welcome to bbc news, i'm lebo diseko. our top stories: no presidential show: donald trump says he'll skip this year's correspondents‘ dinner at the white house. the exodus of civilians from western mosul — as iraqi troops push deeper into territory held by militants. a vigil is held for the indian victim of a shooting in a kansas bar — the authorities suspect it could be a hate crime. following a search for traces of a deadly nerve agent hello. good to have you with us. this is bbc news, i'm lebo diseko. president trump say‘s he won't be attending the white house correspondents dinner this year. the yearly event traditionally features a humorous speech

by the sitting president. the white house has been asked to explain why it barred reporters from several news organisations, including the bbc, from a briefing on friday. from washington, laura bicker reports. this seems to be a further deterioration of the president's relationship with the press. this dinner is usually an annual, star—studded event and a chance for the press and president to sit down together and put any animosity aside. and president donald trump has decided that this year he will not attend. 15 presidents have been to this dinner. it has only been skipped on three occasions. that was president richard nixon in 1972, president carter and president ronald reagan. it comes after a number of stepping up of the attacks on the media. president donald trump has described some outlets as "fake news", and he says that fake news is an enemy of the american people. and then, on friday, at a white house briefing, certain selected members of the media were not allowed in. that was cnn, the new york times, the bbc, and others. our editor is still asking for an explanation as to why we were not allowed in,

and we are not sure if it will continue. what this message that president donald trump has put out on twitter makes clear is that his animosity and relationship with the press is not go to get any better. meanwhile democrats have elected a new national chairman. tom perez is a former member of barack obama's cabinet. the role is seen as key when it comes to driving the party's message and criticising president trump. here's what mr perez had to say after his election. some day they are going to study this era in american history and study it alongside the know—nothing movement and will ask the question of all of us, where were you in 2017, when we had the worst president in the history of the united states? and we will all be able to say, whether you are sitting here, outside, or whether you are looking across america, we will be able to say, the united democratic party led the resistance, ensured that this president was a one—term president and elected democrats across this country. from the board, to the senate, to the state attorneys general, david weigel is a national political

correspondent with the washington post. he has been covering the election of the chairman of the democratic party in atlanta and hasjust flown back to washington. please explain why this is so important a role for the democrats. they have an important role as a spokesman and fundraiser. the last time they were out of power at every level of government was 2005. they wa nted level of government was 2005. they wanted somebody who could just be at every level and advocate for the democrats are doing. importantly, this year, they need to bring in the protesters, who have been blocking the republican agenda and a couple of ways around the country. we are not naturally democrats. -- republican. this is somebody who

will be speaking for the democrats and voice in the policy, bringing their points home. but the party is pretty divided at the moment, isn't it? it is funny because they are not divided over ideology. there is not a left— right fight. there is an ongoing argument about the 2016 primary and whether it was conducted fairly. pariya is, who won, and his closest rival, both agreed that it was read in some way. and there was an effort by wiki leaks to night that there was an effort by republican groups to salty wounds from that era. —— perez. there was a small protest in the room today at about nine people to protest if perez one. while the celebrations endedin perez one. while the celebrations ended in atlanta, and delaware, the

party won the election in a 2—point race. in general, the party is pretty well unified, electorally. the other thing that has been happening is donald trump has said that he is not go to the white house correspondents' dinner. who comes off worse in this battle between donald trump and the press?” off worse in this battle between donald trump and the press? i like the way you put that, because before he did this, you could pocket 20 yea rs he did this, you could pocket 20 years ago, 01’ he did this, you could pocket 20 years ago, or eight years, there was a debate about whether this was still a dinner that made any sense, 01’ still a dinner that made any sense, or if it was just embarrassing. a lot of celebrities arrived at the dinner, and embarrass people in the press corps. they asked why they

we re press corps. they asked why they were hob—nobbing with people at this. this was the gbh temer affair thanit this. this was the gbh temer affair than it had been since george w bush's presidency, but worse. there is could be a question now as to whether somebody will suss it should donald trump. but a lot of readers was to give the event before it even happened. thank you so much for your time. at least 28 people have been injured after it vehicle ploughed into a crowd watching a mardi gras parade in new orleans. eyewitnesses said that a silver truck whisked by her, just feet away, as she was walking through an intersection. a police spokeswoman said that the number injured could rise as their investigation continues. it's thought the driver of the vehicle has been arrested, but it's not thought to be a terrorism—related incident. in iraq, troops are pushing

deeper into western mosul in their offensive to drive out so—called islamic state from the country's second city. this area of mosul is the last is stronghold in iraq. the militants are surrounded, along with an estimated 750,000 civilians. 0ur correspondent wyre davies is at an advanced iraqi military base where american troops and advisers are a key part of the offensive. this woman is a victim of islamic state's latest tactic in its desperate bid to avoid defeat in mosul. the 55—year—old mother of seven from the eastern part of the city was hit in a drone strike. her leg shattered. "i was lying on the ground and people were pointing to the sky from where the bomb came", she told me. one of dozens of drone attack victims they've treated at this hospital. this is pretty new for this conflict but also for conflicts all over the world. these mortars can be very effective and the impact on the population really, really brutal.

