Russian hotel

Three people are taken to hospital with burns after the burst water pipe incident in Perm city.

David Olney: American folk singer dies on stage aged 71

The 71-year-old singer-songwriter apologised to the audience before closing his eyes, witnesses say.

Outrage after Chinese theme park forces pig to bungee jump

After the 75kg pig was pushed off a tower, it was reportedly sent to the slaughterhouse.

Australian Open: Coco Gauff beats Venus Williams again to advance

American 15-year-old Coco Gauff once again beats Venus Williams in the first round of a Grand Slam with victory at the Australian Open.

Australia storms: Huge hail causes chaos in two cities

Melbourne and Canberra are pelted by golf-ball sized stones, causing widespread damage.

China coronavirus: Number of cases jumps as virus spreads to new cities

New cases of the respiratory illness are confirmed in the cities of Wuhan, Beijing and Shenzhen.

Australia fires: Storms wreak damage but bushfires 'far from over'

Thunderstorms bring rain to fire-affected areas but also cause damage through hail and flash floods.

Virginia gun rally: Authorities gear up for unrest in Richmond

Thousands are expected to take part in the Richmond rally, which authorities fear could turn violent.

Single-use plastic: China to ban bags and other items

One of the world's biggest users of plastic plans to phase out most single-use items by 2025.

UK-Africa summit: Wooing Africa after Brexit

Heads of state are meeting in London for a UK-Africa summit ahead of the UK's departure from the EU.

Davos 2020: An overview of the WEF summit in numbers

BBC News looks at some of the numbers around the 50th World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Australia fires: Your questions about arson, travel and recovery

Your questions about the Australia bushfires.

Medical test ordeal for young African migrants in Spain

The intrusive tests decide whether a migrant is a child or an adult and there is no chance of appeal.

Preparing for an active volcano to stir

People living at the foot of a volcano in Ecuador are being taught what to do if disaster strikes

Trump impeachment: What's Ukraine got to do with it?

The reason US President Donald Trump is facing an impeachment trial lies thousands of miles away.

Is China addicted to coal?

China is a country caught in the middle of a global struggle: to develop but also be green.

Indonesia dance where men perform as women

Rianto is a master of Lengger Lanang, a traditional Indonesia dance where men perform as women.

Doris Miller: US Navy aircraft carrier to honour black sailor

Doris Miller won a Navy Cross for his actions during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

SpaceX completes emergency crew capsule escape

The US company demonstrates how it would rescue astronauts during a failing rocket launch.

Paraguay investigates mass prison escape in Pedro Juan Caballero

Officials in Paraguay suspect the men, many from a powerful gang, were allowed to walk free by guards.

Peter Mathebula: South Africa's world champion boxer dies

Peter Mathebula made history in 1980 when he won the world flyweight title.

Comme Des Garçons: Row over white fashion models' cornrow wigs

The Japanese fashion brand is accused of cultural appropriation at Paris Fashion Week.

New coronavirus 'preventable and controllable', China says

The virus emerged in December, two people have died and it has been detected in three countries.

Canada snowstorms: State of emergency declared

As much as 30 inches (76cm) of snow has fallen in Newfoundland after severe snowstorms.

Puerto Rico official sacked over Hurricane Maria aid warehouse

The measure comes after video showed residents in a quake-hit town raiding the warehouse.

Yemen war: At least 70 soldiers killed in missile attack

Yemen's president condemns the "cowardly" attack in Marib province, blaming it on Houthi rebels.

Facebook blames 'technical issue' for offensive Xi Jinping translation

President Xi Jinping's name is badly mistranslated into English during his state visit to Myanmar.

Czech fire: Eight killed at disabled people's home

Rescue teams from Germany have joined Czech crews to bring the fire under control.

Libya civil war: Rivals to join major powers in Germany

The Berlin summit follows the collapse of efforts to secure a ceasefire between the warring factions.

Australia fires: Victoria braces for severe storms

Heavy rains have dampened many of Australia's blazes, while bringing flooding to some areas.

How having a son with Down's syndrome changed rocker's music

The rock singer Cormac Neeson says having a child with Down's syndrome changed his life for the better.

