Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Bola Tinubu wins Nigeria's presidential election against Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi

Bola Tinubu, 70, is declared the winner of Nigeria's election despite opposition calls for a rerun.

Covid: FBI chief Christopher Wray says China lab leak 'most likely'

Christopher Wray says the FBI has "for quite some time" settled on a potential lab incident in Wuhan.

Deadly train collision near Greek city of Larissa

Two trains collide near the city of Larissa, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens.

India G20: Diplomatic test as Ukraine war dominates talks

Can India navigate tensions and secure any agreements as a divided G20 meets in Delhi?

Denmark scraps public holiday to boost defence budget

The extra day of work will provide an additional $400m to the economy.

Finland starts construction of Russia border fence

The Finnish government has sought to boost border security since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Nigeria election results 2023: Bola Tinubu takes strong lead over Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi

Opposition parties condemn the election as a sham, with Bola Tinubu on 39% of votes counted so far.

Monday, February 27, 2023

New York City struggles to keep up with migrant influx

More than 45,000 migrants have arrived in less than a year, overwhelming shelters and resources.

Ukraine war: Zelensky says situation in Bakhmut worsening

Russian forces have been trying to capture the eastern city of Bakhmut for over six months.

Ukraine war: Viral conspiracy theories falsely claim the war is fake

False claims that the war in Ukraine is a hoax have been shared online as the country marked the first anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Physical 100: Are K-reality shows the next Korean cultural trend?

After Squid Game comes the hit survival-of-the-fittest reality show Physical 100.

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Ukraine war: On board with Ukraine's attack helicopter crews

Ukraine pilot Roman says they need modern helicopters and explains how they evade Russia's air-defence systems.

Ukraine war: How Russia took the south - and then got stuck

The story of Russia's rapid advance in southern Ukraine, told by the people who managed to stop it.

Bao Fan: Missing Chinese billionaire assisting authorities, firm says

Bao Fan's disappearance this month renewed concerns of a potential crackdown on finance and tech figures.

Ukraine war: On board low-flying helicopter with renowned airman

The BBC gets rare access to a renowned airman and his ageing helicopter during a low-flying mission.

EU chief and UK PM to hold 'final talks' on NI deal

The EU's Ursula von der Leyen will be in the UK on Monday for face-to-face talks with PM Rishi Sunak.

Israel and Palestinians pledge to reduce violence

As rare talks were held in Jordan, a Palestinian gunman killed two Israelis in the occupied West Bank.

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Ukraine's Banksy stamps feature art of Putin in judo match

They reproduce a mural by the UK graffiti artist on a Ukrainian house devastated by Russian shelling.

Mystery over lost pen pal who fled Rwandan genocide

Sophie Buchaillard lives in hope that she will one day find out what happened to her friend.

Ghana's love affair with reggae and Jamaican Patois

Why a West African country with a rich musical scene has such strong links to Jamaica.

Turkey earthquake: How survivors cope with trauma

The deadly earthquakes in Turkey and Syria are having a devastating impact on people's mental health.

Northern Ireland Protocol: Sunak wants to get job done on new Brexit deal

The prime minister says no agreement has been made but he is hopeful of a "positive outcome".

G20 meeting deadlocked over calling out Ukraine war

Russia and China refused to condemn Moscow's invasion at a meeting of finance ministers in India.

Friday, February 24, 2023

Rare snow dusts Hollywood sign as winter storm tightens grip

San Francisco breaks a 132-year record low temperature, and snow is forecast for the Mojave Desert.

Week in pictures: 18 - 24 February 2023

A selection of powerful images from around the world, taken in the past seven days.

Zeenat Aman: The 1970s Bollywood diva winning Gen Z hearts online

Zeenat Aman, 71, is delighting thousands of people with her wry, thoughtful Instagram posts.

TV show Succession to end after fourth season

The Emmy-winning show's creator Jesse Armstrong says it feels like the right time for it to end.

Ukraine war: Russia interrupts UN minute's silence

The Russian ambassador said he wanted the UN to commemorate everyone who has died in Ukraine since 2014.

US ex-lawyer Alex Murdaugh admits he stole millions for drugs

The former lawyer accused of murdering his wife and son had a powerful 60-pill-a-day opiate habit.

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Africa's week in pictures: 17-23 February 2023

A selection of the best photos from across Africa and beyond this week.

Ukraine war: One year in 87 seconds on anniversary

On 24 February 2022, Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine, hoping to take over the country in a matter of days.

Latvian MP swears at Russia in Ukraine protest walkout

Delegates walked out of a security conference after a Russian representative began speaking.

