BBC World News

1. Merz vows to keep coalition together for Germany's 'democratic future'

   The chancellor has come under increasing pressure after resounding state election defeats, but says the results "go far beyond my own person"

2. Russia's elections had few surprises - but how the Kremlin uses the results will be crucial

   Vladimir Putin will likely use the result to claim most Russians back the so-called special military operation in Ukraine, writes the BBC's Steve Rosenberg.

3. CNN, MS NOW and Politico to file lawsuit against Trump's White House ban

   The US media outlets say they are defending "the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes".

4. Seven Ethiopian rebel groups form new alliance

   The groups have been active in Ethiopia's most populous regions for years and now say they will work together.

5. US strikes on alleged drug boats could be crimes against humanity, says UN

   A report says the attacks, of which there have been at least 68, were not self-defence.