Abounding Opportunities

Moves by China, along with the election of Joe Biden, make temperature targets more achievable.

Covid-19: Thailand's food hawkers sell at protests to stay afloat

Thai authorities may be worried by the protests, but the country's food vendors smell opportunity.

Indonesia attacks: Army hunts suspected militants over Christian murders

A special force is probing the gruesome killing of four Christians in a remote Indonesian village.

Australian scientists map millions of galaxies with new telescope

A powerful telescope in Australia gives a glimpse of three million galaxies in record time.

Brazil siege: Armed men 'raid banks' in Criciúma

The mayor of Criciúma warns the city is the 'target of a major assault' amid reports of two injuries.

Covid: Dr Scott Atlas - Trump's controversial coronavirus adviser - resigns

Dr Atlas clashed with other scientists after questioning the need for masks and other measures.

India builds bridge to help reptiles cross road

The unique bridge is constructed over a busy highway to protect animals from being run over.

Facebook and Google 'complicit' in Vietnam censorship

Rights group Amnesty has accused Facebook and Google of increasingly blocking criticism and dissent.

China-US trade war: Beijing escalates tit-for-tat with Washington

Beijing has introduced tough new laws which restrict the export of "controlled items".

Missing Florida sailor found clinging to capsized vessel

The man, 62, was rescued by a passing container ship, more than 80 miles off the Florida coast.

Canada unveils largest economic relief package since WW2

Opposition Conservatives say the historic spending plan is "startling".

Covid vaccine: Rumours thrive amid trickle of pandemic facts

Social media is full of coronavirus vaccine information - but how can you tell which is reliable?

Trump presidency's final days: 'In his mind, he will not have lost'

West Wing aides are keeping a low profile as the presidency slowly comes to terms with his loss.

A police officer with a conscience who left Belarus

Andrei Ostapovich quit his job as a Belarusian police officer, was detained in Russia, then escaped to Poland.

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh: Iran mulls its responses to an assassination

Frank Gardner looks at Iran's options were it to try to avenge Mohsen Fakhrizadeh's assassination.

France Islam: Muslims face state pressure to embrace values

A "charter of values" is the latest effort by the French state to win Muslim hearts and minds.

End Sars protests: The Nigerian women leading the fight for change

The feminists who were the backbone of the EndSars protests, which threaten Nigeria's status quo.

Assassinated nuclear scientist buried in Iran

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed on Friday in an attack Iran blame on Israel.

Covid vaccine: Moderna seeks approval in US and Europe

Regulators will decide if it is safe and effective enough to recommend for widespread use.

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh: Iran buries assassinated nuclear scientist

In a speech, the defence minister vows to avenge Mohsen Fakhrizadeh's killing and continue his work.

India GDP: What car sales reveal about India’s stalling economy

India's economy is officially in recession but improving car sales hint at a possible rebound.

Michel Zecler beating: Four French policemen charged over assault

The assault on music producer Michel Zecler in Paris was captured in a video that shocked France.

Nemonte Nenquimo: The indigenous leader named 'environmental hero'

Nemonte Nenquimo is one of the six environmental leaders to be awarded this year's Goldman Prize.

Environment award for activist who stopped a new power station in Ghana

A climate activist has won a prestigious prize for leading the battle to block it being built in Ghana.

Japan's crown prince 'approves' daughter's wedding

Princess Mako had postponed her marriage to Kei Komuro after reports of his mother's money troubles.

Indonesia: Thousands flee poisonous gas after volcano erupts

Authorities have warned people against poisonous gas after Indonesia's Ile Lewotolok volcano erupted.

Joe Biden: President-elect fractures foot while playing with dog

The president-elect will probably have to wear a medical boot for several weeks, his doctor says.

Australia demands China apologise for posting 'repugnant' fake image

A fake image posted by a Chinese government official depicts an Australian soldier murdering a child.

Sri Lanka: Six die in prison riot over Covid panic

Pandemic-related unrest has been growing in Sri Lanka's prisons as the number of virus cases surge.

Biden announces all-female senior press team

Joe Biden has pledged to shape one of the most diverse US presidential cabinets ever.

White Island volcano: NZ officials charge 13 parties over tragedy

Some 22 people died when the volcano suddenly erupted last December with tourists on it.

Covid: Fauci warns of 'surge in cases' post Thanksgiving

Millions of people are returning home following the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States.

Black Lives Matter founders: We fought to change history and we won

The founders of the Black Lives Matter movement tell the BBC's 100 Women season they are optimistic.

Italy's Calabria has two pandemics: Covid and the Mafia

Calabria was not hit by the first wave of the pandemic but its fragile health system is buckling now.

Why India can't stop farmers burning stubble

The toxic fumes from stubble burning affects hundreds of millions - but curbs to stop it keep failing.

Viewpoint: Why Kenya's giant fig tree won over a president

The campaign to save a 100-year-old tree shows cultural fears can make politicians listen in Kenya.

A 70-year-old photographic mystery

Collector William Fagan finds 70-year-old photographs in a camera.

The tech allowing thousands of students to sit exams at home

Machine learning is helping firms across many industries more quickly solve difficult challenges.

Coronavirus: How do you vaccinate 7.7 billion people?

Five challenges of distributing a Covid-19 vaccine to billions of people.

Nagorno-Karabakh: The boy who swapped his piano for a gun

The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is over, but some are still waiting for news of missing relatives.

Diego Maradona: Police raid house and clinic of doctor

Authorities are trying to establish if there was negligence in the treatment of the Argentine star.

Christmas: Drive-thru market saves festive German tradition

Nearly all of the country's famous markets have been cancelled due to lockdown measures meant to stem the virus in Germany.

Cher and the rescue of a lonely elephant in Pakistan

Singer Cher was one of those who campaigned for a better life for Kavaan the elephant who is now heading to a new home.

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: Authorities hunt for TPLF leadership

Prime Minister Abiy says this comes after the "last phase" in the conflict in the Tigray region.

Utah monolith: Has the mysterious metal object disappeared?

Utah officials and images on social media suggest the shiny desert structure has been taken down.

'Fireball' dazzles in the sky in Japan

The meteor was seen descending towards earth for a few seconds, before emitting a powerful light.

Farm workers killed in 'insane' Nigeria attack

Nigeria's president condemns an attack in which 43 labourers were "slaughtered" near Maiduguri.

Adam King: Six-year-old Irish boy's space ambition 'inspires' Nasa

Adam King from County Cork captured the hearts of TV viewers with dreams of joining a space mission.

Durham van traveller Esther Dingley missing in Pyrenees

Esther Dingley disappeared on a solo hike during a six-year journey through Europe in a campervan.

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr share an engaging draw in 'exhibition' bout

Mike Tyson ends 15 years of inactivity and shares an entertaining draw with Roy Jones Jr in Los Angeles.

Dave Prowse: Darth Vader actor dies aged 85

The former bodybuilder was also given an MBE for his long-running role as the Green Cross Code Man.

Canada bans mass exports of prescription drugs

The new policy comes in response to a US plan to import drugs from Canada.

Sydney records hottest November night on record

The Australian city recorded a minimum overnight temperature of 25.4C.

Serbia and Montenegro expel respective ambassadors

The two nations have expelled each other's envoys over a historical dispute dating back a century.

Viewpoint: How Ethiopia is undermining the African Union

The country has rebuffed African efforts to find a negotiated settlement to the Tigray conflict.

Serbia coronavirus: The Church losing its leaders to the pandemic

Few organisations have taken a bigger hit from coronavirus than the Serbian Orthodox Church

In pictures: Hurricanes leave Hondurans homeless and destitute

Hurricanes Eta and Iota left more than 150,000 people in Honduras homeless and many lost everything.

The battle to save a biodiversity hotspot in India

Environmentalists in India's Goa state are fighting projects they say will turn it into a coal hub.

Khachaturyan sisters: A murder trial that shocked Russia

The case of the three Khachaturyan sisters accused of killing their father sent shockwaves through Russia.

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: What does it mean for the east Africa region?

BBC correspondents across the east Africa region explain the impact for Ethiopia and its neighbours.

Conjoined twins: 'We always knew we were different'

They made headlines when surgeons separated them - now Sanchia and Eman Mowatt are at university.

Afghanistan, home to the heroin trade, moves into meth

A new report warns Afghanistan is becoming a major methamphetamine producer, leaving addicts in its wake.

Why Bhutan's Sakteng wildlife sanctuary is disputed by China

Tiny Bhutan is feeling the squeeze as its giant neighbours China and India vie for territory.

France: Tear gas fired as protesters rally against police security bill

Protesters throw fireworks and set up barricades as police fire tear gas in tense clashes in Paris.

