Six baby seals found decapitated in New Zealand bay

Wildlife officials think the seals were killed elsewhere before being dumped from a boat.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-46615702

Weather stops plastic waste car reaching South Pole

A car made from waste plastic has been forced to abort its mission to the South Pole because of bad weather.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46614102

Amphibian that buries head in sand named after Donald Trump

A newly discovered creature that buries its head in the sand is named Dermophis donaldtrumpi.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-46614138

Jailed Catalan speaker Forcadell appeals for freedom

Carme Forcadell allowed Catalonia to debate independence but now calls for her release from prison.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46602740

Softbank shares down as mobile unit makes Tokyo debut

The firm wants to raise $23bn but shares were selling below the asking price at the start of trading.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46548527

US bans 'bump stock' gun device used in mass shootings

A call to ban the rapid fire devices followed the 2017 Las Vegas shooting which left nearly 60 dead.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-46614001

A special place for a new kind of family

Grandparents often step in when mums and dads can't. But a US experiment underlines the difference they can make.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-46596069

Wooden clothes on the recycled Christmas list?

A university in Finland has invented a process to turn waste wood into material for clothing.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46598387

The 'wary' #MeToo conversation in Australia

High-profile allegations of misconduct are being tested against strict defamation laws.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-46600396

Why football stars have DR Congo on their mind

Amid the big games over the festive period, some football stars may well be worried about crucial polls back home in DR Congo.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-46608266

'I wouldn't choose to be brought up by white parents again'

Gina Atinuke Knight was brought up by white parents. As a result, it took her years to fully embrace her blackness.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-46544904

Zimbabwe army used 'unjustifiable' force in post-election clashes

An independent inquiry slams the military for its role in post-election clashes that left six dead.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-46614129

Belgium's PM Charles Michel submits resignation amid migration row

Charles Michel's resignation letter comes days after a coalition partner quits over migration.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46611320