GERMAN HEALTH MINISTER PREDICTS 500 DAILY DEATHS IF COVID RULES LOOSENED

The German Government has said it is too early to begin lifting Covid-19 restrictions, despite growing evidence the health care system is managing a major spike in Omicron-related infections. 

Pressure is building on Ministers to explain their exit strategy from a series of tough measures - including mask mandates, covid passes and capacity limits on hospitality venues - with a growing list of other European countries signalling its time to relax pandemic-related rules. 

Trent Murray reports from Berlin

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Top EU officials in Senegal ahead of landmark summit

Top EU officials have embarked on a trip to Senegal ahead of a major summit between the European Union and the African Union in Brussels on February 17, when leaders will meet formally in person for the first time since 2017. The trip to Senegal, due to last until Friday, is seen by the EU as a key step in preparations for the landmark event. 

From Brussels, Rosie Birchar reports. 

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The UK government says it's right that authorities investigate West Ham footballer Kurt Zouma after video emerged of him kicking and slapping his cat.

Zouma played for West Ham in their Tuesday fixture and was booed by fans.

Manager David Moyes has defended his decision to select the defender.

Health minister Ed Argar says investigations should continue into the incident.

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Protests erupt in Southern India after Muslim women barred from entering college

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Widespread protests have erupted in southern India after Muslim girls wearing traditional attire were stopped from entering their colleges.

The girls say this is an infringement of their right to practice their religion.

As the situation worsens, authorities have ordered all high schools and universities to be shut across the state.

Ishan Garg reports.

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Australia – Changes sought to religious discrimination bill

The Labor party will support the Australian federal government's Religious Discrimination Bill, but is seeking some changes.

The proposed legislation offers protection to people of faith, and won't allow discrimination against gay people working or studying in faith-based settings.

Shaun Bindley reports.

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Japan’s parliament adopts Ukraine resolution

Japan's Upper House adopted a resolution on Ukraine on Wednesday, denouncing any attempts to change the status quo by force.

The move comes as Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops at Ukraine's east border, sparking fears over an invasion.

Phoebe Amoroso reports from Tokyo.

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Hong Kong prepares to launch COVID "vaccine pass"

The Hong Kong government says there will be room for flexibility in the rollout of a strict new “vaccine pass” program. The scheme will ban unvaccinated residents from entering a variety of public spaces. 

Richard Kimber reports from Hong Kong.

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Earnings help give the U.S. markets a boost

There were solid gains for the U.S. markets Tuesday fueled by strong
company earnings.

And investors on Wall Street brace for some key inflation data due out
later in the week.

William Denselow reports from New York.

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US couple accused of trying to launder $4.5 billion stolen bitcoin

A couple from New York have been arrested and charged with conspiring
to launder $4.5 billion of stolen cryptocurrency.

They could face up to twenty years in prison.

Sarah Walton reports

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US approves $100m arms sale to Taiwan angering Beijing

The Biden administration has approved selling arms and equipment to
Taiwan worth $100 million dollars.

The Chinese foreign ministry says the agreement runs counter to
China's sovereignty and security interests.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

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Peloton to replace CEO and layoff about 2800 members of staff

Fitness company Peloton will lose 20 percent of its workforce in restructuring plans that involve replacing it's CEO John Foley.

The former CFO of Spotify and Netfllix Barry McCarthy will become the next CEO and president from Wednesday.
FSN's U.S. Correspondent Caroline Malone reports.

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‘The Power of the Dog’, ‘Dune’ lead Oscars nominations

The movie 'The Power of the Dog' has been nominated for twelve Oscars, the most of any film this year.

The science fiction film 'Dune' also received nods in multiple categories, ahead of next month's Academy Awards.

Ira Spitzer has more from California

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Trudeau calls for trucker protest to end

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called for an end to the
trucker protest that has paralyzed Ottawa for more than a week.

A state of emergency has been declared in the nation's capital as
protestors call for Covid-19 restrictions to be scrapped.

North America correspondent William Denselow reports.

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Air Force ordered to pay over $230M in deadly Texas church shooting

A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Air Force to pay more than $230 million in damages to the survivors and families of victims of a deadly 2017 shooting at a Texas church.

Twenty-six people were killed including children, and 22 others were injured in the Sutherland Springs massacre.

Toni Waterman has more. 

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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson reshuffles cabinet

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reshuffled his cabinet as the "Partygate" scandal rumbles on.

Amongst other changes, the leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg becomes Minister of State for Brexit Opportunities.

Giles Gibson reports from London.

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US Supreme Court blocks creation of second majority black congressional district in Alabama

The US Supreme Court has further undercut the Voting Rights Act by blocking the creation of a second majority black congressional district in Alabama.

It put on hold a lower court's order that required the state to draw a new voting map more favorable to black residents.

Kate Fisher reports from Washington

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13 million people facing hunger in Horn of Africa

The United Nations is warning 13 million people are facing hunger in
the Horn of Africa.

The worst drought for three decades has devastated food production in
the region.

Sarah Walton reports

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EU unveils plan to ramp up semiconductor production

The European Union has unveiled plans to ramp up the production of semiconductors in the bloc. It's being seen as part of Brussels' broader push to increase industrial capabilities in the EU and boost autonomy. Semiconductors are crucial manufacturing components for all sorts of technological devices – from mobile phones to washing machines. 

From Brussels, Rosie Birchard has more. 

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No apology from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson over Jimmy Savile comment after Labour party leader is harassed outside Parliament

The UK government has not apologised over a comment made by the Prime Minister aimed at the leader of the opposition Labour party, Keir Starmer.

Last week in the House of Commons Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed that Starmer had "spent most of his time prosecuting journalists" and failing to prosecute infamous sex offender Jimmy Savile, whilst he was head of the criminal prosecution service.

Critics say this is untrue and his remark may have contributed to harassment Starmer faced outside of Parliament on Monday.

Chris Jones has more from London

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HRW CONDEMNS DRC COURT

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International rights body, Human Rights Watch, has criticized the ruling of a military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo for what it called failing to uncover the full truth of the killings of two UN investigators in the DRC in 2017. The court recently sentenced 49 people to death over the killing of Zaida Catalan and Michael Sharp in a trial that lasted four years. Chris Ocamringa has that report from Kinshasa.

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