Naked artists in Serbia breathing life into damaged art scene

Marina Abramovic styles herself as the "grandmother of performance art" and Belgrade is where she began.

Trump impeachment: Legal team says charges 'brazen and unlawful'

The response to the trial summons gives the first glimpse of what will form the White House's defence.

National Archives sorry for censoring 2017 Women's March signs

The US agency says it was wrong to blur out signs critical of the president at the 2017 Women's March.

The 'tiny' recipe to YouTube success

This Indian couple's miniature cooking videos have earned them hundreds of thousands of subscribers.

When sexual abuse was called seduction: France confronts its past

Vanessa Springora has given an account of the traumatic effects of her relationship with a writer.

Acclaimed scientist gets brain surgery for alcohol addiction

Microbiologist Frank Plummer say he's found relief from alcohol abuse disorder after the procedure.

The rescue worker who refuses to leave a bombed-out town

Few now remain in Saraqeb, a town in Syria's last opposition-held province, Idlib. Laith al-Abdullah is one.

Davos 2020: What is the World Economic Forum and is it elitist?

The rich and powerful will gather in Davos this week, but claims of elitism still dog the event.

Australia fires: Have gum trees made the bushfires worse?

Eucalyptus trees tend to be highly flammable, but they also have the ability to recover from fires.

Jack Reacher author Lee Child passes writing baton to brother

Lee Child had considered killing off title character before getting his younger sibling to take over.

US Space Force mocked for unveiling camouflage uniforms

The new uniform, unveiled on the force's Twitter, has prompted one question: "Camo in space?"

Ghassan Salamé: UN Libya envoy says foreign intervention must end

Mr Salamé's remarks come on the eve of renewed peace talks between Libya's warring factions.

Mexico violence: Indigenous musicians killed in ambush in Guerrero

The group was returning from a party when they were shot dead and burned, allegedly by a drug cartel.

Delta Air Lines sued by California teachers over fuel dump

The Delta Air Lines plane jettisoned fuel over Los Angeles schools as it made an emergency landing.

Rain brings bushfire relief to parts of Australia

Storms hit parts of Australia's east coast, dousing some fires and giving inhabitants some respite.

Disney culls 'Fox' from 20th Century Fox in rebrand

The company wants to distance its film studio from Rupert Murdoch's news company, US media report.

Nepal avalanche: Four South Korean trekkers among missing

Helicopters are sent to Annapurna region amid poor weather conditions and plunging temperatures.

Australia fires: Heavy rains hit some blaze-hit regions

Heavy rains douse some fires on the east coast, but bring a new threat of flooding to some areas.

Simpsons actor Hank Azaria says he will no longer voice Apu

The announcement by white actor Hank Azaria follows accusations of racial stereotyping.

Khagendra Thapa Magar: World’s shortest mobile man dies aged 27

At 67.08cm (2ft 2.41in), Khagendra Thapa Magar was recognised the shortest living man who could walk.

In pictures: The sniffer dogs taking on Africa’s poachers

Canines with a nose for detection have led to hundreds of arrests and the disruption of smuggling routes.

Australia bushfires: Pollution concerns for tennis tournament

Tennis players have raised concerns about the air quality ahead of Australian Open.

Week in Pictures: 11-17 January 2020

A selection of news photographs taken around the world this week.

Unprofessional TikTok medical videos 'not the norm'

TikTok videos made by doctors and nurses this week have been accused of spreading misinformation.

Does your company nurture neurodiverse talent?

Universal Music UK have changed their work culture to be more inclusive to neurodiverse people.

The 'sorcerer' keeping Mali's marionette tradition alive

A trip to a leading puppet workshop in Mali reveals the art is in trouble as insecurity has reduced tourist income.

Spain's Magaluf and Ibiza crack down on alcohol-fuelled holidays

The Balearic Islands ban pub crawls and happy hours in popular destinations in Ibiza and Majorca.

Minnesota voters cast first ballots of 2020 election

While the nation has its eyes turned to Iowa, voters in Minnesota have already cast the first ballots.