Deadly flooding hits Sardinia after heavy rains

Footage shows rivers of mud in the town of Bitti, where at least three people have died.

ICYMI: Music for monkeys and penguins out in public

A quick look at just some stories you may have missed this week.

Carrie Lam: Hong Kong's leader says she has to keep piles of cash at home

Carrie Lam says she has no bank account due to US sanctions, and pays cash for everything.

Surprise discovery of rare plant at Norfolk 'ghost pond'

A rare wetland plant has reappeared after not being seen for more than a century.

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh: Iran vows to avenge scientist's assassination

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a top nuclear scientist, died on Friday after an attack on his car.

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: Army claims advance on several towns

Ethiopia's army says it has seized control of several towns in the northern region of Tigray.

Polar scientists wary of impending satellite gap

The key missions recording the loss of thickness in glaciers and sea-ice won't last the decade.

Swiss vote on making firms liable for rights abuse

Many in government and business are wary, but campaigners say politicians are out of touch.

The Donut King who went full circle - from rags to riches, twice

Cambodian refugee Ted Ngoy made a fortune in doughnuts then lost it all to gambling.

Tigray crisis: Ethiopian soldiers accused of blocking border with Sudan

Families fleeing the conflict in Tigray tell the BBC they have been cut off from relatives.

Kaavan, the world's loneliest elephant, is finally going free

For decades, Kaavan performed from his lonely enclosure. Now, with a hand from Cher, he's retiring.

Getting 'crushed' on Melbourne's path to coronavirus success

By one measure the city has just eliminated the virus, but relieved locals also fear a hidden cost.

Coronavirus lockdown sees share of women on India's stock market rise

With more time and flexibility, thousands of women are trading in the stock market for the first time.

The Kraken: What is it and why has Trump's ex-lawyer released it?

How a lawsuit from an ex-Trump lawyer full of baseless voter fraud claims went viral.

Life after al-Shabab: Driving a school bus instead of an armed pickup truck

The Somali government retrains defectors from the al-Shabab militant group as barbers, drivers, mechanics and tailors.

Karl Edwards: The 'bronzed Aussie' who knew life was for living

The story behind the plaque: the fast life and freakishly unlucky death of Karl Edwards.

The Indian bride who wore a pantsuit to her wedding

In a country where marriages are steeped in tradition, Sanjana Rishi's wedding outfit drew criticism.

Is the era of the Hollywood blockbuster over?

Has Covid put an end to big budget film-making, or will busy cinemas in Asia give Hollywood hope?

Maradona: Funeral worker apologises over coffin photos

The Argentine funeral worker took photos next to the open casket of football legend Diego Maradona.

Climate change: The woman watching the ice melt from under her feet

For thousands of years Inupaiq people have relied on the land in Alaska but now climate change is threatening their entire way of life.

Losing Cinema Park: Tears over demolition of Kabul's iconic cinema

Why the demolition of a 70-year old cinema hall in Kabul went viral in Afghanistan.

Jane Fonda: 'It's much harder to be young than it is old'

As an 82-year-old Jane Fonda is still protesting - this time about climate change - and getting arrested.

Covid-19 pandemic: Tracking the global coronavirus outbreak

Key charts and maps explaining how the virus has spread around the world.

Maradona: Anger over funeral home photos with legend's open coffin

The funeral parlour says it is "devastated" by the pictures, as Maradona's lawyer vows legal action.

Italian serenaded by husband outside hospital dies

Carla Sacchi was allowed home days after her husband played his accordion below her hospital window.

Coronavirus: Calls in Denmark to dig up millions of dead mink

The hasty mass burial of animals infected with coronavirus was declared illegal.

Taiwan lawmakers throw pig guts and punches

Taiwan's opposition legislators exchanged blows in a heated row over the easing of US pork imports.

Sri Lanka digs trench to deter scavenging elephants

It's hoped the trench will keep the animals out of a rubbish dump which is near a wildlife sanctuary.

Indian farmers clash with police over reforms

Farmers from India’s Punjab state are marching to India's capital Delhi to protest.

Cuban police raid HQ of dissident San Isidro Movement

The San Isidro Movement is protesting over the jailing of rapper Denis Solis.

Pig guts fly as Taiwan lawmakers brawl over US pork imports

Opposition legislators hurled the intestines in a bitter dispute over the easing of US pork imports.

Diego Maradona dies: Guillem Balague on 'the magician, the cheat, the god, the flawed genius'

Guillem Balague has spent much of 2020 working on a Diego Maradona book - and it has opened his eyes about a man he thought he already knew.

Chinese doctors jailed for illegal organ harvesting

The four men were part of an organ trafficking ring that targeted accident victims.

Citgo 6: US oil executives convicted of corruption in Venezuela

The men, who worked for a US company owned by Venezuela, were arrested in 2017.

Whale skeleton discovered in Thailand thought to be 5,000 years old

Archaeologists believe the bones are as old as 5,000 years and remarkably well preserved.

China slaps tariffs on Australian wine as tensions grow

It has been investigating the "dumping" of cheap wines in China - an accusation Australia denies.

Iran diplomat to stand trial in Belgium over 'France bomb plot'

Prosecutors in Belgium say he planned an attack on an Iranian opposition rally near Paris in 2018.

US election: Trump signals he is prepared to leave White House

He has refused to concede the election but says he will quit if Joe Biden is confirmed the winner.

'This is War': Poland’s battle for abortion

People have taken to the streets as the government attempts to ban nearly all abortions.

US election results: Why the most accurate bellwether counties were wrong

Of the 19 places in the US that usually correctly pick the president, only one got it right this time.

Singapore: Jolovan Wham charged for holding up a smiley face sign

Activist Jolovan Wham faces large fines for violating public order in Singapore.

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: Fears of a march into guerrilla warfare

The government is hoping for a quick victory in Tigray but it may not be that simple.

PG Wodehouse: Why India still holds a flame for the English author

The Jeeves and Wooster creator was the most English of novelists so why does he have fans in India?

Searching 80,000 miles for the American dream

Photographer Ian Brown travelled around the US in search of people's American dreams.

Can a ninja’s life teach us about staying safe in a pandemic?

Genichi is the first student from a Japanese university with a master’s degree in ninja studies.

Diego Maradona: World mourns Argentine football great

Fans around the world gather to pay tribute to one of the greatest players of all time.

Diego Maradona: Thousands of fans mourn footballer

The 60 year-old Argentinian died of a heart attack on Wednesday.

Diego Maradona: Mourners to visit legend's body as Argentina grieves

A million people are expected to pay tribute to the late Argentine football legend in Buenos Aires.

Turkey court jails officers over 2016 coup plot

Air force pilots are among military staff jailed for trying to topple President Erdogan.

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: PM declares assault on regional capital Mekelle

PM Abiy Ahmed says the military will try not to harm civilians and urged people to stay at home.

Covid-19: US Supreme Court backs religious groups over New York caps

The Supreme Court says attendance limits at places of worship in New York violate religious freedom.

Covid: Pakistan cricket squad quarantined after positive tests in New Zealand

The whole squad is quarantined following six positives, after some members "contravened protocols".

North Korea defectors: Loose screws at border blamed for gymnast crossing

A former gymnast is thought to have jumped across the border fence undetected to flee to the South.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock ignores own Thanksgiving travel advice

Michael Hancock urged residents to stay at home, before admitting he travelled to Mississippi.

Cho Ju-bin: 40 years jail for South Korean chatroom sex abuse group leader

South Korean Cho Ju-bin ran a group which blackmailed girls into sharing sexual videos.

Kylie Moore-Gilbert: Academic says Iran detention was 'long and traumatic'

British-Australian lecturer Kylie Moore-Gilbert endured two years of "incredible hardship".

Coronavirus pandemic: Germany seeks EU deal to close ski resorts

Germany and Italy want slopes closed until January, but the EU is yet to reach an agreement.

Obama attacks Hispanic voters who picked Trump

The ex-US president says some overlooked Mr Trump's rhetoric because of his stance on abortion.

Coronavirus and gender: More chores for women set back gains in equality

Women take on the burden of unpaid chores during Covid, UN data shows, threatening gender equality.

Black Friday: Why bots will beat you to in-demand gifts

Black Friday and Christmas shopping are here - but it may be harder than ever to snag what you want.

Why France may ban discrimination against accents

A French MP wants to push back against the traditional Parisian disdain for regional voices.

Chile's Mapuche indigenous group fights for rights

The Mapuche make up 12% of Chile's population but are not recognised in the country's constitution.

