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The gains came at the expense of all the other parties though it lost one seat - Tadcaster - to an independent.
UKIP failed to hold its two seats on the authority whilst the Liberal Party lost its two county councillors.
The Conservatives now have 55 of the 72 seats. There are 10 councillors who are independent and have no party affiliation.
Labour lost three of the seven seats it was defending and the Liberal Democrats lost two of the five seats they held previously.
Election 2017: Full results from across England
Conservative leader of the council, Carl Les, said: "It is a vindication of the way the party has been leading the council now for almost a quarter of a century.
"I do not believe we have a monopoly on wisdom and we will listen to other parties and other members if they come forward with practical and reasonable suggestions for us to consider.
"We have not finished with austerity, we will still have to find savings and we will do that." | The Conservatives have strengthened their hold of North Yorkshire County Council gaining 10 seats. | 39818340 |
Sky's two-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome published physiological test results after being dogged by doping speculation during his 2015 win.
The results suggested he was capable of his performances without cheating.
Brailsford has written to the sport's governing body to suggest other teams go through the same process.
"It should be standardised," said Brailsford.
"If we all agreed as teams 'here is the disclosure model that we're all going to buy into', that takes away the discretionary decision."
Brailsford says that he has received cautious encouragement from Brian Cookson, head of governing body the UCI, who thinks it is "worth discussing".
Other riders, including Giant-Alpecin's Tom Dumoulin, have also voluntarily released data but Team Sky have come under the most scrutiny. At last year's Tour, Froome had urine thrown at him by a spectator and was apparently spat at after the legality of his performance was questioned on French television.
Brailsford insists that, while the results can be open to interpretation, independent testing has symbolic value as well.
"Forget the results for a moment: as a general action or thought, the intent to be as transparent as possible is a very good thing. I don't think anybody can criticise that," he told BBC Sport.
"The fact that it was independent from the team - so we could not influence the results - was very healthy too and I was fully supportive of that." | Team Sky boss Sir Dave Brailsford has told other teams to follow their example and release lead riders' performance data. | 35308494 |
The UN says 10,000 children have been unable to resume their education this year because militiamen have set up base in their schools.
A third of all schools have either been struck by bullets, set on fire, looted or occupied by armed groups, it says.
The CAR is trying to recover from a brutal civil war that erupted in 2013.
More than 12,000 peacekeepers are based in the country where sporadic violence continues.
The UN mission in the country, known as Minusca, said all armed groups should not come within 500m (1,650ft) of schools and warned them not to hinder educational activities.
Children across the country returned to class last week, but insecurity in some areas outside the capital, Bangui, has disrupted the start of the school year, the UN children's agency said.
Displacement and a lack of teachers were also contributing to the problem.
"Schools are not part of the conflict, they have no political affiliation," Unicef's Donaig Le Du told the Reuters news agency.
The conflict has been fought along religious and ethnic lines, killing thousands of people and forcing hundreds of thousands of others from their homes.
A group of mostly Muslim rebels in the Seleka movement briefly took control of the country in 2013, sparking reprisal attacks from a mainly Christian militia, called the anti-Balaka.
Faustin Touadera won elections in February in a contest that was seen as an important step towards restoring peace. | Armed groups in the Central African Republic (CAR) have been told to leave the schools they are occupying or face forceful eviction by UN troops. | 37513107 |
Alan Forsyth's double means the Scots will face Austria after finishing third in a pool topped by Ireland.
"It was an ugly win," Derek Forsyth told Scottish Hockey.
"It's a game we'll learn from, but we'll need to raise our standards up to where they were in our previous games if we want to progress."
Wales face Italy, Ireland play Poland, while France take on Ukraine in Thursday's quarter-finals.
France topped their pool by beating Wales 1-0, while Ireland finished top of the other pool after Matthew Nelson's goal secured a 1-0 win over Italy.
Ireland started their campaign off with a 9-2 hammering of Ukraine following by a shoot-out win over Austria after a 1-1 draw.
The Scots had lost 3-1 to France and also suffered a penalty shoot-out defeat after a 2-2 draw with Wales before beating the Poles.
They now face an Austrian side who beat Italy on penalties after a 1-1 draw, lost that shootout with Ireland then beat Ukraine 4-2 in their pool.
"In the end, we won the match without playing as well as we know we can, so that's pleasing," said Forsyth ahead of Thursday's quarter-final.
"But we'll look to improve on this performance."
Alan Forsyth opened the scoring for the Scots against the Poles after only two minutes.
The Poles, who had lost 3-1 to both Wales and France, were denied by good saves from David Forrester before Dominic Kotulski equalised after half-time.
As the Poles pressed for a winner, Forsyth secured a victory with a solo goal. | Scotland head coach Derek Forsyth has demanding improvement despite his side finishing the World League 2 pool stage by beating Poland 2-1 in Belfast. | 39277161 |
Fe wnaeth ei deulu a'i ffrindiau roi teyrngedau iddo, gan adlewyrchu ei fywyd gwleidyddol a phersonol, a'i gariad at chwaraeon.
Roedd y seremoni, oedd yn agored i'r cyhoedd, yn cael ei harwain gan y ddyneiddwraig Lorraine Barrett.
Fe ddisgrifiodd y digwyddiad fel "dathliad o'i fywyd trwy eiriau, barddoniaeth a cherddoriaeth".
Mr Morgan, a fu farw yn gynharach y mis hwn, oedd Prif Weinidog Cymru rhwng 2000 a 2009.
Cafodd glod am ddod â sefydlogrwydd i'r corff yn nyddiau cynnar ei deyrnasiad.
Fe wnaeth tua 500 o bobl fynychu'r gwasanaeth, gyda 360 y tu mewn i'r Senedd a channoedd y tu allan.
Dywedodd Ms Barrett, oedd ei hun yn aelod Cynulliad rhwng 1999 a 2011, mai "ef oedd prif weinidog y bobl, a seremoni'r bobl fydd hon".
Roedd teyrngedau gan deulu Mr Morgan yn cynnwys fersiwn o Calon Lân gan ei ŵyr, Efan.
Dywedodd ei ferch, Mari ei bod wedi cael "plentyndod anhygoel" gyda thad oedd "wedi gwirioni â chwaraeon".
Ymhlith y siaradwyr eraill yn y seremoni oedd y prif weinidog presennol, Carwyn Jones, wnaeth roi teyrnged iddo trwy ddarllen cerdd Dylan Thomas, Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night.
Roedd y teyrngedau cerddoriaeth yn cynnwys caneuon gan The Hennessys a Chôr Cochion Caerdydd.
Yn dilyn y digwyddiad yn y Senedd, bydd gwasanaeth claddu yng Nghapel Wenallt yn Amlosgfa Thornhill yn y brifddinas ar ddydd Iau 1 Mehefin am 14:00. | Roedd cannoedd o bobl yn angladd y cyn-Brif Weinidog Rhodri Morgan yn y Senedd dydd Mercher. | 40098858 |
Fifty years after From Russia With Love, freelance operatives are once again to the fore on a rap sheet covering coup-plotting, election-rigging and thinly-veiled threats against Serbia's prime minister.
The only element missing is the poison-tipped toe caps of agent Rosa Klebb.
In October, Montenegro held a general election which then-Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic billed as a referendum on the country's accession to Nato and pursuit of EU membership.
Both issues have infuriated Russia, where Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin warned that Montenegro would "regret" joining Nato.
On polling day, police arrested 20 Serbian citizens whom they suspected of plotting a coup and the assassination of Mr Djukanovic. Those detained included a former commander of a Serbian special forces unit. Serbia quickly moved to deny any involvement in the affair.
Within days, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic announced that arrests had also been made in Serbia - and that those people had connections with an unnamed third country. He also claimed that intelligence agencies from both East and West were increasing their activities in Serbia.
This put the rumour mill into overdrive - and local newspapers reported allegations that Serbia had secretly deported several Russian citizens for nefarious activities.
This was followed by the unexpected arrival in Belgrade of the head of Russia's Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, as Montenegro accused Russian and Serbian nationalists of organising the alleged coup attempt.
Just when it seemed that eyebrows could not possibly rise any higher, police discovered a cache of arms hidden close to Mr Vucic's parents' home on the outskirts of Belgrade. The temptation to see this as an attempt to intimidate the prime minster was hard to resist.
Jelena Milic, of the Belgrade-based Centre for Euro-Atlantic Studies, says that at the very least Mr Patrushev's visit indicated that Russia was trying to manage Serbia's response to the coup allegations.
"He was eager to suppress the fact that somebody was in Serbia, caught red-handed with the equipment and plans," said Ms Milic.
"So Patrushev came out of the blue to suppress the fact that little green men were caught here and they had left the country. Because it is big - it would really prove to everyone how big the hybrid approach by Russia to destabilise the entire EU is."
More on this story:
Theories that Russia has turned to nefarious means of influence are given legs by its obvious disapproval of the "Euro-Atlantic path" being followed by the countries of the Western Balkans, as they head towards membership of the EU, Nato or both.
Montenegro's imminent accession means that all the countries along the Adriatic coast will be Nato members.
But Russia has plenty of supporters in Serbia.
Opinion polls suggest more people favour closer ties with Moscow than membership of the EU. Suggestions that the dark arts of the Cold War are back in play get a sceptical reception.
"I don't see the hand of Russia in all this," says Misa Djurkovic, the director of Belgrade's Institute of European Studies and author of The Illusion of the European Union.
"I don't see that it's in Russia's interests to overthrow the governments in Montenegro or Serbia. They are working with those in power. And they are most interested in their own backyard, which they are not yet capable of controlling."
"In Serbia, everything that has recently been going on was connected in the media with mafia and drug-trafficking structures. That's not, as far as I know, connected with Russia."
This analysis is certainly in line with more recent comments from Serbia's prime minister, in which he suggested his family had become the target of an unnamed organised crime figure.
But even if the more outrageous allegations remain unproven, it does appear that Russia is keen to maintain some influence in the Western Balkans.
The Russian-funded media outlet, Sputnik News, set up a Serbian-language service in 2014. Its slant on stories is distinctly pro-Moscow - and it finds a sympathetic audience among Serbians and Montenegrins who still vividly remember the Nato bombing campaign of 1999 - and romanticise a "Slavic brotherhood" with Russia.
"All our enemies in the Balkans were helped by the British, Americans, Germans and so on, and that's why people try to turn to the other side and project on that side many things that are not realistic," says Misa Djurkovic.
Among all the rumours and recriminations in the western Balkans, making a sober analysis of the precise state of the region's relations with Russia is a thankless task.
"It's very easy to fall into Balkan conspiracy theorising," says James Ker-Lindsay, an expert on the politics of southeast Europe at the London School of Economics.
"We know that Russia is trying to expand its sphere of influence in the western Balkans. So there is a certain plausibility to claims that Russia is getting involved."
"But the coup plot was incredibly amateurish. If you think that Russia was engaged in a process to overthrow the Montenegrin government, you'd think they would do it in a little more sophisticated fashion than sending over a few Serb nationalists."
In any case, none of the recent events appear to have stopped Serbia advancing its EU membership negotiations, with more "chapters" in the accession process due to open this week. James Ker-Lindsay believes that when all the skulduggery has been forgotten, economic pragmatism will dictate the region's next moves.
"There is a great deal of pragmatism in Serbian government circles. They don't want to alienate Russia, but when push comes to shove, it's quite clear that economic development is the priority - and investment comes from the EU, not from Russia." | Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, is on a high-profile visit to Serbia, which comes in the wake of some of the wildest allegations of espionage seen in the Western Balkans since James Bond was pursued through what was then Yugoslavia on the Orient Express. | 38289421 |
Mr Hagel told Pentagon employees that the US must lead with its allies.
He made the remarks a day after the Senate approved his appointment following a bruising nomination battle.
Also on Wednesday, the Senate intelligence committee delayed a vote on whether to approve President Barack Obama's nominee for CIA director.
Mr Hagel was confirmed by a 58-41 vote after Republicans stalled his nomination, questioning his past positions on Israel and Iran and his qualification for the job.
He replaces Leon Panetta, who was confirmed unanimously in June 2011.
In 15 minutes of remarks at the Pentagon, Mr Hagel called for the US to continue building strong relationships with old and new allies.
"We can't dictate to the world, but we should engage with the world," said the nation's 24th defence secretary.
By Andrew NorthSouth Asia correspondent
He added that the US was a "force for good" and that the US military should use its resources around the globe "wisely".
The former Republican Nebraska senator arrives at the Pentagon two days before $46bn (£30bn) in across-the-board cuts are set to hit the military.
On the budget cuts, Mr Hagel thanked staff for working to figure out how to deal with the reductions. But he said the real danger was the "uncertainty of planning, the uncertainty of commitment".
The new defence secretary also said he was committed to making sure that both US troops and civilian workers were treated fairly and equitably.
Two weeks ago, Republicans delayed a vote on Mr Hagel's confirmation.
But they dropped the filibuster stalling tactic, the first time it had ever been used to delay confirmation of a defence secretary, on Tuesday after a week-long recess.
President Barack Obama's Democratic Party holds a 55-45 edge in the chamber, and Mr Hagel ultimately only needed 50 votes to be confirmed in the final vote.
Republican Senators Thad Cochran, Rand Paul, Richard Shelby and Mike Johanns voted in favour of Mr Hagel's appointment.
Also on Wednesday, the Senate intelligence committee delayed a vote on White House counter-terrorism adviser John Brennan, whom Mr Obama has nominated as the next director of the CIA.
The panel's top-ranking Republican, Senator Saxby Chambliss, said a vote would be rescheduled for Tuesday but did not explain why it had been delayed.
Meanwhile, some Democrats have expressed concern over the government's use of unmanned drones to carry out "targeted killings", and have suggested a vote on Mr Brennan should be delayed until the committee can review certain secret documents relating to the programme. | Shortly after his swearing-in as defence secretary, Chuck Hagel has said the US should engage with the world rather than dictate to it. | 21608051 |
The 28-year-old midfielder follows defenders Aaron Hughes and Lennard Sowah in joining Ian Cathro's side in the January transfer window.
Martin started his career at Monaco and has played in England and Switzerland.
"I hope to have a lot of success with this club," Martin told the Hearts website.
"The facilities here are amazing and the club has amazing potential. I've played in the UK in the past and I've known about Hearts and the Scottish league for a long time."
The France Under-21 cap played for Middlesbrough in the Championship in season 2011-12 and has scored a total of 19 goals in 128 club appearances. His contract with Lillestrom expired on 1 January.
Hearts visit Raith Rovers on Sunday in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup, before resuming their Premiership campaign away to leaders Celtic on 29 January. Cathro's men are fourth in the division. | Frenchman Malaury Martin has signed for Hearts on a three-and-a-half-year deal following his departure from Norwegian club Lillestrom. | 38653536 |
The Alternative fuer Deutschland (AfD) party took just under 21% of the vote behind the centre-left SPD's 30%.
The German chancellor's CDU was backed by only 19% of voters, its worst ever result in the state.
The vote was seen as a key test before German parliamentary elections in 2017.
Before the vote in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, in the former East Germany, all of Germany's other parties ruled out forming a governing coalition with the AfD. But the party, formed only three years ago, is already represented in nine of Germany's 16 state parliaments.
'Rapefugee' message in Rostock as AfD challenges Merkel
Germany jolted by AfD success
Is Merkel really on the ropes?
Profile: AfD leader Frauke Petry
One leading CDU politician called the result catastrophic, while another, Wolfgang Bosbach, said the arrival of hundreds of thousands of migrants without documents had "put the wind in the AfD's sails".
This is humiliating for Angela Merkel - not least because this was on home turf. Mrs Merkel's constituency is in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania.
This election - which was seen as a significant test ahead of next year's general election - was all about her refugee policy. For a year she's insisted 'Wir schaffen es' (we can do it) but German voters aren't convinced.
Alternative fuer Deutschland's anti immigrant and increasingly strident anti-Islam message has a powerful appeal to people concerned about integration and worried about domestic security.
It doesn't look good for Mrs Merkel. Her approval ratings are at a five-year low. But don't be tempted to write her off just yet - she has a habit of bouncing back and there is no serious contender waiting in the wings to replace her.
Under her leadership, Germany has been taking in large numbers of refugees and migrants - 1.1 million last year - and anti-immigrant feeling has increased.
The AfD, initially an anti-euro party, has enjoyed a rapid rise as the party of choice for voters dismayed by Mrs Merkel's policy.
But its political power is limited and critics accuse it of engaging in xenophobic scaremongering.
The CDU has been the junior coalition partner in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania since 2006 and is likely to remain in the governing coalition. However, its 19% in the election is its worst ever result in the state, German broadcasters said.
"The strong performance of AfD is bitter for many, for everyone in our party," said CDU secretary general Peter Tauber. "A sizeable number of people wanted to voice their displeasure and to protest. And we saw that particularly in discussions about refugees."
BBC Berlin correspondent Damien McGuinness says that following her political embarrassment, Mrs Merkel will now come under greater pressure to change her welcoming position on refugees.
Addressing supporters, local AfD leader Leif-Erik Holm said: "Perhaps this is the beginning of the end of Angela Merkel's chancellorship today."
Mrs Merkel, who is in China for the G20 summit, told Bild newspaper on Saturday: "We did not reduce benefits for anyone in Germany as a result of the aid for refugees. In fact, we actually saw social improvements in some areas.
"We took nothing away from people here. We are still achieving our big goal of maintaining and improving the quality of life in Germany."
"How many more electoral disasters can Merkel take?" wonders tabloid Bild, and predicts that temporarily pacified opposition to Mrs Merkel's line inside her conservative bloc could erupt with full force.
In fact, a senior member of the powerful Bavarian sister party of Ms Merkel's Christian Democrats, Markus Soeder, has already called for a "change of course" in remarks to Bild.
An article in Sueddeutsche Zeitung predicts an "autumn of discontent" for the chancellor, while Die Welt thinks many of her long-standing critics will now "break cover" and "let rip".
But a commentary in news magazine Der Spiegel believes that while the election is a "debacle" for Ms Merkel, her job is not on the line quite yet.
Some also think it's not all just about Mrs Merkel. A commentary in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung argues that voters are angry at "(almost) all" mainstream parties, and not just the Christian Democrats, mainly over globalisation and "compromise-based politics". | Angela Merkel's ruling CDU party has been beaten into third place by an anti-immigrant and anti-Islam party in elections in a north-eastern German state. | 37271971 |
The scam at the hospital is understood to have taken place earlier this month.
Two men reportedly spent two days inside the hospital offering to help staff claim back tax.
Thousands of pounds are believed to have been lost; police believe there are more victims of the fraud and have urged them to come forward.
It is believed the fraudsters obtained the personal details of the employees, including bank details.
"We currently have nine potential victims of this alleged fraud, we believe there are more potential victims out there and we need them to contact us," said Det Insp Bob Blemmings.
"We are working closely with the Causeway Hospital to identify any potential victims and identify any suspects.
"We would advise anyone who believes they are the victim of this type of fraud to report it to their local Police station by calling 101." | Nine victims of a suspected fraud at the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine have been identified, police have said. | 39039380 |
The Dons cashed in on terrible defending as Jonny Hayes, Andy Considine and Rooney made it 3-0.
Ryan Christie curled in a sublime fourth before the break and Rooney added a penalty and a tap-in.
Ryan Bowman and Stephen Pearson hit back for Well and Aberdeen substitute Peter Pawlett rounded off the scoring.
As well as moving three points and 19 goals clear of Rangers in the battle for second place, Aberdeen also reduced the gap on top-of-the-table Celtic to 24 points.
Motherwell, meanwhile, are in ninth spot.
Match ends, Aberdeen 7, Motherwell 2.
Second Half ends, Aberdeen 7, Motherwell 2.
Attempt saved. Jayden Stockley (Aberdeen) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Richard Tait.
Attempt saved. Ash Taylor (Aberdeen) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
Attempt saved. Miles Storey (Aberdeen) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
Goal! Aberdeen 7, Motherwell 2. Peter Pawlett (Aberdeen) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Jonny Hayes.
Goal! Aberdeen 6, Motherwell 2. Stephen Pearson (Motherwell) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Louis Moult.
Corner, Motherwell. Conceded by Mark Reynolds.
Substitution, Aberdeen. Miles Storey replaces Ryan Christie.
Attempt missed. Jayden Stockley (Aberdeen) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right.
Foul by Jayden Stockley (Aberdeen).
Ben Heneghan (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Attempt saved. Kenny McLean (Aberdeen) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
Attempt missed. Ryan Bowman (Motherwell) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high.
Goal! Aberdeen 6, Motherwell 1. Ryan Bowman (Motherwell) header from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Richard Tait.
Foul by Mark Reynolds (Aberdeen).
Louis Moult (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution, Aberdeen. Peter Pawlett replaces Niall McGinn.
