Bold designs, technology rule the high rises Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A pair of 30-metre spiraling ramps provide access to the multi-functional car park in Amsterdam. RAI Amsterdam’s car park is the most recent in a spate of boldly designed car parks. Others include a Belgian hospital car park …

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | AFP | Lebanon’s premier Saad Hariri will travel to France “in the coming days”, a French presidential source said Wednesday, after Beirut accused Saudi Arabia of detaining him following his shock resignation. International pressure has been mounting for Hariri to return to Beirut after his prolonged stay …

Washington, United States | AFP | The United States expressed concern on Wednesday over the political crisis in Zimbabwe, where the military has apparently placed President Robert Mugabe under house arrest. A State Department official said the US embassy in Harare has been closed to the public as a safety precaution …

New York, United States | AFP | John Williams, the prolific film composer who has scored “Star Wars” and other blockbusters, will premiere a new work dedicated to Leonard Bernstein, the Boston Symphony Orchestra said Wednesday. The orchestra announced its 2018 season at Tanglewood, its summer home nestled in the wooded …

Milan, Italy | AFP | Gian Piero Ventura’s reign as Italy coach ended on Wednesday after a World Cup qualifying fiasco during which the four-time champions failed to reach next year’s finals in Russia. The 69-year-old’s fate was sealed after a crisis meeting of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in Rome, …

Washington, United States | AFP | Tennis superstar Serena Williams is used to hoisting trophies, but on Thursday, it looks like she’ll be carrying a wedding bouquet. Music royalty Beyonce and Jay Z, along with actress Eva Longoria are among the A-listers reportedly convening in New Orleans for Williams’ wedding to …

Maiduguri, Nigeria | AFP | Twelve people were killed Wednesday evening after four suicide bombers struck in the regional capital of Maiduguri in northeast Nigeria, rescue workers told AFP. Two men and two women blew themselves up in the Muna neighbourhood at around 1700 GMT, the chief security officer of Borno …

Kinshasa, DR Congo | AFP | Dozens of people were arrested in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, following warnings from authorities that they would break up planned protests against the extended rule of President Joseph Kabila. The Lucha citizen movement said at least 27 were detained by police in …

Harare, Zimbabwe | AFP | Emmerson Mnangagwa appears well-placed to return to a leading role in Zimbabwe following the army’s takeover in response to President Robert Mugabe’s sacking of the former vice president. Nicknamed “Ngwena” (The Crocodile) because of his fearsome power and ruthlessness, the 75-year-old has a reputation for taking …

Khartoum, Sudan | AFP | Dozens of Sudanese journalists on Wednesday demonstrated in Khartoum against a proposed new press law that aims to tighten restrictions on media freedom in the African country. “United Against the New Law” and “Free Press or No Press,” read banners held up by demonstrators who say …