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Our top stories.

President Donald Trump said that America was, quote, in mourning, after officials confirmed

that there were no survivors of a mid-air collision between a military helicopter

and a passenger plane in Washington, D.C. 67 people are believed to have died. Mr. Trump said the cause of the crash was unknown,

but attacked diversity policies at the Federal Aviation Administration.

Israel belatedly released 110 Palestinian prisoners as part of the ceasefire deal.

The delay raised concerns over the fragile truce.

Earlier, Hamas freed eight hostages, three Israelis and five ties, in a chaotic handover.

On Wednesday, Hamas accused Israel of delaying aid deliveries, which Israel denied.

America's economy grew at an annualized rate of 2.3% in the fourth quarter, slightly below

analysts' expectations. Growth was driven by strong consumer and government spending, but was

partly offset by a decline in investment. The economy expanded by 2.8% in 2024.

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve held interest rates, citing the strength of America's economy.

A political leader of M23, a Rwandan-backed rebel group, vowed to march all the way to Kinshasa, the capital of Congo, to, quote, take power and lead the country. On January 27th, M23 invaded Goma, a city in Congo's mineral-rich east.

It is more than 1,500 kilometres from Kinshasa.

France's foreign minister arrived in Kinshasa on Thursday to meet Congo's president.

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