Substitution, Aberdeen. Jayden Stockley replaces Adam Rooney.
Foul by Andrew Considine (Aberdeen).
Louis Moult (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Goal! Aberdeen 6, Motherwell 0. Adam Rooney (Aberdeen) right footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Niall McGinn with a cross.
Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Ben Heneghan.
Substitution, Motherwell. Craig Clay replaces Elliott Frear.
Goal! Aberdeen 5, Motherwell 0. Adam Rooney (Aberdeen) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the centre of the goal.
Penalty Aberdeen. Shaleum Logan draws a foul in the penalty area.
Penalty conceded by Steven Hammell (Motherwell) after a foul in the penalty area.
Attempt missed. Adam Rooney (Aberdeen) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
Ash Taylor (Aberdeen) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Ryan Bowman (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Ash Taylor (Aberdeen).
Foul by Kenny McLean (Aberdeen).
Elliott Frear (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Adam Rooney (Aberdeen).
Ben Heneghan (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Ryan Jack (Aberdeen) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Foul by Steven Hammell (Motherwell).
Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Craig Samson.
Attempt saved. Kenny McLean (Aberdeen) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner. | Adam Rooney hit a hat-trick as Aberdeen cruised three points clear of third-placed Rangers following a mauling of a woeful Motherwell side. | 38973451 |
The lecturer, who has worked there for more than 20 years, claims managers are not willing to recognise the major problems the university is facing.
It includes a dramatic fall in league tables and a drop in student numbers.
But one of the university's pro vice-chancellors said there was no problem with morale.
According to Ucas figures there were a record 12,475 applications made to Aberystwyth in 2011 - the year before higher tuition fees were introduced.
A drop from that high level was expected, but in contrast to other universities the fall in applications has continued year on year in Aberystwyth.
In 2014 it had reached 8,425.
The university has dropped from being in the top 50 institutions in 2011 to number 87 in the latest Complete University Guide league table.
In an interview with BBC Radio Cymru's Manylu programme, the lecturer said the location of the university was critical and, along with high fees, students were voting with their feet.
But they added: "In my opinion, the management methods that have been adopted have led to low levels of morale amongst staff which in turn have led to a considerable drop in the levels of student satisfaction - and this has had a negative effect on recruitment.
Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, one of the university's pro vice-chancellors, denied there was a problem with morale and said around £100m is being invested in the campus to help attract students, increase levels of student satisfaction and improve the position in the rankings.
He added: "We're very confident when we look to the future. We can see that the investment is starting to pay off.
"We're investing in the student experience and we know that is the way to increase satisfaction... we're looking ahead with confidence, knowing that we have the plans in place for a successful future here."
Listen to Manylu on BBC Radio Cymru, Thursday at 12:30 GMT | Staff morale is very low at Aberystwyth University due to the way the organisation is being managed, a whistleblower has told BBC Wales. | 31946666 |
The woman was admitted to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary for a pelvic floor repair procedure.
A report by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman said the woman had a vaginal hysterectomy later that day.
The ombudsman said the woman, known as Mrs C, should have been told about the possibility of the procedure earlier.
The report added: "We found that it was unreasonable that Mrs C was only told about the possibility of such a significant procedure on the day of the surgery and that she was given little time to consider this."
The ombudsman recommended that NHS Dumfries and Galloway issue a written apology to the patient.
It also asked the health board to provide evidence to show that the possibility of a hysterectomy is discussed at an early stage with patients undergoing pelvic floor repair.
A spokeswoman for the board said: "Jeff Ace, chief executive NHS Dumfries and Galloway, has written and apologised to this lady for her experience as it was not the standard that he would wish.
"The action plan for the actions requested by the SPSO has also been completed to ensure that we maximise the learning from her experience." | An NHS board has apologised to a patient who was told she may need a hysterectomy just hours before undergoing surgery for another matter. | 34063448 |
Witold Sobkow met Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and junior minister Michelle McIlveen. who was deputising for First Minister Peter Robinson.
They said they "value the contribution of the Polish community".
In a joint statement, the two politicians said they "shared the ambassador's concern about race hate crimes and all forms of intimidation".
"Although race hate crimes are first and foremost a matter for the PSNI we all have a responsibility to support, understand and respect our neighbours.
"Together we must eradicate the scourge of racism, sectarianism and all forms of bigotry."
Almost 150 crimes were recorded against the Polish community in a 12-month period up to March 2015; an increase of 39 on the previous year.
On Monday, the first day of his two-day visit to Northern Ireland, Mr Sobkow called for a more co-ordinated response to the attacks and more integration for the Polish community.
"This is bad for the community, but it is also bad for Northern Ireland because it creates the wrong image of the community that is, in general, hospitable," he said.
Mr McGuinness and Ms McIlveen said officials would shortly have proposals ready for the Northern Ireland Executive's racial equality strategy, having analysed responses to a consultation.
"It is in all our interests that people from minority ethnic backgrounds have a sense of belonging and know that their place in society is valued," they said.
"By working together we can ensure all people in our community are treated fairly and show we welcome the diversity which enhances all our lives."
Mr Sobkow also met senior PSNI officers on Tuesday.
Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin said he had briefed Mr Sobkow "on the various strands of work we are engaged in to try and put a stop to the unacceptable behaviour being carried out by a small number of intolerant people".
He said the PSNI took its responsibilities in preventing and tackling hate crime "extremely seriously", adding that it "requires a wider societal and cultural response involving politicians, civic society and community". | The Polish ambassador has discussed an upsurge in hate crime in Northern Ireland with politicians at Stormont. | 32982681 |
Police are yet to make any arrests although the 21-year-old was attacked last week in Rohtak town in the northern state of Haryana.
She had been pursuing a case in court against the five men, when she was attacked on Wednesday.
The woman said she was forced inside a car and the men tried to strangle her.
She was seriously injured and left for dead in the bushes. A passerby saw her and took her to the hospital.
The woman was first assaulted in 2013 in Bhiwani town.
Her family has alleged that they had moved to Rohtak after they were threatened by the accused who have been out on bail.
"I was leaving the college when I saw them. They were the same five men. I was very afraid. They forced me inside the car. They tried to strangulate me. They said they would kill my father and brother," the woman, who is from a poor low-caste Dalit (formerly known as untouchables) family, told a television channel.
"I have no idea where they took me. My attackers were the same five men," she said.
Nearly four years after the brutal gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old physiotherapy student on a bus in Delhi caused global outrage and brought India much infamy, it appears the authorities have yet to treat the issue seriously.
The gang rape of the student in Rohtak, allegedly by the same men who raped her three years ago, is an example of how callously the authorities treat victims of rape.
Questions are being asked about how the five men, who were accused of a serious crime like rape, were free to conduct another attack.
There is also the question of why the victim and her family were not provided with any security when they said they had been threatened.
Many are wondering if this barbaric attack will jolt the government into action in a country where, according to official statistics, a rape is recorded every 15 minutes.
Her family has alleged that the attackers had been putting pressure on them to settle the case and were punishing the woman for pursuing it in court.
A local police official Garima, who uses only one name, told reporters that they had registered a complaint and a team had been sent to Bhiwani to look for the accused men.
Meanwhile, angry protests have been held in Rohtak, demanding immediate arrest of the accused men.
Rape and gender crimes have been in the spotlight in India in recent years after the brutal gang rape and murder of a student in 2012 in Delhi.
In response, tough new anti-rape laws were introduced in the country.
However, brutal sexual attacks against women and children continue to be reported across the country . | There has been outrage in India after a student was allegedly gang-raped by five men who had also raped her three years ago. | 36823572 |
The Denmark international struck in either half as Spurs consolidated their grip on fifth place in the Premier League with their eighth win of the season.
Danny Rose laid Eriksen's first on a plate inside 15 minutes after good work down the left, and Kyle Walker did likewise from the right to snuff out any hope of a Hull comeback after the break.
Eriksen was desperately unlucky not to claim the match ball after seeing a superb free-kick tipped on to the post by Hull goalkeeper David Marshall, allowing Victor Wanyama to mop up the rebound from a couple of yards out.
Hull can have no complaints about the defeat but the one-sided final score was a tad unfair on the Tigers after they matched their hosts for long spells.
However, 35 goals conceded in 16 games is a damning statistic for the side second-bottom of the league - as is the fact they have now lost six away games in succession, equalling their top-flight record.
Spurs dominated possession and chances - having 27 shots in all - but clear-cut openings were at a premium. Wing-backs Rose and Walker were a constant menace, however, and it was through them that Spurs had the most joy.
With 14 minutes gone Rose sprinted down the wing to latch on to Jan Vertonghen's long ball, advanced and cut inside his marker before laying off for Eriksen to thump the ball high into the net.
With Spurs deploying Eric Dier alongside Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld in a three-man defence, Spurs' wing-backs enjoyed greater licence to get forward and their second goal bore similarities to the first.
This time it was Dier with a ball over the top for Walker to collect and advance into the area, and when he crossed low across the face of goal it was an easy task for Eriksen to tuck home his second at the back post - his fifth goal in his last four Premier League games.
Rose then won the free-kick from which Spurs netted their third, capping a fine display by the England full-back.
Despite the gulf between the sides in terms of league position and resources, Hull produced a display that was, for a time, on a par with their hosts.
They carved out 10 shots on goal away from home against a top-five side - something they have struggled to do at home to lesser opposition this season - and with a bit more composure might have pegged Spurs back at 1-1.
Jake Livermore was the pick of Hull's players against his former club and it was he who very nearly pulled them level. His first chance arrived during a sustained spell of Hull pressure after falling behind, but Hugo Lloris got down well to keep out his poked effort.
The Tigers' second good chance arrived as the Spurs faithful were just beginning to grumble at their team's inability to impose themselves on the visitors at the start of the second half.
Spurs had several penalty appeals turned down by referee Andre Marriner, and it was following one of those - after Eriksen was bundled over by Andrew Robertson - that Hull nearly levelled.
The breakaway ended with Livermore being played in on the right of the area, but his initial shot was blocked and his follow-up cleared away by the left boot of Lloris.
Three minutes later Eriksen was slotting in his second goal of the night and the game was up for the Tigers.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino: "I think it was a game we dominated. I think the most important is the three points, to be close to the top four.
"In some parts the team play well, which is hard against a team playing for survival."
On Christian Eriksen: "He was very close to a hat-trick. It was a very good performance for him - he played very very well."
On Eric Dier: "I know there are a lot of rumours, but he's 100% our player. He's very important for us. He signed a contract after the Euros and showed his commitment to the club. There's no doubt his future is at White Hart Lane."
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Hull boss Mike Phelan: "We came here with a fabulous attitude. They've come here and played the ball, controlled it, restricted their attempts, but at a certain time in the game we were more than value for money.
"I thought they did very well but we're on the end of a 3-0 defeat - but we have to stay positive.
"Every game is key, it's all on the next game and we can only look forward. I'm staying positive for these players and hopefully we can add to the group in January.
"If we can keep creating opportunities and doing the right things, I'm hoping we can turn positive performance into results.
"We're looking at improving the group. We definitely need to be adding that extra to give the club and supporters and players a lift."
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It's back-to-back home games for Tottenham as they welcome Burnley to White Hart Lane on Sunday at 16:00 GMT. Hull are back in London to play West Ham on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
Match ends, Tottenham Hotspur 3, Hull City 0.
Second Half ends, Tottenham Hotspur 3, Hull City 0.
Josh Onomah (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Foul by David Meyler (Hull City).
Attempt missed. Harry Winks (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Christian Eriksen following a set piece situation.
Attempt blocked. Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Ryan Mason (Hull City).
Attempt blocked. Josh Onomah (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Son Heung-Min.
Substitution, Tottenham Hotspur. Josh Onomah replaces Moussa Sissoko.
Substitution, Hull City. Jarrod Bowen replaces Robert Snodgrass.
Offside, Hull City. David Meyler tries a through ball, but Adama Diomande is caught offside.
Attempt saved. Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Moussa Sissoko.
Attempt blocked. Adama Diomande (Hull City) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked.
Offside, Hull City. David Marshall tries a through ball, but Robert Snodgrass is caught offside.
Substitution, Hull City. David Meyler replaces Jake Livermore.
Substitution, Tottenham Hotspur. Son Heung-Min replaces Harry Kane.
Goal! Tottenham Hotspur 3, Hull City 0. Victor Wanyama (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from very close range to the top right corner following a set piece situation.
Attempt saved. Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Michael Dawson (Hull City).
Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by Harry Maguire.
Attempt blocked. Moussa Sissoko (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Danny Rose.
Attempt blocked. Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by Ahmed Elmohamady.
Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Foul by Adama Diomande (Hull City).
Attempt blocked. Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Victor Wanyama.
Substitution, Hull City. Ryan Mason replaces Sam Clucas.
Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Robert Snodgrass (Hull City).
Attempt saved. Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Moussa Sissoko.
Attempt saved. Sam Clucas (Hull City) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Tom Huddlestone.
Goal! Tottenham Hotspur 2, Hull City 0. Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Kyle Walker.
Harry Winks (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Sam Clucas (Hull City).
Substitution, Tottenham Hotspur. Harry Winks replaces Dele Alli.
Attempt missed. Sam Clucas (Hull City) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right following a corner.
Corner, Hull City. Conceded by Hugo Lloris.
Attempt saved. Jake Livermore (Hull City) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. | Christian Eriksen scored twice as Tottenham proved far too strong for spirited Hull City at White Hart Lane. | 38232215 |
Kestutis Bauzys, 46, was detained on Thursday after Dzilva Butiene, 48, was found in Orange Grove, Wisbech on 5 April.
Post-mortem tests showed Ms Butiene, of Oakroyd Crescent, Wisbech, suffered trauma to the abdomen,
Mr Bauzys, of no fixed address, is expected to appear before Peterborough magistrates on Monday. | A man has been charged with murder following the death of a woman from suspected abdominal injuries. | 39614216 |
Meri Huws said 26 bodies must now meet Welsh language standards, making certain services available in Welsh.
The organisations involved include the Welsh Government, local councils and the three national parks.
The rules are intended to apply to further bodies in the future.
Some private firms are amongst the bodies that are due to come under the regulations at some point.
The regulations, which came into force on Wednesday, include requiring bodies to make it clear that they welcome correspondence with the public in Welsh and giving the language priority on bilingual signs.
They also give employees new rights to use Welsh in the workplace.
Speaking to BBC Radio Cymru's Post Cyntaf programme, Ms Huws said the changes were "exciting". | People should feel "confident" they can use services through the medium of Welsh at a number of public bodies, now new rules have come into effect, the Welsh language commissioner has said. | 35934945 |
Zander Clark has been in fine form, but the keeper looked at fault as Richard Tait's cross ended up in the net.
Well just about deserved the lead, but Saints came close to an equaliser just before the break when Steven MacLean was denied by a Craig Samson save.
That came when Kane's first attempt was blocked by Samson but rebounded off the striker into the net.
The draw ended a sequence of three 2-1 wins for St Johnstone over Motherwell.
But it also ended Well's run of six defeats at McDiarmid Park since November 2012.
St Johnstone started positively and had three decent chances in the opening five minutes.
Michael Coulson's corner picked out Brian Easton on the run and his left foot strike was deflected wide by a visiting defender.
From the following corner, Murray Davidson looped a header over the bar then Kane connected with an Easton cross to flick it wide of the target.
But for all that positivity, an unexpected negative for Saints appeared at the other end in the shape of goalkeeper Clark.
After two successive clean sheets, he produced a howler of a mistake to give Motherwell the early lead.
As the keeper went to cut out Tait's low cross from the right on his six yard line, he somehow managed to turn the ball behind him into the corner of his own net with an extraordinary fumble.
As Tait took the acclaim of his teammates, Clark, who has been impressive since breaking into Saints first-team, could only look on in embarrassment.
Tam Scobbie, who replaced Steven Anderson at the heart of the home defence, showed his threat in the opposition box as Saints looked for an equaliser.
His downward header from another corner kick was cleared off the line by Craig Clay.
Motherwell's three-man defence of Ben Heneghan, Stephen McManus and David Ferguson showed they weren't standing on ceremony when the ball entered their area.
Their no-nonsense defending was effective and they were helped out by goalkeeper Craig Samson in thwarting Steven MacLean in the final minute of the first half when he dived to his left to turn the striker's header from a Chris Millar cross round the post.
Samson produced another fine save early in the second half to keep out a Davidson header at his right-hand post.
However, just after the hour mark, good fortune favoured the home side as they pulled level.
MacLean was found by substitute Blair Alston inside the box and it was headed into the path of Kane six yards out.
The striker's initial effort was blocked by Samson, but Kane got lucky as the ball rebounded back off his body and bounced into the net for his fourth goal of the season.
Alston came close to putting Saints ahead, but his shot was well saved by Samson.
St Johnstone Tommy Wright: "We had the lion's share of possession and we used that well with some quality football played getting into the last third and getting in some great crosses.
"Samson's made two or three great saves and we've probably been guilty of not being clinical enough.
"But I always think in this league, when you go one goal down, it's difficult to get back in games, so I was pleased with the character of the team to get back in the game.
"On another day, we could have got another goal and won the game, but the performance excellent and we recovered well from that early setback.
"To be fair, Motherwell might have had a shout for penalty, but we went up the field and equalised and I think it was nothing more than we deserved because we've dominated the game."
Motherwell manager Mark McGhee: "The first half I was quite content with our approach, our application, everything was good and we got the goal.
"But the second half was excruciating. We never really got out, we never really got a hold of the ball, so it was really hard work.
"A point here is a great point regardless of the circumstances because we've lost here regularly and St Johnstone put you under pressure and work every so hard.
"They have a good way about them and Steven MacLean leads the line brilliantly for them.
"Craig Samson made a few good saves for us. He's had a great season and he continues to make a great contribution."
Match ends, St. Johnstone 1, Motherwell 1.
Second Half ends, St. Johnstone 1, Motherwell 1.
Attempt missed. David Wotherspoon (St. Johnstone) right footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses the top right corner.
Richard Foster (St. Johnstone) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Foul by Richard Foster (St. Johnstone).
Lionel Ainsworth (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Murray Davidson (St. Johnstone).
Craig Clay (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Richard Tait.
Attempt missed. Scott McDonald (Motherwell) right footed shot from a difficult angle and long range on the left is too high from a direct free kick.
Substitution, St. Johnstone. Graham Cummins replaces Christopher Kane.
Foul by Christopher Kane (St. Johnstone).
Stephen McManus (Motherwell) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Substitution, Motherwell. Ryan Bowman replaces Jack McMillan because of an injury.
Louis Moult (Motherwell) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Joe Shaughnessy (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Louis Moult (Motherwell).
Substitution, Motherwell. Lionel Ainsworth replaces Keith Lasley.
Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Stephen McManus.
Substitution, St. Johnstone. Paul Paton replaces Chris Millar.
Foul by Chris Millar (St. Johnstone).
Lionel Ainsworth (Motherwell) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Ben Heneghan.
Goal! St. Johnstone 1, Motherwell 1. Christopher Kane (St. Johnstone) with an attempt from very close range to the bottom left corner.
Attempt saved. Chris Cadden (Motherwell) header from very close range is saved in the centre of the goal.
Attempt missed. Murray Davidson (St. Johnstone) header from the left side of the six yard box is high and wide to the left.
Christopher Kane (St. Johnstone) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Stephen McManus (Motherwell).
Substitution, Motherwell. Lee Lucas replaces David Ferguson.
Foul by Steven MacLean (St. Johnstone).
Stephen McManus (Motherwell) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Attempt saved. Tam Scobbie (St. Johnstone) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Jack McMillan.
Attempt saved. Murray Davidson (St. Johnstone) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Keith Lasley.
Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by David Ferguson.
Second Half begins St. Johnstone 0, Motherwell 1.
First Half ends, St. Johnstone 0, Motherwell 1.
Attempt saved. Steven MacLean (St. Johnstone) header from long range on the right is saved in the bottom left corner.
Corner, St. Johnstone. Conceded by Craig Samson. | Chris Kane's fortunate equaliser for St Johnstone denied Motherwell a rare win at McDiarmid Park. | 38272494 |
Timm Klose's error gifted Albion the lead as Lasse Vigen Christensen nicked possession and squared for fellow Fulham loanee Cauley Woodrow to tap in.
City levelled when Steven Whittaker's wild shot deflected in off Cameron Jerome for his 11th goal of the season.
But Kightly grabbed a stylish winner, flicking the ball past Russell Martin before lifting a shot over John Ruddy.
Norwich came into the game on a six-game unbeaten league run, but were let down again by their poor away record.
The Canaries have lost nine times away from Carrow Road in the league this season, only Forest and Rotherham having conceded more Championship goals on the road.
Both Burton goals came against the run of play, but the hosts could have won by a greater margin, with Lloyd Dyer blasting over and Martin clearing as Jackson Irvine prepared to pounce.
