Australia's 'Toadzilla': Record-breaking cane toad found in Queensland
A cane toad so giant wildlife officers thought it was fake has been found in a north Australian rainforest.
The "monster" specimen is six times bigger than the average toad, weighs 2.7kg, and could break a world record.
Dubbed "Toadzilla", the animal was quickly placed in a container and removed from the wild.
Toads - which were first introduced to Australia in 1935 - are one of the country's most damaging pests and are now estimated to number in the hundreds of millions.
When park ranger Kylee Gray first spotted the massive amphibian while out on patrol in Queensland, she couldn't believe her eyes.
"I've never seen anything so big," she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
"[It looked] almost like a football with legs. We dubbed it Toadzilla." read more
A cane toad so giant wildlife officers thought it was fake has been found in a north Australian rainforest.
The "monster" specimen is six times bigger than the average toad, weighs 2.7kg, and could break a world record.
Dubbed "Toadzilla", the animal was quickly placed in a container and removed from the wild.
Toads - which were first introduced to Australia in 1935 - are one of the country's most damaging pests and are now estimated to number in the hundreds of millions.
When park ranger Kylee Gray first spotted the massive amphibian while out on patrol in Queensland, she couldn't believe her eyes.
"I've never seen anything so big," she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
"[It looked] almost like a football with legs. We dubbed it Toadzilla." read more
US files: Six more classified documents seized at Biden home
US Department of Justice (DoJ) investigators have found six more classified documents during a 13-hour search of President Joe Biden's home in Delaware, a lawyer for Mr Biden says.
Some documents seized at the Wilmington property on Friday were from his time as a senator and others from his tenure as vice-president under Barack Obama.
Lawyer Bob Bauer said "personally handwritten notes" and "surrounding materials" were also taken away.
Mr Biden and his wife were not present.
The president offered access "to his home to allow DoJ to conduct a search of the entire premises for potential vice-presidential records and potential classified material", Mr Bauer said in a statement on Saturday. read more
US Department of Justice (DoJ) investigators have found six more classified documents during a 13-hour search of President Joe Biden's home in Delaware, a lawyer for Mr Biden says.
Some documents seized at the Wilmington property on Friday were from his time as a senator and others from his tenure as vice-president under Barack Obama.
Lawyer Bob Bauer said "personally handwritten notes" and "surrounding materials" were also taken away.
Mr Biden and his wife were not present.
The president offered access "to his home to allow DoJ to conduct a search of the entire premises for potential vice-presidential records and potential classified material", Mr Bauer said in a statement on Saturday. read more
Monterey Park: Several people shot near Los Angeles - reports
Police in California are responding to a shooting that has left several people injured, according to US media reports.
The incident happened in Monterey Park, located about eight miles (13km) east of Los Angeles, after 22:00 local time on Saturday (06:00 GMT on Sunday).
Thousands of people had earlier gathered in the city for the Monterey Park Lunar New Year festival.
It is not clear yet how many people were shot or whether anyone has died. read more
Police in California are responding to a shooting that has left several people injured, according to US media reports.
The incident happened in Monterey Park, located about eight miles (13km) east of Los Angeles, after 22:00 local time on Saturday (06:00 GMT on Sunday).
Thousands of people had earlier gathered in the city for the Monterey Park Lunar New Year festival.
It is not clear yet how many people were shot or whether anyone has died. read more
Erdogan tells Sweden not to expect Nato bid support
Sweden should not expect Turkey to back its Nato membership bid, Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, days after a copy of the Quran was burned in a Stockholm protest.
Sweden applied to join Nato after Russia invaded Ukraine - but needs Turkey, already a member, to approve.
Kurdish protesters in Sweden hung an effigy of Mr Erdogan this month, followed by the Quran burning.
"Sweden should not expect support from us for Nato," Erdogan said in response.
"It is clear that those who caused such a disgrace in front of our country's embassy can no longer expect any benevolence from us regarding their application."
Saturday's protest - but not the burning of the book itself - was given prior approval by Swedish authorities. read more
Sweden should not expect Turkey to back its Nato membership bid, Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, days after a copy of the Quran was burned in a Stockholm protest.
Sweden applied to join Nato after Russia invaded Ukraine - but needs Turkey, already a member, to approve.
Kurdish protesters in Sweden hung an effigy of Mr Erdogan this month, followed by the Quran burning.
"Sweden should not expect support from us for Nato," Erdogan said in response.
"It is clear that those who caused such a disgrace in front of our country's embassy can no longer expect any benevolence from us regarding their application."