Tigray crisis: How the Ethiopian army and TPLF clashed over an airport

With communications largely cut to the Tigray region, both sides in the conflict are trying to control the narrative.

Covid: US doctor's video simulates what dying patient sees

This doctor made a video simulating what a dying Covid patient sees - to urge people to wear masks.

Tributes pour in for football great Maradona

Three days of mourning begin in Argentina as tributes pour in for Diego Maradona, one of the greatest footballers of all time, who died on Wednesday.

Yemen: Growing up in a war-torn country

Yemen is labelled the "the world's worst humanitarian crisis" and 60% of its population is under 25.

Belarus: The woman sacrificing everything for her country’s freedom

Three months on from the Belarus election, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya reflects on how her life has changed.

'Michael Flynn's loyalty to Trump has paid off' - Omarosa Manigault Newman

Former Trump aide Omarosa Manigault Newman reacts to the ex-national security adviser's pardon.

Nearly 100 pilot whales die in mass stranding off New Zealand islands

The pilot whales were found beached on the remote Chatham Islands.

Coronavirus: How Europeans are preparing for Christmas and New Year

Measures designed to contain the coronavirus pandemic will change how millions of people celebrate.

Germany Merkel: Car rams into chancellery gate ahead of Covid decision

The car had messages, including one criticising "globalisation politics", written on its sides.

SLS: Nasa 'megarocket' assembly begins in Florida

Nasa has stacked the first pieces of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket at Florida's Kennedy Space Center.

Duchess of Sussex tells of miscarriage 'pain and grief'

"I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second," Meghan writes in an article.

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: Abiy Ahmed 'rejects international interference'

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed says it is an internal matter amid growing international concern.

Loujain al-Hathloul: Trial of jailed Saudi women's rights activist to resume

The family of Loujain al-Hathloul, who began a hunger strike a month ago, hope she will be freed.

Abdul Nacer Benbrika: Australia revokes citizenship of terror plotter

Officials are also trying to extend Mr Benbrika's time in prison for terrorism offences.

US election 2020: Biden says White House co-operation 'sincere'

The president-elect describes the Trump administration's help with the transition as not "begrudging".

Uighurs: China rebuffs Pope's criticism as 'groundless'

Beijing says remarks by the Pope about the persecution of China's Muslim Uighurs are "groundless".

Thailand's 'largest ketamine bust' turns out to be cleaning agent

The justice minister says it was a "misunderstanding" because of a "technical error" in field testing.

FSO Safer: New deal to secure oil tanker abandoned off Yemen

Work could begin early next year to prevent the vessel breaking apart and spilling crude.

Russia 'threatened to ram' US ship in Sea of Japan

Moscow accuses an American destroyer of entering its waters, but the US denies its vessel was expelled.

A harsh reality in coal country - with or without Trump

Built on coal, Colstrip has been under threat for years. It may not matter who sits in the Oval Office.

US election: Daily Show comedian Jordan Klepper on Trump and his supporters

Jordan Klepper has become known for his Trump supporter interviews with Trevor Noah.

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: Fears of ethnic profiling stalk conflict

Some ethnic Tigrayans complain of harassment and discrimination - an allegation the government denies.

How sunshine can make the railways greener

The railways in the UK, Australia and India getting power from the sun in different ways.

New Brunswick outbreak: How a smalltown doctor became a Covid pariah

After being labelled "patient-zero", a small-town physician in Canada was shunned.

Why Bhutan's Sakteng wildlife sanctuary is disputed by China

Tiny Bhutan is feeling the squeeze as its giant neighbours China and India vie for territory.

Lugano attack: Two hurt in suspected terror incident in Switzerland

A 28-year-old woman is arrested after allegedly stabbing and trying to choke two other women.

Nagorno-Karabakh: The family that lost everything

Maria and her children were driven from their home in Nagorno-Karabakh due to the ongoing conflict.

Brexit: Biden says no to hard border in Ireland

President-Elect Biden says closing the border would be "just not right".

Zahara: Violence against women in South Africa 'a pandemic'

Zahara, a platinum-selling singer in South Africa, talks to the BBC about surviving a violent attack.

US election 2020: Biden to present team as Trump allows transition

The US president-elect will formally introduce cabinet picks, as the transfer of power gathers pace.

Director Tristram Shapeero apologises to Lukas Gage after unmuted comments

Tristram Shapeero has apologised publicly to Lukas Gage after making comments about his apartment.

Jamal Khashoggi murder: Trial of 20 Saudis in absentia resumes in Turkey

Two ex-aides of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are among 20 on trial in absentia for the killing.

Coronavirus: Millions travel for Thanksgiving despite warnings

Americans appear to disregard health officials' warnings as airports are their busiest since March.

Metal monolith found by helicopter crew in Utah desert

Wildlife officials spotted the "unusual" structure while counting sheep, leaving them baffled.

Egypt singer Mohamed Ramadan faces lawsuit over photo with Israelis

Mohamed Ramadan is accused of "insulting the Egyptian people" with the images from a Dubai party.

Paris police in 'shocking' clash at migrant camp

Police dismantled the makeshift camp, tipped migrants out of their tents, and used tear gas.

Latex glove maker shuts factories after infections

Malaysia's Top Glove will close more than half of its plants after a surge in virus cases.

David Dinkins: New York City's first black mayor dies

David Dinkins, who has died aged 93, served as the city's first and only black mayor from 1990-1993.

Stephen Ellison: Diplomat who saved drowning woman given banner

The banner, a Chinese gift of gratitude, reads "righteous and courageous, saving people from water".

Apple's security chief charged with bribery

The company's head of security is charged with planning to swap iPads for gun permits

The Queen's Gambit: Meet the real life women chess masters

Radio 1 Newsbeat speaks to two female chess players about the Netlfix show and modern chess culture.

Mexico ambush: Arrest over Mormon massacre

Three Mormon women and six of their children were killed in the Sonora desert last year.

Covid: King Felipe of Spain in quarantine after contact

King Felipe will stop public activities for 10 days after coming into contact with an infected person.

What Biden's new foreign policy team tells us

US foreign policy experts weigh in on what the new slate of top diplomats means for global affairs.

Afghanistan, home to the heroin trade, moves into meth

A new report warns Afghanistan is becoming a major methamphetamine producer, leaving addicts in its wake.

A South African village, a murder and a coal mine

Was the brutal shooting of a woman linked to her campaign against an opencast mine?

Karl Edwards: The 'bronzed Aussie' who knew life was for living

The story behind the plaque: the fast life and freakishly unlucky death of Karl Edwards.

The Indian bride who wore a pantsuit to her wedding

In a country where marriages are steeped in tradition, Sanjana Rishi's wedding outfit drew criticism.

Sanna Marin: The feminist PM who says trans people have a 'right to self-identify'

Nearly a year into her job, Finland's PM, Sanna Marin, says it's 'everyone's job to identify themselves'.

Ntabo Ntaberi: DR Congo militia leader jailed for crimes against humanity

A military court jails Ntabo Ntaberi for life after a two-year trial that saw 178 victims testify.

Nagorno-Karabakh: 'It's too painful to sleep'

Whilst most Azerbaijanis are celebrating the end of fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh, some are struggling to return to normal life.

Reunited after the Manchester Arena bombing

Usman and Sharon were connected forever after being caught up in the bombing's aftermath.

Guatemala's controversial budget 'shelved' amid protests

The Speaker of Congress says lawmakers made the U-turn for the sake of the country's stability.

Why was The Weeknd covered in bandages at the AMAs?

The star won three awards, but his head was covered in bandages, leaving many fans confused.

Sidney Powell: Trump team cuts ties with lawyer who peddled bizarre fraud claims

Sidney Powell peddled conspiracy theories and promised to "blow up" Georgia with a "biblical" lawsuit.

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: UN urges protection of civilians

People in the region's capital are told to "save themselves" as the army advances on the city.

Israel PM 'flew to Saudi Arabia for secret talks with crown prince'

It would mark the first known meeting between the leaders of the two historical foes.

Climate change: Covid pandemic has little impact on rise in CO2

Despite the global lockdowns, overall greenhouse gas concentrations have continued to rise.

Cheers and tears as families reunite in Sydney

Flights between New South Wales and Victoria reopened for the first time since July.

Afghanistan war: 26,000 Afghan children killed or maimed since 2005

Decades of war have had a devastating impact on Afghanistan's children, finds a leading charity.

Covid-19: Oxford University vaccine shows 70% protection

The large scale trial is both a triumph and a disappointment, after other groups had better results.

Platypus habitat 'has shrunk by 22%' since 1990

The unique mammal is at risk of disappearing from some Australian waterways, research finds.