Global Hawk drones: A look at Nato's new spy tool

The Global Hawk, which is unmanned, can travel halfway around the world on one tank of fuel.

'You can quit': Colombian cocaine farmers' message to UK user

Two Colombian producers tell a British cocaine user they wouldn't take it as they know what's in it.

Iran tensions: Khamenei's 'defiant message' at Friday prayers

Iran's supreme leader hit out at his "enemies" following recent turmoil in the region.

'We can get along because that's America'

How a "big hairy Trump guy" and a "queer individual" bonded at a rally for the Democrats in New Hampshire.

Clinton prosecutor Ken Starr to defend Trump in impeachment

Former special prosecutors from Bill Clinton's impeachment trial are expected to be on the team.

Greg Page, Wiggles singer, collapses at bushfire relief show

Greg Page, a founder and original lead singer of the children's group, was performing in Sydney.

Harry Harris: South Koreans bristle at US envoy's moustache

Harry Harris rebukes critics of his facial hair, which reminds some South Koreans of colonial rule.

Brazil's culture minister sparks outrage by echoing Goebbels

The minister uses parts of a speech by Nazi Germany's propaganda boss but calls it a coincidence.

China tourists found dead by 1973 Iceland plane crash site

A police spokesman tells the BBC autopsies will take place next week to find out the cause of death.

German foreign office sorry for #SeduceSomeoneInFourWords tweet

The office accepted that the tweet, which made a joke about visa applications, was insensitive.

Ayanna Pressley: US congresswoman reveals alopecia diagnosis

Ayanna Pressley says she shared her condition because "as a Black woman, the personal is political".

Eminem criticised for lyric about bomb at Ariana Grande gig

"What you said was hurtful to so many people," fans tell the rapper after hearing his latest lyrics.

Andrew Yang's wife says gynaecologist sexually assaulted her

Evelyn Yang is one of 31 women suing a gynaecologist over allegations of sexual assault.

Facebook blocks the Spinner's 'brainwashing' tech

Social network orders the Spinner to stop targeting its users with "disguised" ads.

Australia droughts: ‘Wall of dust’ envelops town

A dust cloud sweeps across a New South Wales town, turning it red in seconds.

Fake drugs: How bad is Africa’s counterfeit medicine problem?

Seven African countries are meeting in Togo to tackle the issue of fake drugs.

Ukraine PM Honcharuk offers to quit in audiotape furore

PM Honcharuk appears to mock President Zelensky's grasp of economics in a leaked recording.

Chinese birth rate falls to lowest since PRC was formed

At the same time, China's population hit 1.4 billion in 2019 - but the gender imbalance remains.

Iran plane crash: Khamenei to lead Friday prayers for first time since 2012

The rare move by Iran's supreme leader follows widespread protests over the downing of an airliner.

China's economic growth hits three-decade low

The world's second largest economy has seen weak domestic demand amid a trade war with the US.

Panama: Seven people found dead after suspected exorcism

Authorities in Panama's Ngäbe-Buglé region believe an exorcism was performed on the victims.

Wu Huayan: Chinese charity accused of withholding donations

More than a million yuan ($144,000; £111,000) was raised for Wu Huyan - but she only saw a fraction.

Serbia migrants: The man offering heat to people rejected by Europe

A priest tries to ease migrants' winter misery near Hungary's tightly-guarded border.

Prohibition: US activists fight for temperance 100 years on

US Prohibition was launched on 17 January 1920. A hundred years later, some activists won't give up.

US officials ground drones over espionage fears

US officials are reviewing a civilian drone programme because of concerns about Chinese infiltration.

What's behind the fight for Libya?

The oil-rich North African country has been beset by a civil war for nearly a decade.

Giant jet engines aim to make our flying greener

How much more efficiency can be wrung out of the jet engine - technology which is over 70 years old?

Iran plane downing: Victims' governments to press Tehran for answers

Ahead of a London meeting, Canada vows to "get to the bottom" of what happened to Flight PS752.

Rocky Johnson, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's wrestler father, dies at 75

Rocky Johnson, the first black WWE tag team champion, is hailed as a "barrier-breaking performer".