Saturday's protest - but not the burning of the book itself - was given prior approval by Swedish authorities. read more
Top Ukrainian officials quit in anti-corruption drive
Several senior Ukrainian officials have resigned as President Volodymyr Zelensky begins a shake-up of personnel across his government.
A top adviser, four deputy ministers and five regional governors left their posts on Tuesday.
Their departures come as Ukraine launches a broad anti-corruption drive.
Recently, authorities have seen bribery claims, reports of officials buying food at inflated prices and one figure accused of living a lavish lifestyle.
Senior aide Mykhailo Podolyak said Mr Zelensky was responding to a "key public demand" that justice should apply to everyone. read more
Several senior Ukrainian officials have resigned as President Volodymyr Zelensky begins a shake-up of personnel across his government.
A top adviser, four deputy ministers and five regional governors left their posts on Tuesday.
Their departures come as Ukraine launches a broad anti-corruption drive.
Recently, authorities have seen bribery claims, reports of officials buying food at inflated prices and one figure accused of living a lavish lifestyle.
Senior aide Mykhailo Podolyak said Mr Zelensky was responding to a "key public demand" that justice should apply to everyone. read more
US and Germany ready to send tanks to Ukraine - reports
After months of reluctance, the US and Germany reportedly plan to send tanks to Ukraine, in what Kyiv hopes will be a game-changer on the battlefield.
US President Joe Biden's administration is expected to announce plans to send at least 30 M1 Abrams tanks.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also reportedly decided to send at least 14 Leopard 2 tanks.
Russia's ambassador to the US blasted the news as "another blatant provocation".
Ukrainian officials have said such shipments could help its forces seize back territory from the Russians. read more
After months of reluctance, the US and Germany reportedly plan to send tanks to Ukraine, in what Kyiv hopes will be a game-changer on the battlefield.
US President Joe Biden's administration is expected to announce plans to send at least 30 M1 Abrams tanks.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also reportedly decided to send at least 14 Leopard 2 tanks.
Russia's ambassador to the US blasted the news as "another blatant provocation".
Ukrainian officials have said such shipments could help its forces seize back territory from the Russians. read more
Jamia, JNU: India students angry after screenings of BBC Modi documentary blocked
Tensions have flared at two of India's best-known universities over the screening of a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his role in deadly religious riots in 2002.
Reports say police detained students at Jamia Millia Islamia university in Delhi ahead of a planned screening.
On Tuesday students at another Delhi university said power and internet was cut to stop them showing the film.
India's government says the documentary lacks objectivity and is "propaganda".
It has invoked emergency laws to block the documentary on YouTube and Twitter. read more
Tensions have flared at two of India's best-known universities over the screening of a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his role in deadly religious riots in 2002.
Reports say police detained students at Jamia Millia Islamia university in Delhi ahead of a planned screening.
On Tuesday students at another Delhi university said power and internet was cut to stop them showing the film.
India's government says the documentary lacks objectivity and is "propaganda".
It has invoked emergency laws to block the documentary on YouTube and Twitter. read more
Donald Trump to be allowed back onto Facebook and Instagram
Donald Trump will be allowed back on to Facebook and Instagram, after Meta announced it would be ending its two-year suspension of his accounts.
The suspension will end "in the coming weeks", the social media giant said.
In a statement, Nick Clegg, Meta's president of global affairs, said the public "should be able to hear what their politicians are saying".
The then-US president was indefinitely suspended from Facebook and Instagram after the Capitol riot in 2021.
The firm had taken action following Mr Trump's "praise for people engaged in violence at the Capitol", Mr Clegg said. read more
Donald Trump will be allowed back on to Facebook and Instagram, after Meta announced it would be ending its two-year suspension of his accounts.
The suspension will end "in the coming weeks", the social media giant said.
In a statement, Nick Clegg, Meta's president of global affairs, said the public "should be able to hear what their politicians are saying".
The then-US president was indefinitely suspended from Facebook and Instagram after the Capitol riot in 2021.
The firm had taken action following Mr Trump's "praise for people engaged in violence at the Capitol", Mr Clegg said. read more
Nine Palestinians killed in Israeli raid in Jenin
Nine Palestinians have been killed during an Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials say - the deadliest in years.
An elderly woman was reported among the dead, in the flashpoint town of Jenin.
The Israeli military said its troops went in to arrest Islamic Jihad militants planning "major attacks".
The Palestinian presidency accused Israel of a "massacre" in the northern town, which has been the scene of repeated raids in recent months.
The incursions are part of what the Israeli military describes as an anti-terrorism offensive which began last April. read more
Nine Palestinians have been killed during an Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian health officials say - the deadliest in years.
An elderly woman was reported among the dead, in the flashpoint town of Jenin.