Leading Hong Kong activist pleads guilty at trial

Mr Wong and two fellow activists are now facing jail for taking part in last year's protests.

Covid-19: China pushes for QR code based global travel system

QR codes - bar codes that can be read by mobile phones - have been used in China during the pandemic.

It’s ‘sweet relief’ to be home, says US boy forced to threaten Trump in IS video

An American boy made to appear in an IS propaganda video in Syria is back in the US and doing well.

Trial of ex-president Sarkozy a landmark for France

Nicolas Sarkozy is going on trial accused of corruption linked to his 2007 campaign funding.

Patrick Quinn: Ice Bucket Challenge activist dies aged 37

Patrick Quinn, who had the incurable neurological disorder ALS, helped raise millions for charity.

The film crews being directed from a continent away

The pandemic has led to a big rise in remote filming, with directors miles away from the set.

Covid-19 pandemic: Merkel 'worried' about vaccines for poor countries

The German leader voices concern after top economic powers promise a fair distribution of vaccines.

Life after al-Shabab: Driving a school bus instead of an armed pickup truck

The Somali government retrains defectors from the al-Shabab militant group as barbers, drivers, mechanics and tailors.

Fur industry faces uncertain future due to Covid

Europe's fur industry faces uncertain future after Denmark's mass mink cull due to Covid.

The deep roots of Trump’s 'voter fraud' strategy

The groundwork for the president's unsubstantiated claims was laid months ago.

The assassination of a ‘Brave Journalist of Afghanistan’

Aliyas Dayee, a "voice for the voiceless" in Helmand, was killed by a bomb earlier this month.

US election 2020: Trump ally urges him to accept defeat in US vote

Former Republican governor Chris Christie calls the president's legal team an "embarrassment".

Covid in North Dakota: One day inside a rural US hospital’s fight

Staff at a 14-bed hospital in North Dakota tell first-hand their fight to keep friends' family members alive.

Taiwan protesters march against US pork imports

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Taipei in Taiwan.

Covid: First Americans 'could get vaccine in December'

US vaccine chief Moncef Slaoui says the vaccination programme could begin as soon as 11 December.

Covid: Gaza health system 'days from being overwhelmed'

The Palestinian enclave is running out of ventilators as Covid-19 cases soar, experts warn.

Covid: Australia state reopens border after Covid cases plummet

New South Wales opens its border with Victoria for the first time since a second wave struck in July.

The world's deepest diving pool in Poland

Deepspot is a diving pool that goes 45.5m (150ft) down and provides a space for divers to train.

China seeks to retrieve first Moon rocks since 1970s

The Chang'e-5 probe is hoping to assist in better understanding the Moon's origin and formation.

Covid-19: FDA allows emergency use of antibody drug Regeneron

Regeneron says its antibody treatment is effective when used early after a Covid-19 diagnosis.

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed rejects talks

"We don't negotiate with criminals," a senior aide to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed tells the BBC.

Elephant rescued from deep well in a 14-hour operation

It took a team of 50 people to carefully hoist the animal out, upside down.

Shark attack in Western Australia kills man near Cable Beach

The attack near Cable Beach is the eighth fatal shark attack in Australian waters this year.

Shark attack in Western Australia kills man near Cable Beach

The attack near Cable Beach is the eighth fatal shark attack in Australian waters this year.

Burkina Faso election takes place amid jihadist threat

It is on the frontline of an Islamist insurgency and at least 400,000 people were unable to register to vote.

US election results: Why Trump increased support among non-whites

Joe Biden won the election, but support for Donald Trump increased among black and Latino voters. Why?

India's most loved and loathed TV anchor

The star presenter is making Indian TV news louder and more aggressive than ever before.

Pakistan opposition seeks end to Imran Khan's 'puppet' rule

Protesters in Pakistan say the PM came to power in rigged elections backed by the military.

The Indonesian meteorite which didn't sell for $1.8m

You saw the headlines of a $1.8m meteorite? Here's the real story and it's just as fascinating.

China gives musical talent show a virtual makeover

Dimension Nova shakes up reality TV with computer-animated contestants performing to real judges.

Children mimic street brutality in the playgrounds of Belarus

Violence is being copied in children's games, raising fears that months of protests have affected the young.

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: Debretsion Gebremichael, the man at the heart of the conflict

War veteran and ex-minister Debretsion Gebremichael now leads the struggle against the government.

The coronavirus pandemic 'great reset' theory and a false vaccine claim debunked

We unpick some of this week's misleading claims about the pandemic and the coronavirus vaccine.

'Thanksgiving To Go': Americans splash out on takeaways

Restaurants across the US are drawing in customers with their Thanksgiving takeaway menus this year.

Covid makes Brazil's president Bolsonaro a hero to some

Government coronavirus handouts have made Brazil's right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro unexpected friends

ICYMI: Piano playing in surgery and Covid safety robots

A look at some of the stories you may have missed this week.

Kenyan online cartel is luring girls to orgies, police warn

Police say they have rescued teenage girls being targeted online during the coronavirus lockdown.

Brazil killing: Protests erupt after black man killed by white security guards

Footage shows Joao Alberto Silveira Freitas being repeatedly punched by two white security guards.

Daniel Cordier, from French Resistance hero to art dealer

Daniel Cordier, who died aged 100, was one of France's last remaining "Compagnons de la Libération".

Lebanon inmates break doors and die in car crash after jail-break

They are among 69 prisoners who managed to escape from a jail near the capital, Beirut.

Covid-19: Hong Kong-Singapore travel corridor postponed

The decision is a blow to the two financial hubs' attempts to revive their battered travel industry.

Dutch journalist gatecrashes EU defence video conference

Daniel Verlaan joined the meeting after the Dutch defence minister posted login details on Twitter.

Kabul attack: Several killed as rockets hit residential areas

About 20 mortars were fired from two vehicles, officials say, just before scheduled US-Taliban talks.

Trump options narrow as Michigan backs Biden win

Two legislators pledge after a White House meeting to follow "normal process" in validating the vote.

Canary Islands to provide emergency shelter for 7,000 migrants

The Spanish island chain has been overwhelmed by more than 18,000 arrivals this year.

Canary Islands to provide emergency shelter for 7,000 migrants

The Spanish island chain has been overwhelmed by more than 18,000 arrivals this year.

Coronavirus vaccines: Will any countries get left out?

Experts say the pandemic needs a global solution, but there are concerns over access to vaccines.

The local news site behind fake Biden ‘mafia plot’

Buffalo Chronicle mixes local news with wildly inaccurate “exclusives” about national politics.

Peter Florjancic: Story of ski-jumping inventor who escaped the Nazis

Peter Florjancic, who has died aged 101, was an Olympian, a prolific inventor and friend of the famous.

Salvador Cienfuegos: The general’s release that has everyone puzzled

US authorities suddenly dropped drug trafficking charges against Mexico's ex-Defence Minister.

G20: Saudi Arabia's human rights problems that won't go away

Saudi Arabia is hosting the G20 summit, but for many the spotlight is on these three issues.

Kyle Rittenhouse: Teen charged over Wisconsin protest deaths posts $2m bail

Kyle Rittenhouse is alleged to have shot three people at a protest over the shooting of a black man.

Saudi FM Adel al-Jubeir plays down G20 summit boycott calls

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir plays down G20 summit boycott calls

Donald Trump Jr tests positive for coronavirus

The president's son is said to be quarantining at his cabin after being diagnosed this week.

Migrant crisis: Hundreds evicted from Gran Canaria port as arrivals surge

It follows a sharp rise in the number of people arriving in Spain's Canary Islands from Africa.

Russian special forces rescue boy kidnapped by suspected paedophile

The child was abducted by a suspected paedophile in September from a village east of Moscow.

Irish open-air cellist strikes coronavirus lockdown chord

Patrick Dexter films recitals outside his picturesque cottage on Ireland's rural west coast.

Students create device to capture car tyre microplastic debris

We hear a lot about single-use plastics like bottles and packaging but tyre wear is a big problem.

US election: Georgia recount 'numbers don't lie' says Raffensperger

Georgia's secretary of state insists the recount, which confirmed victory for Joe Biden, is correct.

Trump Twitter ‘hack’: Dutch police question researcher

A security researcher claims he accessed Donald Trump's Twitter account by guessing his password.

US executes federal inmate for 1994 murder

The execution was one of three planned before President-elect Joe Biden takes over in January.

US election 2020: Fact-checking Trump team's main fraud claims

We've looked at some of the allegations of malpractice from President Trump and his supporters.

Bobi Wine: Ugandan politician charged for breaking coronavirus rules

Human rights groups claim the charges are an excuse to suppress political opposition.

