U.S. likely to expand airline laptop ban to Europe: government officials
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Trump administration is likely to expand a ban on laptops on commercial aircraft to include some European countries, but is reviewing how to ensure lithium batteries stored in luggage holds do not explode in midair, officials…
Libyan coastguard turns back nearly 500 migrants after altercation with NGO ship
TRIPOLI (Reuters) – Libya’s coastguard said it had intercepted nearly 500 migrants packed onto a wooden boat and returned them to Tripoli on Wednesday after warning off a ship that was preparing to pick them up for passage to Europe.
Montenegro’s Kotor risks losing UNESCO status over excessive development
KOTOR, Montenegro (Reuters) – Excessive real estate development is jeopardizing Montenegro’s landmark historical site of Kotor, with the United Nations heritage protection agency threatening to strip it from its World Heritage List.
Arab coalition says preparing alternatives to Yemen port for urgent aid
DUBAI (Reuters) – The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said it was determined to help its government retake all areas held by Houthi militia, including the key port of Hodeidah, but would ensure alternative entry routes for badly needed food and m…
New Paris Velib scheme to end bicycle parking misery
PARIS (Reuters) – The new bicycles in the Paris hiring scheme will be one third electric and easier to park but subscription fees may have to go up a little, the Velib system’s new operators said.
Irish PM says to address his future as leader next week: sources
DUBLIN (Reuters) – Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny told his Fine Gael party on Wednesday that he would deal with his leadership next week, when he is widely expected to announce his resignation, two sources present at the meeting told Reuters.
U.S.-backed Syria militias say Tabqa, dam captured from Islamic State
BEIRUT (Reuters) – U.S.-backed Syrian militias said they fully seized the town of Tabqa and Syria’s largest dam from Islamic State on Wednesday, a major objective as they prepare to launch an assault on Raqqa, the jihadists’ biggest urban stronghold.
Tunisian vendor sets himself on fire, sparking clashes with police: residents
TUNIS (Reuters) – Tunisian police fired tear gas to break up rioting by hundreds of protesters who took to the streets after a fruit seller set himself on fire when police stopped him working, local residents said.
Brazil ex-president Lula appears in court to face graft charges
CURITIBA, Brazil (Reuters) – Embattled former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva appeared in a federal court on Wednesday to give his first direct testimony before a crusading, anti-corruption judge on graft charges he dismisses as a politic…
South Sudan’s sacked army chief quits Juba, raising concern amid civil war
JUBA (Reuters) – South Sudan’s sacked former army chief Paul Malong has left the capital Juba for his home state, its defense minister said, raising concerns over his next move as a civil war drags on.
