In other news

Gabon is holding its first presidential election since a military coup 19 months ago, with around one million people expected to vote. The election comes after former President Ali Bongo was ousted by Gen Brice Oligui Nguema, who has since changed the constitution to allow him to run. Eight candidates are vying for the top job, including Oligui Nguema, with results expected to be announced on Sunday or early next week. Critics argue that the electoral process has been unfair and favouring Oligui Nguema, while voters are calling for change, citing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and corruption.

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled and trains suspended in northern China as strong winds, with gusts of up to 93mph, hit the capital Beijing. By Saturday morning, 838 flights had been cancelled at Beijing's two major airports, and train services, including high-speed rail lines, were suspended. The strong winds, expected to last through the weekend, have forced the closure of attractions and historic sites, with millions urged to stay indoors. Almost 300 trees have fallen over in Beijing, and some vehicles were damaged, but no injuries were reported.

A Los Angeles judge has ruled that the Menendez brothers' bid for freedom can continue, despite opposition from District Attorney Nathan Hochman. The brothers, Erik and Lyle, were convicted of killing their parents in 1989 and are currently serving life in prison without parole. Their attorneys argue that they should be resentenced to a lesser term due to a California law that allows certain inmates under 26 at the time of their crime to seek resentencing. If resentenced to 50 years to life, they would be immediately eligible for parole. The judge's ruling allows the resentencing hearing to move forward, with a decision expected after upcoming hearings.

Mickey Rourke has left Celebrity Big Brother after using "inappropriate language" and displaying "unacceptable behaviour" towards fellow contestants, including Chris Hughes and JoJo Siwa. Rourke, 72, had previously received a formal warning for his comments towards Siwa, which she perceived as homophobic, and had apologized after being rebuked by Big Brother. His departure came after a further incident involving Hughes, although no physical altercation occurred.

A notorious Nigerian bandit kingpin, Gwaska Dankarami, and around 100 of his followers have been killed in a joint military operation in north-west Nigeria. The alleged gang leader was hiding in the Munumu Forest and had been linked to Islamic State. The operation also destroyed several other criminal hideouts and recovered machine guns and shotguns. This is not the first time Dankarami's death has been reported, as the Nigerian Airforce claimed to have killed him in 2022. The authorities say the operation is part of a broader effort to restore stability in the state.

Tanzania's main opposition party, Chadema, has been banned from participating in the country's upcoming election after failing to sign a code of conduct document. The party's leader, Tundu Lissu, was recently arrested and charged with treason following a rally where he called for electoral reforms. Chadema had boycotted the code of conduct signing ceremony as part of its campaign for voting reforms, with Lissu arguing that the current electoral commission is biased. The ruling CCM party is expected to retain power, and the ban on Chadema is seen as part of an intensifying crackdown on opposition parties under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government.

Tens of thousands of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's supporters gathered in Belgrade for a rally, with a monitoring organisation estimating around 55,000 attendees. The event followed months of unrest and anti-government protests that started after a railway station canopy collapse in Novi Sad killed 15 people. Vucic claimed that the protests, which he described as being led by students and backed by "foreign intelligence agencies", threatened Serbia's peace and stability. The rally was promoted as the launch of a "Movement for the People and the State" to "save" Serbia, with Vucic criticising national broadcaster RTS and accusing it of being part of an attempted "colour revolution". The attendance was significantly lower than a previous anti-government protest, which drew an estimated 325,000 people.

A study has found that over three million children worldwide died in 2022 from infections resistant to antibiotics, with children in Africa and South East Asia being most at risk. The number of deaths is a more than tenfold increase in just three years, and has been linked to the overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics. The study's authors warn that if bacteria develop resistance to last-resort antibiotics, there will be few alternatives for treating multidrug-resistant infections, and call for improved immunisation, water sanitation, and hygiene to prevent infections.