Covid vaccine: Pfizer to apply for authorisation in US

Officials expect the vaccine to be given emergency approval in the first two weeks of December.

Egypt arrests: UN condemns detention of human rights advocates

Three members of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, including its head, have been detained.

Berlin police hold 'cannibal' after bones found in park

A dead man's bones found in a Berlin park strongly suggest cannibalism, police say.

Parrots found stuffed in plastic bottles in Indonesia

Indonesian authorities said crew on a docked ship found 64 birds still alive while 10 had died.

Covid-19: Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Irinej dies

Patriarch Irinej, 90, tested positive after attending a large public funeral for a senior bishop.

Melania Trump's hometown in Slovenia hopes its fame will last

For four years this Slovenian town has enjoyed its link to the First Lady but an era is about to end.

Covid: Mexico passes 100,000 coronavirus deaths

The world's largest Spanish-speaking country also records more than one million infections.

Covid: Pizza worker's 'lie' forced South Australia lockdown

South Australia went into lockdown because a man with Covid-19 had misled health officials, police say.

The judge who stood up to Pakistan's military

Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth was a rare judge in Pakistan who challenged the military.

Pope Francis: Vatican investigates Brazilian model Instagram photo like

A Vatican spokesperson tells the Guardian newspaper the "like" did not come from the Holy See.

Trumplomacy: Mike Pompeo eyes history on Israel swansong trip

The visit is as much about putting pressure on Iran as it is about shoring up the Israeli right.

Africa's week in pictures: 13 - 19 November 2020

A selection of the week's best photos from across the continent.

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: Fact-checking misleading images

Manipulated and false images with no relation to the crisis in Ethiopia are being shared online.

US election: Trump denial 'incredible irresponsibility' - Biden

US President-elect Joe Biden condemns Donald Trump's refusal to accept defeat in the election.

Remembering the Nuremberg trials 75 years on

Fergal Keane looks at their legacy and speaks to a Holocaust survivor, a prosecutor and the son of a defendant.

Coronavirus: CDC urges Americans not to travel for Thanksgiving

The warning comes as US virus cases soar past 11.6 million, and the country records 250,000 deaths.

Thousands join anti-government protests across Colombia

Demonstrators call for healthcare improvements and a minimum wage for unemployed people.

US election: How other incumbents left the White House after losing

Donald Trump joins a small group of US presidents who lost the election while in office.

Climate change: Can sending fewer emails really save the planet?

UK officials are reportedly considering asking us to stop sending "thanks" emails - but why?

Ethiopia army accuses WHO boss Dr Tedros of supporting Tigray

The army chief accuses the world's highest-profile Tigrayan of helping source weapons for the conflict.

France's Macron issues 'Republican values' ultimatum to Muslim leaders

President Macron gives Muslim leaders an ultimatum to accept a "charter of Republican values".

Pompeo makes unprecedented visit to Israeli settlement in West Bank

It is the first time a top US official has made such a trip, widely seen as controversial.

BDS Israel boycott group is anti-Semitic, says US

Human rights activists condemn the move against the prominent pro-Palestinian campaign group.

President Xi at Apec: China pledges to open up its 'super-sized' economy

Chinese president Xi Jinping says it will import more high-quality goods and sign more trade deals.

Naya Rivera: Wrongful death lawsuit filed over Glee star's drowning

The Glee star died of accidental drowning during a boating trip with her son in the summer.

Coronavirus: Facebook accused of forcing staff back to offices

Content moderators say the tech giant is "risking lives" for profit in the pandemic.

Masahiko Kondo: Japanese singer suspended over extra-marital affair

The talent firm said Masahiko Kondo's "thoughtless" behaviour warranted "strict punishment".

Thailand protesters drench police headquarters with paint

The police headquarters in Bangkok was defaced a day after violent clashes left dozens injured.

Intubated Covid patient plays violin to thank Utah hospital staff

This music teacher shows his appreciation, while intubated, for those who cared for him.

Ethiopia crisis: Arrest warrants for officers amid Tigray fighting

Dozens of army officers are accused of links with the region's ruling party as federal troops advance.

Coronavirus: The realities of schooling in rural Brazil

The pandemic has thrown up unique challenges for teachers and students in Latin America.

The human cost of Australia's illegal 'robo' hunt for welfare cheats

The "Robodebt" scheme aimed to find welfare cheats but wrongly accused hundreds of thousands of people.

Australian elite soldiers killed Afghan civilians, report finds

There is "credible evidence" that special forces soldiers were involved in 39 killings, a report finds.

Hong Kong: UK and allies express 'serious concern' over China's policies

The "Five Eyes" intelligence-sharing group say China seeks to silence critical voices in Hong Kong.

EU faces challenge from three states to Covid budget

EU leaders will meet via video, with Hungary and Poland objecting to funds being tied to rule of law.

Coronavirus: Father Christmas’ guide to a Covid safe Christmas

Father Christmas explains how to have a Covid secure Christmas

Covid: Dr Fauci asks families to weigh up risks over US Thanksgiving

The top US infectious diseases expert asks Americans to weigh up the risks of travelling to see family.

Tiny owl rescued from New York Rockefeller Center Christmas tree

The saw-whet owl is doing well after its unplanned three-day road trip to the Big Apple.

Pike River: The 29 coal miners who never came home

It's been 10 years since New Zealand's Pike River mine disaster, and families of victims still feel raw.

Yazidis appoint new spiritual leader in Iraq - in pictures

The religious minority group suffered harsh persecution under Islamic State (IS) group control.

US election 2020: How much did it cost and who paid for it?

The US elections in 2020 cost a record $14bn. BBC Reality Check takes a look at who paid this and how it was spent

Covid vaccine: Pfizer says it's '94% effective in over 65s'

The companies say they will now apply for authorisation for emergency use of the jab in the US.

Kenya arrests three health workers after BBC Africa Eye exposé

Three medical officers were detained for allegedly running a child-trafficking syndicate, police say.

Migrant crisis: Hundreds evicted from Gran Canaria port as arrivals surge

It follows a sharp rise in the number of people arriving in Spain's Canary Islands from Africa.

Israel strikes 'Iranian military sites' in Syria after bombs found in Golan

Israel's military says it retaliated after finding explosive devices in the occupied Golan Heights.

Lewis Hamilton: 'No-one's doing the homework' on diversity in F1

Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton spoke to CBS This Morning about the lack of diversity in Formula 1.

Ethiopia Tigray crisis: Government forces 'march on capital'

The PM says his soldiers are close to ending fighting in the clashes that have displaced thousands.

Covid-19 shakes up world’s most expensive city list

Hong Kong, Zurich and Paris now top the list pushing down Singapore and Osaka due to virus impact.

Covid-19: South Australia to enter 'circuit breaker' lockdown

State officials say a "six day pause" on all community activity is crucial to curbing the virus' spread.

Covid-19: Chinese vaccine 'successful in mid-stage trials'

A study suggests that one of China's vaccines shows a quick immune response.

India tiger awaits mate after 'longest' 3,0000km journey

The tiger travelled 3,000km in nine months, the furthest a big cat is known to have walked in India.

Trump fires election security official who contradicted him

Chris Krebs' reportedly angered Trump by running a website debunking election misinformation.

Vincent Reffet: French 'Jetman' dies in training accident

Vincent Reffet was part of the Jetman Dubai team, who performed airborne stunts around the world.

Brexit: What's happening and what comes next?

Covid-19 and the US election have dominated headlines, but Brexit crunch time is approaching fast.

After Trump, what will Biden do about Iran?

The incoming president must decide whether to change course - but his options might be limited.

Asia's forgotten musical gems rediscovered on vinyl

Long-lost classics are gaining a new audience on vinyl, as Asia's forgotten music is rediscovered.

Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda: US to drop charges against Mexican ex-minister

Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda was arrested in Los Angeles last month and charged with drug trafficking.

The loyalty oath keeping Rwandans abroad in check

Leaked footage fuels allegations of an aggressive crackdown on Rwandan "critics" in the diaspora.

'I can't let go of my remaining embryos'

Two mothers describe the painful process of ending embryo storage.

Coronavirus: Five signs that show how bad El Paso's outbreak is

The west Texan county has become the nation's latest Covid-19 hotspot. Here's a closer look.

Australia drought: Capturing spectacular storms in the outback

An Australian photographer says it feels "amazing" to capture spectacular images of long-absent storms.

Chuck Grassley: Senior Republican senator gets coronavirus

Chuck Grassley's illness caused him to skip a Senate vote for the first time in 27 years.

Ethiopia Tigray crisis: 'We came with the clothes on our backs'

The on-going conflict in northern Ethiopia has forced civilians from the Tigray region to flee to eastern Sudan.