Nigel Clough's side, who have conceded in 16 consecutive league matches, protested strongly against City's sole goal, claiming Jerome had handled.
Yet the Canaries, who had 64% possession in an often scrappy game, felt they should have had a stoppage-time penalty when Wes Hoolahan was bundled over.
Burton's third win in five league matches lifted them to 20th, four points clear of the bottom three, while Norwich slipped to seven points off the play-off places in seventh.
Burton manager Nigel Clough: "That's right up there with our best results this season, especially in the context of where we find ourselves in the league playing against a very good side as we did today.
"It was just about pure hard work and the desire to stop the opposition playing. The two goals are great quality from our point of view, especially the second one.
"It was the work-rate today that did it and I thought that was outstanding. There was a real desire at the end to see it through and get the three points."
Norwich boss Alex Neil: "It's hugely disappointing. We got into good areas at times, but the final ball wasn't good enough when we got it in there.
"We had most of the game and Burton's centre-forward (Cauley Woodrow) gets man-of-the-match.
"When we scored we looked as if we are going to go on and win the game.
"We gave the ball away in a stupid area from our own throw-in and then didn't defend well enough."
Match ends, Burton Albion 2, Norwich City 1.
Second Half ends, Burton Albion 2, Norwich City 1.
Corner, Norwich City. Conceded by Luke Murphy.
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Delay in match John Mousinho (Burton Albion) because of an injury.
Foul by Timm Klose (Norwich City).
John Mousinho (Burton Albion) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Corner, Norwich City. Conceded by John Mousinho.
Attempt blocked. Mitchell Dijks (Norwich City) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Jonny Howson with a headed pass.
Substitution, Burton Albion. Shaun Barker replaces Lasse Vigen Christensen.
Attempt missed. Luke Varney (Burton Albion) right footed shot from the right side of the box is too high. Assisted by Marvin Sordell.
Attempt missed. Jonny Howson (Norwich City) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.
Substitution, Norwich City. Kyle Lafferty replaces Alex Pritchard.
Attempt missed. Lloyd Dyer (Burton Albion) left footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Luke Varney with a cross.
Steven Whittaker (Norwich City) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Luke Varney (Burton Albion).
Substitution, Burton Albion. Luke Varney replaces Cauley Woodrow.
Corner, Norwich City. Conceded by John Mousinho.
Substitution, Burton Albion. Lloyd Dyer replaces Michael Kightly.
Substitution, Norwich City. Josh Murphy replaces Yanic Wildschut.
Foul by Alexander Tettey (Norwich City).
Marvin Sordell (Burton Albion) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Attempt blocked. Alex Pritchard (Norwich City) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Cameron Jerome.
Mitchell Dijks (Norwich City) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Lasse Vigen Christensen (Burton Albion).
Foul by Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City).
Tom Flanagan (Burton Albion) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Attempt missed. Alex Pritchard (Norwich City) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Cameron Jerome with a headed pass.
Cameron Jerome (Norwich City) is shown the yellow card.
Foul by Cameron Jerome (Norwich City).
Tom Flanagan (Burton Albion) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Goal! Burton Albion 2, Norwich City 1. Michael Kightly (Burton Albion) right footed shot from outside the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Cauley Woodrow following a fast break.
Corner, Norwich City. Conceded by Tom Naylor.
Corner, Norwich City. Conceded by Tom Flanagan.
Attempt blocked. Cauley Woodrow (Burton Albion) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Michael Kightly.
Goal! Burton Albion 1, Norwich City 1. Cameron Jerome (Norwich City) header from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Steven Whittaker.
Attempt missed. Steven Whittaker (Norwich City) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Cameron Jerome.
Attempt missed. Cameron Jerome (Norwich City) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Alex Pritchard with a cross following a set piece situation.
Russell Martin (Norwich City) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Tom Flanagan (Burton Albion). | Michael Kightly's third goal in as many games earned Championship strugglers Burton a crucial victory over Norwich. | 38940155 |
The messages appear as invitations to events but are sent by spammers not the brands they feature.
The "report junk" button has been added to Apple's iCloud.com site and is expected to be included in an iOS update soon.
The calendar bug was heavily exploited this year around Black Friday.
Clearing out the bogus messages was frustrating because deleting the invitation sent an acknowledgement to the spammer it came from, revealing that an account was live.
Some people reported that declining an invitation led to them receiving more spam from the same source.
The spam invitations appear to come mainly from Chinese email addresses.
The reporting button removes the junk invitations from a person's calendar and lets Apple know about the message.
The button automatically appears on invitations sent by people not in someone's contacts list.
Until iOS is updated, anyone wishing to tackle the spam on their calendar must visit iCloud.com and click to report the faked messages.
The invitation will then disappear from all synched calendars.
Late last month, Apple apologised for the sudden influx of calendar spam and said it was working on ways to fix it.
Before the introduction of the reporting system, many people fixed the problem by creating a second calendar only for spam.
They moved all the junk invitations into that calendar and then deleted it. | Apple is tackling an outbreak of spam on iPhone calendars by introducing a button that lets users report the junk appointments. | 38289775 |
Tom Westley added 16 to his overnight 238, before the Essex batsman was run out by Brett D'Oliveira for 254.
However, skipper Ryan ten Doeschate (109 not out) brought up his century prompting a declaration on 601-5.
Facing a first-innings deficit of 371, Worcestershire collapsed to 210 all out, Graham Napier claiming 5-59.
Essex, who were briefly replaced at the top of the table by Kent after their victory over Sussex, move 24 points clear with two games remaining.
Westley missed the opportunity to overtake Northants' Ben Duckett's 282 not out, the highest score of the season, when he was sent back to the pavilion by D'Oliveira's direct hit.
But that was the only slight downside of another day of dominance, capped by Napier's 17th career five-wicket haul in his penultimate match at Chelmsford before retirement.
And home captain ten Doeschate, who has now hit 615 runs in his last eight innings, passed 1,000 Championship runs for the season.
While Worcestershire's promotion hopes are now ended, Essex face Glamorgan at home next week before finishing with what could be a pivotal match against Kent at Canterbury.
Essex captain Ryan ten Doeschate told BBC Radio Essex:
"We don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but obviously we've got a great chance against Glamorgan next week to wrap things up.
"If you don't concentrate too much on the league table, and just play your best cricket, hopefully that takes care of itself."
"The last three weeks have been very rewarding. Winning three matches in a row by an innings is a pretty special accomplishment.
"Disassociating myself from the captaincy when I'm batting has been important. Maybe for the first few weeks I was a little bit caught up in worrying too much about the team rather than my own batting."
Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes told BBC Hereford & Worcester:
"Let's be honest, Essex have totally outplayed us. These are the moments you need to never forget. But let's give some credit to Essex. If they play to their potential and their career statistics they have got a good outfit worthy of where they are in the table.
"From David Masters' bowling to the batting of Tom Westley, Alastair Cook, Ravi Bopara and Ryan ten Doeschate, they have played very well. It is difficult if they turn up and play their best game, which they more or less have these three days.
"Ben Cox and George [Rhodes], at five and seven, were trying to do rescue jobs and do possibly what the top-order players should have done. But Ben has been Mr Reliable this season whether with the gloves or the bat and someone we can call upon in a crisis.
"We understand the top order must do better. When you win the toss and bat, you've got to a firm foundation - and sadly it didn't happen. They are young and they make mistakes. But crikey, we all make mistakes. I made mistakes well into my late thirties! But as long as they learn." | Essex maintained their Division Two promotion push with a thumping innings and 161 run win over Worcestershire inside three days at Chelmsford. | 37252168 |
Adrian Gill, a reformed alcoholic who defied his dyslexia to become the greatest assembler of similes writing in English in his day, passed away last weekend.
And just this week Michael Nicholson, a giant of television journalism, also died.
Both men received glowing and deserved tributes from colleagues in their former abodes (The Sunday Times and ITN respectively), and indeed beyond.
But very many journalists - too many - around the world die without receiving the attention and coverage they deserve.
According to Reporters sans frontieres (RSF), an organisation that promotes a free press around the world, 74 journalists died doing their job around the world in 2016. The numbers were released this morning.
Seventy-four? In a profession that probably employs millions around the world? That's a tiny number, I hear you say.
Moreover, it's down from the previous year, when 101 died. So not so bad really.
Well, I don't agree. Journalists got a kicking in 2016, blamed for many if not most of the things people don't like.
"Mainstream media" became an implied insult. The new American president, Donald Trump, castigates titles from the New York Times to Vanity Fair, and uses Twitter to bypass traditional media altogether.
The reputation of journalism may be low around the world today, but at its best it is a noble endeavour which not only chronicles history, but accelerates it.
That is why powerful people have, throughout history, killed journalists they see as dangerous.
This year, according to RSF, three quarters of those killed were deliberately murdered. And the only reason the number of deaths is down is because many fewer journalists are reporting from some of the most ghastly war zones in the world today, from Syria to Burundi.
This leaves information black holes where tyranny and horror can go undocumented and unchallenged.
Over the weekend I read the RSF report. I also read Jeremy Clarkson's beautiful and touching tribute to his "closest friend", Gill.
It made me think that each of those 74 who died this year deserved the same amount of coverage at least.
After all, they died for their cause.
Many of them are pictured in the RSF report. They deserve our respect and solidarity, and we should remember them this Christmas, too.
I would encourage you to read the report so that next time you hear caterwauling about what awful people journalists are, you have 74 examples to hand for why they're not. | In the past week, two of the most celebrated British journalists of their generation have died. | 38359384 |
The 32-year-old, who made his debut for the county in 2003, has played 556 games for Somerset across all formats.
"I love playing for the club and honestly can't imagine playing anywhere else," he told the club website.
Director of Cricket Matt Maynard added: "He is an outstanding professional and epitomises everything we are about."
Hildreth was a key part of the Somerset side that finished second in the County Championship last season and has scored 14,653 first-class runs in total. | Somerset batsman James Hildreth has signed a new four-year contract with the County Championship Division One side until the end of the 2021 season. | 39633784 |
The "triple-lock" policy has meant state pensions rise each year by the inflation rate, average earnings or 2.5% - whichever is highest.
Baroness Altmann, the pensions minister until last month, said its costs would become "enormous" - and proposed dropping the 2.5% guarantee.
Her predecessor said it must stay.
Steve Webb, the Liberal Democrat pensions minister in the coalition government, said the policy's ambition to recover lost ground in pension income had not been fully achieved.
A Downing Street spokesperson said it was still committed to the policy but did not comment on what might happen from 2020 - the timescale highlighted by Lady Altmann.
"The manifesto contains a commitment to protect the triple lock. That commitment still stands," the spokesperson said. In their 2015 election manifesto, the Conservatives promised to extend the triple lock until 2020.
In her maiden speech in the House of Lords in June last year, Lady Altmann said: "With the introduction of the triple lock, the previous government helped to ensure that today's pensioners now receive the highest share of basic state pension relative to earnings in two decades, so that pensioners are protected even in tough times. I repeat the Prime Minister's commitment that this triple lock will be maintained during this Parliament."
On Sunday she said she had argued for alterations to the policy, but former Prime Minister David Cameron had blocked the change for political reasons.
"Absolutely we must protect pensioner incomes, but the 2.5% bit doesn't make sense," she said.
"If, for example, we went into a period of deflation where everything - both earnings and prices - was falling, then putting up pensions by 2.5% is a bit out of all proportion."
The triple lock had "fulfilled its purpose" and pensioner households were now "no more likely to be poor than other age groups", she said.
Yet, Mr Webb, now policy director for Royal London insurance company, told the BBC: "If you look at the pensioner population, half of them are too poor to pay income tax - that is the extent of the distance we have still got to travel and that is what the triple lock is about.
"You can't have a one -ff surge in the state pension; it is an annual ratchet to try and get the pension to recover some of the lost ground of 30 years and that is a process that is far from complete."
He said that the UK still had "a pension that is still one of lowest in Europe". It is still below a third of average wages - seen as a benchmark by some for an adequate state pension.
"The idea that all of government policy has been pro-pensioner and anti-working age isn't borne out by the recent past," Mr Webb added.
Total pension spending has increased by 25% since 2010-11, and the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said that any long-term commitment to the triple-lock would be "unaffordable".
Carl Emmerson, deputy director of the IFS, said that the highs and lows of the UK economy would mean that the state pension would logically grow faster than earnings in general over the longer term.
He said that, although the state pension was lower in the UK than much of Europe, private pension provision was higher. Consequently, pensioners were not a relatively poor group. | Debate over the protection of state pension increases has been heightened with two former pensions ministers disagreeing on the issue. | 36942274 |
The painting, which hangs in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery, is to be moved to London's Royal Academy of Arts in September.
It is to be one of the main attractions of a Dali/Duchamp exhibition.
The piece will return to the Kelvingrove in summer 2018, before going to Auckland Castle, County Durham, in autumn 2019.
The painting, which was bought by the City of Glasgow for £8,200 in 1952, will then return to Kelvingrove in spring 2020.
The Dali/Duchamp aims to throw light on the relationship between the father of conceptual art, Marcel Duchamp, and Surrealist Salvador Dali.
The exhibition, which will bring together more than 60 works, is to travel to The Dali Museum in St Petersburg, Florida from February to May 2018.
Head of Glasgow Museums Duncan Dornan said it would provide a new perspective on an "inventive and intelligent man".
He said: "Glasgow's art collection is considered one of the finest in Europe and loaning key pieces increases access to the works so that people across the country and indeed the world can enjoy them, bolstering our reputation."
Tim Marlow, artistic director at the Royal Academy of Arts, said: "Showing Dali's Christ of St John of the Cross together with seminal works by Duchamp will be one of the undoubted highlights of the Royal Academy's forthcoming Dali/Duchamp exhibition."
It is the first time Christ of St John of the Cross has been on loan since 2010.
It featured in Salvador Dali: The Late Work, an important exhibition focusing on Dali's later career at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, USA.
In a reciprocal loan agreement with the Royal Academy, Kelvingrove is to exhibit Henry Raeburn's Boy and Rabbit to from September 2017 until May 2018. | One of Scotland's most famous paintings - Salvador Dali's Christ Of St John Of The Cross - is to go on loan. | 40026571 |
Scott Dearing drove into Michelle Carr at the Jet petrol station in Park Road, Barnsley, on 4 December - throwing her over the bonnet before driving off.
Dearing, 30, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty at Sheffield Crown Court to assault, dangerous driving and theft in relation to the incident.
He will be sentenced on 7 February.
Live updates and more stories from across Yorkshire
Dearing also admitted two counts of theft of a number plate, a second count of stealing fuel and two charges of driving whilst disqualified.
Following the hearing Miss Carr, 46, said: "Luckily I just got a few bruises. I came off quite lightly. It was more mental really, the shock of it.
"Because I put my hands out I went straight over the bonnet.
"I try not to think what could have happened.
"In my wildest dreams I never thought anybody would do that."
Dearing's passenger, 28-year-old Charlene Beadman, of Jennings Close, Rotherham, admitted one count of theft relating to the incident at the Jet Petrol station.
Both denied a charge of robbery.
Beadman is due to be sentenced on 14 February. | A man has pleaded guilty to a injuring a petrol station attendant in a hit-and-run as he attempted to drive away after stealing fuel. | 38680202 |
Campaign group UK Uncut said hundreds had protested in town and cities such as London, Manchester and Northampton.
It said plans aimed at saving £220m from the criminal legal aid bill in England and Wales would "block access to justice for millions of people".
The Ministry of Justice says legal aid costs too much and can not be "immune" to efficiency commitments.
Proposals for possible savings include stopping defendants with a disposable income of more than £37,500 from automatically receiving legal aid, and curbing prisoners' right to legal aid.
Legal aid costs taxpayers about £2bn every year, with criminal defence making up more than half of the expenditure.
The government says the situation is unsustainable and wants to see fewer, bigger organisations providing legal aid as part of a streamlined system.
However, the Bar Council has argued this would result in the end of the long-standing right of a defendant to choose a legal aid solicitor, saying people would effectively be allocated a representative on the basis of cost.
Some groups have also expressed fears that the changes could deny justice to the poorest in society.
UK Uncut said protests had taken place in London, Manchester, Hull, Liverpool, Northampton, Cambridge and Norwich on Saturday.
In London, demonstrators gathered on the Strand at about 12:00 BST to set up a roadblock.
Many protesters sat on the road and others put their bicycles in the way of traffic.
The area was reopened around two hours later when the demonstration was contained in a smaller area.
Protesters also held a mock trial for Justice Secretary Chris Grayling, and attached a banner to the fence of the court building which warned: "No justice, no peace."
The Metropolitan Police did not comment when asked about the number of protesters.
But the City of London Police said it had warned the group they were stopping the emergency services from travelling around the capital.
UK Uncut said roadblocks had also been set up in Manchester, Northampton and Cambridge.
Spokesman David Conway said: "The government's plans will block access to justice for millions of people.
"We're blocking roads to make a stand against that and to make it clear how strongly people around the country oppose these outrageous plans.
"People will have to represent themselves in court and get compensation much later than they should."
An MoJ spokesman said: "We have one of the best legal professions in the world, but cannot close our eyes to the fact that - at around £2bn - legal aid is costing too much."
He said the government's planned reforms would create a sustainable legal aid system that would "still be one of the most generous in the world".
The spokesman added: "At a time when major financial challenges are being felt by businesses and households across the country, the legal sector cannot be immune from the government's commitment to getting better value for every penny of taxpayers' money we spend."
Plans to remove the right for defendants in criminal cases in England and Wales to choose their solicitor under the legal aid system were scrapped in July.
The government had planned to put the onus on lawyers competing for contracts, but has said it now recognises that choice is seen as "fundamental". | Demonstrators have staged events across England in opposition to planned changes to legal aid. | 24410807 |
HIV was resistant to the drug Tenofovir in 60% of selected cases in some African countries, according to the study, which covered a 17-year period.
The research, led by University College London, looked at 1,920 HIV patients worldwide who had treatment failure.
Lead author Dr Ravi Gupta said the results were "extremely concerning".
The work, which took four years to complete, started in 2012 and compared certain patients with HIV in Africa with those in Europe using data from 1998 to 2015.
Splitting the sample size roughly into two groups the study found that in Africa 60% of patients were resistant to Tenofovir, whereas in Europe the figure was only 20%.
The paper, which has been published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, said poor administration of the drug, in terms of regularly taking the right levels of Tenofovir could be explanation for the discrepancy.
"If the right levels of the drug are not taken, as in they are too low or not regularly maintained, the virus can overcome the drug and become resistant," Dr Gupta told the BBC News website.
"Tenofovir is a critical part of our armamentarium against HIV, so it is extremely concerning to see such a high level of resistance to this drug," he added.
The paper also suggested that Tenofovir-resistant strains of HIV could be passed on from person to person.
"We certainly cannot dismiss the possibility that resistant strains can spread between people and should not be complacent. We are now conducting further studies to get a more detailed picture of how Tenofovir-resistant viruses develop and spread," Dr Gupta said.
HIV is the world's most deadly infectious disease, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dr Gupta said a global effort and an cash investment would be needed to provide better facilities and monitoring in poorer African countries and that it was in everyone's interests to make this happen. | Strains of HIV are becoming resistant to an antiretroviral drug commonly used to prevent and fight the virus, research has suggested. | 35433856 |
The social mobility charity says those who graduated from English universities last year - under the £9,000 fees regime - owed an average of £44,000.
It says average debts in other English-speaking countries ranged between approximately £15,000 and £29,000.
The government says England's funding system is "fair and sustainable".
The Sutton Trust says on average American graduates owe between $29,000 (£20,500), for students at public or private non-profit universities, and $32,600, for those at private for-profit universities.
Students who left Canadian universities last year were on average 28,500 Canadian dollars (£15,000) in debt, those leaving Australian institutions were 39,700 Australian dollars (£20,900) in debt, and graduates from New Zealand universities owed on average 50,000 NZ dollars (£23,300), the trust says.
The report - Degrees Of Debt - also highlights the growing complexity in arrangements in the UK nations, with different fee levels in Scotland and grants in Wales that enable Welsh students to take up places at English universities for less than £4,000 a year rather than up to £9,000.
The report recommends:
Sir Peter Lampl, who chairs the Sutton Trust, said: "The massive increase in tuition fees from just over £3,000 to £9,000 per annum and the abolition of the maintenance grant results in the poorest English university graduates facing debts on graduation of over £50,000 with interest rates on the debt compounding at up to 3% over inflation.
"These debt levels are by far the highest in the English-speaking world and are more than double average debt levels at universities in the United States, where students study for four-year programmes, rather than three.
"They impact on the ability of graduates to go to graduate schools, to afford a mortgage, the timing of having children and other major life decisions.
"The cost of going to university has become so expensive that more young people should seriously consider higher level apprenticeships, preferably to degree level.