R. Kelly gets extra prison time after latest sex abuse conviction

The disgraced singer is sentenced to 20 years, but 19 will be served alongside an existing term.

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Bodies found in plane wreck on Philippines volcano

All four people on board the light plane are confirmed dead by search authorities.

Nigeria elections 2023: Young people pin their hopes on presidential outsider

Some 40% of Nigeria's voters are under 35, and many want change after years of misrule.

Canada's military tracked Chinese surveillance in the Arctic

The military has said it is "fully aware" of efforts by China to conduct surveillance in the north.

Los Angeles meteorologists marvel at blizzard warnings

It's usually sunny and warm in Southern California, but area forecasters are experiencing a first

WATCH: Mystery metal sphere found on beach perplexes Japan

Authorities can't say what it is yet - not even the police or bomb squad sent to investigate.

Brazil landslides: Dozens missing, feared buried in the mud

More than 40 people have been killed in landslides which hit coastal towns in Brazil's São Paulo state.

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Ram Rahim: Anger over parole for Indian guru jailed for rape

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, convicted of rape and murder, has spent a third of the last year out of jail.

Russian women explain why they chose to give birth in Argentina

Thousands of pregnant Russian women are travelling to Argentina even though they do not speak Spanish and have no links to the country. Hear why.

How much has the US given to Ukraine?

A year into the conflict, some are wondering where the money goes - and if the aid is worth the cost.

Ukraine war: Two presidents, two speeches, two different world views

The BBC's Richard Galpin looks at Joe Biden's and Vladimir Putin's speeches, addressing the Ukraine war.

Kenya to investigate 'sex for work' exposed in BBC tea documentary

Parliament orders an inquiry after dozens of women speak of abuse on British-operated tea farms.

Monday, February 20, 2023

Uber, Ola, Rapido: Jobs at risk as Delhi bans motorbike taxis

The Delhi government has asked ride-sharing apps to halt motorbike taxi services over licensing issues.

Turkey-Syria earthquake: Baby pulled from the rubble reunited with aunt and uncle

The newborn girl is adopted by her aunt and uncle who name her after her late mother, Afraa.

Algeria jails journalist Ihsane el-Kadi as old guard asserts power

The "preventative detention" of a veteran journalist suggests not much has changed in Algeria.

Aziz Abdullah: Uyghur asylum-seeker death heaps pressure on Thailand

Aziz Abdullah fled Xinjiang but got no further than Bangkok, where he died in an immigration centre.

Papua New Guinea: Rescue mission under way for researchers taken hostage

Officials say they will use "whatever means necessary" to free an Australian and three local people.

Justin Welby rejected as leader by conservative Anglicans over same-sex blessings

10 Archbishops criticise Justin Welby over the Church of England backing blessings for same-sex couples.

Sunday, February 19, 2023

Cambodia: Angkorian crown jewellery handed over in London

The secret collection of 77 items from the Angkorian period has stunned antiquities experts.

Footballer Christian Atsu's body returned to Ghana

The 31-year-old was found dead under the rubble of his home in Turkey two weeks after the earthquake.

Nigeria election 2023: Fact-checking claims by the candidates

Claims about poverty, unemployment and insecurity feature prominently in this election campaign.

We want Russia to come, say Moldova protesters

Crowds in Chisinau voice anger at rising living costs and poverty as Moscow is accused of sending saboteurs.

Bafta bits you may have missed

All Quiet On The Western Front wasn't the only winner in town at 2023's Bafta Awards.

Has Putin's war failed and what does Russia want?

A year into Russia's war, he has little to show for it but there is no sign of an end.

Saturday, February 18, 2023

Ukraine war: Russia must be defeated but not 'crushed', Macron says

The French president reaffirms support for Kyiv but hints that talks with Russia are a final goal.

Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo's cathedral plan stalls amid economic crisis

Ghana is seeking a $3bn loan from the IMF but the president is pushing ahead with a huge new cathedral.

Rachid M'Barki from BFM suspended in scandal linked to disinformation firm

Veteran presenter Rachid M'Barki is accused of running stories planted by an Israel-based organisation.

The protesters who've gone missing as China deepens crackdown

Police have quietly gone after those who took part in the November protests that shook China.

Former US President Jimmy Carter to receive hospice care

The former US president will "spend his remaining time at home with his family", the Carter Center said.

Rishi Sunak: Ukraine's long-term security must be ensured now

Allies must give advanced Nato-standard equipment and long-term security assurances, Sunak says.

