2022 Beijing Winter Olympics: China criticises US diplomatic boycott

China angrily denounces a US plan not to send diplomats to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Afghanistan: Foreign Office chaotic during Kabul evacuation - whistleblower

Thousands of pleas for help went unread and the foreign secretary lacked urgency, an ex-official says.

Peter Foster: Australian conman caught after six-month manhunt

Peter Foster was declared a fugitive six months ago after allegedly skipping bail on fraud charges.

Western leaders urge Russia to lower Ukraine tensions

The US and its European allies urge Moscow to de-escalate, amid fears it could invade Ukraine.

Emmett Till: US closes investigation without charges

The justice department says there is "insufficient evidence" to back a writer's claim a witness lied.

Rohingya sue Facebook for £150bn over Myanmar hate speech

The social media giant is accused of fuelling violence against the persecuted minority in Myanmar.

Hong Kong Covid: The Cathay pilots stuck in 'perpetual quarantine'

One Cathay Pacific pilot said he had spent almost 150 days in quarantine this year alone.

Amalia: The heir to the Dutch throne keeps it normal at 18

Princess Amalia had an ordinary childhood and wants her life to continue that way.

David Gulpilil: Profound legacy of a trailblazing Aboriginal actor

A trailblazing figure with a 50-year career, he helped vastly improve cultural representations.

'I had to move across America when I became allergic to the sun'

After experiencing an unusual allergic reaction, Carrie moves across America to escape the sun.

Helping trans people escape death in their home countries

Iman Le Caire made it her mission to help other trans people flee persecution in hostile countries.

'I want Afghan women to be free to wear colour'

Fashion icon Halima Aden and Afghan tutor Aliya Kazimy write to each other about the importance of choice.

Juan Jose Florian: Colombia's Para-cycling 'superhero' and his dramatic life story

Juan Jose Florian was forced into armed conflict on the opposite side to family. When a bomb nearly killed him, sport helped heal.

Jussie Smollett testifies at trial: 'There was no hoax'

Jussie Smollett says a "massive" man in a ski mask attacked him after shouting slurs in Chicago.

Rebel Wilson on weight loss: I know what it’s like to be invisible

The actress, producer and director opens up about her weight loss, in an exclusive BBC interview.

Mahbouba Seraj: Afghanistan is a country in trouble

Mahbouba Seraj is a prominent Afghan women’s rights activist. She has a personal message for the Taliban.

Ghislaine Maxwell 'gave schoolgirl outfit to Epstein victim'

An accuser says the socialite suggested she dress up to serve tea to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Indonesia volcano: 'The volcano destroyed our houses - we need help'

Watch this video to see how two survivors' lives have been impacted by Mt Semeru's eruption in Indonesia.

US boss fires 900 employees over Zoom

"Last time I did this I cried," said the head of the online mortgage lender laying off 15% of his staff.

US diplomats to boycott 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics

The White House says no US diplomats will attend the games in China, over human rights concerns.

Amid shortage, Canada taps into emergency maple syrup reserves

The Canadian province of Quebec produces 70% of the world's maple syrup supply.

Omicron: Why is Nigeria on the travel red list?

The UK has placed travel restrictions on arrivals from Nigeria and several other African countries - are they fair?

Covid-19: Italy tightens restrictions for unvaccinated

A so-called Super Green Pass will be needed to access theatres, cinemas and restaurants.

Far-right target critics with Twitter's new media policy

Far-right activists are using Twitter's new media policy to target anti-extremism researchers.

Covid: UK red list criticised as 'travel apartheid' by Nigeria

Nigeria - which was added to the red list on Monday - describes the restrictions as "selective".

Joni Mitchell and Bette Midler pick up Kennedy Center Honors

The legendary Canadian singer makes a rare public appearance at a ceremony hosted by Joe Biden.

Eric Zemmour: Far-right French presidential candidate grabbed at rally

A man grabs Eric Zemmour by the neck at the far-right presidential candidate's first rally.

Aung San Suu Kyi: Myanmar court sentences ousted leader to four years jail

This is the first verdict delivered for the ex-leader, who faces a total of 11 charges.

FARC: Colombian rebel commander 'El Paisa' killed in Venezuela

The feared ex-Farc commander had become notorious for his bloody guerrilla attacks and kidnappings.

Pakistan: Brutal mob killing of Sri Lankan sparks protests

More than 100 have been arrested over the lynching of a Sri Lankan man accused of insulting Islam.

