Real World News

Austria presidential election: Far-right's Hofer defeated - projections 4 December 2016 From the section Europe Far-right candidate Norbert Hofer has been defeated in Austria's presidential election, projections suggest. The Austrian presidency is largely ceremonial but the vote had been seen as a sign of how well populist candidates might do in upcoming elections in the European Union. Former Green Party head Alexander Van der Bellen has a clear lead, according to early indications. The election was a re-run of May's poll which suffered irregularities. If confirmed, the result will be welcomed b…

Boris Johnson: UK should not pay 'large sums' for EU trade access 4 December 2016 From the section UK Politics There is no reason why the UK should have to pay "large amounts" to the EU to continue trading with it after Brexit, Boris Johnson has said. The idea of the UK paying for tariff-free access to the EU's internal market has been mooted in recent days. The foreign secretary told the BBC this was "speculation" and while he could see the UK paying for some EU schemes, any contributions had to be "sensible". Brexit talks could "get hairy" …

Italy referendum: PM Renzi's future in the balance 4 December 2016 From the section Europe Image copyright EPA Image caption "Si" is what he's hoping for - the PM campaigns for a "yes" vote in Florence Italians are voting in a referendum which is being closely watched for further signs of anti-establishment sentiment in Europe. The vote, called by centre-left Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, is on plans to streamline parliament but i…

Oakland fire: Dozens feared dead in club night blaze 3 December 2016 From the section US & Canada Media captionThe venue in Oakland had been hosting a concertDozens of people are feared dead after a fire broke out during a rave at a converted warehouse in Oakland, California. Authorities have confirmed nine deaths but say they are preparing for the death toll to rise as high as 40. Oakland fire chief Teresa Deloche-Reed said between 50 and 100 people were thought to have been inside the venue. The fire started at 23:30 local time on Friday (07:30 GMT Saturday), police said.…

Lib Dems 'are back' after shock by-election win 2 December 2016 From the section UK Politics Media captionLib Dem Sarah Olney beat Zac Goldsmith in the Richmond Park by-election.Lib Dem leader Tim Farron claims his party is "back in the big time" after it fought on the issue of Brexit to oust ex-Tory MP Zac Goldsmith in the Richmond Park by-election. Lib Dem challenger Sarah Olney overturned Mr Goldsmith's 23,015 majority to finish 1,872 votes ahead. Mr Goldsmith quit the Tories to stand as an independent after the government backed a third Heathrow runway. But the Lib Dems succ…

Trump transition: Recount efforts challenged in three US states 2 December 2016 From the section US & Canada Image copyright Getty Images Image caption A recount is currently under way in Wisconsin US President-elect Donald Trump's lawyers and supporters are moving to block election recount efforts in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan. The legal motions are designed to halt Green party presidential candidate Jill Stein's r…

Gambia's Jammeh loses presidential election to Adamu Barrow 2 December 2016 From the section Africa Image copyright AP Image caption Yahya Jammeh has been in power for 22 years The Gambia's president of 22 years Yahya Jammeh will be replaced by a property developer, Adama Barrow, after losing the general election. Mr Jammeh, who came to power in a coup in 1994, has agreed to accept defeat, said electoral commission chief Alieu Mom…

IS group to step up attacks on Europe - Europol 2 December 2016 From the section Europe Image copyright Reuters Image caption France has been under heightened security since the November 2015 Paris attacks Europol has warned that militants from so-called Islamic State (IS) will aim to step up attacks on European targets, as they face defeat in the Middle East. The European police force says more foreign fighters will try to come b…

Lib Dems oust Goldsmith in by-election 2 December 2016 From the section UK Politics Liberal Democrat Sarah Olney has won the Richmond Park by-election, beating incumbent Zac Goldsmith, who was standing as an independent. Ms Olney polled 20,510 votes, to Mr Goldsmith's 18,638 and will be the only female Lib Dem MP in Parliament. Mr Goldsmith, who had previously been a Conservative, stood down as MP when the government decided to back a third runway at Heathrow airport. He had a majority of 23,015 at the general election in 2015. View the full article

Trump names Gen James 'Mad Dog' Mattis as defence secretary 2 December 2016 From the section US & Canada Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Gen James Mattis is known for his outspoken views US President-elect Donald Trump has named General James Mattis as his defence secretary. "He's our best," Mr Trump said, as he announced the nomination to a rally of supporters in Ohio. Gen Mattis, who is known as "Mad Dog", was an…

Fawlty Towers star Andrew Sachs dies aged 86 1 December 2016 From the section Entertainment & Arts Fawlty Towers star Andrew Sachs, who played hapless Spanish waiter Manuel in the BBC sitcom, has died aged 86, his family has confirmed. The actor died on 23 November and was buried on Thursday, according to an interview with his wife Melody in the Daily Mail. She told the newspaper that Sachs was diagnosed with dementia four years ago. On his role of Manuel, Sachs said in 2014: "It was just a part I was playing and people seemed to laugh." …

France's Hollande decides not to run again 1 December 2016 From the section Europe Francois Hollande has stunned France by declaring he will not seek a second term as president of France. Mr Hollande, faced with very low popularity ratings, has become the first sitting president in modern French history not to seek re-election. In a televised address he said he was aware of the risks of not running and warned of the threat from the far-right National Front. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. If you…

Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn proclaimed king 1 December 2016 From the section Asia Media captionWhat do we know about Thailand's new king?Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has been proclaimed Thailand's new king, 50 days after the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The prince accepted the throne following an invitation from parliament, formalising his accession. He becomes King Vajiralongkorn, the 10th monarch of the Chakri dynasty. King Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, died on 13 October. The government has declared a year-long official mournin…

Chapecoense air crash: Leaked tape shows plane 'ran out of fuel' 30 November 2016 From the section Latin America & Caribbean Image copyright AP Image caption The flight came down in mountains near Medellin, Colombia The plane carrying Brazilian footballers which crashed in Colombia had run out of fuel, according to a leaked audio recording. In the air traffic tower tape, a pilot can be heard repeatedly requesting permission t…