Happy News: Elmo and the "hug button"

Stories from this week that should give you the feels - in a good way.

This video has been optimised for mobile viewing on the BBC News app. The BBC News app is available from the Apple App Store for iPhone and Google Play Store for Android.

1 October 2017

US President Donald Trump speaking at a podium

Watch: What's behind Trump's energy ceasefire claim?

The US president made the announcement in a social media post, which was an apparent surprise to Ukraine and Russia is yet to comment.

World

Donald Trump pointing and talking to reporters

Watch: 'Time for Ukraine to get a new president', says Trump

The US president's said President Volodymyr Zelensky "wants to make problems for the world".

World

Watch: Who is Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay?

BBC correspondent Joe Inwood explains how Pillay's childhood in South Africa led her to become a driving force in international law from Myanmar to Gaza.

World

Watch: The extreme motorsport where women keep winning

Swedish driver Susanne Callin has won the European Top Fuel championship for the second year in a row. Is drag racing the first gender-equal sport?

World

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovic pictured in 2024 while being detained in Russia

Watch: US journalist Evan Gershkovich describes being detained by Russian agents

He was arrested in Russia in 2023 and later sentenced to 16 years on espionage charges.

World

Peng Liyuan, Xi Jinping, Donald Trump and Melania Trump trump standing in a line outside the White House in Washington, DC

Pomp and toasts: Day 2 of Trump and Xi in DC

Xi’s first visit to Washington in a decade was a display of pomp and pageantry, with Trump offering his guest a two-month truce on the brewing tariff war.

World

China's President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump pose on the North Portico steps of the White House ahead of a State Dinner in Washington, DC, on September 24, 2026.

The world’s two most powerful men just met. How did it go?

The BBC’s China correspondent Laura Bicker unpacks how the trip panned out for Beijing and Washington.

World

President Xi and President Trump outside the White House with guards in uniform and and flags

Here's why Trump's been so keen on Xi's visit

President Donald Trump has been talking about Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit for months, the BBC's Sarah Smith looks at why.

World

A split screen of Iran's president on the left and President Trump on the right. Both stand at a lectern delivering a speech at the UN.

Watch: What messages did the US and Iran send about the war?

BBC's Tom Bateman breaks down Masoud Pezeshkian's rare visit to New York City for the United Nations General Assembly.

World

Split-screen image. On the right, BBC correspondent Caroline Hawley. On the left, an aerial view of Chagos Islands.

Watch: Why is the UK reviewing its Chagos Islands deal?

The UK is reviewing its deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, the defence secretary has said.

World

Trump talking into Xi Jinping's ear, they are both wearing suits. Trump has a red tie and Xi has a blue tie

Watch: Trump and Xi are meeting on US soil - what's at stake?

The BBC’s China correspondent and US editor explain everything you need to know ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting in Washington DC.

World

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly at U.N. Headquarters on September 22, 2026 in New York City

Watch: Key moments from Andy Burnham's first UN speech

In his first speech to the UN as UK prime minister, Burnham highlighted the risks posed by Russian disinformation.

World

Emmanuel Macron passionately speaking at a podium

Watch: Threats, deals and passionate speeches at UNGA event

Delegations from across the world attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

World

Split screen. Left, Donald Trump. Right, Iran representative in the UN.

Watch: Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Iran if no deal reached

US President Donald Trump presented Iran with a stark choice: reach an agreement or face the rapid “annihilation” of the Islamic Republic.

World

A split screen of flags outside the UN on the left and President Trump on the right.

What to expect as world leaders descend on New York - and who won't be there

The BBC’s Sarah Smith outlines which world leaders Trump is set to meet and the key topics expected on the agenda.

World

Frank Gardner in a blue short with refugees behind him

Inside Djibouti refugee camp for thousands fleeing Houthi advance in Yemen

Fighting on Yemen's west coast has prompted thousands of people to flee by boat across the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

World

Composite of fans arriving and pro-Palestinian activists

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.

World

The manuscript, known as Codex Azcatitlán, is seen on display.

Watch: Aztec codex on display in Mexico for first time in 186 years

Mexicans celebrate the return of a centuries-old document that tells the story of the Aztec civilisation and its fall after the arrival of Spanish conquistadors.

World

Split screen. Left, man being interviewed. Right, female being interviewed.

Watch: 'A better opportunity' - Canadians on a closer alliance with Europe

Toronto residents react to the possibility of a closer strategic, economic, and political alliance with the European Union.

World

Mark Carney stands in front of a Canadian and EU flag

Is Canada about to join the EU?

Ties between Canada and the European Union have been getting closer as trade dispute with the US continue.

World