'Significant improvement' in condition of Scottish Ebola nurse
There has been a "significant improvement" in the condition of a Scottish nurse who suffered a relapse after contracting Ebola in Sierra Leone, according to medics treating her.
Pauline Cafferkey, 39, was readmitted to hospital in London earlier this month having previously recovered from the virus.
"In the last few days she's made a significant improvement. She's much better now," said infectious disease consultant Michael Jacobs of the Royal Free Hospital, where she is being treated.
"I think she has a long recovery ahead of her and will be with us for quite a while still," he added.
The 2013 Ebola outbreak in West Africa infected some 28,000 people and left 11,300 dead.
South African police fire stun grenades as student protesters march on parliament
South African riot police fired stun grenades today at hundreds of protesting students who stormed the parliament precinct in Cape Town to try to disrupt the reading of Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene's interim budget.
As chaos erupted around the building, Mr Nene, standing calmly at the podium inside the chamber, continued to read his speech, in which he outlined the gloomy outlook for Africa's most advanced economy.
The speech was delayed by 45 minutes as MPs from the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party raised multiple questions of order, arguing the budget should be delayed because of student protests over a hike in tuition fees.
462 patients waiting for admission to beds
There were 462 patients on trolleys in emergency departments or on wards today, waiting for admission to a bed.
Beaumont Hospital in Dublin was the worst-affected with 46 patients waiting.
Other hospitals with heavy overcrowding include Cork University Hospital, where 40 patients were waiting, and University Hospital Limerick with 39 patients waiting.
The figures were compiled by the Irish Nurses & Midwives' Organisation.
Sixth arrest over Sligo murder
A woman in her late 30s has been arrested in connection with the murder of Martin Kivlehan at Holburn Street, Sligo, on 3 August 2015.
The woman was arrested in the Sligo area this morning.
She is being held at Sligo Garda Station.
This is the sixth person arrested to date as part of this investigation.
Man charged with cultivating cannabis worth over €250,000
A man has been remanded in custody charged with cultivating over €250,000 worth of cannabis plants near Corrandulla in north Galway.
Adam Andrukowicz, 39, who has only been in Ireland a couple of months, was brought before Galway District Court.
He is charged with the possession and cultivation of cannabis plants with an estimated street value of €283,000 at a house in Ballydonnellan, Corrandulla on Monday last.
Judge Mary Fahy remanded Mr Andrukowicz in custody with consent to bail to appear before the court again next Wednesday.
Toyota to recall 6.5 million vehicles over defect
Toyota cars sold in Ireland will be subject to a new recall by the company because of concerns over a power window switch.
The cars affected are Yaris, Corolla, Auris and Rav 4 models built between August 2005 and 2006 and August 2008 and December 2010. However, these cars may have been held in stock and sold at a later stage.
Toyota is to contact owners affected by the recall in the coming days.
The company says it is recalling the cars because of a concern that a power window switch could short-circuit and potentially cause a fire. Some 6.5 million cars are affected worldwide.
Vatican denies Pope has brain tumour
The Vatican dismissed an Italian media report that Pope Francis has a treatable brain tumour as "unfounded and seriously irresponsible".
Quotidiano Nazionale, the newspaper which made the claim, said it stood by its story that a "small dark spot" had been detected on the 78-year-old pontiff's brain earlier this year.
The paper said it was discovered by Japanese physician Takanori Fukushima. The professor reportedly concluded that the tumour was treatable and that no surgery was required.
"The publication of completely unfounded reports on the health of the holy father by an Italian newspaper is seriously irresponsible and not worthy of attention," Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said.
China to boost UK nuclear plan
Plans for the first UK nuclear power plant in a generation are set to be given a boost today with confirmation of Chinese investment in the multi-billion euro scheme.
French energy giant EDF will give an update on its new site at Hinkley Point in Somerset as it prepares to make a final investment decision.
An announcement will be made on the second day of a visit to the UK by Chinese president Xi Jinping.
He is due to attend a UK-China business meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron at which the nuclear project will be discussed.
Trudeau to work on election promises
Canada's Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau, who came from behind to snatch a majority mandate, now has to deliver on pledges from tackling climate change to legalising marijuana.
Mr Trudeau said he told US President Barack Obama yesterday that Canada will pull out of the coalition fight against so-called Islamic State but will maintain humanitarian aid and training.
The Liberal leader will have to start delivering on his promises to change policy, beginning with a UN climate change summit in Paris in December.
Mr Trudeau plans to double spending on infrastructure. In addition, his Liberals plan to begin working on legalising marijuana "right away," Mr Trudeau said during the campaign.
Diplomats shot dead in Philippines restaurant
Two Chinese diplomats were killed and a third was injured in a gun attack at a restaurant in the central Philippine city of Cebu, police said.
The deputy consul and the finance officer for the Chinese consulate in Cebu were killed, and the consul general was wounded, national police spokesman Wilben Mayor said.
Two Chinese nationals were arrested following the attack, a man and a woman, Mr Mayor said.
