On Lithuania’s plea, Iraq to probe human smuggling to Europe
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq's foreign minister said Thursday his government would investigate trafficking networks responsible for smuggling hundreds of Iraqis into Europe, specifically via Belarus to Lithuania.
Russia outlaws publisher of investigative media outlet
MOSCOW (AP) — Russian authorities on Thursday outlawed the publisher of an investigative media outlet and listed its journalists as “foreign agents,” the latest move in a series of steps to raise pressure on independent media.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro recovers in hospital, no surgery planned
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was recovering in a Sao Paulo hospital Thursday after being rushed for treatment of intestinal obstruction, but is unlikely to need surgery, the president’s son Flavio said on his official Twitte...
Italy OKs more aid for Libyan coast guard amid alleged abuse
ROME (AP) — Italian lawmakers approved renewed funding to train the Libyan coast guard as a human rights group released a report Thursday outlining fresh accusations that the coast guard returns the migrants it rescues at sea to horrific detention
Canadian government rejects virus shots in US border tunnel
DETROIT (AP) — The Canadian government has rejected a creative plan to have Ontario residents line up inside a U.S. border tunnel to tap into a surplus of COVID-19 vaccine held by Michigan, a mayor said.
Chinese farmer who praised lawyers during crackdown on trial
BEIJING (AP) — A prominent Chinese pig farmer who was detained after praising lawyers during a crackdown on legal activists by President Xi Jinping’s government went on trial Thursday on charges including fighting with police and organizing a protest, ...
Judge gives Canada’s spy agency go-ahead to use new overseas investigative powers
OTTAWA — For the first time, a federal judge has expressly granted Canada's spy agency warrants to operate abroad even if it means breaking another country's laws. Federal Court Justice Simon Noel authorized warrants for the Canadian Security Intellige...
Stocks close lower, falling below recent record highs
TOKYO — Major US stock indexes closed mostly lower Thursday, pulling back further from the record highs they reached at the start of the week.
Lebanon’s PM-designate steps down after months of deadlock
BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri stepped down Thursday over what he called “key differences” with the president, deepening a political crisis that has left the Lebanese without a government for nine months even as they endur...
Quebecers aged 12 to 17 now able to advance second COVID-19 vaccine dose
MONTREAL — The youngest Quebecers eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 can now advance their second-dose appointments, Health minister Christian Dubé said Thursday. People 12 to 17 can get a second dose in as little as four weeks from their first...