Violence against women: 'Battered faces' poster campaign appears in Milan

An Italian artist uses the bruised faces of female politicians to highlight violence against women.

Australia fires: Rain finally falls on some bushfires

Wet weather brings relief to some devastated areas, but the fire crisis is far from over.

Man arrested in Peru airport with 20 birds in suitcase

The Belgian traveller was trying to smuggle the protected species to Spain, officers say.

'OK Boomer': From TikTok meme to the US Supreme Court

The meme made it from TikTok and Twitter to the highest US court in a case on age discrimination.

Turkey's Wikipedia ban ends after almost three years

A top court rules the country's censorship of Wikipedia violated freedom of expression.

What is climate change?

BBC News looks at what we know and don't know about the Earth's changing climate.

Taal: Rescuing animals from a Philippines volcano

When Taal erupted, Edsel Padres set up an animal shelter in his home to look after pets left behind.

Sir David Attenborough warns of climate 'crisis moment'

We're at a pivotal point in efforts to tackle climate change, the naturalist and broadcaster warns.

BBC launches new climate coverage

The BBC plans a raft of new services and shows examining climate change and the state of our planet.

What is climate change?

It's been linked to a year of extremes – from bushfires to torrential rains – but what is it?

Why are Chinese fishermen finding so many 'submarine spies'?

Fisherman are catching foreign 'spy drones' – giving us a rare insight into covert sea surveillance.

Trump 'new exactly what was going on', Giuliani aide claims

Lev Parnas, an aide to the president's lawyer, says Donald Trump knew of efforts to pressure Ukraine.

Dong Tam village: Anger in Vietnam over deadly 'land grab' raid

Different versions of events have emerged after a huge security operation and an unexplained death.

US lawmakers concerned about facial recognition

Lawmakers heard testimony on the risks of facial recognition programs which are largely unregulated.

Hip-hop artist: 'I'm called Satan when I rap'

"Mina the Veiled" is a Senegalese hip-hop artist who is often mocked because of her passion for rap.

Harvey Weinstein trial: How do you select a jury?

Harvey Weinstein's trial is closely linked to the #MeToo movement - and finding a jury could be hard.

'I was sexually abused by a shaman at an ayahuasca retreat'

Ayahuasca's psychedelic powers are attracting more and more tourists. But the scene appears to have a dark side.

Meet the NASA intern who discovered a new planet on his third day

This teenager found a new planet on the third day of his internship at the US space agency.

Iran protests: Who are the opposition in the country?

There have been anti-government protests in Iran, but how strong is opposition inside the country?

Grieving Kenyan grandmother calls for better road safety

Kenyan Mary Wambui's daughter and grandson died after being hit crossing a major highway.

Buddha heirloom returned to Sri Lanka by Hampshire family

Relatives of a Sri Lankan archaeologist return a Buddha relic to a sacred temple 100 years later.

Russia's Putin seeks to stimulate birth rate

Russia's president announces a series of measures including benefit payments for new mothers.

A divided country: Iran's turmoil in two minutes

Why recent events have prompted hundreds of thousands of Iranians to take to the streets.

Liang Jun: China's first female tractor driver, and national icon, dies

At 18, Liang Jun became China's first female tractor driver - and eventually a national icon.

Amazon in India: Jeff Bezos announces $1bn Indian investment

The billionaire's visit to India is expected to be marred by protests by small business owners.

Alex Cora: Boston Red Sox sack manager for role in Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal

The Boston Red Sox sack manager Alex Cora following his involvement in the "sign-stealing" scandal at the Houston Astros in 2017.

Democratic debate: Warren mocks men for losing elections

Elizabeth Warren notes that only the women candidates on stage have won every contest they've fought.

Hakan Sukur: How former Turkey star ended up in the US as a taxi driver

Turkish football legend Hakan Sukur now drives taxis and sells books in the US after a rift with President Erdogan

South Africa: 'When I'm surfing, I feel like everything is possible'

Mental health is an important topic for young people worldwide. In South Africa, one way young people are coping is with surfing.

