$8m settlement reached in chokehold death case

NEWYORK * New York City has reached a settlement with the family of Mr Eric Garner,who died after being put in a choke hold by the police last July, agreeing to pay US$5.9 million (S$8million) to resolve the claim over his death, city officials said. His death, along with the fatal shooting of an unarmed black teen in Ferguson, Missouri, last August, sparked protests over police treatment of African-Americans.

REUTERS

Son of US police captain nabbed over 'terror plot'

BOSTON * The authorities said on Monday they had arrested the son of a Boston police captain who was building bombsin his apartment and planned to attack a crowded university campus cafeteria on behalf of the Islamic State in Iraqand Syria militant group. Alexander Ciccolo, 23, was arrested on July 4 for the unlawful receipt of multiple guns, the US Justice Department said.

REUTERS

$5.2m reward for capture of fugitive drug boss

MEXICOCITY * Mexico's government has offered a US$3.8 million (S$5.2 million) reward for the capture of fugitive drug lord Joaquin ''El Chapo''Guzman and sacked top prison officials amid suspicions that prison guards had helped him escape. Guzman had been under 24-hour surveillance when he sparked a massive man hunt after escaping from Altiplano prison late on Saturday.

Obama grants clemency to 46 convicted drug dealers

WASHINGTON * United States President Barack Obama granted clemency on Monday to 46 convicted drug traffickers, saying their original sentences were unduly harsh under outdated laws. The move brings the total number of commutations that Mr Obama has issued to 89, reducing the sentences of more convicts than the last four presidents combined.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE