World

MOODY'S Investors Service cut the debt ratings of six European countries including Italy, Spain and Portugal and said it may strip France and the UK of their top Aaa ratings, citing Europe’s debt crisis.

Spain was downgraded to A3 from A1 on Monday, Italy to A3 from A2 and Portugal to Ba3 from Ba2, all with negative outlooks.

Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta also had their ratings lowered.

MANAMA, Bahrain—Security forces in Bahrain have fired tear gas and stun grenades at protesters trying to occupy a landmark square in the nation’s capital ahead of the first anniversary of the Gulf kingdom’s Shiite-led uprising.

On Monday, thousands of opposition supporters marched through Manama’s streets in the largest attempt in months to retake Pearl Square, the central roundabout that served as the epicenter of weeks of protests last year by Bahrain’s Shiite majority against the ruling Sunni dynasty.

NEWARK, New Jersey—A hearse under heavy police escort arrived late Monday at a funeral home officials said was handling the arrangements for late pop star Whitney Houston.

The hearse traveled from Teterboro Airport, where officials had told The Associated Press (AP) Houston’s body would arrive Monday night on a flight from the Los Angeles area.