NATO warships started patrolling off Libya's coast Wednesday to enforce the U.N. arms embargo, as the alliance appeared set to assume responsibility for the no-fly zone over the North African nation to protect civilians. Canada's Brig. General Pierre St. Amand said naval operation Unified Protector "is now under way" with six vessels involved during the first day of patrols.

In national news,
firefighters worked through the night to prevent a wildfire burning west of Denver from growing.