A French court sentenced eight people to up to five years in prison for smuggling endangered European eel larvae worth over $2 million, with two receiving the heaviest sentences. The larvae were destined for Asian markets, where they can fetch $2,200 per kilogram. The smuggling operation was compared to cocaine trafficking by prosecutors due to its lucrative nature and the fact that the larvae's value increases with each border crossing. The European eel population has declined by 75% over the past 30 years, partly due to smuggling, and is protected by international convention.

Edward R. Murrow's 1945 CBS News report on the liberation of Buchenwald concentration camp shocked the world, exposing the atrocities committed by the Nazis. 80 years later, the camp remains a vital reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust, with over half a million visitors annually. The site now serves as a memorial and educational center, countering rising far-right narratives and Holocaust denialism. German students visit the site to learn about the history and mechanisms of National Socialism, with educators emphasizing the importance of informed and enlightened understanding rather than guilt or forced remembrance.

Scientists have identified an ancient jawbone found in the sea near Taiwan as potentially belonging to the Denisovans, a mysterious and extinct group of human ancestors. The jawbone was dredged from the seafloor and later donated to a museum, where it was dated to the Pleistocene era. Although DNA couldn't be extracted, protein sequences from the jawbone resembled those found in a Denisovan fossil from Siberia, suggesting a link. The find expands the known geographic range of Denisovans and suggests they adapted to various environments. The discovery is promising, but some scientists are cautious, seeking more data to confirm the identification. Denisovans are known to have interbred with Neanderthals and modern humans, and some people in East and Southeast Asia still carry Denisovan ancestry in their genomes today.

A convicted murderer who escaped from a California prison last year is believed to have killed the leader of an elite Mexican police unit known as the "Gringo Hunters", which tracks and arrests U.S. fugitives in Mexico. The unit's leader, 33-year-old Abigail Esparza Reyes, was shot and killed during a shootout in Tijuana, Mexico, while attempting to arrest the suspect, identified by local media as 34-year-old Cesar Hernandez. Hernandez had escaped from custody in December while being transported to court and was serving an 80-year to life sentence for first-degree murder. He remains at large, and a manhunt is underway.

High winds and the threat of sandstorms prompted Beijing to cancel 693 flights and close public parks, including the Universal Studios theme park and historic sites like the Forbidden City. The strong winds, reaching up to 148 kph, felled hundreds of trees, damaging cars and older homes. The sandstorms are generated in China's dry north, where the Gobi and Taklamakan Deserts are located, and have been a longstanding issue for the city, reducing visibility and causing discomfort. Other parts of China also experienced flight and train cancellations.

A helicopter carrying a pilot and three passengers, including a penguin in a cardboard box, crashed on Bird Island off South Africa's Eastern Cape on January 19, 2025. The unsecured box slid off a passenger's lap and hit the pilot's controls at an altitude of 50 feet, causing the helicopter to roll and crash. Despite substantial damage, the pilot, passengers, and penguin were unharmed. An incident report by the South African Civil Aviation Authority blamed the crash on the lack of secure containment for the penguin, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety protocols.

The commander of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, Col. Susannah Meyers, was removed from her position after Vice President JD Vance visited the base and made comments about potentially taking control of the Danish-controlled island. Meyers had emailed personnel distanced herself from Vance's remarks, stating they were not reflective of the base. The removal was attributed to a "loss of confidence in her ability to lead" and a failure to remain nonpartisan.

US pastor Josh Sullivan was abducted at gunpoint while delivering a sermon at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, South Africa. The kidnappers, who were armed and masked, knew Sullivan by name and took him from the church where his wife and six children were present. The motive appears to be a kidnapping for ransom, although no demand has been made yet. Sullivan, a missionary from Tennessee, has been in South Africa since 2018. His wife and supporters are urging people to pray for his safe return, and the US State Department has been notified. The kidnapping is the latest in a string of incidents in South Africa, where over 17,000 kidnappings were reported in the 2023-2024 financial year.