'Newsmax does not want to become Trump TV'

But CEO Chris Ruddy hopes the president will be on the conservative news outlet "quite a bit" after the White House.

Clashes between police and protesters in Bangkok

Police use tear gas and water cannon against pro-democracy protesters outside the Thai parliament.

US senators Sherrod Brown and Dan Sullivan clash over face masks in chamber

Democrat Sherrod Brown asked Republican Dan Sullivan to put on his mask while speaking in the chamber.

Thailand protests: Fresh clashes in Bangkok as lawmakers debate reforms

Police use water cannon and tear gas against protesters trying to cross a barricade near parliament.

First privately-owned spacecraft successfully delivers astronauts to ISS

Commander Mike Hopkins said his team had an amazing ride on the privately-owned spacecraft.

Ethiopia Tigray crisis: UN says full-scale humanitarian situation unfolding

Thousands are fleeing every day from the Tigray region and the UN says its teams are overwhelmed.

Trump 'asked for options on strike on Iran nuclear site'

Advisers warned the US president last week that an attack could spark a wider conflict, report say.

Boy Scouts of America: Almost 100,000 make sexual abuse compensation claims

Almost 100,000 alleged victims of sexual abuse within the Boy Scouts of America have come forward.

Pakistan 'to boycott French products' over cartoons

An Islamist group that has led protests claims the government has endorsed a boycott of French products.

Dresden Green Vault: Three arrested over German diamond heist

They are suspected of stealing more than a dozen diamond-encrusted items from a museum last year.

Chinese county to review decision to ban public dog walking

There was outrage over a circular saying pets taken for walks more than three times could be killed.

Hurricane Iota: Giant wave smashes into San Andrés shore

Onlookers were dwarfed by the massive waves as the category five storm sweeps over the Caribbean.

Nasa SpaceX mission: Dragon capsule docks with space station

The four astronauts who left Earth on Monday have arrived at the 410-km orbiting outpost.

Hurricane Iota: Category five storm hits Nicaragua

The category five storm hits Nicaragua less than two weeks after another devastating hurricane.

Taylor Swift master tapes sold by Scooter Braun to investment fund

The singer confirms reports the rights to six of her albums have been sold to an investment firm.

Indian factory workers supplying major brands allege routine exploitation

Workers in Indian factories supplying Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks and Spencer and Ralph Lauren say they are being exploited.

Covid-19 in the US: Is this coronavirus wave the worst yet?

The pandemic has quietly been getting worst across the US, with record numbers of cases in recent days.

US election 2020: Is Trump right about Dominion machines?

President Trump has challenged the integrity of a widely used electronic voting system.

Belarus protesters battered, bruised but defiant after 100 days

Relentless police brutality has not cowed protesters holding mass rallies in Belarus.

Zuckerberg and Dorsey to be quizzed by Senate following Biden vote victory

Facebook and Twitter's chiefs are being quizzed by senators again, and it's Democrats they now fear.

Africa basks in Booker boost for female writers

Maaza Mengiste and Tsitsi Dangarembga's shortlisting for a major prize is a boost for Africa's literary scene.

US hate crime highest in more than a decade - FBI

The report says 7,314 hate crimes were recorded in the US in 2019, the highest number since 2008.

Covid vaccine: When will the Covid-19 vaccine be ready?

The BBC looks at what needs to happen before you can have the coronavirus vaccine.

Amazon rainforest: 'Paying the price for disrespecting nature'

Coronavirus is ripping through indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest.

Peru's congress votes in Francisco Sagasti as interim leader

Francisco Sagasti - the third head of state in less than a week - will lead Peru until next elections.

Trump 'to order further troop withdrawal' from Afghanistan and Iraq

US troops in Afghanistan and Iraq will be reduced to about 2,500 in each country, US media report.

Kamala Harris: Facebook removes racist posts about US vice-president-elect

Democrats have criticised the social network for not doing enough to remove hate speech.

Launching the search for the Gretas of the future

Can young people help solve the biggest problems facing the planet, given support and opportunity?

The man who made flying affordable to millions of Indians

A new biopic pays tribute to Capt GR Gopinath who launched India's first budget airline.

China rescue: UK diplomat jumps into river to save drowning student

Stephen Ellison jumped into the river after the unnamed 24-year-old slipped on rocks and fell.

Greece migrants: Afghan father charged over son's drowning death

The Afghan asylum-seeker lost his six-year-old son after crossing from Turkey earlier this month.

Hiker alive and well after 'dying' for 45 minutes

Michael Knapinski got lost in the Mount Rainier national park in freezing conditions.

EU budget blocked by Hungary and Poland over rule of law issue

The two countries object to a clause that links funding with adherence to the rule of law.

Hurricane Iota threatens 'catastrophic winds'

The storm has strengthened to category five and is forecast to hit Nicaragua and Honduras on Monday.

Radio France Internationale publishes obituaries of people still alive

Public radio station RFI says a "technical problem" meant the obituaries were published prematurely.

Shepherd Bushiri: South Africa issues arrest warrant for fugitive preacher

Shepherd Bushiri is wanted after skipping bail ahead of his fraud trial and fleeing to Malawi.

Coronavirus: Kenya doctors' fury over Covid-19 deaths

Kenya's healthcare workers threaten strike action after the deaths of four more doctors.

China rescue: British diplomat Stephen Ellison saves drowning woman

Stephen Ellison is hailed as a hero after diving into a river to rescue a young student who fell in.

Coronavirus: Germany hails couch potatoes in new videos

One advert depicts an elderly man looking back on the winter of 2020, while saying "we did nothing".

New Covid vaccine shows nearly 95% protection

The results add to growing confidence that vaccination can end the pandemic.

France train attack: Four to stand trial over foiled Thalys shooting

The plot to attack American passengers came weeks before the Paris attacks in which 130 people died.

Coronavirus: Israeli medic fired for spitting on Jesus portraits

The ambulance service said it "strongly condemned" the worker's actions, caught on security camera.

New Zealand crowns chubby cute parrot bird of the year

All eyes on the US election? Well, here's another vote, equally contested, though a lot cuter.

Tokyo Olympics: IOC's Bach 'very confident' fans will attend Games

The Tokyo Games were originally due to start in July, but have been postponed due to the virus.

Japan leads economic 'Zoom boom' out of recession

Asian economies are leading the way as they show signs of bouncing back from the Covid-19 slump.

Covid: Michigan and Washington State clamp down as US cases pass 11 million mark

Michigan and Washington State act to stem coronavirus, which claims more than 900 lives a day in America.

Covid: Romania's 'hero' doctor taken to Belgium for treatment for severe burns

Dr Catalin Denciu tried to save Covid-19 patients from a fire in a hospital intensive care unit.

Barack Obama: One election won't stop US 'truth decay'

America faces a huge task in reversing a divisive conspiracy culture, Barack Obama tells the BBC.

Obama on division, 'crazy conspiracies' and 'truth decay'

The former US president says it will take more than one election to reverse these current trends.

Peru's President Merino resigns after deadly crackdown on protesters

Manuel Merino, who had been in the post less than a week, steps down amid anger over police brutality.

New Kim: Racing pigeon from Belgium sold for record €1.6m

New Kim, a two-year-old female, was bought by a collector from China at auction on Sunday.

Storm Vamco hits Vietnam as Philippines rescues survivors

High winds uprooted trees and blew roofs off buildings as the powerful storm battered Vietnam.

Prince Charles: Germany and UK 'a force for good' together

The Prince of Wales addresses a remembrance ceremony at the German parliament.

US election: Trump appears to admit Biden victory in tweet

The president says for the first time his rival won the election but repeats unsubstantiated rigging claim.

ICYMI: From a jaguar to 'Harry Potter' wheeled broomsticks

In this week's In Case You Missed It, we round up some of the video stories that might have passed you by.

Nasa SpaceX launch: Astronaut crew primed for 'routine' flight

Nasa says we're now in the new "operational" era of commercial astronaut taxi services.

Shepherd Bushiri: Preacher flees South Africa ahead of fraud trial

The self-styled prophet says he skipped bail and left South Africa because he had received death threats.

RCEP: Asia-Pacific countries form world's largest trading bloc

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership covers nearly a third of the global economy.

Covid-19 vaccine: 'We could have a normal winter next year'

BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin tells Andrew Marr about his company's promising coronavirus vaccine trials.

Moldova votes in presidential run-off vote

The contest between the pro-European candidate and one backed by Moscow is expected to be close.

What do Trump backers think of a Biden presidency?

Thousands of pro-Trump protesters marched in Washington DC to support President Trump.