Iran chess ref Shohreh Bayat fears returning home over hijab row

Shohreh Bayat, 32, has caused controversy after appearing in photographs without a headscarf.

737 Max crisis: Boeing sees lowest orders in decades

The 737 Max has been grounded for 10 months after two crashes that killed 346 people in total.

Trump launches fresh attack on Apple over privacy

The firm rejects claims that it is shielding criminals by refusing to co-operate with investigators.

Windows 10: NSA reveals major flaw in Microsoft's code

A patch is likely to be announced later although Microsoft insists no hacker has exploited it.

New Google privacy policy frustrates advertisers

The firm unveiled a timeline for new privacy rules that will limit third-party access to user data.

Kem Sokha: Journalists turned away from Cambodia treason trial

At least two journalists were told the court was full as the highly controversial trial is set to start.

Strongman Putin stokes patriotism in small-town Russia

Nationalism, patriotism and poverty on show in the Russian town of Kolomna.

Remembering Nigeria's Biafra war that many prefer to forget

Fifty years from the end of Nigeria's civil war three people on the losing side reflect on its impact.

Australia fires: The farmers burying their own cattle

The fires have killed thousands of cattle - leaving farmers to count the cost.

How the sewing machine accidentally liberated women

A device that changed women's lives was originally intended to make one man rich.

Why Charlize Theron wrestled with playing Fox anchor

Charlize Theron on becoming Megyn Kelly in the Oscar-nominated Bombshell.

Student rape reports: The battle to be believed

Women who report violent sexual assaults at university say the perpetrators are getting away with it.

The Kazakh Muslims detained in China's camps

Since 2017, thousands of Kazakh Muslims have been detained in China’s infamous re-education camps.

Alaskan wilderness survivor tells his story

After his cabin caught fire in the Alaskan woods, Tyson Steele survived without shelter for 23 days.

Meet The Coffin Club who meet to make their coffins

The Coffin Club of Rotorua in New Zealand organises weekly coffin making sessions.

Iran plane downing: 'Several people detained' for shooting down airliner

The detentions came as part of an investigation into the incident that Iran says was "tragic".

US urges Apple to unlock air base shooter's phones

The tech firm denies the US attorney's accusation that it is not helping the investigators enough.

Australia fires: Players struggle with poor air quality at Australian Open

Dalila Jakupovic is forced to retire from Australian Open qualifying after struggling to breathe because of poor air quality in Melbourne.

Taal: The 'very small but dangerous volcano'

Taal is a small volcano but it is complex and unpredictable which makes it a big risk, say experts.

Church sexual abuse: Trial of French priest Bernard Preynat

Bernard Preynat, 74, is alleged to have assaulted dozens of boy scouts in the 1980s and 1990s.

US election: 'Sanders said no woman could win', Warren says

The progressive rivals offer sharply differing versions of what was said during a private meeting.

Oscars 2020: Heller and Hanks on A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Tom Hanks is nominated for an Oscar for his latest film but director Marielle Heller has missed out.

Taal volcano: Wedding takes place against eruption backdrop

The eruption of the Taal volcano didn't stop one Philippine couple going ahead with their wedding.

China sinkhole: Six killed as ground swallows bus

CCTV shows an explosion after the bus and bystanders fell into a hole that opened up at a bus stop.

Canadian PM cautious over Harry and Meghan's move

Justin Trudeau says his government has not yet been involved in talks about Harry and Meghan's plans.

CAA: Microsoft boss calls India's new citizenship law 'sad'

Satya Nadella's comments come amid ongoing, sometimes violent, protests against the controversial rules.

'I don't know what to say to his six-year-old'

Masoud Niknam mourns the loss of his brother at a ceremony in Canada for the victims of an airliner downed by Iran.

Australia fires: Smoke to make 'full circuit' around globe, Nasa says

Smoke from huge fires is expected to travel back to Australia after circling the globe, Nasa says.

Using Huawei in UK 5G network 'madness', warns US

US officials handed over new evidence claiming that Huawei's 5G technology is a security risk.