this is video eulogises the use of commercially available drones to drop bombs and grenades. an organisation which governs according to brutal feudal codes, adapting modern technology to lethal effect. drones are yet another threat for government troops now pursuing fighters from so—called islamic state into the narrow streets of mosul. after days of fierce clashes on the edge of the city. but from a field just to the south, big american guns are helping to sway the battle perhaps decisively in the government's favour. this is an overwhelmingly iraqi military operation but the role of american advisers and troops, so—called boots on the ground, is also critical. us artillery pieces pounding targets in mosul. american commanders are reluctant to divulge too many sensitive details, but say us military support will be decisive.

the fight in western mosul would be a tough fight for really any army in the world. so the iraqi army, the iraqi federal police again will face a tough fight. it will be a lot of house—to—house fighting. the enemy is cornered. they don't have any choice but to fight. a kurdish reporter, shifa gardi was killed today covering the government advance into mosul. a handful of refugees fled in the opposite direction but there are an estimated 750,000 civilians still trapped inside the besieged city. wyre davies, bbc news, northern iraq. in other news:, the un's peace envoy for syria says suicide attacks on to government compounds in the city of homs were designed to derail peace

talks taking place in geneva. at least 30 people were killed and dozens injured in the co—ordinated bombings. a 73—year—old man has died after being severely injured when a man drove his car into pedestrians in the city of heidelberg in south—western germany. police say the driver was a 35—year—old german, armed with a knife. he was arrested shortly after the incident. the motivation for the attack is still not known. riot police and protesters have clashed in the city of nantes in france. over 2,000 people gathered to demonstrate against the far—right national front leader and presidential candidate marine le pen ahead of her rally on sunday. french police fired tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd. the indian embassy in washington has expressed deep concern over the killing of an indian man in kansas. another man was injured in the shooting. more than 100 people gathered at this vigil honouring the victims in what the authorities suspect could be a hate crime.

srinivas kuchibhotla died shortly after the attack on wednesday in austin's bar & grill. the suspect — adam purinton, a white, navy veteran has been charged with first degree murder. 0ur correspondent rajini vaidhyanathan, joined us from outside the bar where the shooting took place. well, srinivas and alok had both moved from hyderabad in india 0letha, kansas. they both worked for the tech company, garmin. both of them decided to come here for a drink after work on a nice evening. it was something they often did. they have been friends for a long time. through the course of that evening, things got tense for them after a man approached their table and started talking to them and by the end of the evening, both were victims of a gun attack in which srinivas was killed. now, alok survived that incident. his leg was injured and he is still recovering at home and he did speak to me earlier today and told me a little bit more about what happened. the gauges randomly comes up and

start pointing fingers. obviously, first off, he started with srivanas. we knew something was wrong. the way he started the conversation and he was pointing the finger is, that is not something you'd see every day. so we knew something was wrong. what did he say? he said what country are you from? are you here at illegally? police are investigating the possible motives, including the possibility that this was a hate—crime, and other witnesses who we re hate—crime, and other witnesses who were in the bar have reported that the attacker said "get out of my cou ntry". the attacker said "get out of my country". that is what is being investigated at the moment. srivanas' wife investigated at the moment. sriva nas' wife is investigated at the moment.

srivanas' wife is travelling to india for his funeral. i did speaker yesterday and she told me about her fears about hate—crimes in the united states. when the recent elections happened, he was watching it so closely. i was so worried. i just could not sleep. i was talking to him and i was like, will we be safe in this country? i am so worried. i think this hate—crime will be more open, now. will it be safe for us to go to the mall or the office? iam safe for us to go to the mall or the office? i am so worried. he hoped me like this, and told me not to worry. he said we would be ok. srivanas loved america. this was a country that he loved living in. he loved working here. his wife told me he

