News In Brief

Somalia leader's palace comes under attack
Afp, Mogadishu

Somalia's Islamist Shebab rebels launched a major bomb attack and armed assault against the country's presidential palace late yesterday, penetrating the heavily-fortified complex and fighting a major gunbattle with security guards. Security sources said Somalia's internationally-backed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, was unharmed and safe with guards from the African Union's 22,000-strong AMISOM force.

14 killed, dozens hurt in Chicago shootings
Ap, Chicago

Extra police officers on Chicago's streets were not enough to quell a long weekend of violence that ended with 14 people shot to death and dozens more injured. During a Monday news conference, just hours after two more people were shot to death earlier in the day, police superintendent Garry McCarthy said his department's best efforts could not prevent the bloodshed that spiked dramatically on Sunday. Chicago's total of 53 shooting incidents for the holiday weekend easily eclipsed Detroit and New York combined, which had a total of 46 shooting incidents, 10 of which were fatal.

Bahrain expels US diplomat
Afp, Dubai

Bahrain has told a senior US diplomat, who has met with representatives of the country's opposition, that he was "unwelcome" in the kingdom and should "leave immediately." The foreign ministry accused US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Tom Malinowski, of meddling in Bahrain's internal affairs, in a statement published by the official BNA state news agency. The ministry added that Malinowski "is unwelcome and should immediately leave the country, due to his interference in its internal affairs," the statement said.

British queen's 'Young Leaders' search starts
Star Desk

The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Henry of Wales are launching the search for exceptional young people from across the Commonwealth to receive an award from Queen Elizabeth II, for their achievements in transforming their own lives and the lives of others. The search for 240 award winners aged 18 - 29 from all 53 countries of the Commonwealth who are to be celebrated, rewarded and supported for their achievements, is part of The Queen's Young Leaders Programme.
 The programme has been established by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust in honour of The Queen's 60-year contribution to the Commonwealth.
Visit  www.queensyoungleaders.com for more information. #TheSearchIsOn.