"By choosing this route, they will earn while they learn, incur less debt, and develop skills which are greatly valued in the workplace.
"We need more good apprenticeships to offer genuine alternatives to university degrees."
A Bis spokesman said: "More people than ever before are now able to benefit from higher education, and the application rate for students from disadvantaged backgrounds is at a record level.
"As the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has recognised, our student funding system is fair and sustainable.
"It removes financial barriers for anyone hoping to study, and is backed by the taxpayer, with outstanding debt written off after 30 years.
"Graduates only pay back on earnings above £21,000 and enjoy a considerable wage premium of £9,500 per year." | University graduates in England face higher debts on graduation than their peers in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the Sutton Trust says. | 36150276 |
Last month, the organisers of the 14th Nairn Book and Arts Festival said they had to generate the money in just four weeks to save September's event.
They said they were left with the funding gap after not getting grant assistance from national arts body Creative Scotland.
Almost 100 events are planned as part of this year's festival.
However, organisers said that while this year's event had been saved, future festivals could still be in doubt.
David Godden, chairman of the Nairn Book and Arts Festival committee, said: "We're immensely relieved to be able to safeguard the festival for this year, and hugely grateful to everyone across the Highlands and beyond who has supported us and given so generously.
"We have an even stronger sense, now, of how valued the festival is by our community and regular festival visitors.
"The fundraising campaign was very definitely a one-off, though, and we'll be working hard to ensure that we get the support we need from all possible funding sources for future festivals.
"In the meantime, we can now get on with the business of delivering the best possible festival come September." | A public appeal has raised £15,000 to plug a funding gap that had put a Scottish book festival at risk. | 39777981 |
The 27-year-old has been managing the injury for the past year but was warned he risked "irreversible damage" if he continued without surgery.
He confirmed the news on his blog after missing this week's GB Rowing trials.
"It wasn't an easy decision, there were tears, sleepless nights contemplating everything, but in the end I did what needed to be done," Cousins said.
Cousins, who was in the boat that finished fifth at London 2012 and was fourth at least year's World Championships, believes a medal remains in reach for the quad in Brazil.
"I am devastated that I will not compete at Rio," he added. "Although I won't be in the boat, I truly believe the quad will go on to do great things and I take solace in knowing I was part of it."
Another British rower, James Foad, announced in January that he will miss the Games after undergoing back surgery. | World Championship medallist Charles Cousins will miss the Olympics Games after having a back operation. | 35872486 |
The Welsh Rugby Union has really stepped forward and now we've got our own home for rugby it's exciting times.
Everything is moving in the right direction for us, and that's only going to build heading into the World Cup next year.
The squad that coach Rowland Phillips has picked to play Scotland on Saturday has a lot of experience - there are a lot of girls who have been out for two or three years that are back.
Rebecca de Filippo has been missing since the 2014 World Cup, having taken some time out from the game, while Charlie Murray played her last international game in 2013 along with Rosie Fletcher.
Between them they've got a lot of international experience but they're just coming back so it will be exciting to see how they perform against what will be a strong Scotland.
Our last autumn international was in 2009 and it's exciting that we have matches at this time of the year against international squads.
I'm on the bench, and naturally disappointed not to be starting.
But I've been in this position before and the game has changed. It's not about the starting XV; it's about all the squad players playing a part in the bigger picture.
When I get on to the field - whether it's 40 minutes or 10 minutes - I have to make sure I perform and that's the best thing I can do for the squad.
We want to play at a ground like Cardiff Arms Park - it's huge for us girls.
It's a perfect place for us to play at. There's such history behind it and the atmosphere you get there on a match day is phenomenal, so it's only going to make more people interested in coming to watch our games.
It's going to be a step up for us to play at that stadium and really make it our home.
There's nothing better than Cardiff on a Six Nations match day. It's not just in the stadium but in the city itself.
That atmosphere is special, so hopefully that will carry into our games at Cardiff Arms Park and create an atmosphere that's been missing in the past.
It's something special and we've not had that feeling before, so it will increase the energy around the match.
Hopefully they'll be played at a time when it's accessible for more people - they won't have to travel to Swansea separately on a match day when the men are playing and that makes it easier for people to come and watch.
I'll be representing the UK Armed Forces against Wales on Remembrance Day - Friday, 11 November.
It's a huge time of the year for the armed forces and, as a group, we're really honoured that Wales have arranged that fixture for us on that day and we're able to go out there and remember the people we've lost. It should be a great occasion.
It will be a strange feeling playing against Wales, but it's good.
You get to go up against the girls you are competing with for a spot in the team. There is plenty of competition between us because we all want to wear that Wales shirt.
So for me and some of the other girls it's exciting that we can go against our counterparts in Wales and hopefully give them a really good game on the day.
Wales players Gemma Rowlands, Charlie Murray and Bethan Dainton are also in the Armed Forces squad, so I won't be going out there alone. It will be exciting for all of us.
My older brother Rhys Williams is an international rugby league player and is currently in the Wales squad for their game against Italy.
They are fighting for World Cup qualification so it's exciting for both of us.
There's no rivalry between us. He's a very good professional rugby player himself and I'm extremely proud of what he's achieved. | Moving Wales' matches to Cardiff Arms Park shows that women's rugby is definitely being taken seriously. | 37777244 |
19 December 2016 Last updated at 18:25 GMT
But, he told the BBC that Sinn Féin will put forward a motion calling for an investigation into RHI when the assembly meets again in January. | Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness says no action has been agreed on a way forward on the Renewable Heating Incentive (RHI) scandal. | 38373430 |
An emergency meeting in Brussels last week was marked by bitter exchanges as MEPs clashed with UKIP leader Nigel Farage.
Like leading figures in the EU institutions, they made clear that they want the UK to begin formal exit talks as soon as possible.
But leading contenders to replace Prime Minister David Cameron have yet to indicate they are in any rush to do so.
Much is yet to be worked out over how the exit negotiations will take place and how future trade relations will be determined.
Although leaders have been quick to draw what look like red lines, it remains to be seen if they have been written in indelible ink.
Here are the main points of business in the week ahead...
The sitting kicks off with a debate on new EU emissions limits for lawn mowers, bulldozers, construction machinery, generators and canal boats.
MEPs have reached a provisional deal on the legislation, which will be put to final vote on Tuesday.
After this, they will discuss a non-binding motion which says that both qualified refugees and asylum seekers should have the right to find paid work.
The draft text, also to be put to a final vote on Tuesday, also calls on member states to offer asylum seekers language courses to help their social integration.
They will also debate their initial position on a proposed update to EU rules for labelling the energy efficiency of household appliances.
The EU Commission has proposed an A-G scale should be used for all appliances, replacing the current A+, A++, A+++ designations for some products.
In the evening, they will also debate non-binding "own initiative" motions about the EU's trade strategy, tax avoidance rules and human rights priorities.
They will also debate a motion which calls on EU countries to train staff at migrant reception centres to help them identify children at risk of being trafficked.
An early start will see Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte join MEPs to review his country's time in charge of the EU presidency, which officially ended last week.
The Dutch presidency has coincided with one of the most tumultuous periods in the EU's history, ending with the UK's vote to leave the EU last month.
After this, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk will join MEPs to discuss last week's EU leaders' summit.
The meeting saw EU leaders agree that "no negotiations of any kind" should begin with the UK until it activates formal exit talks using Article 50 of the EU's treaties.
MEPs want David Cameron's successor to trigger Article 50 as soon as possible - but leading contenders to replace him, such as Theresa May and Michael Gove, have indicated they want to wait until the end of the year.
In the afternoon, they will debate their initial position on a mid-term review due later this year on the EU's current long-term budget, which runs from 2014 to 2020.
Their non-binding motion - which calls for a permanent EU crisis reserve to be set up within the budget - will be put to a vote on Wednesday.
Also to be debated during the afternoon is an advisory report from Parliament's special tax investigation committee which sets out a number of recommendations for reforming corporate taxation.
The committee was set up in February to continue the work of a previous inquiry committee established after the Luxleaks revelations about favourable corporate tax deals in Luxembourg.
The afternoon's big debate will be on legislation to set up the EU's proposed Border and Coast Guard force, proposed last year as part of a drive to improve management of the external borders of the Schengen area.
MEPs struck a provisional deal on the new force with national ministers at the end of last month, which will also be put to a vote on Wednesday.
The evening will also see a debate on the EU's first-ever directive on cybersecurity - a deal on that will also be put to a vote at the same time.
Under the new legislation, companies designated as providing critical services will have to report serious security breaches to national authorities.
It would fall to national authorities to determine which firms fall into this category, and to draw up "national strategies" for dealing with cybersecurity threats.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will be in town to start the day with a debate on his country's plans for its EU presidency, which gets underway this month.
Mr Fico last week admitted that Brexit negotiations were now likely to exert "considerable influence" over his country's planned agenda for the next six months.
After this, MEPs will debate what they would like to see in the Commission's legislative programme for next year.
During the lunchtime voting session, they will pass a non-binding motion setting out their wish-list, before the Commission unveils its new agenda in the autumn.
After lunch, EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini is due to join them to debate her plans to update the EU's common defence and security policies.
The long-awaited document called for "strategic convergence" between the defence policies of EU states, as well as co-operation on defence research.
MEPs will also debate relations with China, the bloc's annual report on respect for human rights and EU priorities at this September's UN General Assembly.
In the evening they will also discuss protection for whistle-blowers following the conviction of two men last week for their involvement in the Luxleaks scandal.
The two former PwC employees received 12 and nine-month sentences respectively for leaking documents exposing favourable tax arrangements offered by Luxembourg to some of the world's biggest companies.
MEPs have previously called for changes to EU rights law to protect whistle-blowers who leak information deemed to be in the public interest.
The session begins with debate on a motion calling on all EU institutions to "implement fully" the recommendations of an UN disability rights committee.
Among the committee's recommendations was a call for the EU to ratify the optional protocol to the UN's Disabilities Convention.
After this, they will then debate and vote on this month's human rights motions, which focus on Malawi, Bahrain and Myanmar.
Also up for a vote is a motion to veto Commission rules which would allow drinks companies to advertise that their caffeinated drinks increase alertness.
The text says energy drinks have been linked to behavioural problems in children - and calls on the Commission to introduce stricter marketing rules.
In the afternoon, they will debate regulatory discrimination against food suppliers in the single market and legal protection for EU data transfers to China.
The session will end with a debate on how the EU Commission enforces the application of national minimum wage legislation.
It comes after the Commission decided last week to launch legal action against France and Germany for requiring foreign transport drivers to be paid the French or German minimum wage.
Please note: This agenda is subject to modification at the opening of the session on Monday afternoon.
A guide to how the European Parliament's plenary sessions can be found here. | MEPs return to Strasbourg this week still pondering the potential fallout from last month's dramatic Brexit vote in the UK. | 36690287 |
The party performed better than many predicted in 2012, as it took advantage of a collapse in the Lib Dem vote in places like Cardiff to take control.
Labour either has an overall majority or is the main party in 12 out of Wales' 22 local authorities.
A senior figure in local government in Wales told me if it remains in the driving seat in eight or nine then that would have been a good night.
It is often said that the real power base for Welsh Labour is in town halls. We shall soon see how strong that power base is in the face of what remains the most divisive time for the party since the 1980's under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.
The feeling is that senior figures in Wales successfully insulated themselves from the infighting at Westminster in the 2016 assembly campaign.
When I was in Llandudno this time last year, it was all about making that election a straight choice between who you wanted as first minister: Carwyn Jones or Andrew RT Davies or Leanne Wood.
That will not be possible this time round with 22 separate battles being fought.
As the establishment party in Wales, if Labour town hall administrations are going to survive after May then they will inevitably have to fight off the calls for new faces and fresh starts.
In response, expect the focus to be on the new generation of Labour council leaders coming through.
There has been a changing of the guard with people like Mel Nott at Bridgend, Ali Thomas at Neath Port Talbot and Bob Wellington in Torfaen retiring, and a younger group coming into the fray.
Replacing them is one thing but taking a message of renewal and making it count with voters is another.
Carwyn Jones is pushing the theme of fairness at Llandudno with his plan to set up a fair work commission to help people access better jobs closer to home without exploitation.
Critics will say this is all motherhood and apple pie, although it will allow the party to focus on the relatively low unemployment in Wales which it believes is its strong card.
The devil will be in the detail. | There is a clear sense of expectation management going on at the Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno ahead of the council elections. | 39392681 |
The legal claim alleges agent Brian Dreyfuss was cut out of negotiations regarding the blockbuster franchise.
He sued Johnson in Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday, seeking 10% of the director's Star Wars earnings.
Mr Dreyfuss claims he arranged a meeting between Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and Johnson in 2012.
He also says Johnson told him he was not interested in working on any of the film company's projects.
The agent's legal claim states he was fired in March 2014, about a year before Johnson confirmed he would direct the eighth film in the Star Wars franchise.
The movie, which has just begun shooting, is due to be released in December 2017.
New cast members will include Benicio Del Toro and Laura Dern, alongside Episode VII stars such as Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson and Andy Serkis.
Mr Dreyfuss claims he began working with Johnson around 2002 and helped him develop his first film, Brick.
He says he also encouraged Johnson to direct several episodes of the hit TV series Breaking Bad and the 2012 film Looper, starring Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Johnson's publicist could not be reached at the time of writing. | A former agent for Rian Johnson, the director of the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VIII, is suing the film-maker two years after he was fired. | 35861084 |
The Republican presidential hopeful said people had praised his courage in truthfully highlighting a "problem" that others preferred to ignore.
"Now people are getting involved" in the issue, he told CBS News.
Mr Trump's call, after a shooting in the US, has been widely condemned.
Other Republicans, the White House, and the British Prime Minister David Cameron were highly critical of the comments, which followed the San Bernardino massacre, in which 14 people died.
Democratic presidential candidate and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that Mr Trump's rhetoric was turning him into the "best recruiter" for the Islamic State militant group.
A propaganda video by Al-Shabab, al-Qaeda's Somali affiliate, used a clip of Mr Trump repeating his call at a campaign rally last month.
During an appearance on CBS News' Face the Nation programme, to be shown on Sunday, Mr Trump was questioned over how his comments had been framed by al-Shabab as an incentive for Muslims to join holy war.
"Look, there's a problem," he said. "I bring it up. Other people have called and say you have guts to bring it up because frankly it's true and nobody wants to get involved.
"People that are on different persuasions than me right now are saying, you know, maybe Trump isn't wrong. We want to examine it."
The video, released by al-Shabab's media wing, also urges African-Americans to convert to Islam and take part in holy war. It says racism, police brutality and anti-Muslim sentiment are rife in the US.
In recent years, several Somali-Americans from Minnesota have gone to fight for al-Shabab in Somalia.
Al-Shabab, which seeks to overthrow Somalia's Western-backed government and impose a strict version of Sharia (Islamic law), has carried out attacks in Kenya and Ethiopia.
Last month's campaign statement from Mr Trump called for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims" entering the US until the authorities could "figure out what is going on".
The call was issued after a deadly gun attack in San Bernardino, California, by a husband and wife who are thought to have been radicalised. | Donald Trump has again defended his call for a ban on Muslims entering the US after it was used in a propaganda video by Somali militant group al-Shabab. | 35216714 |
Swansea City striker Bafetimbi Gomis took questions in English from 40 pupils at Ffynone House School and answered in French.
The visit was also used to help the 29-year-old improve his English as he was taught by the school's French teacher Francoise Robert.
"When I first came to Swansea I could only say 'hello'," said Gomis. | Pupils at a Swansea school have been given an extra lesson in French by a Premier League footballer. | 32748298 |
The Pole, 32, has only partial movement in his right arm after a crash in a rally car in February 2011, since when he has not raced on a circuit.
However, he and Renault have maintained contact after an impressive first test back in an F1 car in Valencia in June.
The second test will be at Circuit Paul Ricard on a date to be confirmed.
Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul said: "While the first day of testing at Valencia was no more than to let Robert get reacquainted with the feel of driving again, this second test will be to assess his capabilities to return to the highest level of competition.
"This is a new phase in his personal and professional journey and we are proud to support him.
"There are still many hurdles for him to overcome, and he knows better than anyone else that only his performance will determine if he can one day return to being a professional driver."
Kubica was faster than Renault's reserve driver Sergey Sirotkin when he drove at Valencia in a 2012 car.
Insiders say he has since driven the team's simulator and been as quick in it as lead driver Nico Hulkenberg, although this is not necessarily an accurate measurement of his on-track potential.
Senior figures are excited about the potential for a return, a source said, but still sceptical of Kubica's ability to make a full comeback to F1 because of the restrictions imposed upon him by his arm injury.
His F1 career appeared to be over when he suffered multiple fractures and a partially severed right arm in the February 2011 crash, which happened a few weeks before he was scheduled to start his second season with Renault.
Kubica had previously driven for BMW Sauber, winning the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix, and was considered one of the sport's brightest talents - rated by some in a similar bracket to multiple world champions Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.
Kubica drove a Renault 2012 F1 car in a demonstration run at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 2 July and told Sky Sports: "I know I can do pretty well behind the wheel of an F1 car already after one day of testing. So more can come from me.
"It is a good feeling. It is something I was not expecting, to deliver so well straight away.
"This gives me, not confidence, because I knew as a driver that the skills are there, but a relief that can do it physically, that I can make the job.
"I still know there is a long way to go and I need to do it step by step. If I have an opportunity, I will try to do my best. If not, I will search for something else. It has been a long time away from the circuit.
"When you get to an F1 car and after one lap you see the pace is there, it is special emotions and I miss it so much. I am enjoying the moment because I have been through difficult days - but I could never believe I could be in this position four or five months ago."
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Because of Kubica's physical restrictions, Renault needed to change the cockpit controls so that all the control buttons are on the left-hand side of the steering wheel. They also needed to adapt the gearshift so that up and down shifts are both handled by the left-hand steering wheel paddle.
However, Kubica has yet to drive a 2017-spec car, which is faster and more physical than the one he has tested so far, and there are still questions over his ability to operate an F1 car in all corners - with tight left-handers the main concern because of the restricted movement in his right arm.
Renault's links with Kubica come with the future of Briton Jolyon Palmer, their second driver, in doubt.
Palmer has had a difficult first eight races of the season and the team have been considering replacing him for the second half of the year.
However, no decision has yet been taken and the team insist their focus is on helping Palmer deliver the results they expect.
Abiteboul said at the last race in Azerbaijan: "He has a contract with us. We are completely committed to helping him get through the period, which is a tough period, that's obvious.
"He has no ultimatum, but having said that he has to deliver, like every single member of the team." | Robert Kubica is to test for Renault a second time to allow the team to "assess his capabilities to return to the highest level of competition". | 40522935 |
Devindra Ferguson, 29, of Colindale, north-west London, shoved the man towards an oncoming train at Kentish Town station in December.
The victim Kamlesh Ramji sustained multiple injuries but has since recovered following hospital treatment.
At Blackfriars Crown Court, Ferguson was detained indefinitely to a secure mental health unit.
The Evening Standard reported that Mr Ramji suffered a fractured skull, brain injuries, a punctured lung, fractured ribs, a broken leg and a shattered pelvis.
The court heard the injuries the 40-year-old sustained were "traumatic and life-changing".
Mr Ramji told the court it was "hard to come to terms with or understand why a complete stranger would push me on to the tracks". | A man who pushed a commuter into the path of a London Underground train has pleaded guilty to attempted murder. | 36302961 |
Well, that's what we've all been told.
But some scientists argue this is all a myth - and that just because we keep repeating it doesn't make it true.
So should we bother with breakfast?
Studies repeatedly show that skipping breakfast is more common in people who are overweight or obese.
But this could be a dangerous trap - when the number of ice cream sales goes up so does the number of people getting sunburn. It doesn't mean ice-cream is causing sunburn.
This association might be down to something special about brekkie - or maybe the type of people who eat it are generally more active, have a better overall diet or try to lead healthier lives.
Despite advocating breakfast as part of a healthy lifestyle, a report by the UK's National Obesity Observatory concluded that "it is not clear whether there is a causal relationship with Body Mass Index (weight) or whether breakfast is merely a marker for other lifestyle factors that can contribute to healthy body weight".
The few clinical trials that have actively altered people's eating habits also showed no impact on waistlines.
The biggest, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, told 300 overweight or obese people to skip or eat breakfast for four months.
"There was absolutely no difference whatsoever in the amount of weight-loss," said Prof David Allison, who conducted that trial at the University of Alabama.
"With respect to weight, at least in adults, it looks like we're leaning towards it [breakfast] being a myth."
He says people who are skipping breakfast are probably just trying to control their own weight.
And one danger for skippers who start having breakfast is it could lead to weight gain, if they don't eat less later in the day.
So is government advice plain wrong?