Friday, February 17, 2023

Ricky Kej: India's three-time Grammy winner unheard of at home

Composer Ricky Kej has won global acclaim - but is on few playlists in India.

Islamic State accused of killing truffle hunters in Syria

At least 53 people have been killed by the jihadists in the province of Homs, state media says.

Chilli crab: The woman behind Singapore's beloved dish

Cher Yam Tian, who created what is now a world-famous culinary delight, dies at 90.

Manchester United: Sheikh Jassim confirms Qatari bid to buy Premier League club

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the chairman of one of Qatar's biggest banks, confirms his foundation will bid to buy Manchester United.

How MI5 caught UK embassy spy selling secrets to Russia

The BBC's Home Affairs correspondent explains what David Smith did, and how he was stopped.

'Never give up': Woman fights off attacker in US gym

A man who attacked a lone woman in a Florida apartment gym got more than he bargained for.

Thursday, February 16, 2023

How Progress Shark became Australia's accidental World Pride icon

The rainbow-clad model shark has captured international attention, inspired memes and won adoring fans.

Turkey-Syria earthquakes: Yemeni mother gives birth after being pulled from rubble

Faten Al Yousifi, 39 weeks pregnant, had a birth bag ready to go when the earthquake struck.

Holding out against China in a row over reefs

China and the Philippines both have rival claims in the South China Sea.

Zelensky: 'Big mistake' if Belarus gets involved in war with Russia

The Ukrainian president was asked about if Russia attacked from the Belarussian border.

Bruce Willis has dementia, family announces

Actor Bruce Willis has frontotemporal dementia, his family announces on social media

Zelensky on peace deal: 'Compromises on territory would make us weaker’

Zelensky speaks to the BBC as the anniversary of beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches.

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Panama migrant bus plunges off road killing 39

Migrants hoping to reach the US died when their bus fell into a ravine near Costa Rica.

New Barney leaves fans bemused by reimagined image

People online mock the dinosaur's reimagined image, which will appear in a new animated series.

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

United flight 1722: US to investigate Boeing 777's mysterious nosedive

Passengers reportedly screamed as the flight from Hawaii plunged 1,400ft before the plane recovered.

First UN aid convoy enters quake-hit Syria via new crossing

The UN says 11 lorries have driven through a reopened border crossing into rebel-held north-west Syria.

Ethiopia war in Tigray: Eritrean soldiers accused of rape despite peace deal

A 2022 peace deal halted Ethiopia's two-year civil war. Women say it did not stop the violence.

US suspects three unidentified objects it shot down were 'benign'

The White House says the unidentified aircraft may have been "tied to commercial or research entities".

Jovenel Moise: Four more people arrested over plot to kill Haiti's president

Suspects include the boss of a US company that hired Colombian veterans for the mission, say officials.

Turkey-Syria earthquake: Satellite images show Jindayris devastation

More than 500 bodies have been pulled from the rubble of 200 destroyed buildings in Jindayris.

Pierre Palmade: French comic faces charges over drug-fuelled crash

Pierre Palmade faces charges after a head-on collision led to a woman losing her unborn baby.

Monday, February 13, 2023

Valentine's Day: How fake dates help Indians find love and intimacy

From dating surrogates to relationship coaches, Indians are turning to new ways to navigate love and desire.

Name a cockroach after your ex for Valentine's Day

A Texas zoo is naming the critters after former partners before they are fed to an animal.

Turkey earthquake: Little boy rescued after 105 hours in quake rubble

Aras, aged five, lost his two siblings and his father when the quake hit Turkey's city of Kahramanmaras.

US warns that dual citizens face Russian conscription

A new travel warning urges US citizens to leave the country immediately or face conscription.

White House defends decision to shoot down flying objects

Questions remain over what the three objects shot down over North America this weekend were.

No aliens insists White House before ET joke about shot down objects

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reassures the US population as questions remain over the shot down objects.

Haiti gangs: Three churchgoers kidnapped after Mass

Gangs kidnapping people for ransom are targeting religious institutions amid spiralling violence.

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Kenyan rice farmers battle quelea birds in Kisumu

Kenya wants to kill some six million quelea birds which have invaded rice fields around the country.

David Jolicoeur: Rapper and founding member of De La Soul dies

David Jolicoeur went by the name Trugoy the Dove and was notably absent from last week's Grammy's.

Israel legalises nine West Bank settlement outposts

The settlements are seen as illegal under international law, although Israel disagrees.

DR Congo soldiers get death sentence for cowardice against M23 rebels

The seven men caused the death of two civilians as they fled M23 rebels in North Kivu, a court rules.