Barcelona sack Ernesto Valverde and appoint Quique Setien

Barcelona sack coach Ernesto Valverde and replace him with former Real Betis coach Quique Setien.

Australia fires: What's being done to fight the flames?

Here's what Australia is doing to tackle the worst wildfires the country has seen in decades.

Plug-in and sail: Meet the electric ferry pioneers

Battery powered ferries are becoming bigger and are sailing further, but they are still expensive.

The 'sorcerer' keeping Mali's marionette tradition alive

A trip to a leading puppet workshop in Mali reveals the art is in trouble as insecurity has reduced tourist income.

Oksana Masters: Paralympic champion on Chernobyl, Tokyo 2020 and upbringing in Ukraine

Oksana Masters was seven when her adoptive mother took her from Ukraine to the USA. This summer she will compete at her fifth Paralympics.

A miracle baby born to infertile mother

Jennifer Gobrecht’s uterus transplant allowed her to have a baby.

The Nigerian blind mechanic using touch to make repairs

Nigerian Emeka Abugu says he's perfected his skills after losing his sight as a child.

Oldest material on Earth discovered

Scientists analysing a meteorite discover material that is older than the Solar System itself.

Facebook: Star Wars' Mark Hamill deletes account over political ads

Mark Hamill accuses the social network of putting profits before truthfulness.

Libya conflict: Warring sides meet in Moscow for talks

After a tentative truce failed, the warring sides meet for talks brokered by Russia and Turkey.

Iran plane downing: Police deny shooting anti-government protesters

Videos posted online recorded what appeared to be gunfire and showed blood on the streets.

Musharraf: Death penalty for ex-Pakistan president thrown out

The Lahore High Court says the process which found Pervez Musharraf guilty was "unconstitutional".

Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed responds to Trump's Nobel Prize complaint

The US president suggested he had been overlooked for the prize for his own efforts on Ethiopia.

Queen Hind: 180 rescued sheep arrive at new home in Romania

The 180 rams were rescued at sea after the Queen Hind cargo ship capsized in November.

Siemens resists climate protests over Australia coal project

The German engineering giant says it cannot back out of a huge coalmining deal in Queensland.

Alaska man survives three weeks with little food and shelter

Fire destroyed Tyson Steele's remote cabin, killing his dog and leaving him alone for weeks.

Hong Kong protests: Copenhagen's Little Mermaid statue graffitied

It's the latest in a long history of vandalism from decapitation to political slogans.

Former Boeing chief Dennis Muilenburg leaves with $62m

The company fired Mr Muilenburg last month following two deadly crashes involving its 737 Max plane.

Oscar nominations: 6 things to look out for

A female director, a repeat of #OscarsSoWhite or a good year for British talent?

Rugby’s Siya Kolisi wants to bring change to South Africa

The rugby team's first black captain on his work off the pitch since their World Cup win.

Egypt-Ethiopia row: The trouble over a giant Nile dam

At the heart of the dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt is who has control over Africa's longest river.

Iran air disaster: A family lost

Pedram Mousavi, Mojgan Daneshmand, and their two daughters were all passengers on flight PS752.

Iran plane downing: Canadian PM promises 'justice' at memorial

Justin Trudeau says he will "not rest until there are answers" about the Ukrainian jet downed by Iran.

Philippines volcano: Taal spews lava as 'hazardous eruption' feared

Authorities have warned that a "hazardous eruption" could take place "within hours or days".

Yusaku Maezawa: Japanese billionaire seeks 'life partner' for Moon voyage

Yusaku Maezawa appeals for a "life partner" to join him on Space X's maiden Moon voyage in 2023.

Retired Pope Benedict warns Francis against relaxing priestly celibacy rules

The surprise appeal comes as Pope Francis considers an easing of the rule banning married priests.

Australia fires: Aboriginal planners say the bush 'needs to burn'

What would happen if Australia followed the ancient bushfire management practices of Aboriginal people?

Naked artists in Serbia breathing life into damaged art scene

Marina Abramovic styles herself as the "grandmother of performance art" and Belgrade is where she began.