In Prof Allison's opinion: "If they are advising it [breakfast] for weight control then at this point it is not a justified recommendation."
Dr Alison Tedstone is from one of the many organisations around the world that tells us breakfast is a good thing, and she points to studies showing people who skip breakfast tend to be bigger, which we already know is an association.
But Dr Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, agrees that the "evidence is by no means conclusive on having breakfast".
However, she says it is the easiest meal of the day to get right, that skipping it risks snacking on something unhealthy later on and that it can be a struggle to get the right balance of nutrients without starting the day well.
"It's an easy meal to get a healthy meal, it's an easy meal to get control over."
There is no such thing as a perfect breakfast, but Dr Tedstone advises people to "think fibre" in the mornings.
"Overall we're not getting enough fibre in our diet and it's easy to incorporate fibre into breakfast.
"Take porridge - it's cheap, it's cheerful," she said.
As well as porridge, high fibre breakfasts include fruit, wholegrain toast and some breakfast cereals.
But some of the more palatable high-fibre cereals can be loaded with added salt and sugar.
Prof Susan Jebb, a nutrition scientist at the University of Oxford says: "It is very difficult, I think breakfast cereals are very challenging."
She says it's necessary to check the labels as some have less added sugar and that fresh, stewed or dried fruit could be used to make it more palatable.
"I'd encourage people to have a piece of fruit with breakfast - much better to have fruit than fruit juice as then you get the fibre from the intact fruit."
NHS: Healthy Breakfasts
The other big case made for breakfast is that it improves children's performance in school.
A study in 2015 by the University of Cardiff was the latest to show an association between a healthy breakfast and educational performance in the classroom.
These studies are now coming in for the same criticism as those that found a link between breakfast and weight.
"It seems very plausible that missing breakfast as a kid is just a marker of a poor home background - that family is unable to provide breakfast for a child - which is probably the cause of them not performing well at school," argues Prof David Rogers at the University of Bristol.
So how do we make sense of all this?
Prof Jebb argues: "If you're currently eating breakfast I think you should make it the healthiest breakfast you can.
"If you're a breakfast skipper, I'm certainly not going to say you must eat breakfast, but I would encourage you to think about it."
While Prof Allison suggests people who are worried about their weight should give both eating and skipping breakfast a go to see what works best for them - just make sure you're not snacking on sausage rolls by 11:00.
The science behind the benefits of breakfast does not support the absolute vehemence with which it is advocated, at least in adults.
That said I'm still going to have my bowl of breakfast cereal.
It is a good start to the day for me personally otherwise I'm distractingly hungry. I might even try chucking in a bit of extra fruit.
Follow James on Twitter. | Breakfast is the most important meal of the day - it's a great start, it's good for you, it stops you snacking, boosts metabolism and keeps you thin. | 35150598 |
Oliver Blume told German newspaper Westfalen-Blatt that people wanted "to drive a Porsche by oneself".
He added that Porsche did not need to team up with any tech firms.
Analysts Boston Consulting Group predict that by 2025, 13% of cars will have autonomous features.
Porsche does, however, intend to launch electric vehicles, and a plug-in hybrid of the 911 model with a range of 50 km (31 miles) will hit the market as early as 2018, Mr Blume said.
Porsche also plans to spend about 1bn euros ($1.1bn) on production facilities to build the Mission E, its first-ever all-electric model, a move reflecting parent VW's growing commitment to increase its electric offerings as it struggles to overcome an emissions scandal.
VW, along with most of the big carmakers, has signalled its intention to work on driverless cars and at tech show CES revealed a partnership with Mobileye, which produces real-time image processing cameras. It plans to put the cameras in future cars to create high definition maps of roads and environments as a basis for driverless cars.
Meanwhile rival Ford is expected to announce a tie-up with Google to work on its driverless cars.
Tesla boss Elon Musk predicts that it will have a fully self-driving car by 2018. | Porsche has no plans to develop driverless cars, unlike most other carmakers who are embracing the autonomous driving revolution, its chief executive has said. | 35472197 |
Jamie Thomson, 20, admitted culpably and recklessly supplying "an unknown noxious psychoactive chemical substance or substances" in August last year.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, a judge told him the consequences could have been "far more serious".
Lady Wise deferred sentence on Thomson for a year after being told he was on a residential rehabilitation programme.
The court heard several of the children who took the tablets passed out and came round in hospital.
Police were alerted that one 15-year-old was under the influence of drugs and standing on a bridge outside a school in the Scottish Borders.
He was taken to Borders General Hospital and revealed that he had taken "one pink jelly".
Tests carried out on some of the youngsters later revealed traces of benzodiazepine - a psychoactive drug - in urine.
Thomson earlier admitted culpably and recklessly supplying tablets to youths which rendered them unconscious or insensible.
The offence occurred between 18 and 21 August last year at Havelock Street, Hawick and elsewhere in the Borders town after Thomson had been freed on bail days earlier at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.
Lady Wise told Thomson that he had pled guilty to a very serious offence.
She said: "But for the intervention, mostly of their parents, in seeking immediate medical attention the consequences could have been far more serious than they were.
"In a year's time you will be brought back to court and I will expect to hear you have fully complied with and completed the rehabilitation programme."
The judge told Thomson that he was being given an opportunity to put his life on the right track, but warned that all sentencing options remained open to her.
The court heard details of how a number of teenagers had taken the tablets and subsequently blacked out.
Police later recovered a bag containing about 60 pills from Thomson's home. He told officers: "It's a bag of legal drugs, legal highs, they weren't ecstasy."
Defence counsel Victoria Dow said there was an obvious disposal at first glance of custody, but argued that a non-custodial alternative was available and appropriate.
She said Thomson had been abusing drugs himself at the time of the offence and had purchased the pills, which he understood to be legal highs, online.
"He had been taking these himself and also required medical treatment in respect of that and acknowledges the effects both for him and everyone else could have been far worse," she said.
She said he accepted that he did not know what was in the pills.
Ms Dow said Thomson had now "taken significant steps to put himself on a far more positive path".
She argued that his risk had been reduced sufficiently to allow the judge to consider an alternative to custody. | A Hawick man has avoided a jail term after distributing pink pills which left a number of teenagers in hospital. | 36437248 |
Wayne Bennett's Broncos' success gave the southern hemisphere a 2-0 series lead following Sydney Roosters' victory against St Helens on Friday.
Four first-half tries set the platform, with Wigan affected by a severe ankle injury to hooker Michael McIlorum.
Three further tries wrapped up the game despite a late second score from Wigan.
The atmosphere at the DW Stadium was cautiously upbeat in the build-up but Brisbane soon dented the positivity when Corey Oates went in at the corner following a video referee review.
McIlorum went off on a stretcher after a delay and Broncos responded best when Kodi Nikorima took advantage of a fortuitous bounce off a post-pad from Anthony Milford's kick.
Wigan got on the board from Sarginson who drove onto Farrell's pass down the short side left but the joy was short-lived, as Nikorima's glorious at-the-line pass put Matt Gillett over and a score for Jarrod Wallace silenced the home support, building up a three-score lead at the break.
Wigan showed character after half-time with field position and possession, but a breakaway by Greg Eden led to Oates' second that put the game to bed.
Nikorima touched down a Darius Boyd kick to puncture any remaining intensity of the contest and Eden's debut try took the score beyond 40 points.
George Williams' late try was a rare flicker of delight for the majority of the 19,103-strong crowd.
Former Great Britain coach Brian Noble told BBC Radio 5 live sports extra:
"There's not a lot of difference between the two sides, but in the NRL teams play at such intensity week in week out, and you have to be more clinical and incisive because you get fewer opportunities.
"Everything Brisbane did was clinically cool and when it comes to goal-line defence Wigan have been given a lesson.
"Decision making at the wrong or right times wasn't there. I thought Wigan would get closer, but the Broncos were the NRL Grand Finalists. They're an outstanding team and had a lot more experience than Wigan."
Wigan Warriors head coach Shaun Wane told BBC Radio 5 live sports extra:
"Absolutely [it was disappointing], we were beaten by the better team, we hold our hands up and they were clinical, their skill was excellent.
"We were in that defensive system most of the game but they've burned us on every error we've made.
"There's no excuse, our injury [to Michael McIlorum] was nothing to do with us losing. Micky might be out for about six months, he's gone to hospital with the broken ankle. But he's playing rugby league and these things happen.
"I'd love to carry on this concept, I want another go at them, as a coach it's down to me to make us better to cope with playing them, the way we'll bounce will be the best thing to happen to this club."
Brisbane Broncos winger Greg Eden told BBC Radio 5 live sports extra:
"It's an awesome feeling, the first time pulling that shirt on is a brilliant feeling and it's everything I dreamed of since I was a kid and I'm fulfilling that down under.
"All three English teams are going through tough times with injuries and we played really well so it's tough for Wigan."
[On England and Broncos coach Bennett]: "Wayne is great at talking to us and bringing the best out of us along with Stephen Kearney, both have coached at the highest level and it's awesome being around them."
Wigan: Tierney; Gildart, Gelling, Sarginson, Manfredi; Williams, Smith; O'Loughlin, McIlorum, Flower, Farrell, Isa, Bateman.
Replacements: Clubb, Powell, Tautai, Sutton.
Brisbane: Boyd; Oates, Roberts, Kahu, Eden; Milford, Nikorima; Blair, McCullough, McGuire, Gillett, Glenn, Parker.
Replacements: Thaiday, Wallace, Ofahengaue, Waddell.
Referee: Matt Cecchin (Australia) | Brisbane Broncos continued the National Rugby League's hold on the World Club Series with a convincing win over Super League's Wigan Warriors. | 35588934 |
Colin Ingram still tops the Professional Cricketers' Association rankings, with fast bowler Marchant de Lange third.
Kent all-rounder Darren Stevens is set for his 300th limited-overs appearance.
England wicket-keeper Sam Billings and ex-Glamorgan seamer James Harris are also in the Kent squad.
Glamorgan look set to choose from an unchanged 13 after their spectacular three-wicket win away to Hampshire, their third win in seven matches.
De Lange's five-wicket haul makes him the country's leading wicket-taker with 17 in seven games.
"It makes Wednesday's defeat at Radlett (against Middlesex) a bit frustrating, but it proves to us we can play the kind of cricket we want to" said Chris Cooke after hitting 59 off 27 balls at Southampton.
"It's still May, and there's a lot of cricket to play with a big T20 Blast coming up, so it proves we can beat the best teams.
"I will be trying to hit those ice-cream vans at Swansea!"
Glamorgan captain Jacques Rudolph is likely to have recovered from a badly bruised hand suffered in the field at Southampton, which prevented him from opening the batting.
Glamorgan (from, probable) : Jacques Rudolph (capt), David Lloyd, Will Bragg, Colin Ingram, Kiran Carlson, Chris Cooke, Aneurin Donald, Craig Meschede, Andrew Salter, Marchant de Lange, Timm van der Gugten, Lukas Carey, Michael Hogan.
Kent Spitfires (from): Sam Northeast (capt), Daniel Bell-Drummond, Joe Denly, Sean Dickson, Darren Stevens,Alex Blake, Sam Billings (wk), Calum Haggett, Matt Coles, James Harris, James Tredwell, Imran Qayyum, Charlie Hartley, Ivan Thomas. | Glamorgan go into their final One-Day Cup game against Kent in Swansea with two players rated among the top three performers in the competition. | 39910202 |
Mathew James, from Trehafod, Rhondda Cynon Taff, was shot three times as he protected his fiancee in the resort of Sousse in 2015.
He was given the award on Saturday.
BBC Wales broadcaster Roy Noble was made a Knight of the Order of St John at the ceremony, an honour conferred by the Queen.
Keith Dunn, chief executive of St John Wales, said: "This is an extremely rare and prestigious award and we are delighted to be able to honour Mr James's presence of mind and control under great pressure."
Mr James's partner, a St John Wales member as a child, added: "I'm so proud of Mathew and would like to thank everyone at St John Wales for recognising his bravery."
Thirty Britons, including one from Wales, were killed in the attacks at Sousse in June 2015.
The annual service at Llandaff Cathedral recognises long-serving St John members and outstanding achievements from volunteers and members of the public.
Radio and TV presenter Mr Noble was presented with his insignia as a knight by the Prior for Wales, Dan Clayton Jones.
It recognises his long association with the charity as a former trustee and as current ambassador for the Welsh first aid charity.
The Order of St John dates back to the time of the Crusades. It began with a number of individuals who were involved in the founding of a hospital in Jerusalem.
Knight is the second highest honour within the organisation. | A holidaymaker who became a human shield during the Tunisia beach attacks has been presented with a life saving medal by St John Wales. | 36563862 |
Lincoln's controversial Eastern Bypass will link the A158 Wragby Road with the A15 Sleaford Road.
Hundreds of people objected to the scheme which would close a route into the city from three villages.
But the Department for Transport has now approved the plans, which Lincolnshire County Council said would reduce congestion.
Work is expected to start in the summer and take two years to complete.
The multimillion-pound project has been delayed by protests from villagers in Cherry Willingham, Reepham and Fiskerton.
Most of the objections centred on concerns that the five-mile single carriageway would block Hawthorne Road and residents would no longer be able to use it to travel into the city.
The council's previous plans were rejected by the government in 2014 because of safety concerns over a bridge, which has now been redesigned.
Councillor Richard Davies said: "I am glad the inspector saw that not only is the bypass a vital component in our plans to create a fit-for-purpose highways infrastructure for the needs of an expanding Lincoln, but that the changes at Hawthorn Road have been mitigated by the provision of reasonably convenient alternative routes."
It is a city with a rich history, but if the Romans were to invade modern day Lincoln - they would be advised to avoid rush hour.
Back in the 1980s, transport planners hoped there would one day be a fully circular ring road surrounding the city.
The eastern bypass is the latest piece of that jigsaw, but many will argue this growing city needs further investment in its road network to avoid the misery of gridlock.
It took years of delay and two public inquiries before the project got the go-ahead.
Lincoln's MP Karl McCartney said his long term aim was to ensure the route becomes a dual carriageway.
A second inquiry held in August heard restricted access by some villages would be balanced by its benefits.
The transport authority said it had now reviewed the planning inspector's report and approved the council's plans.
Councillor Ian Fleetwood, who represents Cherry Willingham, said the announcement would be met with disappointment.
"The local people will certainly see themselves being cut off from their preferred route towards [Lincoln]." | A £92m bypass at the centre of two public inquiries has been given the green light by transport bosses. | 35587724 |
Mr Sharif, 63, was jailed and then exiled after the coup, but returned before elections in 2008, since when he has patiently bided his time in opposition.
Tipped to win this year's elections, he has surprised many by the scale of his victory. He also saw off a spirited challenge from the revitalised party of Imran Khan in politically crucial Punjab province.
Nawaz Sharif has been one of his country's leading politicians for much of the last 30 years. Like many of his contemporaries he has survived sustained corruption allegations against him during that time.
President of the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and owner of Ittefaq Group, a leading steel mill conglomerate, he is among the country's wealthiest industrialists.
A protege of military leader Gen Zia ul-Haq - who ruled Pakistan from 1977 to 1988 - Mr Sharif is perhaps best known outside Pakistan for ordering the country's first nuclear tests in 1998.
In recent years he has been critical of US policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan and denies being soft on militants. He will now need to try to keep the international community onside to win help with Pakistan's balance of payments crisis.
Mr Sharif is seen as pro-business, with an experienced team who face the task of dealing with a flailing economy, chronic power shortages and Pakistan's security crisis, as well as endemic corruption.
The BBC's Mike Wooldridge in Islamabad says he will have a honeymoon period of sorts - but time will not be on his side.
Nawaz Sharif served as prime minister from November 1990 to July 1993 and from February 1997 until he was toppled in the bloodless October 1999 coup.
He was born into the family of a prominent Lahore industrialist in 1949 and made his mark in politics representing an urban constituency.
He first came to national prominence during the early days of Gen Zia's martial law, serving as Punjab province's finance and then chief minister from 1985-1990.
Observers recall a not particularly impressive political figure, who nonetheless proved himself an adept administrator. He became prime minister in 1990, but was dismissed in 1993, clearing the way for the then opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto, to form a government.
After becoming prime minister again in 1997 with a comfortable majority, Mr Sharif appeared to dominate the political landscape and exerted a powerful hold over all the country's major institutions - apart from the army.
Frustrated by opposition in the parliament, he tried to pass a constitutional amendment that would have enabled him to enforce Sharia law. He also confronted other power centres - a mob of his supporters ransacked the Supreme Court and he tried to rein in Pakistan's powerful military.
Mr Sharif's overthrow by Gen Musharraf showed how dangerous it was for any politician to attempt to curtail the military's influence.
Mr Sharif was arrested, jailed and eventually sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of hijacking and terrorism. He was also convicted of corruption and banned for life from political activities.
But an alleged deal, brokered by the Saudis, saved him and other family members from being put behind bars. Mr Sharif, along with 40 members of his family, were exiled to Saudi Arabia for what was supposed to be a period of 10 years. His years in the political wilderness lasted until his triumphal return to Pakistan in 2007 following a deal with the military.
Owen Bennett-Jones, BBC Islamabad correspondent at the time, recalls that when Mr Sharif was removed from power, many Pakistanis expressed great relief, describing him as corrupt, incompetent and power-hungry.
By overlooking that history and giving him such a strong mandate in the 2013 elections, Pakistanis have expressed their confidence that Mr Sharif is now an older and wiser politician, our correspondent says.
Nawaz Sharif's removal from active politics and banishment to Saudi Arabia also led to serious differences emerging within his Pakistan Muslim League (PML) party.
During his time in exile, some of Mr Sharif's erstwhile party loyalists announced support for Gen Musharraf. But the former prime minister soundly defeated them in the 2008 elections.
The victory was bitter-sweet, however, as the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) won most seats in the vote and Mr Sharif stayed in opposition.
The following year another challenge emerged. Mr Sharif and his brother Shahbaz, who was Punjab chief minister, were declared ineligible to stand for public office by the Supreme Court.
Mr Sharif described the move as a betrayal by President Asif Zardari, who he accused of ordering the ruling after the pair had worked together to remove President Musharraf.
Mr Sharif not only succeeded in getting this order reversed, but was also successful in getting President Zardari to reinstate judges sacked by President Musharraf shortly before he lost power who were thought to be sympathetic to the PML-N.
In the 2013 elections the PML-N faced a strong challenge from former cricketer Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which in recent years has held huge rallies in Mr Sharif's Punjab stronghold.
The PML-N sought to counter the threat by using its control of Punjab - home to 60% of Pakistanis - to push through eye-catching schemes including giving away laptops to students and by improving transport in Lahore.
Ahead of the elections Mr Sharif promised to turn Pakistan into an "Asian tiger", with new infrastructure and a government with "zero tolerance for corruption".
"Our political philosophy revolves around economic progress," the two-time former prime minister said. "If a country is economically strong, it is able to solve all the problems, whether law and order or political extremism."
But this wily politician has been around long enough to know that in Pakistan there is a big difference between what is said and what is done. | Ousted in a 1999 military coup, Nawaz Sharif is Pakistan's prime minister for a record third term after staging a triumphant comeback in parliamentary elections. | 22167511 |
The six-time champion jockey, 51, won on Sir Maximilian and said illness had previously affected his performance.
"My riding was terrible, it was very weak, and I had a lot of blood tests and everything," he said.
"I didn't feel right at all in the second half of the season. I didn't know where I wanted to be.
Fallon won the Homeserve Conditions Stakes on Sir Maximillian on Chester Cup Day on Wednesday.
He has won the Derby at Epsom three times and at his peak was dubbed 'King Kieren' by adoring punters, but has barely had 100 mounts in Britain since the beginning of 2015.
At various times in his pomp, he was the number one rider for the powerful strings of Sir Henry Cecil, Sir Michael Stoute and the Coolmore racing and thoroughbred breeding empire, but has plied a considerably quieter trade in the US and more recently in Ireland.
"It was a blessing in disguise that [trainer] Michael [O'Callaghan] rang me to come back and ride in Ireland, and I had to go and do a medical, and that's when things turned around for me, and I feel great now," Fallon told the BBC Radio 5 live sports extra racing show.
"They [Irish Turf Club] have a great doctor, Adrian McGoldrick, and he's sorted me out."
Fallon declined to go into any details of the problem, but added: "I wasn't well at all, I feel much better now than I did last year, and we're back on the road again."
Now one of the weighing room's most senior figures, he insists there are no plans to bring down the curtain on one of the sport's most eventful and controversial stories.
That career has swung spectacularly from brilliant rides and big-race winners' circles, to drugs bans, a string of clashes with racing's authority and even to the dock at the Old Bailey where his high-profile trial for alleged corruption famously collapsed.
"It depends on the body," he said. "I'm lucky. Some of the boys have to waste hard, and sit in the sauna for many hours, but I'm lucky I can eat and drink what I like, and my weight's great.