was a really hard worker and would leave the office late every day. he was dedicated to this country. when srivanas' of wife comes back, she intends to come back to america, because she loves the country, despite her concerns. do stay with us on despite her concerns. do stay with us on abc news. still to come: all aboard for a unique big screen experience. we meet the kids testing out a cinema on wheels. prince charles has chosen his bride. the prince proposed to lady diana spencer three weeks ago. she accepted, she says, without hesitation. as revolutions go, this had its fair share of bullets. a climax in the night outside the gates of mr marcos's sanctuary, malacanang, the name itself symbolising one of the cruellest regimes of modern asia. the world's first clone has been produced of an adult mammal. scientists in scotland have produced a sheep called dolly using a cell from another sheep. every vehicle was greeted

as if it was the first in the relief of kuwait and in the city once among the richest in the world, kuwait is can gather freely again. not for 20 years have locusts been seen in such numbers in this part of africa. some of the swarms have been ten miles long. this is the last time the public will see this pope. very soon, for the sake of the credibility and authority of the next pope, benedict xvi will, in his own words, be hidden this is bbc news. the headlines: donald trump says he won't attend this year's white house correspondents' dinner. and an exodus of civilians from western mosul, as iraqi troops push deeper into territory held by islamic state militants. malaysian security officials say the airport terminal where the half—brother of north korea's leader was murdered is safe. earlier, police searched the building in kuala lumpur looking for traces of the deadly nerve agent, vx, or other toxic

chemicals. 0ur diplomatic correspondent, caroline hawley, reports. a departures hall usually bustling with travellers. at the scene of the crime, the security services came kitted out against chemical weapons. they were looking for traces of deadly toxins, including the nerve agent, vx, an internationally banned weapon. the malaysian authorities announced yesterday that it was vx that killed kim jong—nam and they've been under pressure to reassure the public that kuala lumpur‘s second international airport, known as klia2, was safe. we confirm, number one, there is no hazardous material found in klia2. number two, klia2 is free from any form of contamination of hazardous material. thirdly, klia2 it is declared a safe zone. the victim, kim jong—nam was the exiled elder half—brother

of the north korean dictator kim jong—un. his alleged assassins, two women. one from vietnam, one from indonesia. indonesian diplomats who've now visited her said she had been paid about $90 to take part in what she thought was a reality show prank. she apparently told them she had no idea what she was handling. translation: she only said she was given a kind of oil like baby oil. this is the other suspected killer. the vietnamese government said she too thought she was taking part ina prank. in the real world the malaysian authorities are still investigating kim jong—nam's extraordinary murder. a north korean diplomat wanted for questioning has yet to come forward. and for more on the airport terminal in kuala lumpur being given the all—clear, go to our website at bbc.com/news.

you'll also find further background on the investigation into kim jong—nam's death. zimbabwe's president robert mugabe, who's the world's oldest head of state, has been celebrating his 93rd birthday. and he showed no signs of being ready to stand down. shingai nyoka reports. organisers are saying they want to throw one of the biggest parties in africa. now, what does it take for such a big—budget birthday? well, 150 cattle have been slaughtered for food and thousands of people brought in to join the celebrations and there is plenty of cake for officials, but not everybody is celebrating. but not everybody is celebrating. some civil power groups said the party abused power and forced impoverished people to make donations. and a protest group said the feasting should stop

until the country is fixed. as we speak hospitals are in crisis, doctors have been on strike the last two weeks. the government said this is not an ordinary party, that they want to revere an african icon that is president robert mugabe. nothing beats a trip to the cinema to see the latest films, but a family outing can get quite pricey. now, a young entrepreneur has come up with a new idea to fix that. she's converted a bus into a cinema to screen films to children in deprived areas of the uk. caroline davies went to have a look. it doesn't look like a normal bus, does it? and it isn't. this is the movie—mobile. any parent knows just how expensive it is. i live on a housing estate. i thought, wouldn't it be great if a cinema rocked up? using funding from croydon council and a start—up loan, kerry kitted out an old bus, even down to a popcorn machine.

this is the bus's first school group. it's so exciting. i like eating popcorn. i like watching the video. it's really cool. it is amazing. it is exactly what i've been waiting for. it is just incredible. i am overwhelmed, actually, seeing them jumping around. it's perfect. the aim is to reach children whose families might not be able to afford to take them to the cinema. she plans to fund it by renting the bus to corporate companies, or for private parties. i think it can open up their imagination, it can inspire them, it can educate them. nothing can beat the magic of the cinema. it'sjust one bus now, but kerry has plans to turn it into a fleet, so this could be coming to a street near you soon. staying with the theme of the

cinema. well, this weekend's oscars in los angeles will showcase more breakthrough movies with diverse casting in its history. however, the event is likely to feature a lot of political debate. keith adam reports. it is oscars weekend and the red carpet has been rolled out to signal the start of the 89th academy awards. millions of people around the world will tune in to see if la la land sweeps the board. the musical about two la dreamers is nominated in 1a categories and is expected to come away with a raft of major prizes. but politics is expected to loom large this year. on friday, a demonstration took place in support of immigrant rights, where the crowd was addressed by the actors michaelj fox and jodie foster. there are people giving up everything. they have lost everything they have and are struggling to keep their families alive and to keep food in their mouths and keep diseases from their bodies, and taking tremendous risks to get here, to get to this country, and then we...