The Israeli military said its troops went in to arrest Islamic Jihad militants planning "major attacks".
The Palestinian presidency accused Israel of a "massacre" in the northern town, which has been the scene of repeated raids in recent months.
The incursions are part of what the Israeli military describes as an anti-terrorism offensive which began last April. read more
Tyre Nichols: Five Memphis police officers charged over death
Five ex-police officers have been charged with second-degree murder after a man died following a traffic stop in Memphis, Tennessee.
Tyre Nichols, 29, died three days after his arrest on 7 January for alleged reckless driving.
The officers, who are all black, also face charges of aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.
The family of Mr Nichols, who was black, say he was severely beaten.
US President Joe Biden called for "peaceful protest" as authorities prepare to release the footage on Friday evening local time.
The city's police chief earlier also urged people to remain calm once the clip is made public. read more
Five ex-police officers have been charged with second-degree murder after a man died following a traffic stop in Memphis, Tennessee.
Tyre Nichols, 29, died three days after his arrest on 7 January for alleged reckless driving.
The officers, who are all black, also face charges of aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.
The family of Mr Nichols, who was black, say he was severely beaten.
US President Joe Biden called for "peaceful protest" as authorities prepare to release the footage on Friday evening local time.
The city's police chief earlier also urged people to remain calm once the clip is made public. read more
Haiti police riot after crime gangs kill 14 officers
Rebel police officers rioted in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince on Thursday in protest at the killing of more than a dozen colleagues by criminal gangs.
The rioting officers blame the government for not taking action.
More than 100 demonstrators blocked streets, burned tyres, broke security cameras and damaged vehicles.
Local media said several officers broke through the gates of the prime minister's residence and attempted to enter Haiti's international airport.
The National Union of Haitian Police Officers says 14 men have been killed since the start of the year in various gang attacks on police stations.
Seven officers were killed in shootout on Wednesday alone, according to Haiti's National Police. read more
Rebel police officers rioted in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince on Thursday in protest at the killing of more than a dozen colleagues by criminal gangs.
The rioting officers blame the government for not taking action.
More than 100 demonstrators blocked streets, burned tyres, broke security cameras and damaged vehicles.
Local media said several officers broke through the gates of the prime minister's residence and attempted to enter Haiti's international airport.
The National Union of Haitian Police Officers says 14 men have been killed since the start of the year in various gang attacks on police stations.
Seven officers were killed in shootout on Wednesday alone, according to Haiti's National Police. read more
AP deletes ‘the French' tweet and apologises after it is widely mocked
The Associated Press, the biggest news agency in the United States, has apologised after it was ridiculed for warning journalists against referring to "the French".
The AP stylebook Twitter account had recommended writers avoid using "the" in phrases like "the disabled, the poor and the French".
It said this could be dehumanising.
The French embassy responded by briefly changing its name to the "Embassy of Frenchness in the United States".
"We just wondered what the alternative to the French would be," Pascal Confavreux, the embassy spokesman, told the New York Times. "I mean, really." read more
The Associated Press, the biggest news agency in the United States, has apologised after it was ridiculed for warning journalists against referring to "the French".
The AP stylebook Twitter account had recommended writers avoid using "the" in phrases like "the disabled, the poor and the French".
It said this could be dehumanising.
The French embassy responded by briefly changing its name to the "Embassy of Frenchness in the United States".
"We just wondered what the alternative to the French would be," Pascal Confavreux, the embassy spokesman, told the New York Times. "I mean, really." read more
German chancellor says he won't send fighter jets to Ukraine
The German chancellor has ruled out sending fighter jets to Ukraine, just days after committing to supplying tanks.
In an interview with a German newspaper, Olaf Scholz warned against a bidding war for weapons.
But Ukraine has asked allied nations to create a "fighter jet coalition" to bolster their capabilities.
The US said it would discuss the idea of supplying jets "very carefully" with Kyiv on Thursday.
In an interview with Tagesspiegel, Mr Scholz said his focus was on the delivery of German-made Leopard 2 tanks.
"The fact we've only just made a decision [on sending tanks] and the next debate is firing up in Germany, that just seems frivolous", he said. read more
The German chancellor has ruled out sending fighter jets to Ukraine, just days after committing to supplying tanks.
In an interview with a German newspaper, Olaf Scholz warned against a bidding war for weapons.
But Ukraine has asked allied nations to create a "fighter jet coalition" to bolster their capabilities.
The US said it would discuss the idea of supplying jets "very carefully" with Kyiv on Thursday.
In an interview with Tagesspiegel, Mr Scholz said his focus was on the delivery of German-made Leopard 2 tanks.