"Thank God, I've had a great career and we didn't have too many injuries, so when you put them two together, you will last a bit longer."
Fallon expects to be making frequent visits to Britain when there is no racing in Ireland, and hopes Sir Maximilian may take him to a sprint race at Royal Ascot in June.
Meanwhile, he believes The Curragh-based O'Callaghan string contains a number of promising types including the filly Now Or Never, a possible for the Irish 1000 Guineas.
The run of Friday afternoon live racing on BBC 5 Live Sports Extra continues at Chester on May 6 from 14:00 BST. | Kieren Fallon plans to shake off a troubled year and become a more familiar face again on British racecourses after a win at Chester. | 36212050 |
The inquiry was launched after police received information that raised concerns about the deaths at Springwater Lodge Care Home, Calverton.
But post-mortem examinations and extensive tests revealed all six died of natural causes.
The home expressed its "deepest condolences" to the affected families.
A spokesman for the home added: "We want to thank everyone in the community for their support for the home during this difficult time.
"Delivering the kindest possible care is at the heart of everything we do and we are grateful for the thoughtful words of our residents and their relatives.
"Their health, safety and well-being will always be our number one priority."
A force spokesman said: "Nottinghamshire Police continues to work closely with the home, the Care Quality Commission and other partners to ensure that appropriate safeguarding measures are in place." | The deaths of six residents at a care home - which sparked a murder investigation - were all due to natural causes, Nottinghamshire Police said. | 38536317 |
The Republic will take on Switzerland and Slovakia in Euro 2016 warm-ups.
Wolves defender Doherty comes into a 40-man provisional panel along with Aberdeen's Hayes and Peterborough midfielder Forrester.
"I want to give players a chance to impress," said Republic manager Martin O'Neill.
O'Neill's side face Switzerland on 25 March before a meeting with Slovakia four days later.
The squad, which also includes uncapped Brentford midfielder Alan Judge, will be shortened ahead of assembling on 20 March.
"The countdown to Euro 2016 starts now - both myself and my staff have been incredibly busy since qualification last November scouting and monitoring as many players as possible," added O'Neill.
"I know that I will have a very tough decision to name a final squad for Euro 2016."
Republic of Ireland squad:
Goalkeepers
Darren Randolph (West Ham United), David Forde (Millwall), Keiren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Rob Elliot (Newcastle United)
Defenders
Cyrus Christie (Derby County), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Richard Keogh (Derby County), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Alex Pearce (Bristol City), Shane Duffy (Blackburn Rovers), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Paul McShane (Reading), Stephen Ward (Burnley), Greg Cunningham (Preston North End), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Midfielders
Robbie Brady (Norwich City), James McCarthy (Everton), Jeff Hendrick (Derby County), Darron Gibson (Everton), Harry Arter (Bournemouth), Eunan O'Kane (Bournemouth), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Paul Green (Rotherham United), Stephen Gleeson (Birmingham City), David Meyler (Hull City), Stephen Quinn (Reading), Aiden McGeady (Sheffield Wednesday), James McClean (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Judge (Brentford), Jonathan Hayes (Aberdeen), Chris Forrester (Peterborough United), Anthony Pilkington (Cardiff City), Jonathan Walters (Stoke City), Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City)
Forwards
Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Shane Long (Southampton), Daryl Murphy (Ipswich Town), Kevin Doyle (Colorado Rapids), Anthony Stokes (Hibernian), Simon Cox (Reading) | Matt Doherty, Jonathan Hayes and Chris Forrester have received their first Republic of Ireland call-ups for two Dublin friendlies later this month. | 35788765 |
Until now, passengers could order a car only when they were ready to ride.
Passengers may still be charged a higher "surge price" at the time of their scheduled ride if there is high demand for Uber vehicles on the day.
The feature will be enabled for business users in London first, with other Londoners getting access over the next two weeks.
Surge pricing increases the cost of fares when there is high demand for Uber vehicles.
Cars booked in advance will be subject to surge pricing - but passengers will have the option to cancel a booking if it is too expensive.
Analysis by Leo Kelion, Technology desk editor
Uber's latest move should help it take a bigger bite out of the business travel market.
Companies will be able to use Uber, knowing executives won't have to wait for a post-meeting pick-up or early morning trip to the airport.
But unlike at many minicab companies, the passenger and motorist are not paired in advance.
Uber will need to work out when to send a car towards each pre-booked pick-up, taking into account not only traffic but the likelihood that the driver will actually accept the request.
London is a big city, giving Uber a big pool of drivers to call on - it has 30,000 "partners" in the city - but it must deliver a reliable service if it is to woo passengers away from the likes of Addison Lee.
A bigger issue could be that Uber's drivers won't necessarily wait if a customer is running late. Other minicab companies will - for an added fee.
Uber says if there's a last minute delay, it will be up to the passenger to try to convince the driver to stay.
But the fact surge pricing could still kick in may deter some riders, especially when it comes to scheduling a rush-hour trip.
Scheduled rides were first introduced in Seattle on 9 June and now operate in several US cities.
Uber is also testing a travelcard-style option in cities such as San Francisco and Miami, which lets riders buy access to cheaper fares.
For example, riders in San Francisco can pay $20 (£15) upfront in exchange for 20 Uber Pool rides that will cost an additional $2 each.
Uber told Business Insider: "We're always thinking about ways to make Uber an affordable, everyday option, and this is a small beta we're running as part of that effort."
The company is currently in a dispute with Transport for London (TfL) over plans to make private-hire drivers not from English-speaking countries take an English test.
Uber revealed last week that it had made a pre-tax loss of $520m (£394m) in its last quarter, bringing its total loss to date to $4bn over its seven year history. | Transport app Uber has allowed customers in London to book journeys up to 30 days in advance. | 37184648 |
Manager Jurgen Klopp is an admirer of the 21-year-old and while no official bid has yet been tabled, there is definite interest from Anfield.
Any move for Lemar is not linked to the future of midfielder Philippe Coutinho.
Liverpool have rejected three offers from Barcelona for the Brazilian, the latest in the region of £114m.
France international Lemar, who can play centrally or out wide, also attracted interest from Arsenal this summer, but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger claimed their interest in the player was "dead" after insisting Monaco had closed the door on further sales.
The Ligue 1 champions have already sold Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy to Manchester City and Tiemoue Bakayoko to Chelsea - with teenage striker Kylian Mbappe also on the brink of joining Paris St-Germain.
A record deal for Lemar is under serious consideration at Anfield, and the Premier League side will hope to change Monaco's stance in the coming days.
That may reignite interest from Arsenal - but it is clear Liverpool's owners are ready to bankroll the ambitious deal if the French club offer any encouragement.
The Reds announced on Monday that they have agreed a club record deal to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita, with the player officially joining in July 2018. | Liverpool are prepared to test Monaco's resolve to keep midfielder Thomas Lemar with a club record offer of about £60m before Thursday's transfer deadline. | 41074679 |
The researchers from France and the US confirmed the "beer goggle effect" also works on oneself.
Ig Nobel awards are a humorous spoof-like version of their more sober cousins, the Nobel prizes.
Winners have 60 seconds to make a speech to avoid being booed off stage by an eight-year-old girl.
Titled "Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder", the team were awarded one of the 10 awards (listed below) at a packed gala ceremony at Harvard University, US.
Other winners included a patent for trapping and ejecting airplane hijackers and a UK team scooped an Ig for observing that a cow is more likely to stand up the longer it has been lying down.
The Peace Prize went to the president and state police of Belarus for making public applause illegal and having arrested a one-armed man for the offence, according to Annals of Improbable Research, who organise the ceremony.
Penile amputations were the focus of the Public Health Prize. In 1983 a team from Thailand recommended how to manage an epidemic of women amputating their husbands, which had occurred in the 1970s.
However, they said their technique was not advised in cases where the penis had been partially eaten by a duck (after amputation). It was common to keep ducks in a traditional Thai home.
Representing archaeology was a study that observed which bones dissolved when swallowing whole a dead shrew.
Brad Bushman of Ohio State University, US, and one of the five co-authors of the alcohol attractiveness study, said he was honoured that his team's work had won an Ig.
In the study, people in a bar were asked how funny, original and attractive they found themselves. The higher their blood alcohol level the more attractive they thought they were.
The same effect was also found for those who only thought they had been drinking alcohol when in fact it was a non-alcoholic placebo drink.
"People have long observed that drunk people think others are more attractive but ours is the first study to find that drinking makes people think they are more attractive themselves," Prof Bushman told the BBC.
"If you become drunk and think you are really attractive it might influence your thoughts and behaviour towards others. It illustrates that in human memory, the link between alcohol and attractiveness is pretty strong."
Judges were also asked to rate how attractive they thought the participants were. The individuals who thought they were more attractive were not necessarily rated thus by judges.
"It was just an illusion in their mind. Although people may think they become more attractive when they become intoxicated, other [sober] people don't think that," added Prof Bushman.
Prize winners tend to see the Ig Nobels as a considerable honour and indeed seven of the 10 winners (one winner died in 2006) attended the ceremony in Cambridge, US, to accept the prizes at their own expense.
Although a light-hearted event, the awards are handed out for work that is for the most part serious research. Prof Bushman said that his study significantly contributed to the existing literature.
And the study about cows standing up or lying down was important to be able to detect health problems early on, say its authors.
"We were surprised by the prize. We thought we did a decent piece of work and did not realise it made other people laugh," lead author Bert Tolkamp from Scotland's Rural College, UK, told BBC News. But he added that anything that promoted interest in science was very welcome.
The full list of 2013 Ig Nobel winners:
Medicine Prize: Masateru Uchiyama, Gi Zhang, Toshihito Hirai, Atsushi Amano, Hisashi Hashuda (Japan), Xiangyuan Jin (China/Japan) and Masanori Niimi (Japan/UK) for assessing the effect of listening to opera on mice heart transplant patients.
Psychology Prize: Laurent Bègue, Oulmann Zerhouni, Baptiste Subra, and Medhi Ourabah, (France), Brad Bushman (USA/UK/, the Netherlands/Poland) for confirming that people who think they are drunk also think they are more attractive.
Joint Prize in Biology and Astronomy: Marie Dacke (Sweden/Australia), Emily Baird, Eric Warrant (Sweden/Australia/Germany], Marcus Byrne (South Africa/UK) and Clarke Scholtz (South Africa), for discovering that when dung beetles get lost, they can navigate their way home by looking at the milky way.
Safety Engineering Prize: The late Gustano Pizzo (US), for inventing an electro-mechanical system to trap airplane hijackers. The system drops a hijacker through trap doors, seals him into a package, then drops the hijacker through the airplane's specially-installed bomb bay doors through which he is parachuted to the ground where police, having been alerted by radio, await his arrival.
Physics Prize: Alberto Minetti (Italy/UK/Denmark/Switzerland), Yuri Ivanenko (Italy/Russia/France), Germana Cappellini, Francesco lacquaniti (Italy) and Nadia Dominici (Italy/Switzerland), for discovering that some people would be physically capable of running across the surface of a pond - if those people and that pond were on the Moon.
Chemistry Prize: Shinsuke Imai, Nobuaki Tsuge, Muneaki Tomotake, Yoshiaki Nagatome, Hidehiko Kumgai (Japan) and Toshiyuki Nagata (Japan/Germany), for discovering that the biochemical process by which onions make people cry is even more complicated than scientists previously realised.
Archaeology Prize: Brian Crandall (US) and Peter Stahl (Canada/US), for observing how the bones of a swallowed dead shrew dissolve inside the human digestive system.
Peace Prize: Alexander Lukashenko, president of Belarus, for making it illegal to applaud in public, and to the Belarus State Police, for arresting a one-armed man for applauding.
Probability Prize: Bert Tolkamp (UK/the Netherlands), Marie Haskell, Fritha Langford. David Roberts, and Colin Morgan (UK), for making two related discoveries: First, that the longer a cow has been lying down, the more likely that cow will soon stand up; and second, that once a cow stands up, you cannot easily predict how soon that cow will lie down again.
Public Health Prize: Kasian Bhanganada, Tu Chayavatana, Chumporn Pongnumkul, Anunt Tonmukayakul, Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, Krit Komaratal, and Henry Wilde (Thailand), for the medical techniques of penile re-attachment after amputations (often by jealous wives). Techniques which they recommend, except in cases where the amputated penis had been partially eaten by a duck. | A team of researchers who found that people think they are more attractive when drinking alcohol, have scooped an Ig Nobel prize for their work. | 24061992 |
On 27 July 1942 a lone German aircraft dropped four bombs on the vital Rolls-Royce Merlin engine factory, killing 23 people.
It was Derby's most lethal air raid and took took air defences and factory staff completely by surprise.
A new plaque was unveiled near the Marble Hall, a preserved part of the original factory.
The Merlin engine was a major contributor to Allied victory and is credited with crippling German forces.
It was used in a number of aircraft types, including the Hurricane and Spitfire fighters that fought in the Battle of Britain.
The engine factory had survived several previous air raids but was caught off-guard by the solo German bomber, which had evaded fighter cover due to low cloud cover.
The hit was further helped by the fact it struck just as lookouts were changing shifts and the main workforce was arriving.
"There was no warning - I was just bundled under the table," said Mick Whitehead, who was was five years old at the time.
"The house shook, but it was only afterwards we saw how much damage had been done, with a piece of steel in next door's roof."
Of the four bombs dropped, one hit the factory while the others hit nearby houses. The plane also sprayed the packed streets with machine-gun fire.
Twelve people died in the factory, the rest outside. The youngest victim was two-year-old Sylvia Farmer, the oldest was George Gratton, 62.
Such was wartime secrecy the Derby Evening Telegraph referred only to the sneak attack as on a "north Midlands town".
War historian Geoff Simpson said: "Much Luftwaffe intelligence was poor and the British gradually became better at intercepting attacks and distracting enemy aircraft from major targets.
"If the enemy could have found a way to eliminate Rolls-Royce Derby and other major factories belonging to the company, then the Allied war effort would have suffered a severe setback."
The dedication ceremony in Nightingale Road will include a minute's silence to remember the lives lost.
Mr Whitehead, who organised the event, added: "I am very pleased we have finally got this memorial, it will pay tribute to all those who died and their loved ones." | A ceremony has been held to mark the 75th anniversary of an attack at the heart of the British war effort. | 40657276 |
The Dons are four points behind leaders Celtic with 10 league games remaining.
Cooper said Celtic lacked "fight, passion and desire" when Aberdeen beat Ronny Deila's side at Pittodrie earlier this season.
"It [the title] is there for Aberdeen to do," Cooper said on BBC Scotland's Sportsound. "I honestly believe that."
Aberdeen capitalised on Celtic dropping two points at home to Dundee by claiming victory at Tannadice to narrow the gap at the top of the table.
And Cooper believes his former club have the chance to win their first title since 1984/85.
"I said when Aberdeen the last game against Celtic and Simon Church scored the winner: that night I saw a Celtic team I hadn't seen in years," he said.
"I thought they lacked fight, passion and desire - which all Celtic teams have shown in the past.
"I know Aberdeen have had a few draws when Celtic drew and then Aberdeen fell back because they drew as well.
"But it [the win against Dundee United] was a massive result for them.
"It's very tough to finally get it done. The last time we won the league in 1984/85 when I was playing, we didn't beat Celtic in two games at Parkhead.
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"That's quite hard to believe and then go on and win the title that season. I think there's a great confidence at Aberdeen.
"It's put more pressure on Celtic but I feel Celtic have missed all season a star player. It's all very well putting pressure on Leigh Griffiths and he'll score goals - but not just him alone.
"I don't really see anyone else who's really star quality in that side."
Cooper hailed the progress the Dons have made under Derek McInnes, a manager he believes is proving to be the best at Pittodrie since Sir Alex Ferguson.
"He's brought a buzz about the town," said Cooper. "Okay, being out of both cup competitions was a blow. Now they're totally focused on the league. The fans are totally behind him and the city is really supporting Aberdeen in a massive way." | Aberdeen can see off Celtic's challenge to win the Premiership title this season, according to former Dons defender Neale Cooper. | 35723021 |
The 31-year-old made his first-class debut for Durham UCCE in 2005 and spent eight years with Hampshire before joining Surrey at the end of 2014.
Balcombe signed a two-year deal with Surrey but did not make a first-team appearance for The Oval side.
He took 196 wickets at an average of 32.83 in 67 first-class appearances.
The right-armer's best bowling figures came when he took 8-71 for Hampshire in the first innings against Gloucestershire in April 2012, and he added a further three wickets in the second innings to give him a best match haul of 11-119.
"To play professional cricket was a dream come true and I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute," he said.
"I have made lifelong friends, experienced some wonderful career moments and it provided me with 10 seasons of immense enjoyment." | Surrey seamer David Balcombe has retired from professional cricket in order to take up a role with the Kevin Pietersen Foundation. | 35587119 |
Textiles millionaire Rajesh Juneja told BBC Hindi he would place the suit next to a statue of Mr Modi and talk to it every day to gain inspiration.
Mr Modi wore the suit, decorated with pinstripes made from his name, at a meeting with US President Barack Obama.
He was criticised after reports said it cost nearly 1m rupees to make.
The proceeds will be used to clean the heavily polluted river Ganges.
The clean-up is a pet project of the prime minister, and his government has set a target to complete the task within three years.
The auction is due to close at 17:00 (11:30 GMT) on Friday.
Within hours of the sale opening, textiles millionaire Rajesh Juneja had bid 12m rupees.
"I am big fan of Narendra Modi," the 57-year-old told BBC Hindi.
"I like his style of functioning and after buying this suit I will keep it my office along with his statue and talk to it everyday as it will inspire me to achieve more."
His offer overtook several other businessmen in Mr Modi's home state of Gujarat who had already bid huge sums for the suit.
But experts say the suit is likely to sell for much more by the time the auction ends.
It is being sold along with more than 450 presents that Mr Modi has received since taking over as the prime minister.
Mr Modi was photographed in the suit at meetings with Mr Obama during the US president's three-day state visit to India in January.
Senior Congress party politician Jairam Ramesh had called Mr Modi a "megalomaniac".
Mr Modi is not the first high-profile figure to opt for the pattern - in March 2011 former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was photographed in a similar suit. | An Indian businessman has bid more than 12m rupees ($194,000; £125,000) for a suit worn by PM Narendra Modi at the first day of a three-day auction. | 31514509 |
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The Republic fielded a largely second string side in the 2-1 loss in Cork but Keane was still totally unimpressed.
"I wanted to kill some of them last night," he said.
"They should count their blessings they've managed to get on the flight - a reality check for one or two players who thought they were good players."
Republic manager Martin O'Neill named his 23-man Euro 2016 squad immediately after the defeat at Turner's Cross.
But speaking on Wednesday afternoon, Keane made clear his unhappiness at the commitment of the Irish players in Tuesday's game.
"If you lose it (the ball), run back - and run back like you care."
Aiden McGeady was among the Euro 2016-bound players who struggled to make an impression in Cork, with his lack of recent game time apparent.
McGeady moved on loan from Everton to Sheffield Wednesday in January but struggled to make an impression with the Championship club and was not required for last Saturday's play-off final against Hull City.
Keane said that he gave McGeady "credit" for seeking more action at Wednesday but admitted he was disappointed with the winger's display.
"He can do a lot better but maybe that's the story of Aiden's career," added Keane.
"Would Aiden find himself lucky to be on the flight? Well, he'll need to play better than he did last night to force his way into the starting XI."
The Republic assistant is optimistic James McCarthy will be fit for their Euro 2016 opener against Sweden on 13 June.
Everton midfielder McCarthy missed both warm-up games against the Netherlands and Belarus because of a thigh injury.
"I'd be confident James McCarthy will be OK for the Sweden game," said Keane.
Squad skipper Robbie Keane, 35, is also an injury doubt for the Sweden game but he is no longer a regular starter.
The LA Galaxy striker pulled up in training on Saturday with a calf muscle injury and missed Tuesday's game.
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Keane did pay tribute to the players who missed out on Euro 2016 selection.
Millwall keeper David Forde was edged out by Sheffield Wednesday's Keiren Westwood for the third goalkeeping slot alongside Darren Randolph and 40-year-old Shay Given.
Bournemouth's Harry Arter missed out because of a thigh injury with his club-mate Eunan O'Kane, Ipswich striker David McGoldrick and Oxford United's Callum O'Dowda - who has stayed with the squad to train - also failing to make the cut.
"The guys that missed out took it like true professionals," said Keane. "They are disappointed because they have all played their part."
The Republic face Sweden in the Group E opener in Paris on 13 June with Belgium and Italy their other opponents. | Republic of Ireland assistant boss Roy Keane said he was furious with the team's display in Tuesday's Euro 2016 warm-up defeat by Belarus. | 36427954 |
The sensitive information was found via a publicly available search engine that is part of Office 365.
