Russia's elections had few surprises - but how the Kremlin uses the results will be crucial

Vladimir Putin will likely use the result to claim most Russians back the so-called special military operation in Ukraine, writes the BBC's Steve Rosenberg.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/47dkeyc

'No surprises' as results emerge in Russian parliamentary election

Preliminary results suggest that Kremlin-backed United Russia is on course to retain its constitutional majority.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4z9i2nF

Watch: BBC tracks down abusive teacher secretly released early

BBC Eye has discovered a teacher who was imprisoned for sexually assaulting a student in Indonesia has been secretly released early.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/46BZUq3

Watch: Fans cheer as Ed Sheeran speaks out over Macklemore controversy at show

Ed Sheeran told the crowd he had made mistakes after Macklemore was dropped from his tour for making pro-Palestinian remarks.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4rijTDD

Watch: Concertgoers and pro-Palestinian activists arrive at Ed Sheeran concert

Some Ed Sheeran fans say they are excited to enjoy music and are not there for politics after Macklemore was dropped from the tour for making pro-Palestinian comments.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/46yqr7K

Is the Kennedy Center losing 'hundreds of millions of dollars'?

Records in 2024 show the venue had a surplus of millions of dollars once contributions and grants had been factored in.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4yei65h

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary apologises over 'high-fare rapists' remarks

O'Leary described his choice of language as "careless" and said "it won't happen again".

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4yQp94e

Aztec document goes on display in Mexico after 186 years abroad

France's national library is lending the manuscript recounting the history of the Aztecs to Mexico.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4dIQHQy

Eight children among 21 killed after war-damaged Gaza building collapses, rescuers say

Some 10 families had reportedly been living in the six-storey building in Gaza City that was hit by an Israeli strike last year.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/3TEDKAB

Denmark says Russian warship fired flares at military helicopter

The Danish prime minister has accused Russia of "reckless" behaviour, while the Kremlin is yet to comment.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4Ah4I1B

Runaway horse captured by police on motorbikes

The unharmed horse escaped from its owner before the start of a parade in New Mexico

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4Ah1bjR

Ukraine's postal workers deliver lifeline under Russian fire

The state post service delivers pensions, medicine and letters to people just miles from the front.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/472OcVu

Bali police investigate after Australian man and children found dead in home

Police were called after the man's wife became concerned and asked neighbours to check on her family.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4j0G6nA

Hyrox athlete sparks debate for continuing race after soiling herself

Some have raised concerns around hygiene while others saluted her resolve to finish the race.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4dCbnd0

'She's back': Fans dance, sing and cry after Céline Dion's comeback concert in Paris

Thousands turned out to witness Céline Dion perform in Paris on Saturday, her first show after a six year illness-induced hiatus.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4rcv8xA

French officials investigate if malicious act caused train derailment

Officials say a rail fragment was found on the tracks after Friday's crash of a passenger train that left 44 people injured.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/46hzmdE

Norway's Princess Astrid dies two days after attending brother King Harald's funeral

Princess Astrid "represented the Royal House in a warm and dutiful manner", the new king, Haakon VIII, said in a tribute to his aunt.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4j0t5KN

Houthis claim major advance in Yemen and tighten grip on Red Sea shipping lane

The Iran-backed Houthis are also reported to have seized Perim - a strategic island on the major shipping route.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4r8WLaN

Bernie Sanders speaks to the BBC about proposal to ban AI superintelligence

The senator has also proposed a sort of sovereign wealth fund in which the US would take a 50% stake in AI companies.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4cYeFav

Inside Thailand's school shooter drills following recent attacks

Police say they hope the drill will help prepare students, as concern grows over the increase in school shootings in South East Asia.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4rde62f

Europe's royalty pay respects to King Harald V in Norway

The Prince of Wales and three Nordic kings were among those who attended proceedings on Wednesday.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4xMrDAe

Ukrainian TV channel building hit by Russian drone as five killed in Kyiv

President Zelensky describes the daytime drone attack in Ukraine's capital as a "new page in Russian degradation"

from BBC News https://bbc.in/3SUCkS3

Thousands turn out in Serbia for funeral of 'Butcher of Bosnia' Ratko Mladić

Mladić was jailed for genocide during the 1990s Bosnian war and the EU warned Serbia not to glorify the convicted war criminal.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4A1y3go

Europe targeted by spiralling campaign of sabotage - and Russia is the chief suspect

Germany has blamed Russia for an attack on Leipzig airport but there has been a series of suspicious incidents elsewhere.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4x9RaSK

Why a famous Montreal sandwich shop has been forced to swap its soda

Schwartz’s, one of Montreal’s most famous delis, has changed suppliers for its black cherry soda.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/46bgzk3

What different world maps get right - and what they get wrong

As the UN adopts a new world map to reflect Africa's true size, let's take a closer look at what different maps get right and wrong.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/3STmRlo

Why did USS Lincoln turn up in Thailand looking so rusty?

When the USS Abraham Lincoln docked in Thailand this week some people were quick to criticise the condition it was in.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/3Ta4rNk

Why are European countries moving their gold out of North America?

The Netherlands has relocated 86 tonnes of the shiny stuff - what's going on?

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4qY0isf

Is Russia proving better at protecting friends than fighting enemies in West Africa?

Russian forces were brought in to help defeat jihadists but they also defend the military leadership in Niger.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4iNadyH

Kenya's chai tea lovers are not happy as the nation's cows run dry

Supermarket shelves are emptying, sellers are rationing supplies and prices are rising.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/3UyCrDC

'I don't even like them': How much should you give to office gift collections?

Office whip-rounds are a staple of working life but they can raise a lot of awkward questions.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4zQ0r5f

Pistol in a lake gives hope for French cold case

Saad al-Hilli was shot dead with his wife and mother-in-law while holidaying in eastern France in September 2012.

from BBC News https://bbc.in/4iHHoUk