"The fact we've only just made a decision [on sending tanks] and the next debate is firing up in Germany, that just seems frivolous", he said. read more
Ukraine war: Joe Biden rules out sending F-16 fighter jets
US President Joe Biden has ruled out sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, despite renewed calls from Ukrainian officials for air support.
Asked by a reporter on Monday if the US would be providing the planes, Mr Biden replied simply "no".
His comment comes a day after Germany's leader also ruled out sending fighter jets.
Ukraine has said it needs the jets to take control of its airspace in its ongoing war with Russia.
F-16 Fighting Falcons are widely considered one of the world's most reliable fighter jets and are used by other countries, such as Belgium and Pakistan.
They would be a significant upgrade on the Soviet-era fighting jets Ukraine is currently using, which were made before the country declared independence from the USSR more than 30 years ago. read more
US President Joe Biden has ruled out sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, despite renewed calls from Ukrainian officials for air support.
Asked by a reporter on Monday if the US would be providing the planes, Mr Biden replied simply "no".
His comment comes a day after Germany's leader also ruled out sending fighter jets.
Ukraine has said it needs the jets to take control of its airspace in its ongoing war with Russia.
F-16 Fighting Falcons are widely considered one of the world's most reliable fighter jets and are used by other countries, such as Belgium and Pakistan.
They would be a significant upgrade on the Soviet-era fighting jets Ukraine is currently using, which were made before the country declared independence from the USSR more than 30 years ago. read more
Pakistan mosque blast: 100 confirmed dead in marathon search of rubble
The death toll has risen to 100 people after a mosque suicide bombing which targeted policemen in the city of Peshawar in Pakistan.
The mosque is within a high-security zone and an investigation is under way into how the bomber got in.
The attack, one of Pakistan's bloodiest in years, has left scores more injured.
A Pakistani Taliban claim to have carried out the bombing was later denied by the militant group, which blamed it on a splinter faction.
In the past the Pakistani Taliban have refrained from claiming some attacks on mosques, schools or markets because they say they are at war with security forces and not the Pakistani people, but many doubt such denials. read more
The death toll has risen to 100 people after a mosque suicide bombing which targeted policemen in the city of Peshawar in Pakistan.
The mosque is within a high-security zone and an investigation is under way into how the bomber got in.
The attack, one of Pakistan's bloodiest in years, has left scores more injured.
A Pakistani Taliban claim to have carried out the bombing was later denied by the militant group, which blamed it on a splinter faction.
In the past the Pakistani Taliban have refrained from claiming some attacks on mosques, schools or markets because they say they are at war with security forces and not the Pakistani people, but many doubt such denials. read more
French protests intensify against pension age rise
France has seen a second wave of protests and strikes against President Emmanuel Macron's plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Anti-government corteges were as loud and as big, if not louder and bigger than on the first day of action.
The number of marchers was expected to surpass the 1.12 million recorded 12 days ago.
Eight key unions took part in the strike, which disrupted schools, public transport and oil refineries.
The CGT trade union said half a million protesters had gathered in Paris alone, although authorities put the number at 87,000, and put the total number across France as high as 2.8 million. read more
France has seen a second wave of protests and strikes against President Emmanuel Macron's plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Anti-government corteges were as loud and as big, if not louder and bigger than on the first day of action.
The number of marchers was expected to surpass the 1.12 million recorded 12 days ago.
Eight key unions took part in the strike, which disrupted schools, public transport and oil refineries.
The CGT trade union said half a million protesters had gathered in Paris alone, although authorities put the number at 87,000, and put the total number across France as high as 2.8 million. read more
Tech layoffs: PayPal cuts 2,000 jobs as global economy weakens
PayPal is shedding around 2,000 jobs, or 7% of its workers, as it becomes the latest big tech firm to cut costs.
The online payments company says it was forced to make the decision as it faces "the challenging macro-economic environment."
PayPal's announcement follows tens of thousands of layoffs by technology giants in the last month alone.
This year, Google's parent company Alphabet, Amazon and Microsoft have announced major job cuts.
"We must continue to change as our world, our customers, and our competitive landscape evolve," PayPal's chief executive Dan Schulman said in a statement. read more
PayPal is shedding around 2,000 jobs, or 7% of its workers, as it becomes the latest big tech firm to cut costs.
The online payments company says it was forced to make the decision as it faces "the challenging macro-economic environment."
PayPal's announcement follows tens of thousands of layoffs by technology giants in the last month alone.
This year, Google's parent company Alphabet, Amazon and Microsoft have announced major job cuts.