Security researchers said many firms mistakenly thought documents would only be shared with colleagues not globally.
Microsoft said it would "take steps" to change the service and remove the sensitive data.
Security researcher Kevin Beaumont discovered the sensitive information after using the search engine on Docs.com - a website that is part of the Office 365 online software service.
Many firms use Microsoft's well-known suite of office productivity programs by subscribing to Office 365 which also gives them access to online services including Skype as well as a document-sharing and storage system.
In a series of tweets, Mr Beaumont revealed some of the sensitive information he had found via the Docs.com search engine.
"People clearly don't understand how the service works. It defaults to publicly accessible, which is the problem," he wrote.
Other security researchers followed up his discovery and unearthed confidential business papers including lists of passwords and access codes as well as social security and National Insurance numbers.
Many users complained to Microsoft via social media about documents being exposed publicly. The software giant initially reacted by removing the search box from the main Docs.com page.
However, security experts following developments found that this did not remove all the exposed documents from view.
"Files were still cached in Google's search results, as well as Microsoft's own search engine, Bing," wrote Zack Whittaker from tech news site ZDNet.
Microsoft later took steps to block incoming searches from Google to stop information being found.
However, on 27 March, the search box returned to the homepage of Docs.com.
In a statement shared with several news organisations, Microsoft said: "As part of our commitment to protect customers, we're taking steps to help those who may have inadvertently published documents with sensitive information."
It added: "Customers can review and update their settings by logging into their account at www.docs.com." | Confidential documents, passwords and health data have been inadvertently shared by firms using Microsoft's Office 365 service, say researchers. | 39417479 |
One protester was killed last night in the northern town of Chirirbandar in protests ahead of Tuesday's shutdown.
A special court is trying senior leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami for allegedly carrying out atrocities during the 1971 independence war.
The party says the charges are politically motivated.
Protesters are out on the streets across the country in support of Jamaat-e-Islami's strike and there are reports of sporadic clashes.
In some areas demonstrators have set vehicles and tyres on fire as well as pelting police vehicles with stones.
Schools and businesses in many parts of the country have been shut. Thousands of police officers have been deployed.
"We have sufficient police force now on the streets... Many vehicles are moving on the street and we are giving them protection and also activists are suddenly attacking, coming out on the street and trying to disturb, we are also looking into that," one police officer in Dhaka told the Reuters news agency.
The strike came a day after the authorities refused permission for the party to hold a rally. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has also extended its support for the strike.
The BBC's Ethirajan Anbarasan in Dhaka says that many people are staying indoors fearing violence, with most private vehicles off the roads.
As some of the cases at the special tribunal into war crimes have reached their final stages, there are concerns that Jamaat-e-Islami may intensify its protest.
Analysts believe this could be the beginning of a series of general strikes, with Jamaat-e-Islami determined to show its opposition the war crimes trials and the BNP opposition also threatening to call general strikes over a dispute on restoring the country's caretaker administration for parliamentary polls.
Our correspondent says that most people in Bangladesh are fed up of such strike action, and many fear the country may be in for a prolonged period of instability. | Violence has flared in Bangladesh as the country's largest Islamist party enforces a general strike to demand the release of its leaders from prison. | 20586045 |
First modelling for a fashion photographer when she was just 13, she has gone on to enjoy a long - and very lucrative - career in front of the camera.
From the catwalks of the world's main fashion weeks, to photo shoots on tropical beaches, the British model has enjoyed a jet-set lifestyle.
And by 2013, Ms Cole had amassed an estimated fortune of £4m, according to the Sunday Times Rich List.
Now 28, she has worked for brands including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Jean Paul Gaultier and Versace.
Yet in addition to all the glitz and glamour, Ms Cole took time out from modelling in her early 20s to attend top UK university Cambridge, which she graduated from in 2011 with a double first in the history of art.
In recent years Ms Cole has increasingly branched out into acting, with roles in films such as Snow White and the Huntsman, and TV shows including Doctor Who.
Today she says she has mostly left the modelling work behind her, and instead divides her working life between her acting projects and her time running a social enterprise called Impossible.
Impossible is a website through which people can arrange to do a job for someone else for free. Part of the so-called gift or sharing economy, users can both request for something to be done, such as find someone to walk their dog, or offer a service, such as guitar lessons.
Ms Cole says she had long had the thought in the back of her mind, and decided to start London-based Impossible in December 2013 after her friends kept saying it was such a good idea.
The launch was widely reported, and it is fair to say that some of the coverage was sceptical. A number of critics accused Ms Cole of being too idealistic or even naive.
Meanwhile others said Impossible - which is also a not-for-profit social enterprise - was self-indulgent. They argued that while it is fine for a multimillionaire to launch such a venture, the rest of us would need it to be make a profit.
A steely Ms Cole, who also actively campaigns to promote the social enterprise model, and the need for all companies to improve their social and environmental impact, says she has no time for such critics.
"I wouldn't even bother giving them [the critics] my opinion," she says.
"You can be business minded and still be socially responsible. Social business has been tried and tested, and even though it is not the norm, there are lots of examples of it working that you can point to."
Born in Devon in southwest England, and then raised in London, Ms Cole says that although running Impossible can be "challenging", it is "definitely more enjoyable than modelling".
While Impossible has yet to break even, she says it now has thousands of users in 121 different countries, and had seen fivefold annual growth.
Ms Cole adds that she and her team at Impossible - seven paid staff and a number of volunteers - are also working towards the business eventually making money, which will then be invested back in the operation.
Although users who share their services do not have to pay Impossible any money, they have the option to pay a monthly subscription, which Ms Cole says is "a voluntary payment, so almost like a donation".
To encourage users to do this, subscribers get an Impossible email address, and free magazines.
Impossible also has an online marketplace, which sells ethically produced products made by third parties, from whom it takes a sales commission.
Ms Cole says: "It is challenging for any new business to succeed from a profit perspective. When you couple that with caring about your social and environmental impact makes it even harder.
"This is because you can't be so aggressive with your margins, you can't feel OK with not paying people enough, or having a negative environmental impact. And there is a financial cost to doing the right thing that makes it more challenging.
"Yet it is totally possible [to make money and be socially responsible], you just have to think creatively."
Looking ahead, Ms Cole predicts that the number of social enterprises will only continue to grow, because a rising number of socially and environmentally aware young people are demanding it from the companies and products they use. "It is becoming more and more of a priority," she says.
Ms Cole says her working life puts her in two totally different worlds. One week she might be filming on location, while the next she is back in London at the Impossible offices filling in a spread sheet, or "geeking out over how we interpret our data better".
She also makes time to attend events which promote social enterprise, such as attending the finals of a scheme called The Venture, which is organised by whisky brand Chivas. The Venture is a global competition for would-be young social entrepreneurs.
Sophie Gallois, managing direct of Chivas, says: "Social enterprise is a subject that Lily is clearly very passionate about.
"The points she raised at the Chivas The Venture discussion really highlighted the importance for big business to take more responsibility for their social impact."
For other idealistic young people who want to set up a social enterprise to help change the world for the better, Ms Cole says they should focus instead on a very small customer base to begin with.
"It is so easy to get swept up in imagining a massive world-changing idea, but instead you need to start lean, and get something right for a small audience first," she says.
"And from there you can grow in scale." | Lily Cole doesn't fit most people's expectations of a supermodel. | 35889917 |
Mohammed Rafiq was convicted on 12 December of inflicting grievous bodily harm on Vikki Horsman, 20.
Ms Horsman was left scarred by the attack in April, when she was 19.
Rafiq, of Cheshire Road, Smethwick, paid two men £50 to attack her after she ended their relationship, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.
Shannon Heaps, 23, and Steven Holmes, 25, were found guilty of plotting to attack Ms Horsman at her friend's house in Tividale, West Midlands.
They were jailed for 12 and 14 years respectively. Both laughed when they heard the sentence and Heaps punched the air.
Holmes threw the acid and Heaps, who was at the door, was the one who put Rafiq and Holmes in touch with each other, the court heard.
During the trial, the court heard Ms Horsman had entered into a relationship with "controlling" Rafiq when she was 18.
He became angered when the care worker broke up with him, and arranged for Heaps and Holmes to attack her with the corrosive liquid.
On 15 April, she opened the door of the house and was met by a hooded figure who threw acid in her face.
She suffered "horrific" burns as a result, requiring specialist surgery to her face, neck, shoulders, and upper leg, police said.
They said Rafiq, who himself suffered minor burns when he was splashed with liquid, was initially treated as a victim but later charged.
Rafiq and Heaps, of Queens Avenue, Tividale, and Holmes, of Allan Close, Smethwick, were found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Heaps was given his sentence for his role in pointing out the property where the doorstep attack took place.
He punched the air when he was sentenced while another defendant imitated throwing acid.
Holmes was given an 18-year sentence, comprising 14 years in jail and four years on extended license.
A fourth defendant, Ceri Parkes, 26, of Smethwick, Ms Horsman's half-sister, was given 12 months on Friday after she admitted in July perverting the course of justice.
Her actions led to three people being wrongfully arrested for the attack.
The elderly man was also convicted of a further charge of perverting the course of justice.
In an interview with the BBC, Ms Horsman told how she had been left with "life-changing" injuries.
Investigating officer Det Con Jason Moseley said the case had been "horrifying and complex" and "centred around a controlling relationship".
"Rafiq's young ex-partner was seriously injured and left with devastating, lasting scars, which one can only presume was his intent given the nature of the planned attack," he said.
He said Ms Horsman was pleased with the sentences which reflected the "cold and callous" way the attack was planned by Rafiq and "his cronies"
Judge Nicholas Webb described the premeditated attack as "wicked" and Rafiq as "cruel as vengeful". He said the nature of attack was designed to degrade Ms Horsman.
Passing sentence, the judge told Rafiq, Heaps and Holmes: "Acid attacks are not uncommon in certain parts of the world.
"Thankfully, they are rare in England. Quite often they are to punish a woman who has refused to bow to the demands of a spouse.
"In such cases it is done to leave a permanent reminder of what happens when a woman rejects attempts to control her." | An 80-year-old man has been jailed for 18 years for masterminding an acid revenge attack on his teenage ex-girlfriend. | 30546330 |
One of the frontbenchers who quit rushed along, head down. The only thing some Labour MPs, apparatchiks and shadow ministers going about their business in Parliament today have got in common is the grey bags under their eyes due to a lack of sleep.
In the last four days there have been sackings, resignations, threats of resignations, private frustrations and arguments, and discussions, endless discussions.
Jeremy Corbyn now, finally, has his new team. And it's not even very different to the old one.
It's not clear that the levels of drama really merit four departures, two different names in the shadow cabinet, and a handful of new faces in the shadow frontbench team. There were always going to be disagreements inside Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party that were more intense than in most political parties, which are realistically, always awkward coalitions.
But this week, bad blood has turned into poison. How did it all go so badly wrong?
Mr Corbyn's supporters deny they were behind the frenzy of prediction that preoccupied the press and much of the Labour Party over the Christmas break about the plans Jeremy Corbyn had for a "revenge reshuffle".
But at the end of last weekend it was clear the leader did want to change his shadow foreign secretary and shadow defence secretary, Hilary Benn and Maria Eagle.
Mr Benn had to be moved after his speech supporting air strikes on Syria, one Corbyn supporter told me - because "there's a time and a place for that kind of theatrics. If his intentions were not to embarrass Corbyn, then what was he doing?"
He and Eagle had to be shifted, some believed, and Corbyn intended to "push his chips to the max".
Some of his supporters also wanted to shift the chief whip, Rosie Winterton and her team, Alan Campbell and Mark Tami. They're not exactly well-known names, but critical to the day-to-day functioning of the Labour Party.
At this stage, I'm also told notes had been taken of the "disloyalties" of Pat McFadden, the now departed shadow Europe minister. The pointed comments of Michael Dugher, the former shadow culture secretary, had also not gone unnoticed by Corbyn's backers.
Having gathered together in Parliament on Monday morning before most MPs returned to Westminster the next day, after lunch the reshuffle was ready to begin.
The intention was not for a huge clearout but for a handful of specific changes that would send a clear message to the rest of the party and give Jeremy Corbyn more control over his party on the issues closest to his heart - international relations and defence.
The plans immediately hit an obstacle. Senior sources suggest the first meeting with the chief whip, Rosie Winterton, on Monday afternoon spelled out the level of resistance to the planned changes.
I'm told she made clear she would resign if the leader fired her team, and that if Hilary Benn were fired, a significant number of the shadow cabinet would walk in protest.
One senior figure told me on Monday night: "The shadow cabinet is almost unified in opposing moving Benn. There will have to be a climbdown or there will be carnage."
Those who might have considered their positions include Andy Burnham, Lucy Powell, Angela and Maria Eagle, and Vernon Coaker. One source claimed as many as 15 junior ministers would go too.
Through the afternoon, several shadow cabinet ministers were asked to come into Parliament or to expect phone calls. But crucially, I'm told even after weeks of speculation over the changes, it was only on Monday afternoon that the viability of the planned changes were discussed outside Mr Corbyn's supporters.
One senior figure described it as "the first time Jeremy Corbyn has started to work out there are consequences".
No surprise perhaps that hours and hours of difficult conversations, including a meeting of more than an hour between Mr Corbyn and Mr Benn, reached no conclusion.
It had been made plain to him the most significant of the changes he wanted to make would face a huge backlash, and he didn't appear to want to go fully ahead. Just before 10pm his spokesman told me there had been long discussions and soundings, with "announcements to come in due course".
At midnight on Monday however, sources in the rest of the shadow cabinet were sure of the shape of the changes - Mr Corbyn would not sack Hilary Benn, he wanted to sack Michael Dugher, and move Maria Eagle to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, with Emily Thornberry a possible - if controversial - replacement for her at defence.
Mid-morning on Tuesday, the first actual sacking was revealed. Not by the leader's office, but by Michael Dugher himself, tweeting that he had been sacked.
Rather than silently await their fate, or actual announcements from Team Corbyn, nine members of the shadow cabinet praised him, lamenting his loss on social media.
As the hours ticked by towards David Cameron's statement on Europe in the Commons - when he was to announce a significant climbdown on the EU - it still seemed the announcement of the expected changes would happen at any moment.
Surely, the leader's office wouldn't allow the front bench to take their seats without knowing if they'd still be allowed to sit there for very much longer? But that is exactly what happened.
On the way to the statement one shadow cabinet minister joked to me: "Whoever gets to the front bench in time keeps their job."
The Labour front bench sat together, but tense and stony throughout.
It still seemed like the most likely outcome would be a move for Maria Eagle, Mr Benn staying put, and probably Emily Thornberry into defence. But as the hours ticked by and there was no signal from the leader's office, rumours ran wild.
One shadow cabinet member said to me, "It seemed like it was on, then it was off."
In the end, it was not until Parliament's cleaning staff had had to vacuum around those gathered reporters, after midnight, that the first announcement came - the sacking of Pat McFadden as shadow Europe minister.
The bitter backlash of the moves followed on Wednesday morning. Three junior shadow ministers departing in protest, on TV, on radio and Facebook.
Spats broke out in public and in private over the deal that had really been agreed with Hilary Benn.
Claims that he'd agreed to swallow his criticisms of Mr Corbyn, although he insisted that nothing had changed. Accusations made by both sides that they were misrepresenting the facts. Not then until Thursday morning that the last of the names emerged with the final shape of Mr Corbyn's new team. And without a polygraph, it is impossible to tell exactly what really happened.
But what is clear is that the last few days will have a lasting impact on the Labour Party. There were only minor moves in number, but the consequences could be major.
Reshuffles are a test of any political leader's authority. And while it sounds a contradiction, Jeremy Corbyn's performance has been, at once, both feeble and strong.
Strong in that he achieved his aim of a new face at defence, partly neutralising a future row over the nuclear deterrent by putting a fellow opponent of Trident in charge.
Forceful in sacking two effective Westminster operators, Michael Dugher and Pat McFadden, who disagreed with him and were willing to say so. He increased the number of women in the shadow cabinet too, and now has a team that reflects better his positions.
Yet the Labour leader found he did not have the clout to drive through all the changes he wanted. The political pantomime has exposed again his team's lack of experience in just getting things done.
And that handling, the days of concern and chaos, have deepened the hostility between Mr Corbyn and some Labour MPs - accelerating perhaps the move towards a narrower political platform from where, recent history suggests, elections are harder to win.
And in sacking Michael Dugher and Pat McFadden, two of Labour's canniest political operators are on the backbenches with more time to spare.
Given the hostility to Mr Corbyn's leadership among his MPs, and the hopes of some that he could be removed, that in itself is a risk.
But the last few days may simply serve to widen the gap between Mr Corbyn's supporters in Westminster and beyond and most of the Parliamentary party - summed up balefully by one member of the shadow cabinet as the "weak fighting the weak".
Reshuffles are rarely clean, but this noisy, messy few days demonstrates that right now, Labour is a party struggling to come to terms with itself, and consumed by its own divisions.
Until that changes, the chances of the public giving Labour another chance seem slim indeed. | Labour advisers from rival camps hovered around each other, awkwardly, in the coffee queue. | 35258182 |
It is the first documentary to be endorsed by Houston's estate, following her death at the age of 48, in 2012.
"I want audiences to walk out of the cinema and feel positive about Whitney and her music," said Macdonald, who directed The Last King of Scotland.
He said the film would chart Houston's rise from gospel singer to global star.
The film will include interviews with friends, family and collaborators, including Clive Davis, founder and president of Arista Records, who is credited with discovering the singer.
The filmmaking team will also have access to exclusive demo recordings, rare performances and audio archive.
"I want to reveal a woman that even her most die-hard fans never knew; and a woman those new to her life and music will never forget," said Macdonald, whose documentary includes Touching the Void and One Day in September.
"She changed the way pop music was sung - bringing it back full circle to its blues and gospel roots."
"Although we won't shy away from the darker parts of Whitney's life - her descent into addiction - I want audiences to walk out of the cinema and feel positive about Whitney and her music."
Houston was one of the most celebrated female singers of all time, with hits including I Will Always Love You and Saving All My Love For You.
She won two Emmys, six Grammys, and more than 20 American Music Awards, but her later career was overshadowed by drug abuse and her turbulent marriage to singer Bobby Brown.
She was found drowned in a hotel bath in Los Angeles on the eve of the Grammy Awards.
In 2015, Houston's family has heavily criticised a biopic of the star, directed by actress Angela Bassett. The film, which premiered on the Lifetime channel, was made without the family's blessing.
Macdonald's documentary will be released in the UK in 2017. | The life of the late singer Whitney Houston is to be documented in a feature film by British Oscar winner Kevin Macdonald. | 36160713 |
In his first interview since being indicted in 2009 for carrying out the second largest investment scam in US history - a crime for which he is serving a 110-year prison term - the Texan told BBC Sport he is "very sad" about the damage his conviction did to the sport.
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In 2008 the former billionaire signed a controversial agreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for a multi-million pound series of matches.
In a notorious publicity stunt, Stanford flew into Lord's aboard a private helicopter laden with a treasure chest filled with fake dollar notes.
But the following year the ECB was left humiliated when Stanford was charged with fraud worth $8bn. Convicted in 2012, Stanford denies any wrongdoing and has vowed to clear his name.
When asked how he felt about the humiliation the ECB had suffered as a result of its association with him, Stanford said: "It makes me very, very sad. I'm very sorry".
Speaking from the maximum-security Coleman II federal prison in Sumterville, Florida, he admitted: "It breaks my heart and there's nothing I can say other than that was not caused by Allen Stanford."
"That was caused by the wrongful prosecution... an over zealous and a wrongful prosecution."
Stanford signed a deal with with the ECB for a series of five Twenty20 games between England and a Caribbean side nicknamed the 'Stanford All-Stars'. The winners of each of the five games would collect a prize-fund of $20m (£13.75m), the largest ever for a team sporting event. The losers would get nothing.
The exuberant tycoon promoted the series by flying into Lord's, where he was greeted by the ECB's then chairman Giles Clarke and chief executive David Collier.
The long-term deal collapsed the following year when the US Securities and Exchange Commission charged Stanford, and the ECB cut all ties. But many felt the the governing body had been blinded by Stanford's wealth and should have seen the warning signs. Both Clarke's and Collier's reputations were damaged by the ill-fated partnership.
"I'm not sure if Giles Clarke is still the head person now, but he and I got along well," said Stanford.
"And I think the world of David Collier.
"My dealings with the ECB was one of professionalism and one of mutual respect and I love cricket."
Ultimately, only one match took place between England and the All Stars, England suffering a humiliating 10-wicket defeat in Antigua in November 2008. Stanford also ended up having to apologise to the losers for cavorting with some of their wives and girlfriends during their warm-up victory over Middlesex, at one point bouncing the pregnant wife of wicketkeeper Matt Prior on his knee.
