Election vote recounts in some U.S. states have fueled new animosity between the presidential campaigns. Europeans are now looking at very conservative political candidates. Russian-backed Syrian forces move to control key parts of Aleppo. A pause in the so-called Trump rally in financial markets. A documentary looks at a mass school shooting.

The death of Fidel Castro sparks varied emotions in Cuba and the United States. Turkey's EU membership hinges on migrants. Online fraud is up as the holiday shopping season begins. A simple vision test may aid millions who need glasses.

Bashar al-Assad's rapid military advances in Aleppo raise prospect of a Pyrrhic victory; Donald Trump confounds critics with unsubstantiated claims of serious voter fraud in election; Cubans in Florida and Cuba react very differently to Fidel Castro's death; a Maryland teenager with a passion for making jewelry becomes a role model for young entrepreneurs.

U.S. stocks get a boost from signs of strong consumer spending as holiday shopping season begins with Black Friday; France says it foiled an imminent terror attack; VOA reports from southeastern Guinea on how region might cope if Ebola virus reemerges; California's Draper University uses unconventional methods to train young entrepreneurs.

Food shortages plague Aleppo as the fight against Islamic State rages on. European far-right candidates gaining appeal. Fires burn wild in Israel amid a new debate on settlements. A lawyer leaves court for the farm. There's a new kind of keyboard to play.

An on the scene report from Mosul, Iraq, where forces are fighting to oust Islamic State, US-China trade issues, and how New Yorkers are spending Thanksgiving following a contentious election.

Thanksgiving Day sounds from New York and appeals for national unity from U.S. president and president to be; VOA reporter in Mosul describes Iraqi army's offensive to retake city from Islamic State; Times of Israel journalist updates on impact of fires raging in Haifa and other parts of country; why U.S. & China are teaming up to pressure North Korea at UN.

President-elect Donald Trump nominates South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, the rising profile of the alt-right, and turkeys are the guests of honor at an unusual Thanksgiving celebration.

President-elect Trump selects two women for his cabinet. A new peace accord set to be signed in Colombia. Turkey warns of action against Kurds in Syria. Movie award nominations that could predict the Oscars.

Donald Trump chooses two women for roles in his administration. He also delivers a Thanksgiving video message to the nation. President Obama takes part in the traditional pardoning of the Thanksgiving turkey. Millions of Americans are traveling for what is the official start of the holiday season in the United States.