MEXICO
Bulletproof bookbag proposed
A grade-school student in the violent Mexican border city of Matamoros has won a runner-up prize in a state science fair with an unusual proposal: a bulletproof backpack to hide behind during shootouts. Such shootouts often occur in Matamoros, where factions of the Gulf cartel fight turf battles. Student Juan David Hernandez Rojas came up with the idea of putting a steel plate in the backpack to deflect bullets. The concept includes a GPS locator to find lost kids, and an emergency battery charger for cellphones. According to his project proposal, the backpack “would help us be a little safer and keep our parents calmer.”
FINLAND
Plan phases out coal by 2030
In a move to cut greenhouse gas emissions, Finland on Thursday announced plans to phase out coal within 14 years, cut oil imports by half and substantially increase the number of electric cars on the roads — partly to meet targets set by the European Union. The government unveiled the plans in its “Energy and Climate Strategy for 2030 and Beyond,” that aims to make the Nordic country’s energy production carbon-neutral by 2050 and replace traditional power sources with biofuels and renewable energy.
FRANCE
Label notification irks Israel
France published an official notification Thursday urging businesses to use labels to identify goods produced in the Israeli settlements, prompting a swift condemnation from Israel. It was not clear whether the notice published in the French Official Journal is binding for retailers or a recommendation. A press official with the trade ministry said she was not aware of the notification and couldn’t say whether it was mandatory.
HUNGARY
Leader speaks with Trump
Hungary’s prime minister said Thursday he spoke on the phone with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who invited him to Washington. Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in an interview published online by Hungarian business daily Vilaggazdasag that Trump made it clear to him “he thinks highly of Hungary.” Orban, frequently criticized by U.S. officials for weakening democratic checks and balances since his 2010 return to power, said in July that Trump’s migration policies were better for Europe and Hungary. Orban, who last year had fences built on Hungary’s southern borders to stop the flow of migrants, said he felt that Hungary’s position had “improved greatly” with Trump. “I think America will now have a president who is not ideologically limited,” Orban said.
EGYPT
Eight soldiers die in bombing
Egypt’s military spokesman said Islamic militants exploded a suicide car bomb at a checkpoint in northern Sinai and clashed with troops, leaving eight dead. Mohammed Samir said the militants also blew up an armored vehicle at the checkpoint near el-Arish city late Thursday. At least 12 troops were injured.
Compiled from wire reports