Tiny creature unlocks life before the ice age

A cave in Canada has been declared a globally significant location to preserve a rare amphipod.

Ukraine war: Russian soldier death rate highest since first week of war

Ukrainian data shows 824 Russians dying per day, and the UK says the trends are "likely accurate".

Quake-hit Turkey issues 113 building arrest warrants

Before the quake, there were amnesties for contractors who swerved regulations.

Saturday, February 11, 2023

The boxer who fled Iran seeking the freedom to fight

Exiled after competing in France while failing to wear a hijab, Sadaf Khadem says it is now her home.

Grieving a daughter's Covid death in Wuhan - while being surveilled

Yang Min has demanded "justice" for her daughter, who died of Covid in China three years ago.

US and Canada military shoot down new unidentified object

The flying object "violated airspace" over north-west Canada, says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Turkey earthquake rescue: How two sisters were saved from the rubble

The BBC witnesses the hours-long rescue of Merve and Irem from a collapsed apartment block in Turkey.

Friday, February 10, 2023

Kerala transgender couple's 'tears of joy' as baby born early

Zahad and Ziya, whose pregnancy photos made headlines, say their baby is fine after being born early.

Florida expands governor's power to move migrants

Democrats says the relocations are "human trafficking", but Republicans say it's "humanitarian".

Canada appeals ruling to repatriate citizens in Syria

British-Canadian dual national Jack Letts is one of the four men a court ordered Canada to repatriate.

Inside Aleppo: BBC sees devastation after quake

The BBC is one of the first international outlets to report from the historic Syrian city.

Fighter jets for Ukraine: The challenges of giving warplanes to Kyiv

Ukraine wants Western jets to help fight Russia, but using them effectively could be difficult.

Thursday, February 9, 2023

US congresswoman throws hot coffee at lift attacker

The shocking attack on Minnesota Democrat Angie Craig does not appear to be politically motivated.

Africa's week in pictures: 3-9 February 2023

A selection of the best photos from across Africa this week.

Amsterdam bans cannabis in its red light district

The city council introduces the new laws in a bid to reduce disruption by tourists in the area.

The moment SpaceX tests its powerful rocket system

With 33 engines, Starship will be the most powerful launcher in human history.

Burt Bacharach speaks to the BBC in1964

Burt Bacharach told the BBC about why his music resonated with teenagers of the day.

Alec Baldwin sued by Halyna Hutchins' family over Rust film

The family of Halyna Hutchins, who died in the October 2021 shooting, have filed a civil suit.

Chile wildfires threaten animals

An emergency clinic was set up in Santa Juana to treat some of the animals.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

State of the Union: How Brandon Tsay is shouldering the spotlight

Brandon Tsay disarmed a gunman. The president praised him during Tuesday's big speech.

A secret room that saved this girl's life

Behind the sale of a masterpiece painting is the story of a Jewish girl's extraordinary escape from the Nazis.

Relics of zero-Covid dot China as life moves on

The country amassed zero-Covid infrastructure - now much of it is being dismantled or repurposed.

New Zealand pilot taken hostage by separatists in Indonesia

Separatists say they will execute the man unless Jakarta negotiates over the independence of West Papua.

Oscars: Danielle Deadwyler claims Hollywood is 'deeply impacted by racism'

Danielle Deadwyler and Viola Davis were tipped to be nominated for best actress, but missed out.

Russia's African footprint grows with Lavrov trip to Mali

Amid Russia's isolation, its friendship with Mali blossoms, but has it stopped jihadist violence?

Monday, February 6, 2023

Anthony Lowe: New video released in police killing of double amputee

Police also released audio of an emergency call by a man who was allegedly stabbed by Anthony Lowe.

Turkey quake: Heavy rain hampers rescue efforts

At least 3,500 people are confirmed dead in the quake that struck northern Syria and Turkey.

When a Canadian weather balloon went rogue

A stray research balloon survived 1,000 rounds of ammunition from fighter jets on its travels back in 1998.

South Africa's power cuts hit vineyards: No power, no pinot

The country's worst-ever energy crisis lead to fears for South Africa's wine industry.

Facebook's parent firm Meta can be sued by ex-moderator, judge rules

A Kenyan court has said that Facebook's parent company can be sued by a former content moderator.

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Grammy Awards 2023: Beyoncé becomes the biggest winner in history

With her latest award, the star becomes the most celebrated artist in the ceremony's history.

Inside the centre dedicated to combating unseen war threats

Frank Gardner visits the Helsinki centre where a joint EU-Nato team is focused on so-called hybrid threats.