Prince Charles to urge UK and Germany to 'reaffirm bond'

The prince will be first Royal Family member to attend an annual remembrance service in Berlin.

India acting legend Soumitra Chatterjee dies

Chatterjee, famed for his work with Oscar-winning Indian director Satyajit Ray, died of Covid complications.

Peru impeachment protests: Clashes with police with police turn deadly

Peru sees mounting unrest after Congress removes President Martín Vizcarra from office.

Coronavirus: Elon Musk 'likely has moderate case'

The tech entrepreneur says he has minor cold symptoms but test results have been "wildly different".

Nigeria Sars protest: Army chief denies firing live bullets at protesters in Lagos

Multiple eyewitnesses say they saw soldiers shoot and kill unarmed anti-police brutality protesters.

France's rural idyll threatened by coronavirus lockdown

The pandemic has left one of southern France's prettiest villages almost deserted during a second lockdown.

Letter from Africa: Culture clash over Nigeria's rival alphabets

A court case of the use of Arabic script on the local currency reveals deep cultural and religious divides.

Nagorno-Karabakh: 'We’ve lost an entire generation'

There may be a peace deal, but both sides are counting the cost of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

How the sanctuary movement in the US is advocating for immigration reform

Across the US, a number of Lutheran churches have formed a sanctuary movement to support undocumented migrants - and their work has doubled due to Covid

Egypt: More than 100 intact sarcophagi unearthed near Cairo

Archaeologists opened one coffin to reveal a mummy, dating back over 2,500 years.

'Storm Eta ruined my home'

Honduran Aileen escaped just before the floods hit her house, but when she returned her home was ruined.

Covid: Romania hospital blaze kills at least 10 infected patients

At least 10 die as oxygen used to treat the patients helps spread the fire in Piatra Neamt.

Coronavirus: Austria locks down as new wave grips Europe

Austrians are urged not to meet people from outside their households as hospitals feel the pressure.

In pictures: Diwali celebrations around the world

The festival of light is celebrated with candles and fireworks by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains worldwide.

Million MAGA March: Protesters gather for pro-Trump rallies

Far-right groups such as the Proud Boys say they will attend the Washington DC rallies.

Why Elon Musk's SpaceX is launching astronauts for Nasa

Why is SpaceX carrying astronauts to the space station and back for Nasa?

Taiwan air force chief joins F-5 test flight after fatal crash

All the island's ageing F-5 fighter jets were grounded after a pilot died in a crash last month.

Ethiopia Tigray crisis: 'We fled from death and murder'

Ethiopians explain why they fled their homes in Tigray to seek refuge in Sudan.

Jerry John Rawlings: 'I'm just an ordinary, hungry, screaming Ghanaian'

Through decades of speeches and interviews, this is how Jerry John Rawlings spoke of his vision for Ghana and for Africa.

Iran denies al-Qaeda leader was killed in Tehran

A US report claims that Israeli agents shot dead the man and his daughter in the street in August.

Ethiopia Tigray crisis: Government says airports damaged in rocket fire

The government says forces from the northern state of Tigray have fired on a neighbouring region.

Rugby Championship: Argentina beat New Zealand for first time with shock 25-15 victory

Argentina beat New Zealand for the first time in their history with a shock 25-15 win in the Rugby Championship.

Ethiopia Tigray crisis: Rights commission to investigate 'mass killings'

It comes as the UN's human rights chief warns of possible war crimes happening in northern Tigray state.

Storm Iota: Preparations under way in Honduras and Nicaragua

Forecasters say Tropical Storm Iota will strengthen to a hurricane as it hits Honduras and Nicaragua.

Nagorno-Karabakh: One family's tragedy

Cousins Mehdi and Melek kept their relationship secret – then war brought it to an sudden end.

Covid: India's festival season doesn't stop for coronavirus

Millions of people are marking the festival of Diwali, but there are concerns over rising coronavirus cases.

Is this giant alligator on a Florida golf course real?

Many people have been questioning this viral reptile video. So we asked a gator expert to weigh in.

US Election 2020: The 'dead voters' in Michigan who are still alive

Trump supporters are making allegations of dead people voting. Is there any evidence?

Doug Emhoff: The first 'second dude' in the White House

By way of Kamala Harris's historic candidacy her husband will also be breaking barriers.

How North Korea is trying to tackle smoking

The habit is common and Kim Jong-un is often seen with a cigarette in hand at public appearances.

How critical is weather for SpaceX launch?

Nasa and SpaceX were due to send astronauts to the ISS on Saturday but the weather's changed their plans.

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: How the conflict could destabilise its neighbours

With accusations of Eritrean involvement and thousands fleeing, the Tigray conflict could have serious repercussions.

British Museum to help dig for Nigerian treasures

The plan for a new museum and archaeology mission follows calls for it to return its Benin Bronzes.

Nagorno-Karabakh: The families burning down their own homes

Fleeing ethnic Armenians are destroying their own homes so no Azerbaijanis can move in.

Six-year-olds sketch rogue driver for German police

Children saw a driver smash through a barrier - and drew it for police in west Germany.

Dutch police give 'stop paedophile hunts' warning after Arnhem death

A police chief warns against vigilantism after a retired teacher is beaten to death by teenagers.

Jerry Rawlings: Remembering Ghana's 'man of the people'

Ghana's longest-serving leader led by example but later fell foul of his own standards, says Akwasi Sarpong.

Nasa's new 'megarocket' set for critical tests

The agency's Moon rocket is entering the final stages of testing ahead of its maiden flight in 2021.

US election: China congratulates Biden after long silence

China says it "respects the choice of the American people" as Russia continues to withhold well wishes.

Obama: Election fraud claims 'delegitimising' democracy

Former US President Barack Obama addresses Donald Trump's unsubstantiated election fraud claims.

Ethiopia Tigray crisis: PM Abiy Ahmed accuses Tigrayan troops of massacre

Amnesty International also says "probably hundreds" have been hacked to death in northern Ethiopia.

Zambia on brink of defaulting on foreign debt

Coronavirus has aggravated pre-existing financial pressures, including a $12bn external debt load.

Asian trade mega-pact set to be signed this weekend

The deal is almost a decade in the making and covers nearly a third of the global economy

Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi's party wins majority in election

The NLD is set to form the next government as the opposition raises objections over the results.

Coronavirus: Too early for Christmas travel plans, European countries say

Sweden, Ireland and France warn that travel over the holiday period could be limited due to Covid-19.

Wall Street 'old boys club' lets in more women

Women and ethnic minorities make up almost half of investment bank Goldman Sachs' new partners.

Paris remembers 2015 night of jihadist terror

On high alert, France is mourning the 130 people murdered in co-ordinated attacks five years ago.

Obama: Trump election fraud claim 'undermining US democracy'

The former president says fellow Democrat Joe Biden has "clearly won" the race for the White House.

TikTok lives to see another day in US

US Commerce Department halts ban on Chinese owned company.

US bars investments in 'Chinese military companies'

President Donald Trump says China is 'exploiting' US investors to build up its military.

Do these Republican voters accept election result?

Some 70% of Trump supporters say the election "free and fair" and are struggling to come to terms with the result.

Fears grow for British man detained in Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Tanveer Ahmed Rafique returned to Pakistan-administered Kashmir where he has campaigned for independence.

Fact-checking the US and China on climate and environment

We fact-check US and Chinese claims about CO2 emissions, plastic waste and illegal timber.

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: 'My little brother needs medicine'

A BBC journalist on the fears she has for her family in Ethiopia's Tigray region following an outbreak of fighting.

US Election 2020: Is American democracy in crisis?

The BBC's Ros Atkins looks at Donald Trump's refusal to concede and what this means for US politics.

Belgian anaesthetist jailed for causing Brit's death while drunk

Helga Wauters is found guilty of manslaughter over the death of British 28-year-old Xynthia Hawke.

Barcelona plans major increase in 'green' zones

Car use will be cut sharply and pedestrians prioritised in a major district of the Catalan capital.

Eight Sinai peacekeepers killed in helicopter crash

Eight members of the Multinational Force and Observers, including six Americans, are dead.

Jerry Rawlings: Why he divided opinion in Ghana

The former air force officer who first seized power in 1979 leaves a divided legacy.

Jerry Rawlings: Ghana's ex-president dies aged 73

He led two coups, first in 1979 and then in 1981 and was an elected president from 1992 to 2001.

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: UN warns aid could run out

Flour and fuel shortages are reported in Tigray, where federal and regional forces are fighting.

In pictures: Bolivia's ex-leader Morales returns from exile

A year after fleeing amid mass protests and army pressure, ex-President Evo Morales has returned.