China has escalated its military drills around Taiwan, with a top US general, Adm. Samuel Paparo, warning that these actions are "rehearsals" rather than just exercises, posing a serious threat to regional stability. Paparo stated that China's military pressure against Taiwan has increased by 300% and that Beijing is outproducing the US in air, maritime, and space capabilities. China's actions are seen as an attempt to intimidate Taiwan and assert its dominance, but Paparo noted that these efforts are backfiring, drawing global attention and accelerating Taiwan's defense preparations. The US Indo-Pacific commander expressed concerns about China's rapid military modernization, warning that the US is falling behind in shipbuilding, missile, and space-based capabilities.

An Australian fertility clinic, Monash IVF, has confirmed that a woman gave birth to another couple's child due to a mix-up involving an embryo transfer. The error occurred at the clinic's Brisbane location and was attributed to "human error" despite strict protocols in place. The incident was discovered in February after the birth parents requested to transfer their remaining embryos to another clinic, revealing an extra embryo in storage that belonged to a different couple. The clinic apologized and is supporting the families involved, while also conducting a full process review and reinforcing safeguards across its clinics. A similar incident occurred in the US in 2023 involving a Georgia woman who underwent IVF treatment and gave birth to a non-biological child.

A penguin in a cardboard box caused a helicopter crash in South Africa in January when the box slid onto the pilot's control lever, causing the helicopter to roll to the right and hit the ground, sustaining substantial damage, but no one, including the penguin, was harmed.

A Tennessee pastor was kidnapped by armed, masked men while preaching at a church in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. Retired FBI agent Jason Pack told Fox News that the key to a safe return is to "slow things down" and have open dialogue with the hostage takers, as the main goal is Pastor Sullivan's safe return without anyone getting hurt. Pack believes the kidnapping may be for money rather than a political statement, and notes that the US and South African authorities are likely working together to secure Sullivan's release.

A bomb exploded outside the offices of Hellenic Train, Greece's main railway company, in central Athens, causing limited damage but no injuries. The blast followed an anonymous phone warning to a newspaper and news website, giving a 35-40 minute timeframe before the explosion. The incident comes amid widespread public anger over the 2023 Tempe railway disaster, which killed 57 people, mostly university students, and exposed severe deficiencies in Greece's railway system. The government has faced criticism for its handling of the disaster and failing to hold senior officials accountable, leading to mass protests and violent clashes with police.

The death toll from a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic's capital, Santo Domingo, has risen to 225. The disaster occurred during a merengue concert at the Jet Set club on Tuesday, with politicians, athletes, and a fashion designer among those present. 189 people were rescued alive, and 15 remained in hospital, with five in critical condition. The victims included former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, as well as the governor of Montecristi province, Nelsy Cruz.

Three brothers, Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan Maclean, are embarking on a four-month, 9,000-mile journey to row across the Pacific Ocean from Lima to Sydney in a custom-built carbon fibre boat. The trio, who have already set three world records rowing across the Atlantic, aim to set a new record time for the Pacific crossing and raise £1m for their clean water charity, The Maclean Foundation. They will face extreme weather, sleep deprivation, and isolation during their unsupported and non-stop journey, which is expected to take over 120 days. The brothers are undertaking the challenge to raise funds and awareness for their charity, which has already helped over 5,000 people in Madagascar.

Six women, including popstar Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, and civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, are set to launch into space on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin rocket on Monday, forming the first all-female crew since 1963. The mission, led by Bezos' fiancée Lauren Sanchez, aims to "create a lasting impact" and inspire future generations. The crew will experience around four minutes of weightlessness and take in views of Earth from the capsule's large windows during the 11-minute flight. Despite entering space, they will not be classed as astronauts by the Federal Aviation Administration, NASA, or US military due to differing eligibility requirements. The crew has spoken about their excitement and trepidation ahead of the trip, with Perry suggesting she may sing in space, making her the first artist to do so.

China's electric vehicle giant BYD has surpassed Tesla as the best-selling EV maker globally, reporting a record annual revenue of $107 billion in 2024.

A 38-year-old man, Cody Balmer, has been arrested in connection with an arson attack at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's house, which forced Shapiro, his wife, and their four children to evacuate. The fire was extinguished, but the building suffered significant damage. Balmer is expected to be charged with attempted murder, terrorism, and aggravated arson. The motive is still unknown, but the attack is considered "targeted." Shapiro, a Democrat and potential 2028 presidential candidate, stated that he will not be deterred in his work and highlighted his pride in his Jewish faith, as the attack occurred during Passover. The FBI is assisting in the investigation.