Dalio: Comments on China's human rights misunderstood

Last month, JP Morgan's Jamie Dimon apologised for comments he made about the Chinese Communist Party.

Tennis governing body to keep playing in China

The ITF says it has not followed the WTA in suspending tournaments in China because it "does not want to punish a billion people".

Thomas Massie: US Congressman condemned for Christmas guns photo

The image shows Thomas Massie and his family holding firearms days after a deadly school shooting.

Climate change: Is ‘blue hydrogen’ Japan’s answer to coal?

The Fukushima disaster turned Japan away from nuclear. A new energy source may help it quit coal.

Putin in India: What Russian president's visit means for world politics

Russia and India ties are facing challenges from fast-changing geopolitics in Asia and beyond.

The tech helping shops - and Santa - deliver this Christmas

A number of tech solutions are out there to help retailers optimise sending out our presents.

Covid in Uganda: The man whose children may never return to school

The 20-month school closure in Uganda could have a long-term impact on many lives there.

The Palestinian jailbreak that rocked Israel

The search for six Palestinian fugitives from an Israeli prison unearths a story of dispossession, violence and bitter division in a fractured region.

James Webb Space Telescope scientist: 'It's the future of astrophysics'

The James Webb Space Telescope is expected to be 100 times more powerful than the Hubble.

How Lebanon's economic problems could leave Sara blind

Lebanon stopped has stopped subsidising many medical expenses, which leaves poorer patients in danger.

Gambia elections: Adama Barrow declared presidential election winner

The electoral commission names Adama Barrow the winner despite his opponents questioning the vote.

Bob Dole: Biden leads tributes to a 'dear friend'

Tributes have been paid across the US political divide to the late Republican leader Bob Dole.

Indonesia volcano: Villages buried under hot ash

Rescuers are searching for survivors after Mt Semeru erupted in eastern Java on Saturday.

Trump social media firm says it has raised $1bn

The former US president is working to launch a social media app called Truth Social early next year.

Veteran Republican leader Bob Dole dies

Long-serving senator, who recovered from terrible injuries to run for president, dies at 98

Military truck rams into group of Myanmar protesters in Yangon

Several people have been injured during a demonstration against the country's military rulers.

French climber handed Mont Blanc gems after 2013 find

The stones are believed to be from an Air India plane which crashed into the mountain in 1966.

Pope condemns treatment of migrants in Europe

Visiting a camp in Greece, Francis calls the neglect of migrants the "shipwreck of civilisation".

India Nagaland: Security forces kill 13 civilians amid ambush blunder

Home Minister Amit Shah expresses "anguish" after troops fire on miners in the country's north-east.

Afghanistan: Taliban warned against targeting former security forces

US and allies "deeply concerned" about human rights abuses against former Afghan security forces.

Why France faces so much anger in West Africa

Despite engaging better with the African continent recently, the ex-colonial power faces a backlash.

Pacific Ocean garbage patch is immense plastic habitat

Researchers discover coastal species living on debris miles from their natural surroundings.

Mandatory vaccinations: Three reasons for and against

Blanket vaccination mandates are on the agenda but do they work and what are their costs?

Chris Cuomo: CNN fires presenter over help he gave politician brother

The star TV presenter is sacked over efforts to help his brother fight off sexual harassment claims.

South Africa: The rape survivor who convicts rapists

Rape survivor Sgt Catherine Tladi has secured several convictions for rape in South Africa's courts.

Biden and Putin to hold call amid Ukraine invasion fears

The US and Russian leaders will discuss Ukraine amid mounting concerns about a possible Russian invasion.

Bus carrying choir members plunges into Kenya river

At least 23 die as a bus taking a church choir group to a wedding plunges into a flooded river.

Michigan school shooting: Suspect's parents deny involuntary manslaughter

Bail is set at $1m for the couple arrested in Detroit after failing to attend court on Friday.

Belgian zoo hippos test positive for Covid

Officials at Antwerp zoo do not know how the pair - now in quarantine - caught the virus.

Gambia elections: Ex-President Yahya Jammeh's shadow looms over poll

Exiled leader Yahya Jammeh - who ruled the country for 22 years - is a key figure in the poll.

Eitan Biran: Cable car survivor returned to Italy after custody battle

Eitan Biran, the sole survivor of a cable car crash, is now in Italy after a custody battle.

