BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The crisis over Catalonia’s quest for independence escalated Thursday, as Spain’s central government prepared the unprecedented step of stripping the wealthy region of some of its self-governing powers after its leader refused to abandon secession. In his latest display of brinkmanship, Catalan President Carles Puigdemont sent a letter to Spanish Prime … Continue reading
BRUSSELS (AP) — The Latest on the Brexit talks on Britain’s departure from the European Union (all times local): 5:25 p.m. British Brexit negotiator David Davis says the four days of Brexit negotiations this week will have to drive forward “all the issues” instead of just centering on the divorce proceedings that the EU wants … Continue reading
BRUSSELS (AP) — The Latest on explosion at Brussels Central Station (all times local): 12:25 p.m. Police in Belgium have raided the home of the attack suspect who was killed at the Brussels Central Station and took bags full of evidence with them. The raid was held in Molenbeek hours after the police had full … Continue reading
BRUSSELS (AP) — At least two Americans have been confirmed killed in the Brussels attacks, the State Department said Friday, Mar. 23, as top U.S. diplomat John Kerry visited the stricken city to express condolences and defended Belgium’s counterterrorism efforts against “carping” by critics. Speaking after meeting Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, Kerry said the … Continue reading
BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgians began three days of mourning Wednesday, Mar.23, for the victims of the Brussels airport and subway bombings, and the country remained on high alert as authorities hunted for one of the suspected attackers seen on surveillance video with two others who blew themselves up. Several people who may be linked to … Continue reading
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Surviving a major bombing is the extraordinary — and repeated — situation that one Utah teen can live to tell about. Mason Wells, a 19-year-old from Sandy, Utah, is expected to make a full recovery from the bombing attack at the Brussels airport Tuesday, which left him with a … Continue reading
DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — Some American Muslims feel they are once again on the defensive following presidential candidate Ted Cruz’s suggestion that Muslim-dominated neighborhoods should be subject to increased surveillance in the wake of the deadly attacks in Brussels claimed by the Islamic State militant group. “We’re targeted even if it’s not our fault,” … Continue reading
BRUSSELS (AP) — Foreign ministers from NATO countries were expected to invite Montenegro to join the military alliance despite Russia’s objection to the move, diplomats said, the latest sign of discord between the West and Moscow even as they both battle the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. Montenegro’s accession was one of several … Continue reading
BRUSSELS (AP) — The latest on the deadly attacks in Paris and the heightened security in Europe (All times local): 1:50 a.m. Belgian prosecutors announce they have detained 16 people in raids linked to possible attacks in Belgium but said Paris fugitive Salah Abdeslam was not among them. Federal prosecutor Eric Van Der Sypt said … Continue reading
BRUSSELS (AP) — With hundreds of troops patrolling Brussels for a second day and authorities hunting one or more suspected militants, the Belgian government chose Sunday to keep the capital on the highest state of alert into the start of the workweek to prevent a Paris-style attack. Citing a “serious and imminent” threat, Prime Minister … Continue reading
BRUSSELS (AP) — Forced into action by its biggest refugee crisis since World War II, the European Union is pressing some northern African nations to sign lopsided deals that would send thousands back without sufficient protection, African diplomats and migration experts are warning. Concern is growing that the EU will use its considerable political and … Continue reading
BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders agreed Thursday to boost the protection of its outer frontiers to help contain the refugee emergency and gave its border agency more clout to deport people who do not qualify for asylum. But the 28 leaders struggled to persuade a reluctant Turkey to do more to stop tens of … Continue reading
BRUSSELS (AP) — The latest news as migrants fleeing war or seeking a better life make their way across Europe by the tens of thousands. All times local. ___ 1:00 a.m. Bulgarian President Boyko Borisov abruptly abandoned an EU summit focusing on migrants after reports of violence on the Bulgarian-Turkish border between border guards and … Continue reading
BRUSSELS (AP) — Greece has finally offered economic reforms that creditors consider potentially acceptable, giving Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras a couple days to turn a spirit of goodwill into a deal that might keep the country from a painful exit from the euro currency. Even though a firm deal to get Greece more loans remained … Continue reading
BRUSSELS (AP) — Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras headed to Brussels late Sunday for a crucial emergency eurozone summit aimed at reaching a deal between Athens and its international creditors that would allow the debt-ravaged country to avoid a default and a potentially disastrous exit from the euro. Tsipras’ departure for Monday’s summit of the … Continue reading
Spartan Echo 