Renault to recall 15,000 vehicles for emissions tweaks

French carmaker Renault will recall more than 15,000 vehicles to make changes to their engines to bring them into line with emissions standards, Environment Minister Segolene Royal told RTL radio on 19 January. The minister, responsible for the environment and sustainable development, repeated that Renault was not alone in exceeding emissions levels, although she did not name any other carmakers. Jan 19, 2016

California: Police scramble to catch six dogs following car chase

A car chase in Los Angeles, California, ended on 18 January with police scrambling to capture six dogs as some darted from the suspects car onto the freeway. The incident began after the driver failed to stop for California Highway Patrol officers in Orange County, local media said. Jan 19, 2016

San Francisco: Black Lives Matter protest shuts down the Bay Bridge

The westbound lanes of the Bay Bridge, in San Francisco, California, were shut down on 18 January, after Black Lives Matter protesters used different means to block the multi lane bridge. Demonstrators could be seen with their fists raised standing on the Bay Bridge causing traffic to become gridlocked. Jan 19, 2016

Burkina Faso: Video shows security forces battling Islamist gunmen

Security forces battled suspected Islamist fighters on 15 January, who were holding hostages at a hotel used by foreigners in Burkina Fasos capital, gendarmes and witnesses said. The gunmen stormed the Splendid Hotel in Ouagadougous business district, burning cars outside and firing in the air to drive back crowds before security forces arrived, prompting an intense exchange of gunfire. Jan 16, 2016