Trump reverses his Russia remark +++ EU to fine Google over Android +++ Two Syrian towns to be evacuated

18. August 2018, 02:00

Trump reverses his Russia remark

President Donald Trump has said he accepts US intelligence agencies' conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 US elections - contradicting comments he made two days ago at talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Trump's original statement, that he believed Moscow's denials over the issue, had prompted a barrage of criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Trump said he had misspoken on Monday: "In a key sentence in my remarks, I said the word 'would' instead of 'wouldn't'. The sentence should have been, I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be Russia - sort of a double negative."

EU to fine Google over Android

Google is expected to face a record fine over its Android operating system. The European Commission has said that the US tech giant's mobile device strategy unfairly strengthened its internet search service. The regulator can fine the firm up to ten percent of its annual revenue. Bloomberg is reporting that the fine could be as high as 4.3 billion euros.

Commercial flights resume between Ethiopia and Eritrea

Passenger flights have resumed between the capitals of Ethiopia and Eritrea, for the first time in 20 years. They had been suspended because of hostility between the two countries. Just over a week ago, a peace agreement was signed by Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Two Syrian towns to be evacuated

Preparations are underway to evacuate the residents of two northern Syrian towns that have been besieged by rebels for three years. Buses have arrived in the towns of Foua and Kefraya to take around six thousand people to safe areas.

Thailand’s cave boys to leave hospital

The twelve Thai boys and their football coach, who were rescued from a flooded cave earlier this month, will speak to the media for the first time today when they leave hospital. They will then return to their homes. The boys are said to be in good mental and physical health. There are plans for the boys to be ordained as Buddhist monks for a short period of time, a tradition for males in Thailand who have experienced misfortune.

May threatens Brexit rebels with general election

The British Prime Minister Theresa May has narrowly avoided a defeat in parliament - fending off a rebellion from pro-EU MPs within her own party over her Brexit strategy. May is presenting her plans for the UK's departure from the EU with the Conservatives deeply split over the issue. The Times newspaper is reporting that she threatened the rebels with a general election this summer if they defeated her.

Blood test for skin cancer developed

Scientists in Australia say they've developed the first blood test capable of detecting the most dangerous form of skin cancer in its early stages - before it becomes deadly. Researchers say a trial of 200 people, half of them with melanoma, was successful in about 80 percent of cases.

The weather

A mix of sun and cloud, with cloudier conditions and some thundery showers in the North and East. Highs ranging between 23 and 31 degrees.

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