Joe Biden's feet may hardly be under the desk at the Oval Office but he's already set about undoing some of Donald Trump's key policies. As the new US president put it in a tweet while en route to the White House after his inauguration: "There is no time to waste when it comes to tackling the crises we face." Since then, he's signed 15 executive orders. A new office will co-ordinate the pandemic response and the US will halt the process - begun by the Trump administration - of withdrawing from the World Health Organization.
Mr Biden also began the process of rejoining the 2015 Paris climate agreement, revoked the emergency declaration that helped fund a wall along the Mexican border and ended a travel ban on some majority-Muslim countries. Our North America reporter Anthony Zurcher says Mr Biden must now work with Congress to pass legislation on issues such as citizenship for undocumented migrants, healthcare reform and voting-rights protections.

Seemingly relentless rain has left more than 200 flood warnings in place across England and Wales - five of them severe. About 2,000 homes in parts of Manchester, North Wales and Merseyside were being evacuated, with householders assured Covid rules allow them to leave in an emergency. As one says: "Where do you evacuate to? You don't want to impose yourself on other people." The prime minister insists Covid-secure facilities will be available. Meanwhile, cold air in the wake of Storm Christoph threatens to bring up to 11.8in (30cm) of snow to Scotland and northern England.

Scientists tracking the spread of coronavirus in England say infection levels may have risen at the start of the latest lockdown. Swab tests from 143,000 people analysed by Imperial College London indicate 1.58% had the virus during the period 6-15 January. The past few days have seen a clear slowdown in the number of lab-confirmed cases reported by the government, despite the number of Covid-linked deaths hitting a new daily high at 1,820. But the researchers say their data is more up to date because it does not rely on people developing symptoms. Ministers say the report does not yet reflect the impact of the national lockdown in England.

Thursday's front pages echo new US President Joe Biden's inauguration speech, with the Daily Telegraph quoting his call to polarised Americans to "end this uncivil war". The Guardian and Financial Times both use his "democracy has prevailed" line, while the Daily Mirror sees Mr Biden's entry to the White House as a "day of hope". Likewise, the Daily Mail describes a "new dawn for America". The Daily Star, meanwhile, focuses on the outgoing president's actions in his last days in office, mocking up a picture of Donald Trump bare-chested and green-skinned, alongside the headline: "The incredible sulk."

If you've enjoyed Harry Styles's video for Treat People With Kindness, find out how choreographer Paul Roberts combined the singer's talents with those of co-star Phoebe Waller-Bridge to create the "carefree" energy-lift people needed. Meanwhile, BBC Radio 6 Music is recommending 21 albums to look forward to in 2021, from alt-soul and experimental indie jazz to rock’n’roll legends and dancefloor heroes.

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