AU - Africanews

1. Ukrainian athlete drops out of of Winter Olympics over banned helmet

   Vladyslav Heraskevych was not allowed to compete Thursday after refusing a last-minute plea from the International Olympic Committee to use a helmet other than the one that honors more than 20 of his country's athletes and coaches killed in the war with Russia

2. Cyclone Gezani: At least 36 killed, hundreds injured in Madagascar

   A cyclone packing violent winds has killed at least 35 people and caused devastation in Madagascar's second-largest city, the Indian Ocean island's disaster authority said Thursday, releasing an updated toll.

3. Thomas Partey charged with new rape counts in UK case

   Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is facing fresh criminal charges in the UK, after prosecutors added two further counts of rape linked to a new complainant.

4. Young woman becomes first-ever drum master of a Brazilian samba school

   Laisa Lima will lead Arranco's parade when they take part in the annual inter-school competition on the weekend.

5. World Cup ticket prices surge on FIFA re-sale site

   The ticket prices for the upcoming FIFA World Cup have skyrocketed on the resale platforms, a few months ahead of the competition's commencement in July.