France summit: Sahel crisis in danger of slipping out of control

African leaders meet France's president over how to re-establish security in the Sahel region.

The billionaire retailer whose shops had no stock

Luiza Trajano, owner of Brazilian shop chain Magazine Luiza, is one of the country's richest people.

Can Australia's PM Scott Morrison recover from the fires?

Since September, bushfires have killed at least 28 people and destroyed thousands of homes.

Hevrin Khalaf: Death of a peacemaker

A BBC Arabic investigation has evidence that the Syrian-Kurdish political leader, Hevrin Khalaf, was executed by a faction of the Syrian National Army, which denies the allegation.

Iranians hold angry protest over downed plane

Demonstrators in Tehran called for resignations and accused officials of lying.

Australia bushfires: The race to save animal casualties

Wildfires have wreaked devastation to wildlife on Australia's third largest island.

Thailand 'run against dictatorship' draws thousands

Crowds urge more political freedom in one of the biggest shows of dissent against the government.

Philippines volcano: Thousands evacuated as Taal spews ash

Some 8,000 people are ordered to leave their homes after the Taal volcano spews a giant cloud of ash.

Iran plane downing: Pressure mounts on officials amid protests

There are calls for senior officials to be dismissed after a passenger jet was mistakenly shot down.

Federer responds to climate change critics over Credit Suisse links

Campaigners including Greta Thunberg want Federer to end a sponsorship deal with Credit Suisse.

US anger at UK extradition bid for diplomat's wife

The US State Department says it would be an "abuse" to send suspect Anne Sacoolas back to the UK.

Tributes pour in as Oman mourns Sultan Qaboos

A condolence ceremony is being held as the country remembers Sultan Qaboos who died aged 79.

Libya conflict: GNA and Gen Haftar's LNA agree to ceasefire

Both sides in Libya announce ceasefires, after pressure from their backers, Russia and Turkey.

Migrant crisis: Eight children die as boat sinks off Turkey

Three adults have also died as their boat sank off Turkey's coast near the Greek island of Chios.

Iran plane crash: Why this could be a watershed moment

Anger at the government's response could lead to further unrest ahead of elections, an expert says.

Williams donates prize money to Australia fire aid

Serena Williams claims her first title in three years and first since becoming a mother with victory over Jessica Pegula at the Auckland Classic.

Malta: Robert Abela elected new PM after crisis over journalist's murder

Robert Abela is the new Labour Party leader, after Joseph Muscat resigned over a journalist's murder.

Australia fires: PM admits mistakes in handling of crisis

Scott Morrison responds to criticism over the bushfires, proposing an inquiry into the crisis.

Does the US have a problem with topless women?

Women fed up with being forced to cover up their breasts are challenging American laws about nudity.

As the ice melts, Greenland considers its future

As the US prepares to open a consulate in Greenland, there are concerns over American influence.

The autistic Russian teenager amazing the art world

Markus is a 13-year-old Russian artist with autism and epilepsy. His work sells for thousands of dollars.

John Baldessari: The artist who cremated his own paintings

John Baldessari, who touched the art world with his irreverent humour, has died at the age of 88.

Researchers: Are we on the cusp of an ‘AI winter’?

AI researchers admit that the hype around AI may be cooling off once again.

Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman?

The funeral has taken place of the Arab world's longest-serving ruler, who died on Friday.

Maxence Melo's Jamii Forums: Tanzania’s 'accidental journalist'

Maxence Melo, the online freedom champion in Tanzania is apprehensive of what might happen in an election year

The deadly 'ghost gear' which haunts seas and coastlines

Tonnes of fishing equipment are lost or abandoned every year, posing a risk to wildlife at sea and on shore.

Saving an indigenous language from extinction

The Sami are the only officially recognised indigenous people in the EU and some of their languages are on the brink of extinction.

Iran plane crash: Missile struck underneath cockpit - Ukraine

Ukraine's top security official tells the BBC what investigators in Tehran have uncovered.

Iran plane crash: Demands for justice after admission jet was shot down

Iran admits is "unintentionally" shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, after days of denial.

