EL AMRA, Tunisia: Hundreds of Tunisians rallied Saturday in the town of El Amra to protest makeshift camps for migrants primarily from sub-Saharan African countries, an AFP correspondent said. The demonstration in the small town in central Tunisia follows recent crackdowns by authorities on similar encampments in the capital Tunis and other areas, often after complaints from local residents. In El Amra, protesters called for the “departure” of migrants and the “quick” eviction of the thousands estimated to be staying there, the correspondent said.

Sources tell Al Jazeera that talks are at critical point as a technical team is working out details of a potential deal.

Disaster management agency says 115 people evacuated, more than 100 houses damaged amid prolonged torrential rain.

BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Friday vowed to step up deportations as part of a crackdown on illegal residents in the country. “This matter is not up for debate, and orders have been given to the relevant authorities to implement what is necessary,” he said. Mikati’s comments came after the EU on Thursday announced a €1 billion ($1.07 billion) aid package for Lebanon, mostly to boost border control in a bid to curb refugee flows across the Mediterranean Sea to Cyprus and Italy. Lebanon hosts more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees.

Franchise operator cites 'challenging economic conditions' amid local reports linking closures to boycotts of Israel.

US experiencing the biggest strike wave in 50 years.