Growth forecasts cut for next five years
Lower expectations of productivity force the Office for Budget Responsibility to lower its growth forecasts from last November’s levels. BBC News – Business
Craig Taylor
Syrian Kurds to declare federal system
Syrian Kurdish parties say they are planning to declare a new federal system in areas they control in the north of the country. BBC News – Middle East
Brazil’s Lula to be chief of staff
Brazil’s ex-leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has agreed to become the new chief of staff of President Dilma Rousseff, who is facing impeachment proceedings. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean
‘Many issues’ in way of EU migrant deal
EU leaders are hoping to conclude a deal with Turkey to ease the migrant crisis as EU head Donald Tusk admits a “catalogue of issues” remains unresolved. BBC News – Europe
Obama picks Garland for Supreme Court
President Obama nominates veteran judge Merrick Garland to be the next US Supreme Court Justice, but Republicans said they will block his nomination. BBC News – US & Canada
Care staff could sue company over wages
A major care company could be facing a bill for hundreds of thousands of pounds for non-payment of the minimum wage. BBC News – UK