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8. April 2017, 21:58

30th anniversary of Chernobyl

Ukraine has been holding events to mark the 30th anniversary of the world's worst nuclear accident at Chernobyl. A meltdown in the plant's reactor in the early hours of April 26th 1986 sent a cloud of radioactive material across Europe. 31 workers at the plant and firemen died in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, mostly from acute radiation sickness. But over the past three decades, thousands more have succumbed to radiation-related illnesses such as cancer. The World Health Organisation has estimated a death toll of around 9,000, but Greenpeace says the figure could be as high as 90,000. In Kiev today, people have been paying their respects to the victims of the disaster: "this tragedy will stay with us until the end of our lives. I won't be able to forget it anyway. And none of those who were there from the first day will forget. " And this man said: “these plaques are here in memory of several friends of mine. I come here almost every year because it is a matter of honour to commemorate."

Canada condemns hostage killing

The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned the killing of a Canadian hostage who was kidnapped by militants in the Philippines. 68-year old John Ridsdel was taken from a tourist resort with three others by the Abu Sayyaf group last September. Trudeau called his death a "heinous act": "Canada condemns without reservation the brutality of the hostage-takers and this unnecessary death. This was an act of cold-blooded murder and responsibility rests squarely with the terrorist group who took him hostage."

Mitsubishi admits rigging since 1991

The Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi has admitted to falsifying some of its fuel consumption tests for its domestic market since 1991. The admission follows last week's revelation that it had falsified fuel economy data for more than 600,000 vehicles sold in Japan. Officials at the company say an inquiry is continuing.

5 primaries in north-east US

In the US voters in five north-eastern states will cast ballots today in a series of primaries that could cement the leads of presidential frontrunners Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Trump has dismissed a pact between his rivals Ted Cruz and John Kasich - which is aimed at preventing him from winning more contests - as a sign of weakness and desperation.

The weather

Most of the sunshine will be in the east and southeast this afternoon. Elsewhere it’ll be increasingly cloudy with frequent showers. Highs are ranging between 5 in Vorarlberg and 17 in Burgenland.

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