Taiwan election: Tsai Ing-wen wins second presidential term

President Tsai Ing-wen sweeps to victory in an election dominated by relations with mainland China.

India demolishes Kerala skyscrapers over environmental violations

Waterfront high-rises are demolished after the Supreme Court ruled they violated environmental laws.

Iran plane crash: Ukraine airline chief welcomes Iranian admission

The president of Ukraine International Airlines welcomes Iran's admission it "unintentionally" shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet.

Kim-Trump personal relations 'not enough to resume' US-North Korea talks

The US must fully accept North Korea's demands so nuclear discussions can restart, an official says.

Tortoise with species-saving sex drive returns to Galápagos

The 100-year-old tortoise of legendary libido is credited with saving his species from extinction.

Prince Harry and Meghan: Duchess returns to Canada as Queen seeks solution

The Queen asks senior staff to find a way forward after Harry and Meghan chose to "step back" from their roles.

Iran plane crash: What do we know so far?

Iran admits it "unintentionally" shot down the Ukrainian passenger plane in Iran on Wednesday.

Iran plane crash: Ukrainian jet was 'unintentionally' shot down - state TV

Iran had so far denied responsibility for Wednesday's Ukrainian plane crash, which killed 176 people.

Texas governor to reject new refugees under Trump order

Governor Greg Abbott says the state's resources should be focused on "those who are already here".

Sultan Qaboos of Oman dies aged 79

The sultan deposed his father in a bloodless coup in 1970 and then set Oman on a path to development.

From Iran to #Sussexit: 2020's biggest stories explained

From bushfires and #Sussexit to fears of war in the Mid-East - it's been a busy start to the year in news.

Australia fires: Vineyard owner's grief and determination

An Australian vineyard's destruction in bushfires led to anger, tears and new "faith in humanity".

Qasem Soleimani: Crisis puts Mid-East friends and foes on edge

The effect of the US-Iran flare-up is rippling across America's allies and enemies in the region.

Why Meghan and Harry have Canada in their sights

Canadians are excited at the prospect that the royal couple might make Canada their home.

What Iran crash clues point towards a missile strike?

Western powers believe it could have been a missile, but Iran denies it.

Grizelda Grootboom: 'How my best friend trafficked me for sex'

Grizelda Grootboom was tricked into sex trafficking by a "friend" and has written about her ordeal.

Did Britain meddle in a US presidential election?

When President Bush needed a smoking gun on his rival Bill Clinton, a key US ally dug for dirt.

A chatbot pulled me out of a 'really dark place'

There are many mental health apps on the market, but how much help are they?

Pakistan forgiveness laws: The price of getting away with murder

Thanks to forgiveness laws, murder doesn't always result in a jail sentence - or even a trial.

India's first trans queen: 'Show yourself loud and proud'

Nitasha Biswas won India's first transgender beauty pageant and now campaigns for transgender rights.

Paper sculptor Lisa Lloyd rustles up worldwide success

Lisa Lloyd's elaborate designs - made out of tiny bits of paper - have sold all over the world.

Popocatépetl: Mexican volcano's spectacular eruption caught on camera

Mexico's Popocatépetl spews a cloud of ash and rock that reaches 3,000m (9,800ft) into the sky.

Iran plane crash: Tehran rebuffs claims it shot down Ukrainian jet

Western leaders say evidence is growing that an Iranian missile downed the plane near Tehran.

Hungary to provide free fertility treatment to boost population

Nationalist PM Viktor Orban wants to reverse population decline through procreation, not migration.

Tayyaba abuse case: Pakistan judge and wife's sentences cut

Former Pakistani judge Raja Khurram Ali and his wife Maheen Zafar are currently behind bars.

Why China is key as Taiwan prepares to vote

Taiwan goes to the polls this weekend and the issue of China is once again taking centre stage.

Buck Henry: Tributes paid to late screenwriter of The Graduate

The double Oscar nominee, who has died aged 89, is remembered as "a hilarious and brilliant talent".

US firefighters met with applause in Sydney

US firefighters were met with applause at Sydney airport as they arrived to help fight bushfires.

CES 2020: TV lets you shine a torch into its shadows