Grammys 2023: Red carpet fashion in pictures

All the looks from music's biggest stars at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: The Indian guru making headlines over 'miracle' cures

Bageshwar Dham Sarkar's supporters claim he has divine powers, can heal the sick and read people's minds.

Grammys: Viola Davis joins exclusive winners' club

The star is only the 18th person to win each of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award.

Pope and protestant leaders denounce anti-gay laws

Pope Francis said laws which criminalise homosexuality were a sin and "an injustice".

China balloon: US searches in Atlantic for wreckage

The US is trying recover debris from the suspected spy balloon that fell in shallow waters off South Carolina.

Saturday, February 4, 2023

Grammy Awards 2023: How to watch and who will win

Adele, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar and Harry Styles are up for prizes at the 65th annual Grammys in LA.

Biden's State of the Union: Agony and ecstasy of writing the president's biggest speech

It's often the US president's most important address of the year - but for speechwriters it's the assignment from hell.

'Now I deliver food, but once I played football for my country'

Poulami Adhikari played in India's under-16 team, but had to stop when her family fell on hard times.

Turkey elections: Biggest test for Erdogan amid cost of living crisis

Rampant inflation is a key issue for voters as Turkey’s President Erdogan faces elections in May.

How to cook Spanish tortilla: Salmonella outbreak sparks national debate

A bout of food poisoning at a Madrid restaurant stirs debate about how to cook a Spanish tortilla.

Andrew Tate: Inside the Romanian town where brothers' empire began

"Arrogant", "discreet" - Lucy Williamson visits the apartment block where the brothers first settled.

Giant wave overturns yacht during dramatic US rescue

Video shows the vessel capsizing in rough Pacific seas as the man on board is rescued.

Luxury rehab centres now offer therapy for 'crypto addiction'

Luxury rehab centres address the life-consuming nature of crypto trading, but some question the huge costs.

Friday, February 3, 2023

Canadian teen wins $48m lotto jackpot on first try

Sensible Juliette Lamour, 18, immediately turned to a financial planner, or Dad, as she calls him.

Jafar Panahi: Prominent Iranian film director leaves jail

Award-winning film maker Jafar Panahi was seen hugging supporters after leaving Tehran's Evin prison.

Two suspects arrested in California 'cartel-style' murder

One suspect in the murder of six family members is taken into custody after a shootout with police.

Musk found not guilty of fraud over Tesla tweet

Tesla boss Elon Musk is cleared of fraud charges over a tweet about taking the carmaker private

The US-China spy balloon row in under a minute

BBC security correspondent Gordon Corera explains what it's all about.

Andrew Tate: Influencer threatened workers with violence, victim claims

The alleged victim claims Andrew Tate forced workers to raise €10,000 a month on social media platforms.

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Lisa Marie Presley: When a celebrity dies, who gets what can get messy

With hundreds of millions of dollars at stake, celebrity wills can bring heirs out of the woodwork.

40 countries 'could boycott 2024 Olympics'

Poland sports minister Kamil Bortniczuk says up to 40 countries could boycott the 2024 Olympics in Paris, making the Games "pointless".

Argentina unveils new 2,000-peso banknote as inflation bites

It is not clear when the new 2,000-peso note will enter circulation, Argentina's Central Bank says.

Punxsutawney Phil is not the only furry forecaster

Punxatawney Phil may be the star of Groundhog Day, but US towns have many other predictive rodents.

Israel says Sudan peace deal to be signed in Washington

It would normalise relations between Israel and another member of the Arab League.

Historic deep freeze to hit US northeast as ice storm subsides in south

The weather service is warning of "once-in-a-generation" wind chills from Pennsylvania to Maine.

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Why lifting Tanzania's opposition ban suits President Samia

How democracy is faring as President Samia dismantles some of her predecessor's dictatorial policies.

A father 'gone too soon': Tyre Nichols funeral held in Memphis

Thousands are in Memphis to mourn the 29-year-old father who was fatally beaten by police.

California police face scrutiny after killing double amputee

Police say the wheelchair user threatened them with a butcher's knife. The family say it was murder.

US seeks deal on Philippines bases to complete arc around China

The US wants to expand access to military bases in the Philippines facing the South China Sea and Taiwan.

Panchayat: The rural drama that became India's most-loved show

Panchayat centres around a young man from a city who is forced to take up a job in a remote Indian village.

Vienna murders: Four guilty of helping jihadist in terror attack

The killer went on the rampage in November 2020, killing four and wounding many others.

Nikki Haley poised to enter 2024 presidential race

The former UN ambassador will reportedly announce a presidential run at an event on 15 February.