the us has placed more than 8,000 troops on a heightened state of alert — as part of its readiness to respond if russia invades ukraine. a pentagon spokesman said that if deployed, the troops would bolster nato's presence in eastern europe. at least eight people have been killed in a crush at a stadium in cameroon hosting an africa cup of nations football match. dozens of others were injured when fans tried to push through the gates of the 0lembe stadium to see the host nation play comoros. downing street has admitted that staff gathered inside number 10 to celebrate borisjohnson�*s birthday during the uk's first coronavirus lockdown. it's the latest in a long line of party revelations surrounding the pm. an official report into the gatherings is due in the coming days.