Migrant ‘chaos’ on Greek islands – UN
The refugee crisis on three Greek islands is “total chaos”, the UN refugee agency says, as Italian police arrest five in connection with Wednesday’s drownings off Libya. BBC News – Europe
Craig Taylor
Boiled water ‘safe’ in parasite alert
Boiled water in Lancashire is “perfectly safe” to drink, health officials say, following the discovery of a microbial parasite in the mains supply. BBC News – UK
US cinema gunman spared death penalty
A jury in the US state of Colorado spares gunman James Holmes the death penalty for killing 12 people at a cinema and he will serve life in jail without parole. BBC News – US & Canada
Hostages freed as Mali siege ends
Mali’s security forces storm a hotel in the central town of Sevare, ending a deadly siege and freeing several hostages. BBC News – Africa
Egypt opens Suez Canal expansion
Egypt has opened a major expansion of the Suez Canal, which deepens the main waterway and provides ships with a 35km (22 mile) channel parallel to it. BBC News – Middle East
Bank votes 8-1 to keep rates on hold
UK interest rates are held at 0.5% again by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, but with the panel split 8-1. BBC News – Business