Wednesday, August 11 2021

*) Scores killed by wildfires in Algeria At least 42 people have been killed by wildfires in Algeria. The government has paid tribute to 25 soldiers who died after saving scores of people. There have been blazes in at least 19 different locations across the country since Monday. *) Biden: Afghan troops need to fight for their nation US President Joe Biden says his country is committed to fully withdrawing from Afghanistan, and Afghan troops need to fight for their nation. Biden's statement comes as Taliban militants seized a seventh provincial capital within a week. A senior EU official told the media that the insurgents now control 65% of the country. *) Lithuania to build anti-migrant fence on border Lithuania's parliament voted in favour of building a metal fence on a border it shares with Belarus to stop non-EU migrants from entering. The country says more than 4,000 migrants have entered illegally from Belarus this year. Lithuania says the migrants fly into Belarus and are then allowed to cross the border into Lithuania illegally. Belarus denies being involved. *) NY Governor Cuomo resigns New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo has resigned over a series of sexual harassment allegations. His deputy, Kathy Hochul will take over, to become the first woman to lead the state in its 233-year history. Cuomo says his resignation will take effect in 14 days. And finally ... *) Covid pushes Emmy Awards outdoors This year's Emmy Awards will be held outdoors on the Event Deck at LA LIVE, because of a surge in Delta cases. Only a limited number of guests will be allowed to the ceremony, and will have to provide proof of vaccination. The event will take place on September 19 with Cedric the Entertainer as host.