Flash floods in US leave 12 people dead

SALT LAKE CITY • Flash floods killed 12 people near Utah's border with Arizona when a "large wall of water", triggered by heavy rain, swept them away in their cars, officials said on Tuesday. The deaths devastated Hildale, Utah, which has fewer than 3,000 residents and is home to the polygamous Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hildale mayor Philip Barlow said Monday's tragedy was an "act from God" and "this is something we can't control". REUTERS

Israel toughens penalties for stone throwers

JERUSALEM • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday announced tougher penalties for stone throwers following a third day of clashes in and around Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound. His announcement came after an Israeli driver died on Sunday. He reportedly lost control of his car after being hit by stones. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Trump and rivals set to take the stage

LOS ANGELES • Eleven Republican candidates were slated to go on stage yesterday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

While Mr Donald Trump will aim to preserve his lead in the polls, his rivals will be under pressure to deliver.

The latest CBS News poll found that Mr Trump is ahead, at 27 per cent support, but retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson has been gaining ground. His support swelled to 23 per cent. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Nigeria negotiates for return of abducted girls

PARIS • Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that the authorities were negotiating with Boko Haram prisoners in their custody and could offer them amnesty if the group hands over more than 200 schoolgirls abducted last year.

He added he was confident "conventional" attacks by the group would be rooted out by November. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE