European Council condemns male circumcision as human rights violation
A report by the Council said male circumcision for religious reasons was "particularly worrisome", with the procedure being "increasingly questioned". Religious groups have questioned the Council's decision to condemn circumcision for faith-based reasons. (International Business Times)
Over 300 feared dead when migrant boat sinks in Italy
A boat carrying 500 migrants mostly from Eritrea and Somalia sank off the Italian island of Lampedusa on Thursday. At least 113 bodies have now been recovered, and rescue efforts continue. A minute of silence will be observed in all Italian schools on Friday in memory of the victims. (BBC)
60 possible new species found in Suriname forest
International scientists have found six frogs and 11 fish that are among 60 creatures that may be new species. The research team catalogued creatures, and studied freshwater resources during a three-week expedition in a pristine forest of southeast Suriname near the border with Brazil. (Time)
Suspect shot dead after Capitol Hill lockdown
Woman with a young child in her car attempted to breach a White House security checkpoint prompting a high-speed chase through the security-heavy streets of Washington that ended near the US Capitol when police shot her dead. (Guardian)
Vladimir Putin nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
An advocacy group has put the Russian President’s name forward for the Peace Prize, because the former KGB agent “actively promotes settlement of all conflicts arising on the planet.” (Independent)
