Nation, world briefs 12/8/15

U.S. will revise terror-alert system

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration will announce changes to the terror alert system "in the coming days," Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said Monday. Johnson described the change as a new alert system, which he said would inform the public better about threats to the United States, but he did not provide details. It will be the third change to how the Homeland Security Department warns the public about security concerns since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The much-maligned color-coded system was replaced in 2011 by the National Terrorism Advisory System, which never has been used.

Beijing issues first red alert for smog

BEIJING -- Beijing issued its first-ever red alert for smog Monday, urging schools to close and invoking restrictions on factories and traffic that will keep half the city's vehicles off the roads. The red alert -- the most serious warning on a four-tier system adopted about two years ago -- means authorities have forecast more than three consecutive days of severe smog. An online notice from the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau said it issued the alert to "protect public health and reduce levels of heavy air pollution." Readings of particulate matter climbed toward 300 micrograms per cubic meter Monday and are expected to rise before the air begins to improve with the arrival of a cold front Thursday. The World Health Organization designates the safe level for the tiny, poisonous particles at 25.

Stabbing suspect appears in court

LONDON -- A man who allegedly screamed, "this is for Syria" as he slashed a passenger's neck in a London subway station had images associated with the Islamic State group on his mobile phone, prosecutors said Monday. Muhaydin Mire, who has been charged with attempted murder, allegedly had images relating to the Nov. 13 gun and bomb rampage in Paris and a recent British police anti-terrorism training exercise. Prosecution lawyer David Cawthorne told a court hearing Monday prosecutors allege Saturday's knife attack at Leytonstone Underground station was an act of terrorism. Passers-by recorded the aftermath on their phones. In one clip, as police officers wrestled the suspect to the floor, a bystander yelled: "You ain't no Muslim, bruv."

Venezuela rebels capture Congress

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Venezuela's opposition rejoiced Monday after its shock triumph in legislative elections and waited for the final tally to see whether it secured a two-thirds supermajority that could wrest power from President Nicolas Maduro after 17 years of socialist rule. The Democratic Unity opposition alliance declared Monday it won the minimum number of seats needed to initiate a process to remove Maduro. But despite efficiency and transparency promised by the country's electronic-voting system, the National Electoral Council hasn't announced the results of 22 undecided races almost a full day after polls closed. The opposition coalition won at least 99 seats in the incoming 167-seat legislature.

-- From wire reports