IN BRIEF

France

Fillon says sorry but refuses to quit

French right-wing presidential candidate Francois Fillon on Monday apologized for hiring his wife as his parliamentary aide, admitting he made an "error" as he sought to draw a line under a damaging scandal. Fillon's bid has been in turmoil since it emerged that his British-born spouse was paid handsome sums for a suspected fake job as a parliamentary assistant. Rejecting calls from some within his camp to step aside, he declared: "From tonight, I announce here that it's a new campaign that's starting."

Middle East

Israel legalizes settler outposts

The Israeli Parliament on Monday finalized a controversial law legalizing dozens of Jewish outposts built on private Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank. The law - approved by 60 members of Parliament to 52 against - was slammed by the Palestinians as a means to "legalize theft" of land. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had "updated" the US administration so as not to surprise "our friends".

United States

Man gets 30 years for mosque fire

A Florida man pleaded no contest and was sentenced on Monday to 30 years in prison for setting fire last year to the mosque where Orlando nightclub shooter Omar Mateen once worshipped, court officials said. Joseph Schreiber, 32, caused more than $100,000 in damage to the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce, which he set ablaze on Sept 11, 2016, the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, authorities said.

Doctor removes 59-kg tumor

A California doctor removed a 59-kilogram tumor from a Mississippi man who had been told by other physicians that he was just fat. Roger Logan, 57, had the noncancerous growth removed on Jan 31. The tumor probably started as an ingrown hair that became infected, swelled and developed its own blood supply. It sprouted from his lower abdomen more than a decade ago.

Thailand

Late king's chariot being restored

Inch by gilded inch, the chariot to take Thailand's late king on his last journey is being restored by workers in Bangkok in a labor that will last months. Built of wood and decorated with gold and mirrors, the 13.7 ton chariot is 18 meter-long, 11.2 meter-high and 4.8 meter-wide. Pulled by 216 men, it will carry the ornate urn containing King Bhumibol Adulyadej's body to the site of the cremation at the Sanam Luang ground outside the Royal Palace.

Myanmar

Monk arrested with meth pills

A Buddhist monk has been arrested in Myanmar after authorities found more than 4 million methamphetamine pills in his car and in his monastery, police said on Tuesday. Officer Maung Maung Yin said the monk was stopped on Sunday as he drove in northern Rakhine state, which borders Bangladesh. Authorities had been tipped off that the monk was carrying an illegal haul.