News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Man decapitated in suspected French terror attack

A terrorism investigation has been launched after an attack and explosion at a gas factory near Lyon in south eastern France. A decapitated head and Islamist banners were reportedly found at the factory entrance. Details of the attack are sketchy but it´s understood two men crashed a car into the compound and rammed into gas canisters, touching off the explosion. One attacker has reportedly been arrested.

Talks on Greek debt crisis continue

The Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has been holding talks with the leaders of Germany and France, as the deadlock over the Greek debt crisis continues. Another meeting is planned later after the EU summit in Brussels. Greece faces a potential debt default on Tuesday and European leaders have demanded that euro zone finance ministers reach an agreement on releasing more bailout loans by Saturday. Without them, Greece faces bankruptcy and an exit from the euro. The former Greek prime minister George Papandreou says he believes Alexis Tsipras could put the issue to a referendum: "If he needs to ask the Greek people about what they want - whether they want to finalise this programme but remain in the euro and continue and hopefully stabilise - a referendum could be a very good answer, which would also give a strong signal, not only to our creditors but also to the markets."

EU agrees to relocate migrants

EU leaders have agreed to relocate tens of thousands of migrants who have arrived in Italy and Greece. However, there will be no mandatory quotas. The United Nations refugee agency described the deal as an "important step" but says more concrete commitments are needed to address the migrant crisis.

Civilians executed in Kobane

It is being reported that over 120 civilians have been executed or killed in fighting, after the Islamic State group re-entered the Kurdish town of Kobane in northern Syria. The jihadists also seized parts of the city of Hasakah on Thursday. The United Nations says 60,000 people in Hasaka have been displaced.

France cracks down on Uber car-sharing service

The French President Francois Hollande has condemned violent protests by taxi drivers against the low-cost car-sharing service Uber. But he said Uber should be dissolved and declared illegal. Around 3,000 traditional taxi drivers took part in the nationwide protests against the US-based firm.

US Supreme Court preserves Obamacare

The US Supreme Court has upheld a key part of President Barack Obama's healthcare law, preserving health insurance for millions of Americans. In a 6-3 decision, the justices said tax subsidies that make health insurance affordable for low-income individuals can continue. Republicans have vowed to continue fighting the law known as Obamacare.

The weather

Plenty of sunshine with the chance of isolated showers, especially in higher lying areas. Highs today from 20 to 27.

Übersicht

• News In English