Bill Maher shares details about his dinner with President Donald Trump at the White House in a discussion with CNN's Sara Fischer.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were evacuated from their residence early Sunday after a 38-year-old Harrisburg man, Cody Balmer, set fire to the building using homemade incendiary devices. Balmer was arrested and charged with attempted murder, arson, and terrorism. Shapiro described the attack as "targeted" and condemned the violence, stating that it was not acceptable regardless of the perpetrator's motivations. The FBI is assisting in the investigation, and Shapiro thanked the FBI director and the president for their support. The incident occurred on the first night of Passover, a significant Jewish holiday, and Shapiro emphasized that the attack would not deter him or his family from celebrating their faith openly.

President Trump and several cabinet members attended a UFC fight in Miami on Saturday night, sitting ringside and showing their enthusiasm for the event. The president, a long-time fan of UFC, was joined by Elon Musk, FBI Director Kash Patel, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other high-ranking officials. Trump's attendance was seen as a reflection of his increasingly emboldened and brazen approach to politics, as well as his incorporation of elements of UFC and wrestling into his rallies. The event drew attention to Trump's interactions with those around him, including a moment where he appeared to snub Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s wife, Cheryl Hines, before speaking with her cordially a few moments later.

The White House released President Trump's annual physical exam results, declaring him "fully fit to execute the duties" of the presidency. The report, written by Dr. Sean P. Barbabella, states that Trump "remains in excellent health" and "exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health." Trump, 78, underwent cognitive and cardiology tests, scoring 30 out of 30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, indicating no cognitive impairment. The report also notes that he has been treated for high cholesterol, skin damage, seasonal allergies, and diverticulosis, but describes these conditions as "well controlled." Trump's health report comes after past medical disclosures have drawn scrutiny, and some of his previous physicians have been accused of misleading the public about his health.

Warren Buffett has a history of successfully navigating market crises by being prepared and taking advantage of depressed periods to make strategic investments. In 2008, during the financial crisis, Buffett invested in Goldman Sachs, General Electric, and Bank of America, providing a lifeline to struggling companies. In contrast, during the Covid pandemic, he chose to wait for a more opportune moment to deploy capital, ultimately deciding to buy back Berkshire Hathaway's own stock instead. Buffett's defensive positioning ahead of the current market turmoil, with a record $334 billion in cash, has provided a cushion for Berkshire Hathaway, and he is now poised to potentially make significant investments.

Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is backing a recall campaign targeting opposition lawmakers, aiming to regain control of the legislature. The campaign, supported by pro-DPP civic groups, could remove 35 Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers, but analysts warn it may deepen partisan divisions and political instability. The DPP, which lost its legislative majority in 2024, is frustrated with the opposition-dominated legislature and accuses them of gridlock and threatening the island's security. The KMT and its allies currently hold a fragile majority, but the DPP would need to unseat at least six district-based KMT legislators to reclaim a working majority.

Over 200 civilians have been killed in Sudan's Darfur region as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group attacks displacement camps, including Zamzam and Abu Shouk, and the city of El Fasher. The violence is some of the worst in the region since the civil war began nearly two years ago, with the UN reporting killings continuing at the camps and the entire medical staff of Relief International being killed. The RSF claimed they were seeking Sudanese government fighters hiding in the camps. The attacks have put pressure on the UK foreign secretary to deliver a decisive response on civilian protection at a ministerial conference on Sudan in London. The conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced over 12 million people, and created a massive humanitarian crisis. The US has condemned both sides, saying the RSF has committed genocide in Darfur, while the Sudanese government has accused the UAE of being complicit in genocide.

Thousands of Turkish youths have taken to the streets in protest against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after the arrest of opposition figure Ekrem Imamoglu, sparking a sense of 'awakening' among young people, who have adapted their tactics to resist the government through social media, boycotts, and other forms of protest.