Nation, world briefs 11/2/2015

Romania: Nightclub death toll to rise

BUCHAREST, Romania -- Romanians wept, cursed and prayed Sunday as they mourned victims of a fire in a nightclub, while doctors warned the death toll could rise "significantly" because so many of the injured have severe burns. As the nation entered its second day of mourning, thousands paid their respects at the Colectiv nightclub in Bucharest's 4th district -- the scene of Friday's tragedy that killed 30 people and left dozens badly burned. In a separate show of grief, thousands walked silently through the capital city of 3 million Sunday afternoon, carrying flowers and photographs of the dead. About 140 people are hospitalized around the Romanian capital. Of those, 90 are in serious condition, said Raed Arafat, an emergency situations official. He said the death toll could double.

Turkey ruling party wins back majority

ANKARA, Turkey -- Turkey's ruling party secured a victory in Sunday's snap parliamentary election, sweeping back into single-party rule five months after losing it. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu declared victory as results reported by state-run TRT television showed the ruling Justice and Development party won more than 49 percent of the vote and was projected to get 316 seats in parliament. The preliminary result, reported after nearly 99 percent of votes were counted, would give the party a comfortable majority in the 550-seat parliament. After the vote, Davutoglu struck a conciliatory tone, asking ruling-party supporters to remain solemn and to embrace fellow Turks. "Today is the day of victory, but it is also a day for humility," Davutoglu said.

Militants attack Kenya hotel, kill 6

NAIROBI, Kenya -- Five of Somalia's Islamic extremists attacked a leading hotel in the capital at dawn Sunday, killing at least six people and injuring 10, before all the assailants were killed by security forces. The Somali army and the African Union forces ended the siege by the al-Shabab attackers at the Sahafi Hotel by midday, police commander Ali Ahmed said. "It's over now. We have killed all the attackers," Ahmed said by telephone. "They came under cover of darkness and attacked the hotel while some of the guards were sleeping." The attack started at daybreak when a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at the hotel's entrance gate, then four men armed with AK-47 rifles, grenades and suicide vests invaded the premises.

Boehner: 'Catholic guilt' swayed Ryan

WASHINGTON -- Former House Speaker John Boehner said he used "Catholic guilt" to persuade Paul Ryan to run for speaker. On CNN's "State of the Union," Boehner said he invoked God to persuade his fellow Catholic from refusing to run for speaker to agreeing to do so. Boehner said he told Ryan: "This isn't about what you want to do. It's about what God wants you to do. And God has told me, he wants you to" run for speaker. Ryan did -- and won. The Wisconsin congressman has insisted he will not give up time with his family or stop sleeping in his office in Washington. Boehner, meanwhile, stepped down, inspired by his time with Pope Francis last month.

-- From wire reports