Afghanistan: Macron reveals plans for joint European mission

The French president says a number of European nations are working on a joint diplomatic mission.

ICYMI: Jumping into an active volcano, and other ways to spend the festive season

Jumping into an active volcano is just one way to spend the festive season, in news you may have missed this week.

Indonesia volcano: Residents flee as Mt Semeru spews huge ash cloud

Airlines have been warned about a plume of ash rising 15,000m from Mt Semeru in Java.

Ghislaine Maxwell trial: Key moments from the first week

The socialite is accused of grooming girls for abuse by late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Russia Ukraine: Biden warns Russia against Ukraine 'red lines'

Intelligence officials fear Russia could invade Ukraine as soon as early 2022, US media reports.

Michigan school shooting: Reward offered to find suspect's parents

US Marshals say the Michigan couple's son killed four students with the father's handgun.

Mali: Dozens of civilians killed after militants attack bus

More than 30 people are killed after gunmen attack a bus travelling to a market.

MH370: Could missing Malaysian Airlines plane finally be found?

A British engineer believes he may help solve one of the world's greatest aviation mysteries.

Bolsonaro: Brazilian Supreme Court opens investigation into vaccine comments

Brazil's president will face a Supreme Court inquiry for his falsehood about Covid-19 jabs and Aids.

Ready for power: Team Scholz promises a new Germany

Next week will see a handover of power from the Merkel era and this is what to expect.

Rare turtle washes up 4,000 miles from home

Tally the Turtle is recovering in a UK zoo awaiting a flight back to the warm waters of Mexico.

Why Ugandan troops have entered DR Congo - again

Previous incursions have led to accusations of looting and abuse, so will it be different this time?

Saudi Arabia Grand Prix: A race for equal rights

As F1 races in Saudi Arabia, can it be a positive thing for female and LGBT rights?

Parag Agrawal: Why Indian-born CEOs dominate Silicon Valley

Parag Agrawal, Twitter's new CEO, is the latest of several Indian-Americans leading global tech firms.

Ros Atkins on… America’s abortion divide

How abortion rights in the US look likely to be changed by a conservative majority Supreme Court.

Covid-19: Ireland closes nightclubs and tightens Covid rules

Taoiseach Micheál Martin announces a number of new restrictions in a televised address.

Ethiopia closes schools to boost civil war effort

The government wants secondary school students to harvest crops to help frontline fighters.

Covid: Don't panic about Omicron variant, WHO says

The World Health Organization urges people to be cautious and prepare for the Omicron variant.

Michigan school shooting: Parents of gunman charged with manslaughter

Authorities say the suspect killed four students and injured seven people with his dad's handgun.

Alec Baldwin admits career could be over after fatal shooting

But the 63-year-old US actor says he did not pull the trigger on the set of the Rust film in October.

The 'kind heart' who gave an Afghan family a new home

An interpreter who had to flee Afghanistan is given a new home by a woman who was moved by his plight.

Biden blasted for reviving Trump's Remain in Mexico policy

Activists warn restoring 'Remain in Mexico' at the border will result in "torture, rape, and death".

China app giant Didi plans US stock market exit in move to Hong Kong

The move comes after the company came under intense scrutiny from regulators in the US and China.

Ride hailing app Grab falls in $40bn market debut

Shares start trading in ride-hailing firm Grab which has used a shell company for its flotation.

Laverne & Shirley star Eddie Mekka dies aged 69

The US actor is best known for playing Carmine Ragusa in the 1970s-80s Laverne & Shirley TV sitcom.

The Indian granny who became literate at 104

Kuttiyamma, from the southern Indian state of Kerala, aced a government test that measures literacy.

NunTok: How religion is booming on TikTok and Instagram

Nuns, imams and Buddhist monks are among those sharing successful - and often fun - short-form videos on social media.

Boxing Day: Festive film debut for Little Mix's Leigh-Anne Pinnock

Boxing Day, the first British Christmas rom-com led by an all-black cast, is released Friday 3 December.

How to spot the software that could be spying on you

Software used to spy on someone via their phone is a growing threat and common in domestic abuse cases.

Why Turkey's currency crash does not worry Erdogan

Turkey's national currency has plummeted 45% against the dollar this year

Broome: Diving the remnants of a WW2 attack on Australia

A WW2 air raid on Broome killed scores of people - historians say it should be better remembered.

Africa's week in pictures: 26 November - 2 December 2021

A selection of the best photos from the African continent and beyond.

