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The former California attorney-general had long been considered the front runner for the role. Also: opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya fled Belarus "for sake of her children", and Mauritius fears a stranded ship that is leaking oil may "break in two".

Russia approves its own vaccine for use, but international experts are sceptical. Also: The main opposition candidate flees Belarus for 'sake of her children', and Benin restores statues to slave traders.

The Lebanese prime minister announced the move in a TV address as clashes continued in Beirut for a third day. Also: Trump says someone shot near White House, and the website that creates the sounds of the office for those working from home.

President Lukashenko accuses foreign-inspired agitators of sparking violence. Also: HK tycoon arrested under security law, and the poem published 100 years late.

A state TV exit poll showed a victory for President Alexander Lukashenko but the opposition cried foul. Also: more protests in Beirut as international donors pledge aid, and who owned the old pair of round rimmed spectacles that are now up for auction?

The demonstrators in Beirut had earlier entered government ministries venting their anger at politicians who they blame for Tuesday's devastating explosion. Also:  President Trump signs executive orders extending Covid-19 economic relief, and an oil spill in Mauritius is threatening an ecological disaster.