Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 27 Oct 2017

1. JFK files released at last – but only in part

US President Donald Trump has delayed the release of documents relating to the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, saying they were “sensitive” and he had “no choice” but to hold them back while the CIA and FBI make a case for keeping them secret. Some 2,891 files have been released and historians are reading them avidly.

2. Heart surgery survival ‘better in afternoon’

The heart is stronger and better able to withstand surgery in the afternoon, according to French researchers, because of the body’s natural circadian rhythms. They found afternoon patients had about half the risk of suffering complications faced in the morning but admitted it would be impossible to operate only after lunch.

3. Australian deputy PM quits over citizenship

Australia’s centre-right coalition has lost its majority in parliament after a previously obscure 116-year-old law barring people with dual nationality from standing for office was upheld by judges. Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has quit after being disqualified. He will re-contest his seat, after renouncing his New Zealand citizenship.

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4. UN rules Assad behind gas attack in April

The UN has ruled the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad was responsible for a sarin gas attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhun on 4 April this year, in which more than 87 people were killed, including children. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has told reporters: “The regime of the Assad family is coming to an end.”

5. Scotland: abortion pill now allowed at home

Scotland has become the first UK nation to allow women to take the abortion pill at home, a change welcomed by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, which says it will spare women the risk of experiencing symptoms while travelling home after taking the pill at a clinic. Only the second stage of treatment is taken at home.

6. Spanish senate to vote on Catalonia crisis

Spain’s senate is to vote today on a plan to take away some of the Catalonia region’s autonomy, in response to an attempt to declare independence. It is expected to pass the measures, which include sacking regional president Carles Puigdemont. Meanwhile, the Catalan assembly will be discussing pressing ahead with independence.

7. Hotel booking sites to be investigated

The competition watchdog the CMA is to investigate hotel booking websites, saying it is “concerned about the clarity, accuracy and presentation of information on sites”. Concerns about the sites, of which Trivago and Expedia are leading examples, include hidden charges and claims of discounts which may not be accurate.

8. Teenager denied golf trophy over gender

According to US media, a 16-year-old girl in Massachusetts won a regional golf tournament, beating boys, but was not awarded the trophy or the chance to compete in a state competition because she was female. Emily Nash said she was “disappointed” but understood that there were rules to be followed. One golf writer said: “It stinks.”

9. US sailors rescued after five months adrift

Two American women – and their two dogs – have been rescued after nearly five months adrift on a small boat in the Pacific. Jennifer Appel and Tasha Fuiaba survived thanks to a large store of dried food and a water purifier after their engine failed as they tried to sail from Hawaii to Tahiti. They were rescued 930 miles southeast of Japan.

10. Briefing: The best of the Tokyo Motor Show

Tokyo Motor Show is well underway and Japanese carmakers have already debuted a host of vehicles ranging from the innovative to the downright odd.

Last time around saw the sleek Mazda RX9 concept make its debut, hinting at a possible resurrection for the rotary engined sports-car series. But the show also saw crazy concepts such as the Toyota Kikai, which had little in the way of bodywork, allowing onlookers to peer into its glossy engine bay.

Tokyo Motor Show 2017: all the weird and wonderful cars