Watch: How Brazil's dramatic election unfolded

Millions of Brazilians took to the polls on Sunday for the first round of the country's presidential elections.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 80, is running for his fourth non-consecutive term in office, while his challenger, right-winger Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, is competing in his first presidential race.

His father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022.

With the election now heading to a run-off on 25 October, BBC correspondent Ione Wells unpacks the results.

Mexico's National Guard debuts chihuahua dog recruit named 'Comando'

The 13-month-old small canine is equipped with protective gear and a camera, and is being trained for search-and-rescue missions.

Did El Niño turn Hurricane Polo into the most powerful storm of the season?

The BBC's Courtney Sargent explains how El Niño could have rapidly turned Hurricane Polo into one of the Pacific season's most powerful storms.

Mass nesting brings swarms of turtles to Mexican beach

Thousands of turtles arrived at La Escobilla beach in Oaxaca within 48 hours, sanctuary officials said.

Watch: Archaeologists discover ancient tomb in Peru

The burial site of the ancient pre-Incan Chimu culture was found largely intact.

Lucky toddler has a narrow escape after running into speeding traffic

Security camera footage shows a supermarket employee racing into action as a toddler runs towards moving traffic in Puebla, Mexico.

Watch: Fishermen rescued after five days adrift in cool box

The men, aged 53 and 32, lost contact with their fishing cooperative on 14 August, 75 miles off the coast of Mexico.

In shattered Cali, residents search for loved ones and signs of hope

Most deaths from the magnitude-7.4 quake were reported in Cali, Colombia’s third-most populous city, as crews search collapsed buildings for those still trapped.

Watch: Family escapes home during Colombia earthquake

At least 169 people are dead and a state of emergency has been declared after Colombia was hit by one of its largest earthquakes in years.

Watch: Moment powerful earthquake shakes Colombia and crumbles buildings

At least 111 people have been killed and dozens more injured after the 7.4 temblor hit the western part of the country, according to local officials.

A powerful earthquake has caused significant damage in western Colombia.

Watch: BBC asks Infantino if he will resign as Fifa president

The head of the football governing body has faced multiple calls to quit after his aborted attempt to sell private stakes in the World Cup.

Watch: Evacuations as Guatemala volcano erupts

The Fuego volcano is located near Escuintla, Chimaltenango, and Sacatepéquez.

Watch: Giant 100-metre Mexican sandwich sets Guinness record

The record-breaking row of traditional sandwiches was assembled during Torta Fair, an annual food festival celebrating one of Mexico's most popular street foods.

Confronting gang members at the heart of Ecuador's drug battle

Orla Guerin speaks to a gang leader about violence, drugs and infiltrating the police.

Families still search for bodies a month after Venezuela earthquakes

Officials say the death toll has surpassed 5,300, though estimates of the number still missing could be as high as 50,000.

Watch: Flooded towns and evacuations as Chile hit by heavy rain

A "state of catastrophe" has been declared in Coquimbo and Huasco following the downpour.

Argentina fans celebrate World Cup win over England

Argentina fans at home and in the US celebrate their progression to the World Cup final.