IN BRIEF (Page 8)

SPAIN

Wildfire out of control amid heat wave

Hundreds of firefighters on Thursday battled an out-of-control wildfire in Spain that authorities believe started after a heap of manure self-ignited amid a European heat wave. The blaze, which broke out on Wednesday afternoon in Torre del Espanol in the northeastern region of Catalonia, has so far affected more than 6,500 hectares, the regional government said. The flames raging across a hilly area roughly 80 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean coastal town of Tarragona could eventually devour 20,000 hectares in what was presented as an "extreme risk", a statement said. Meteorologists blame a blast of hot air from northern Africa for scorching temperatures early in the European summer, which could send thermometers to 40C and beyond in France, Spain and Greece on Friday.

GERMANY

Merkel seen shaking for 2nd time this month

Chancellor Angela Merkel was seen shaking as she met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday, her second such bout within two weeks, but her spokesman said she was fine and she continued with her duties. Merkel, 64, has no history of serious health issues. She was attending a farewell ceremony for Justice Minister Katarina Barley, who is leaving to become a lawmaker in the European Parliament. Standing next to Steinmeier as he addressed the gathering, Merkel started shaking visibly in her upper body then crossed her arms as if to brace herself. She was offered a glass of water but declined to drink it while Steinmeier spoke. Berlin is in the throes of a heat wave. On June 18, Merkel was also seen shaking when she met visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy but later said she felt better after drinking some water.

UNITED STATES

Apple's star designer to set up own firm

Apple's longtime design chief Jony Ive, who played a key role in the development of the iPhone and other iconic products, is leaving the tech giant to set up his own firm, Apple said on Thursday. Ive will depart later this year "to form an independent design company which will count Apple among its primary clients", Apple said in a statement. Ive will pursue "personal projects" but also continue to work closely "on a range of projects with Apple," the California tech company said. British-born Ive joined Apple in 1992 and designed the iPod, iPhone, iPad and Macbook as well as the iOS software system for Apple devices. He was a key collaborator of the late Steve Jobs at Apple when the company's fortunes were revived with the development of the iPod and later the iPhone.

Agencies

(China Daily 06/29/2019 page8)