we say no? it is our time to tell our elected officials to do theirjob. that we will not tolerate chaos, ineptitude and warmongering. there is also expected to be a political mood surrounding the event, with many anticipating acceptance speeches with an anti—trump message. one of the nominated films, the white helmets, has been dragged into the political frame. the documentary is about rescuers on the journey through training to the syrian front line. its cameraman khaled khatib has been barred from travelling to los angeles for the ceremony.

officials say they have found what they called "derogatory information" about him. sunday's ceremony is sure to have the glitz and glamour you would expect, but this year look out for more political digs than usual. now, earlier, we brought you president trump's announcement that he won't be attending the white house correspondents' dinner this year. as we've been hearing, the annual event, which has been organised by the correspondents' association for almost 100 years, traditionally features a humourous speech by the sitting president. so, we thought we'd end by looking at some light—hearted moments from past presidents. to the president of the united states. to the president of the united states. say what you will about donald trump, he will certainly bring change to the white house. you can see what we have got up house. you can see what we have got up there. clapping. what a fantastic

audience we have here tonight. washington powerbrokers, celebrities, hollywood stars, 0zzy osbourne. that was a slap in the face. partying with the animals. sabbath, bloody, sabbath, face in hell. it has been an honour to serve. ijust have to make more words to say. 0bama out. serve. ijust have to make more words to say. obama out. it isjust great to see some of that old footage, isn't it? do remember that you can get in touch with me on

twitter. thank you for watching bbc news. it's a very changeable weather pattern in the few days to come. much colder to start the new week. but still some mild weather ahead of us for sunday. this was the rain on saturday. behind me is the next named storm, and that's racing in off the atlantic. that's storm ewan. it was named by the irish met service for the expected consequences here. but it will bring wet and windy weather in the north of the uk. but heavy rain between the two weather systems, generally mild. further west, already the rain and wind is gathering. that will be a feature for northern ireland and scotland for the morning onwards. while elsewhere we'll see some dry weatherfor a time. as well as rain, cold air. we have talked about that sleet in the hills. snow to come. brightness will fade.

some more rain to come back across northern ireland in the morning. but a colder, showery afternoon. england and wales, the dry part of the day is in the morning. could be damp and grey with hill fog in central and eastern areas. temporary lightness but then the clouds will gather as the day goes on. the wind strengthens and pushes the rain into the north and east. gales in the irish sea. possibly severe for north wales, north—west england, northern ireland, and scotland as well. 70 miles per hour on the coast and 50—60 inland. which is, as i said, a notch down on doris. the rain in the west. but for central and eastern areas, clouding up but largely dry. just cloudy. and mild still at 11—12, well above where it should be at this time of year. and it does look to stay set to dry for england against italy at twickenham in the six nations. some drizzle in the air at the end. you can see the weather front coming in the evening hours pushing east.

much colder air will come across the country with some snow. even towards the west country, the mountains of wales, the moors, possibly even at lower levels in the north. icy to start monday morning. that is one of the main hazards. as well as snow from lively showers with hail and thunder thrown in. cold air will take a while to reach southern and eastern areas. it is with us through monday and tuesday and into wednesday. that northerly wind also bringing the potential for some very windy weather on, say, tuesday. monitoring that as always. the warnings are on the website. but as you can see, through the middle of the week it stays pretty cold. stay up—to—date on the forecasts. the latest headlines from bbc news. i'm lebo diseko. donald trump says he won't attend this year's white house correspondents' dinner. on friday, a number of news organisations were excluded from a briefing by the presidential spokesman.

the president's called some sections of the press enemies of the american people. in iraq, troops are pushing into western mosul in their offensive to drive out so—called islamic state from the country's second city. the militants are surrounded, along with an estimated three—quarters—of—a—million civilians. at least 28 people have been critically injured after a car ploughed into a crowd watching a mardi gras parade in new orleans. a police spokeswoman said that the number injured could rise. the driver of the vehicle has been arrested. new orleans police chief says terrorism was not suspected. those are your headlines, here on bbc news. an island which inspired the foundation of the national trust, has been gifted to the conservation charity after more than a century in private hands.