"We must continue to change as our world, our customers, and our competitive landscape evolve," PayPal's chief executive Dan Schulman said in a statement. read more
Missing radioactive capsule found in Australia
Authorities in Western Australia say they have found a tiny radioactive capsule which went missing last month.
Emergency services had "literally found the needle in the haystack", they said.
A huge search was triggered when the object was lost while being transported along a 1,400km (870 mile) route across the state.
Authorities released a close-up picture of the pea-sized capsule - which could cause serious harm if handled - on the ground among tiny pebbles.
A serial number enabled them to verify they had found the right capsule, which is 6mm (0.24 inches) in diameter and 8mm long.
It contains a small quantity of Caesium-137, which could cause skin damage, burns or radiation sickness.
Mining giant Rio Tinto apologised for losing the device, which is used as a density gauge in the mining industry. read more
Authorities in Western Australia say they have found a tiny radioactive capsule which went missing last month.
Emergency services had "literally found the needle in the haystack", they said.
A huge search was triggered when the object was lost while being transported along a 1,400km (870 mile) route across the state.
Authorities released a close-up picture of the pea-sized capsule - which could cause serious harm if handled - on the ground among tiny pebbles.
A serial number enabled them to verify they had found the right capsule, which is 6mm (0.24 inches) in diameter and 8mm long.
It contains a small quantity of Caesium-137, which could cause skin damage, burns or radiation sickness.
Mining giant Rio Tinto apologised for losing the device, which is used as a density gauge in the mining industry. read more
Ukraine war: Russia planning 24 February offensive, Ukrainian defence minister says
Ukraine's defence minister has said Russia is preparing a major new offensive, and warned that it could begin as soon as 24 February.
Oleksii Reznikov said Moscow had amassed thousands of troops and could "try something" to mark the anniversary of the initial invasion last year.
The attack would also mark Russia's Defender of the Fatherland Day on 23 February, which celebrates the army.
Meanwhile, three people have died in an attack on the city of Kramatorsk.
Eight others were wounded in the city in Donetsk region after a Russian missile struck a residential building, the provincial governor said. read more
Ukraine's defence minister has said Russia is preparing a major new offensive, and warned that it could begin as soon as 24 February.
Oleksii Reznikov said Moscow had amassed thousands of troops and could "try something" to mark the anniversary of the initial invasion last year.
The attack would also mark Russia's Defender of the Fatherland Day on 23 February, which celebrates the army.
Meanwhile, three people have died in an attack on the city of Kramatorsk.
Eight others were wounded in the city in Donetsk region after a Russian missile struck a residential building, the provincial governor said. read more
Pakistan mosque blast: Bomber used police uniform as disguise, official says
The man who attacked a mosque in the Pakistani city of Peshawar on Monday used a police uniform to gain access the area, police have said.
The suicide bomber reportedly entered through the main gates of the secure zone where the mosque is located.
Police chief Moazzam Jah Ansari said they had CCTV footage revealing the man's final movements, and were closing in on the "terror network" responsible.
He also confirmed a head found at the site was the attacker's.
Monday's blast - one of the deadliest attacks in Pakistan in years - took place at a 50-year-old mosque in a high-security police zone called Police Lines.
At least 100 people were killed, of whom most were police officers. read more
The man who attacked a mosque in the Pakistani city of Peshawar on Monday used a police uniform to gain access the area, police have said.
The suicide bomber reportedly entered through the main gates of the secure zone where the mosque is located.
Police chief Moazzam Jah Ansari said they had CCTV footage revealing the man's final movements, and were closing in on the "terror network" responsible.
He also confirmed a head found at the site was the attacker's.
Monday's blast - one of the deadliest attacks in Pakistan in years - took place at a 50-year-old mosque in a high-security police zone called Police Lines.
At least 100 people were killed, of whom most were police officers. read more
US tracking suspected Chinese surveillance balloon
The US is tracking a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon that has been spotted flying over sensitive sites in recent days.
Defence officials said they were confident the "high-altitude surveillance balloon" belonged to China. It was most recently seen above the western state of Montana.
But military leaders decided against shooting it down as there were concerns over the danger of falling debris.
China has not yet commented.
US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation.
The object flew over Alaska's Aleutian Islands and through Canada before appearing over the city of Billings in Montana on Wednesday, officials said. read more
The US is tracking a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon that has been spotted flying over sensitive sites in recent days.
Defence officials said they were confident the "high-altitude surveillance balloon" belonged to China. It was most recently seen above the western state of Montana.
But military leaders decided against shooting it down as there were concerns over the danger of falling debris.
China has not yet commented.
US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation.
The object flew over Alaska's Aleutian Islands and through Canada before appearing over the city of Billings in Montana on Wednesday, officials said. read more