While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, Jan 30 edition

Armed man interrupts Dutch TV before being overpowered

An armed man disrupted Dutch television on Thursday evening when he entered the building of public broadcaster NOS demanding airtime before being overpowered by police, images showed.

The man, speaking fluent Dutch and carrying what appeared to be a pistol, could be seen pacing next to a desk in an empty studio before being arrested, in footage later shown on NOS.

He claimed to represent a "hackers collective".

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Mexico maternity blast kills two, injures dozens

A gas truck blew up outside a maternity hospital in Mexico City on Thursday, killing at least two people, injuring dozens and trapping others after the building crumbled.

Rescuers with dogs scoured the rubble of the Maternity and Children's Hospital in the Cuajimalpa borough for people who were stuck following the huge blast, which rocked the neighbourhood.

Officials gave various death tolls during the day, at one point reporting that four babies were killed, but Mexico City Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera said only two people were confirmed dead for now.

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Japan hostage's wife begs Tokyo, Amman to save husband

The wife of Japanese journalist Kenji Goto, who is being threatened with execution by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants, broke her silence Thursday hours before the deadline for a hostage swap that could save his life.

As a sunset cutoff for a prisoner exchange on the Turkish-Syrian border loomed, the wife, who signed her name only "Rinko," said she was begging Tokyo and Amman to save the lives of her husband and a Jordanian pilot.

ISIS militants say they will kill the airman unless Jordan frees failed Iraqi suicide bomber Sajida al-Rishawi in exchange for Goto.

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France defends police questioning of boy, 8, over comments praising Paris terrorists

France's education minister on Thursday defended school staff in the southern town of Nice for calling in police to talk to an eight-year-old boy who voiced sympathy for the Paris attackers.

The boy had refused to take part in the minute's silence following the attacks in Paris earlier this month that left 17 dead, reportedly saying "I am with the terrorists."

The school had referred the boy to social workers after his outburst over the Paris attacks, but only involved the police after his father came into school and allegedly threatened staff.

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Justin Bieber says dropping 'arrogant' and 'conceited' attitude

Pop star Justin Bieber said he was leaving behind his "arrogant" and "conceited" attitude after bad behaviour in the past year damaged his image while he makes the transition from teen idol to adult performer.

The 20-year-old Boyfriend singer said in a video posted on his Facebook page late on Wednesday that he was "afraid of what people are thinking about me right now."

Bieber's image was hurt by incidents involving careless driving, pelting a neighbour's home with eggs and an alleged assault following an altercation with a photographer.

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