Will Meghan's big win change public opinion?

The Duchess of Sussex has won her court case over privacy, but interest in her is not going to go away.

The drought ravaging East African wildlife and livestock

At least 26m people are struggling for food across northern Kenya, Somalia and southern Ethiopia.

Germany: Angela Merkel's military farewell features punk singer's hit

A ceremony has been held for the German chancellor, who is due to step down after 16 years in office.

Omicron: Biden unveils new Covid-19 winter measures

Public health officials in Minnesota have just reported a second US case of the Omicron variant.

How do you say 'Omicron'?

Omicron is the 13th variant of the Covid-19 virus to receive a Greek name but the pronunciation is up for debate.

Elle to stop promoting the use of animal fur in its magazines

It is the first major fashion publication to make the pledge, citing its support for animal rights.

Covid: Germany puts major restrictions on unvaccinated

Chancellor Angela Merkel describes the far-reaching measures as an act of "national solidarity".

US and Mexico to restart Trump-era 'Remain in Mexico' policy

More than 60,000 asylum seekers have been sent back to Mexico under the controversial programme.

Ikea customers and staff sleep in store after snowstorm

The group was left stranded after up to 30cm (12in) of snow fell in the Danish city of Aalborg.

Home Alone house available to book on Airbnb

The home from the 1990 Christmas classic starring Macaulay Culkin will be available for one night only.

Pfizer boss: Annual Covid jabs for years to come

In an exclusive interview, Dr Albert Bourla says jabs have saved millions of lives.

Queensland Floods: Second death recorded as crisis continues

The southern part of Queensland has seen widespread rain and flooding.

Facebook uncovers Chinese network behind fake expert

It deleted 500 accounts which amplified claims that the US was meddling in the Covid origins search.

Alan Tudge: Australia minister stood aside over 'abusive' affair allegations

Mr Tudge's ex-staffer said she had experienced bullying during their consensual affair in 2017.

Disney elects woman as chairman for first time in 98-year history

Susan Arnold, who has been a board member for 14 years, will succeed Bob Iger at the end of the year.

Biden puts faith in Santa Claus amid supply chain problems

The US president says only Father Christmas can ensure every gift is delivered amid supply chain woes.

Canadian MPs vote to ban LGBT 'conversion therapy'

MPs cross the aisle to shake hands with and even hug their counterparts as the bill is passed.

Argentina ex-President Mauricio Macri charged in sub families spying case

Mauricio Macri denies ordering the spying on relatives of the victims of a 2017 submarine disaster.

When Jesus is used to steal from his flock

William Neil "Doc" Gallagher used Christian radio to defraud religious pensioners out of millions.

Venezuela's hospital 'hell'

The healthcare system lacks equipment, buildings are crumbling and many healthcare workers have left in search of better lives.

‘It’s like hell in here’: The struggle to save Afghanistan's starving babies

Doctors in Afghanistan’s crisis-hit hospitals are caring for their patients in almost impossible conditions.

Would you give 10% of your salary to charity?

A growing number of people are deciding to give up a substantial chunk of their wages.

'No middle ground': Chile voters face tough choice as run-off looms

Voters speak of the divisions as an ultra-conservative and a left-winger battle it out.

Epstein accuser: Ghislaine Maxwell is a 'master manipulator'

The BBC spoke to Teresa Helm, who accused Epstein of sexually assaulting her at the age of 22.

Michigan school shooting: Suspect, 15, charged as an adult

Ethan Crumbley, 15, allegedly killed four students and injured seven others on Tuesday.

WTA suspends China tournaments over Peng Shuai

The WTA announces the immediate suspension of all tournaments in China amid concern for Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai.

Covid Omicron: Time to consider mandatory jabs, EU chief says

EU countries should discuss forced vaccinations to combat the Omicron strain, says Ursula von der Leyen.

Austria: Doctor fined for amputating wrong leg of patient

The patient's right leg was removed instead of his left, with the mistake discovered two days later.

US Supreme Court hears landmark abortion case

The court's eventual ruling may cut off abortion access for tens of millions of American women.

Arizona officer fired after fatally shooting man in wheelchair

Tucson police officer Ryan Remington fired nine shots at the 61-year old suspected shoplifter.

Rust: US Police to search arms supplier over fatal film shooting

A fourth search warrant is issued to find out how the ammo that killed Halyna Hutchins got on set.