Turkmenistan leader unveils giant gold dog statue

The sculpture depicts an Alabay, a Turkmen shepherd dog prized for its "pride and self-confidence".

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie voted best Women's Prize for Fiction winner

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun tops a vote for the book award's 25th anniversary.

TripAdvisor warns users over Thai hotel that legally pursued reviewer

It issues a warning for a hotel after a customer was arrested for leaving negative reviews.

Delhi's Covid cases spike as temperatures drop and pollution rises

India's capital is grappling with a twin public health emergency - the pandemic and toxic air.

Hong Kong: China condemns opposition walkout as 'farce'

Beijing says the mass resignation of Hong Kong lawmakers is an "open challenge" to its authority.

Iran's enriched uranium stockpile 12 times limit, says IAEA

Tehran has continued to breach a 2015 deal, but denies that it is trying to build nuclear weapons.

Australia may prosecute soldiers over Afghanistan 'war crimes'

Alleged misconduct by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan has been the focus of a four-year inquiry.

The burning scar: Inside the destruction of Asia’s last rainforests

Exclusive: A forensic investigation finds evidence of deliberate burning in Papua's palm oil plantations.

Australia Post to support use of Aboriginal place names on mail

Australians are being encouraged to add Aboriginal place names when sending their mail.

Joe Biden picks Ron Klain as White House chief of staff

Ron Klain has served as an aide to Joe Biden since the 1980s on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

AC/DC: 'We're too stubborn to change'

How the rock legends defied death, hearing loss and criminal charges to make their new album.

The Nigerians standing up to sex-work traffickers in Sicily

The Nigerian leading a battle to help rescue those like herself from a life of prostitution in Sicily.

Viewpoint: Russia and Turkey - unlikely victors of Karabakh conflict

Alexander Gabuev argues that Russia and Turkey have extended their influence with the end of fighting.

US election: Gulf Arab leaders face new reality after Biden victory

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab states are about to lose a major ally in the White House.

Diwali with a difference under Covid-19

The global pandemic has meant changes for people celebrating this weekend's Hindu festival of lights.

Coronavirus: The Russian provinces buckling under Covid

Covid-19 infection rates are surging again in Russia and poor provinces are being hit the hardest

Blackpink: Why a K-pop girl band's panda cuddle has angered Chinese

Members of Blackpink are accused of mishandling the panda in a viral video, causing anger in China.

Nagorno-Karabakh: Protesters in Armenia condemn 'treacherous' peace

Thousands of Armenians join a rally where opposition parties call for Armenia's prime minister to resign

Several hurt in Remembrance Day 'bomb attack' at Saudi cemetery

France says a device exploded as foreign diplomats marked Remembrance Day in the city of Jeddah.

Bahrain's Prince Khalifa, world's longest serving prime minister, dies

Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa had led Bahrain's government since independence in 1971.

Hungary government proposes same-sex adoption ban

Legislation that would permit only married couples to adopt children is condemned by rights groups.

Coronavirus: Youth orchestra's digital Tchaikovsky triumph

Watch 70 young musicians play an ambitious remote rendition of the Romeo and Juliet overture.

The moment a ballerina with Alzheimer's returned to Swan Lake

Alzheimer’s patient Marta Gonzalez, a former prima ballerina, was transformed as she listened to Tchaikovsky.

Hong Kong disqualifies four pro-democracy lawmakers after China ruling

It came moments after China allowed legislators who 'endangered national security' to be disqualified.

Diversity: UPS relaxes rules on beards, braids and piercings

The parcel delivery firm says it will loosen guidelines for more than 500,000 workers globally.

Apple unveils first Mac computers powered by its own M1 chip

Firm says the switch means the computers offer better battery life and can run iPhone and iPad apps.

What Trump could do after leaving the White House

Will he run again, relaunch his TV career, or make retirement great again at his golf resorts?

Singles Day: The billion dollar shopping event luring scammers

From fake apps to formaldehyde-soaked clothes, Singles Day has seen increasingly elaborate ruses.

China to clamp down on internet monopolies

The regulations suggest increasing unease in Beijing with the growing influence of digital platforms.

Bihar election: India's BJP coalition wins key state election

India's ruling BJP has held onto power in Bihar state alongside regional allies after a tight race.

Tax working from home 'to support vulnerable jobs'

New report says working from home should be taxed at 5% to help those whose jobs are under threat.

Child abuse: Australian police find 46 victims of 'global network'

Police have arrested 14 men in Australia and identified suspects in Europe, North America and Asia.

Britney Spears loses court bid to remove father's control over estate

The singer is "afraid" of her father, and won't perform as long as he controls her affairs, her lawyer says.

The families left behind after the massacre in the desert

A year ago, three Mormon women and six of their children were massacred in Mexico's Sonora desert. What has happened to the families left behind?

Coronavirus: Denmark shaken by cull of millions of mink

Why the "Cluster 5" coronavirus mutation in fur farms has led to a nationwide cull and a political outcry.

Hong Kong's dying news stands tell a story of change

What the fate of these street corner fixtures tells us about the fate of the city's proudly free media.

Ethiopia's Tigray conflict sparks spread of misinformation

We've been looking at examples of online misinformation about the hostilities in Ethiopia's Tigray region.

Biden: Trump refusal to concede 'an embarrassment'

President Trump meanwhile tweeted he would ultimately win the race that he has been projected to lose.

Spain lockdown: How domestic workers became prisoners

Live-in domestic workers have been confined to some employers' houses during the coronavirus pandemic.

Nagorno-Karabakh: Russia deploys peacekeeping troops to region

Hundreds of troops are deployed after Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to end six weeks of war.

Amazon charged with abusing EU competition rules

The EU says the platform is using data on its third-party sellers to gain an unfair advantage.

Hurricane season: Record number of named Atlantic storms

Theta is the 29th Atlantic storm this hurricane season and another system is forming in the Caribbean.

Coronavirus: Russia resists lockdown and pins hopes on vaccine

An old ice rink is being used to treat Covid patients as Russia hopes its Sputnik V vaccine will resolve the crisis.

Black Friday on Amazon: How to spot fake reviews online

As Black Friday goes online only this year we look at how to spot fake reviews.

Why is Hollywood interested in football agencies?

Julia Roberts and James Maddison; Samuel L Jackson and Gareth Bale - why is Hollywood buying into football agencies?

Saeb Erekat: Key Palestinian negotiator dies of Covid-19

The 65-year-old was in the public eye for decades as the Palestinians' chief negotiator with Israel.

Scooby-Doo co-creator Ken Spears dies aged 82

The animator and writer was responsible for one of US TV's most-loved cartoons.

China's Singles Day: 3m people, 4,000 planes and cargo ships

The world's biggest 24-hour online shopping event requires a monumental effort to deliver all the goods.

Covid: China Sinovac vaccine trial halted in Brazil

The Sinovac clinical trial has been suspended after a "severe adverse" incident, say authorities.

McDonald's to debut plant-based burgers and fast food

McDonald's said it could offer plant-based burgers, chicken substitutes and breakfast sandwiches

Peruvian Congress votes to impeach President Martín Vizcarra

The president is impeached over allegations he handed out government contracts in return for bribes.

US Election Results: Trump camp says legal fight just began

The president files more legal suits as a top Republican insists Mr Trump "has every right" to do so.

Two-million-year-old skull of human 'cousin' unearthed

The fossil from a large-toothed species helps shed more light on how humans evolved, researchers say.

How Asian film is making moves to take over from Hollywood

As Hollywood filmmaking stalls during the pandemic, cinema's epicentre shows signs of edging East.

India Love Project: The Instagram account telling tales of forbidden love

A new Instagram project celebrates forbidden stories of love in India.

Canola tourism: A photo-friendly boost to drought-hit Australia

With much travel banned, Australians have turned canola fields into a growing tourist attraction.

Women and women of colour continue to change the face of Congress

The US election sent a record number of women to Congress. Here's how the numbers break down.

Joe Biden: How the president-elect plans to tackle climate change

What will a Joe Biden presidency mean for the global battle against rising temperatures?

Stacey Abrams: The woman behind Biden's biggest surprise

The new VP is history-making but another black woman played a pivotal role in getting Biden his win.

Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia sign Nagorno-Karabakh peace deal

It comes after six weeks of fighting between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenians in the disputed enclave.

Barcelona terror attack suspects face trial

They are accused of helping the perpetrators carry out the 2017 attacks that left 16 people dead.

Uganda election: Singer and president battle for youth vote

Campaigning has officially started in Uganda’s upcoming presidential elections.

Iraq camp closures 'could leave 100,000 displaced people homeless'