Canada becomes first industrialized nation to legalize cannabis
Canada became the first industrialized nation to legalize recreational cannabis on Wednesday, but a lawful buzz will be hard to come by in its biggest cities like Toronto and Vancouver, which will have no stores open.
Finnish government survives confidence vote over labor rights
Finland’s government survived a confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday called over its plan to boost employment by weakening workers’ protection against dismissal.
Indian minister quits to fight sexual harassment accusations
An Indian government junior minister resigned on Wednesday to fight accusations of sexual harassment from more than a dozen women during his previous career as a journalist, the most high-profile casualty of a growing #MeToo movement in the country.
Merkel calls for stable euro zone budgets in warning shot to Italy
Euro zone countries must each ensure their budgets are stable and economies competitive, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said ahead of a European Union summit on Wednesday, as Italy weighs expansionary budget plans that risk EU rejection.
Suspect in Crimean college attack is 22-year-old male student: Ifax
An attack on a college in Crimea was carried out by a 22-year-old male student studying there who has since committed suicide, Sergei Aksyonov, Crimea’s Russian-backed head, was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency on Wednesday.
French far-left leader, 67, investigated for intimidation
French far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon, already the target of an anti-corruption inquiry, came under further scrutiny on Wednesday when prosecutors opened a separate investigation into his alleged intimidation of investigators.
Russia’s military says ready to evacuate college blast victims for treatment: Ifax
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday that four military planes were ready to evacuate casualties of a blast in the Crimean port city of Kerch for medical treatment, the Interfax news agency reported.
Iranian security staff unconscious when kidnapped to Pakistan: Guards chief
A group of Iranian security personnel kidnapped on the border with Pakistan this week were unconscious at the time, the commander of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards said, following reports that they had eaten drugged food.
Saudi investigation team arrives at consul’s Istanbul residence: CNN Turk
An 11-member Saudi investigation team arrived at the Saudi consul’s Istanbul residence on Wednesday, broadcaster CNN Turk said, ahead of an expected search by Turkish police in relation to journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s disappearance.
Fighting slump, Macron seeks presidency reboot with cabinet 2.0
President Emmanuel Macron gathered his new government for its first post-reshuffle meeting on Wednesday and struck a contrite tone, looking to reboot his presidency after months of criticism and slumping polls.
