The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda was declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organisation.

Ebola is a highly contagious virus that can be contracted via bodily fluids such as vomit, blood, or semen.

The disease it causes is rare, but can be severe and often fatal. In a post on X, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the outbreak does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency, like Covid-19, and advised against the closure of international borders.

ITV News explains what you need to know about the Ebola outbreak so far.

China has vowed for decades to bring Taiwan under its control, but under President Xi Jinping, pressure on the self-governing island has intensified dramatically. With the US committed to defending Taiwan, there are fears that the world could be edging closer to a conflict between two nuclear superpowers.

ITV News Asia Correspondent Debi Edward examines why Taiwan matters so much to Beijing, how China could attempt to take the island, and what the consequences could mean for the global economy and international security.

This explainer explores the history behind China’s claim to Taiwan, the rise of Taiwanese identity, and the growing military, economic and political pressure being exerted by Beijing. It also looks at the possible scenarios experts believe are most likely — from a Chinese naval blockade and cyber attacks to the prospect of a full-scale invasion.

With Taiwan producing many of the world’s most advanced semiconductors, any conflict in the region could have global consequences far beyond Asia. The video also examines the role of the United States, President Donald Trump’s position on Taiwan, and whether America would intervene in a war with China.

As tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait, this is what you need to know about one of the most consequential geopolitical disputes in the world today.

Contributor:

Ben Bland - Director, Asia-Pacific Programme, Chatham House

Labour and the Conservatives have dominated British politics for more than 100 years. But local and devolved elections being held across the UK could be about to change that forever, and potentially mark the end for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

ITV News' election expert Professor Jane Green has been given access to YouGov polling data that suggests that we might be at a tipping point, where challenger parties like Reform UK, the Lib Dems, the Green Party, Plaid Cymru, and the SNP could be set for some of their best results ever.

In this video, we’ll look at what this data reveals, how Nigel Farage’s Reform UK and Zack Polanski’s Green Party could potentially unseat Labour and the Conservatives, and how this all means the future of British politics could be set to change indefinitely.