"To tell you the truth I don't remember doing that," he said.
"It's one of those blurry blank spots. What I remember is going down there, I didn't know who they were. I just saw a group of young gals sitting there and they were waving at me and the camera was following me around and they said 'come over here and take your picture with us' so I did.
"There was one chair shy of having us all sitting there, so I said 'here come sit on my knee', and we were going to take a picture and that was the end of it.
"I had no idea those were the English players' wives and that created quite a bit of an uproar. But I apologised for it. I went over to the English locker room and I apologised to the guys. I said 'look I was just over there having fun with the crowd like I always do, I was just horsing around, I didn't mean anything by it', and they accepted my apology."
Stanford's involvement in cricket began in 2006, when the Antigua-based banker created and funded the first Stanford 20/20 tournament. By the time a second tournament took place in 2008, watched by a reported global audience of 300 million, he was considered the world's leading promoter of the sport, and a cricket innovator.
When asked what he thought of those who said he had exploited cricket, Stanford said: "I would say they are absolutely correct.
"I was trying to grow the Stanford brand globally. I mean anybody would be foolish not to spend the money, and I spent about $30-odd million on cricket in the West Indies in addition to what I spent on the 20/20 for 20 tournament.
"But I certainly did want a return on that investment in terms of a business sense.
"But what nobody understood is that I anticipated this new generation of players that we were going to uncover.
"When we had our first cricket tournament we broadcast that and I gave the TV rights away globally. We had over a billion people watch our matches and that was the island versus island competition.
"My goal was to have a vehicle where I could uncover new talent, take the money that this tournament generated, and pile it back into the island so that they could develop their own programmes, home-grow these young athletes and bring them to the Stanford 20/20. We would pick the best players out of the tournament. These would not be the superstars that currently play for the West Indies, these would be unknown young guys.
"In the West Indies we have the greatest physical athletic talent for cricket anywhere in the world. They were just being diverted into other sports, whether it's basketball or soccer. There just wasn't that real incentive for them to stay and play in a sport that had not kept track with the 21st Century and the modernisation of the sport."
Stanford says he never watches cricket now that he is behind bars.
"Cricket is not a very big sport in prison. In fact, I've had to educate some of the guys what cricket is all about. Occasionally I run into a guy from the West Indies - it filters through the system here, and of course they know who I am and we immediately have a talk.
"But cricket is not shown on any of the few televisions that are available here.
"I try to keep up with it best I can, but my focus right now is to get out of prison and to see these wrongs made right and to see that I get back with my family."
Listen to a BBC Radio 5 live special on the Allen Stanford interview from 21:00 on Monday, 11 January. | Jailed fraudster Allen Stanford says the embarrassment he caused English cricket chiefs "breaks his heart". | 35284752 |
Theresa May has said she will form a government with the support of the DUP, though it is not clear what kind of arrangement this will be.
Despite party leader Arlene Foster warning it would be difficult for the prime minister to stay in No 10, discussions are certainly going on behind the scenes.
The party has moved on to the political centre stage but most people will be in the dark about what it stands for.
The DUP website crashed on Friday morning after a surge of interest, and DUP was also one of the most searched terms on Google.
Basically, they are pro-union (not Europe but UK), pro-Brexit and socially conservative.
The party is now the fifth largest in Parliament; its 36% share of the vote in Northern Ireland resulted in 10 MPs being returned to Westminster, but it wasn't always so popular.
It started as a one-man-band, with Rev Ian Paisley, a fundamentalist Protestant preacher, at its helm. He founded the party in 1971 in opposition to what he saw as the increasingly liberal approach of the Ulster Unionists; the party of the political establishment since the state was founded in 1921.
Unlike nationalists, who want to see the Irish border removed and rule from Westminster ended, unionists want the link with Britain preserved. For most of his political career, Ian Paisley saw the prospect of devolved power sharing with his political enemies as a Trojan Horse to Irish unity.
He set his face against successive attempts to cobble together an agreement between nationalists and unionists, knowing that simply by saying no he could make political gains. And so it was that by 2005 the Democratic Unionist Party, which started as the party of resistance to any hint of accommodation, displaced the ruling class of the Ulster Unionists as the party which could legitimately claim to speak for all of unionism.
Power sharing with Sinn Fein followed in 2007 and, until recently, the DUP had a reputation for fiscal prudence and deft political strategising.
When Ian Paisley became first minister in Stormont - Northern Ireland's seat of government - with Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness acting as deputy first minister, the two of them got on so well that they were nicknamed the "chuckle brothers". But all of that seems like a distant memory.
The party remained electorally dominant under its next leader Peter Robinson, but relations between nationalists and unionists in the country's fragile power-sharing executive began to cool.
After Mr Robinson lost his Westminster seat in the 2010 general election, Mrs Foster took over as party leader in December 2015, and first minister in 2016.
Her leadership has been sullied by controversy over the Renewable Heat Incentive Deal, which saw the power-sharing executive collapse in 2017, causing a snap election in Stormont.
Northern Ireland is still without a government but the DUP has found itself in a position to influence political events across the entire United Kingdom, and that has led to scrutiny of some of the party's policies.
The party may be less overtly religious than it was in the days when Rev Paisley was in charge, but on social issues it is still deeply conservative. It opposes same-sex marriage and is anti-abortion - abortion remains illegal in Northern Ireland, except in specific medical cases.
DUP East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson, a devout climate change denier, was once Northern Ireland's environment minister.
Mervyn Storey, the party's former education spokesman, once called for creationism - the belief that human life did not evolve over millions of years but was created by God - to be taught alongside evolution in science classes.
He has also objected to an exhibition on evolution in the Ulster Museum and signs at the Giant's Causeway in his North Antrim constituency.
Then there's the party's historical links to loyalist paramilitaries.
During this general election campaign, the DUP's Emma Little-Pengelly received the endorsement of the three biggest loyalist paramilitary organisations.
Although the DUP said it did not accept their support, in her acceptance speech, Mrs Little-Pengelly thanked those who came out to vote for her, singling out several loyalist working class areas in Belfast.
In December, the DUP's Trevor Clarke was criticised by Sir Elton John after the politician admitted he did not know heterosexual people could contract HIV until a charity explained the facts to him.
The DUP was a wholehearted supporter of Brexit and got heavily involved in the Leave campaign.
After Brexit, the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland becomes an EU frontier and the DUP is not in favour of a so-called hard border. This means no checkpoints or intrusive enforcement.
So no hard border but in the round, the party's vision of Brexit is a fairly hard one - it was the most Eurosceptic party in the UK before the ascent of UKIP.
The party also wants to leave the EU customs union - their manifesto says there should be "progress on new free trade deals with the rest of the world" - and end the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, ensuring that in future British law is supreme.
One red line is the idea of Northern Ireland being granted some sort of "special status" when Brexit comes to pass - the DUP will not stand for any arrangement that physically sets the region apart from anywhere else in the UK.
Its 2017 manifesto set out its position on Brexit and other issues, including:
Its key slogan during the campaign turned out to be rather prescient: "A vote for the DUP team is a vote to send 'Team Northern Ireland' to Westminster. It is a team that has real influence".
After a tumultuous night for the Conservatives, Prime Minister Theresa May has lost her majority in the House of Commons, and the mandate she was expecting from the British people.
But with more seats than any other party, she has the first opportunity to form a government, but she needs to have an overall majority of 326 MPs to get legislation past the House of Commons.
The DUP plays a key role in this as their increased Northern Ireland majority of 10 seats could get Mrs May's Queen's Speech through parliament.
Ahead of the election, Northern Ireland's largest party made clear its preference was for a Conservative rather than Labour government.
The DUP's most senior MPs, including its Westminster leader Nigel Dodds, have been consistently critical of the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, particularly for his past links with Sinn Féin and his stance on security issues. | The Democratic Unionists look set to be the powerbrokers in an election that intended to bring stability but has ended in a hung Parliament. | 40217141 |
The Welsh champions would cause a major upset if they overturned the Croatian side's 2-0 lead.
"We've got to grow into the game, not throw everything at them early on because if we concede an away goal the tie is near-enough over," said Ruscoe.
"Hopefully we can get that goal in front and put them under pressure."
Rijeka ended Dinamo Zagreb's run of 11 Croatian league titles last season.
TNS overcame Europa FC in the first round - where Rijeka had a bye - after a thrilling extra-time win against the Gibraltar champions.
Ruscoe also hopes the unfamiliar surroundings and artificial pitch will unsettle the visitors.
"We're playing on 3G as well, a small changing room at a stadium that doesn't have that atmosphere - it's all different to what they're used to," said Ruscoe.
"All these things possibly go in our favour." | Manager Scott Ruscoe hopes The New Saints can overhaul Rijeka in Tuesday's Champions League second qualifying round, second-leg tie. | 40639168 |
"Once we heard... Foo Fighters had been forced to pull out, there was only one person we wanted to call and that was Florence," said organiser Emily Eavis.
Florence Welch had already been confirmed to perform with her band before Foo Fighters on 26 June.
She last performed at the Somerset event in 2010.
Foo Fighters cancelled their Glastonbury appearance and a string of other dates after frontman Dave Grohl fractured his leg in a stage fall in Sweden.
Ironically, Welch's recent concerts have been hampered by her breaking her foot on stage at the Coachella music festival in April.
This summer will mark the 28-year-old's first performance on Glastonbury's famed main stage.
"Every time she has played here she's done something spectacular and we always knew she would headline the Pyramid one day," said Eavis, who runs Glastonbury with her father Michael.
"I'm delighted she's agreed to step up to it - she's going to smash it!"
Michael Eavis added: "I'm absolutely delighted. She's a fantastic girl, and she's English as well.
"It's a moment for her and she will be triumphant."
He added that he hoped to book Foo Fighters for next year's festival, but nothing was confirmed yet.
Kanye West is the headline act on 27 June, while The Who will close this year's festival the following night.
Organisers said revised Pyramid Stage set timings for 26 June would be announced soon. | Florence and the Machine will headline the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury this year, following Foo Fighters' withdrawal from the Friday night slot. | 33166310 |
Last year's finalists produced a frantic opening with Glasgow on top from two converted Sila Puafisi tries.
Munster came storming back with two tries from another prop, Dave Kilcoyne, and Ian Keatley kicked a penalty.
Glasgow's Duncan Weir sped over in the corner and added a penalty before Mike Sherry made it 24-22 to 14-man Munster ahead of Glenn Bryce's match-winner.
This was terrific stuff and brought to an end a four-match winless run for the Warriors.
Nobody was as influential as Josh Strauss, who put in the kind of thunderous performance that Scotland head coach Vern Cotter will have watched closely.
Puafisi barrelled over from close range inside three minutes, his score then converted by Weir. A perfect beginning only got better for Glasgow. Puafisi's second try had its origins in tremendous work from Strauss, who carried and carried again.
Munster held out, but there was a sense of the inevitable about Glasgow's momentum, Puafisi driving over for a second try.
Weir added the conversion and Glasgow had a precious 14-0 lead, the kind of advantage that head coach Gregor Townsend could scarcely have imagined in his dreams.
Then came the nightmare. What Glasgow did to Munster, Munster duly did to Glasgow. They got their hands on the ball and they made things happen. The ambition of both sides in those early minutes was terrific.
Kilcoyne got his first score midway through the half after a sustained battering on the Glasgow line. Keatley converted then put over a penalty to bring the Munstermen back into the contest at 14-7.
Glasgow couldn't get ball. In the rare moments they did get it, errors crept in and helped Munster off the hook. They had a few line-out misfires and, in an effort to offload, some forced passes that went to ground and checked their progress.
Munster, meanwhile, were clinical. Another visit to Glasgow's 22 and patience and power through the phases saw them pile over from close-range, Kilcoyne getting the touch-down again.
Keatley's conversion put Munster into the lead at 17-14 after 24 breathless minutes, a scenario that seemed impossible just a quarter of an hour before.
Seventeen unanswered points for the visitors would have addled Townsend's brain but the coach got some peace of mind soon after the break when Glasgow calmly worked their way to the Munster 22 and then Weir backed himself and bolted into the corner for Glasgow's third try.
Weir missed the conversion but added a penalty just after the hour, the three points coming while Tomas O'Leary, the Munster scrum-half was in the sin-bin. At 22-17, things were looking positive for Glasgow.
O'Leary was still in the bin when Munster responded. It was another head-wreck for the hosts. A daft piece of indiscipline gifted the visitors a penalty, which they pinged to touch. From the line-out, they launched the maul and Sherry, the replacement hooker, smashed his way over.
Keatley made it 24-22 to Munster with a terrific touchline conversion. Glasgow's scrum had Munster in desperate trouble all night and when James Cronin collapsed, he walked.
This 10-minute spell was more lucrative for Glasgow. A botched line-out looked like it was going to scupper Glasgow yet again, but Simone Favaro won it back on the floor and Bryce was put away on the left for a precious try that won a thrilling game.
Glasgow Warriors: Peter Murchie, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Glenn Bryce, Peter Horne, Sean Lamont, Duncan Weir, Ali Price, Gordon Reid, James Malcolm, Sila Puafisi, Tim Swinson, Leone Nakarawa, Rob Harley, Chris Fusaro, Josh Strauss (capt).
Replacements: Cammy Fenton, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Zander Fagerson, Greg Peterson, Simone Favaro, Grayson Hart, Fraser Lyle, Rory Hughes.
Munster: Andrew Conway; Darren Sweetnam, David Johnston, Rory Scannell, Ronan O'Mahony; Ian Keatley, Tomás O'Leary; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Donnacha Ryan, Billy Holland (capt) Jack O'Donoghue, Tommy O'Donnell, Robin Copeland.
Replacements: Mike Sherry, James Cronin, Mario Sagario, Dave Foley, Conor Oliver, Duncan Williams, Johnny Holland, Cian Bohane. | Glasgow reignited their Pro12 season with a thrilling bonus point-win over Munster at Rugby Park in Kilmarnock. | 35604716 |
The prince met traders and security staff who helped people during the attack on 3 June.
The historic market in south London was closed for several days to allow police to carry out forensic investigations.
It re-opened on Wednesday when traders held a minute's silence to remember the victims.
Hundreds of people, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan, had gathered at the market to mark the re-opening after days of intensive cleaning and clearing by the community.
Prince Harry bought a box of doughnuts from Matt Jones, of Bread Ahead, whose staff protected members of the public on the night of the attacks.
Mr Jones said the attack "was a horrible thing", and Harry replied: "The strength of this community and London as a whole is magic."
He also praised the bravery of staff who worked in bars and restaurants around Borough Market and helped people during the assault.
Prince Harry spoke to security officer Ganga Garbuja, who was one of the first on the scene and led people to safety.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: "Prince Harry was keen to come down as soon as possible to spread the message that this vibrant market is open for business."
Inquests into the deaths of the eight victims are being held at Southwark Coroner's Court. | Prince Harry has visited Borough Market a day after it re-opened following the London Bridge terrorist attack in which eight people died. | 40286677 |
Police said the men broke into the house on Egeria Street, near Donegall Road, on Friday night after 23:00 BST.
One of the men is believed to have had a suspected firearm.
A man, woman and child locked themselves in a bedroom and were not injured.
A window was broken during the burglary but nothing is believed to have been taken.
Police have appealed for information. | Three people including a small child locked themselves in a bedroom after a gang thought to be carrying a gun forced their way into a house in south Belfast. | 37739246 |
The proposed laws include destroying bikes of convicted gang members and forbidding members from owning tattoo parlours.
The state also plans to establish a prison solely for convicted motorcycle gang members.
The move comes after an escalation in biker gang-linked violence in recent years.
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman said the new laws were designed to "destroy" motorcycle gangs, which are also known as bikie gangs.
He said they would be the toughest anti-bikie laws in the world.
"We'll stop them from gathering in groups and going to, and wearing their colours at, certain places," he added.
Under the new laws, members will be forbidden from wearing biker club colours in public and working in or operating tattoo parlours, and will find it harder to receive bail.
Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said that a bikie-only prison would be established north of Brisbane.
Convicted members would face strict drugs tests and would have their communications monitored.
"The punishment is deliberately and unapologetically severe because we want to break the bikies - break their enterprise, break their spirit, break up their groups," he said.
On 28 September, 18 people were charged following two brawls involving motorcycle gang members on Queensland's Gold Coast.
The bills are scheduled for their second reading in Queensland's parliament on Tuesday.
Local media report that the legislation could be passed by the parliament as early as Tuesday evening.
"Consultation has occurred within Government. Wider consultation has not been possible because of the need to respond urgently to the significant public threat criminal gangs pose in Queensland," the government wrote in an explanatory note for the legislation.
The proposed laws have been criticised by civil liberties groups.
Australian Council for Civil Liberties president Terry O'Gorman described the legislation as "shock and awe" tactics and said that lawmakers had "refused to consult with anyone except the police".
Debbie Kilroy, representing prisoner support group Sisters Inside, told Australian media that a bikie-only prison would risk "pushing young men further to the margins by keeping them in solitary confinement".
Last year police warned that feuds between motorcycle gangs - including a series of shootings in Sydney - were a step away from becoming an all-out war.
Earlier this month, eight members of rival biker gangs were arrested in Victoria state, and police said they seized guns, ammunition and drugs after a raid on dozens of gang-linked properties.
The Gold Coast area of Queensland is seen as have a particular problem with such gangs, the BBC's Jon Donnison in Sydney reports. | Queensland parliament in Australia is set to introduce tough new legislation to tackle motorcycle gang crime. | 24516187 |
Joshua Vallum was given 49 years in prison for the murder of his 17-year-old ex-girlfriend Mercedes Williamson.
Vallum pleaded guilty to stabbing and bludgeoning Mercedes after friends learned of their relationship.
Transgender-rights advocates say there is an "epidemic of violence" against the minority community.
"Today's sentencing reflects the importance of holding individuals accountable when they commit violent acts against transgender individuals," US Attorney General Sessions said in a written statement.
"The Justice Department will continue its efforts to vindicate the rights of those individuals who are affected by bias motivated crimes," the former Alabama congressman added.
In 2009 Congress expanded the federal hate crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim's sexual orientation.
This case, which began under the Obama administration, is the first federal hate crime prosecution based on a victim's gender identity.
The 29-year-old member of the Latin Gangs street gang had secretly been romantically involved with Mercedes during the summer of 2014, he admitted to prosecutors.
He knew that she was transitioning from male to female at the time, despite initially telling officers that he "blacked out" and killed her after seeing her penis.
Experts refer to this legal technique as the "gay panic" or "trans panic" defence.
After their relationship had ended, Vallum made the decision kill Mercedes fearing retribution from other gang members who had discovered their past.
He lured her to his father's home, where he shocked her with a stun gun, then stabbed her and struck her with a hammer as she tried to flee.
During sentencing, Vallum pleaded for forgiveness from Mercedes' family, although none of them were in court.
"Every day, I live with the guilt and regret of my actions," Vallum said.
"If I could bring back Mercedes by giving up my life, I would gladly do so."
At least nine transgender people have died in 2017 in the US, according to LGBT advocates. | A Mississippi man has been sentenced for killing a transgender woman in the first US federal prosecution of a hate crime based on gender identity. | 39938428 |
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (Hial) said a total of 1,451,793 passengers passed through it 11 sites, a 3.2% rise on the previous year.
Inverness was the busiest airport in the group thanks to its connections to Amsterdam, Dublin, Geneva and Zurich.
Dundee, Islay, Barra, Benbecula and Tiree also had increased passenger figures, but they fell at other sites.
These included Sumburgh, Kirkwall, Campbeltown, Wick John O'Groats and Stornoway.
Figures for the last quarter of 2015 - October-December - also showed that passenger numbers fell across the group.
Hial said that this was largely as a result of the loss of services between Inverness and London City and bad weather and cancellations affecting flights.
There was also less demand from the energy sector, including the North Sea oil and gas industry.
Inglis Lyon, managing director of Hial, said: "The last 12 months have been the busiest in HIAL's 30 year history with record numbers of business and leisure passengers using our airports.
"This growth illustrates the enormous importance of our regional airports to Scotland's economy."
He added: "We will continue to invest in our airports, with major developments planned or underway at Inverness and Sumburgh this year, and continued efforts to improve our customer service and attract more business across the group.
"Notwithstanding the welcome arrival of British Airways and KLM at Inverness we have more work to do to attract new business and improve our financial outlook." | Scotland's regional airports group has said 2015 was its busiest year yet in its 30-year history. | 35491370 |
Taylor, 26, tweeted a picture of himself outside Nottingham City Hospital on Thursday.
"Well that has been one hell of an experience," he said of his fortnight undergoing tests on the condition - arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).
"What a beautiful day!" he added.
Taylor's county, Nottinghamshire, said he would continue his recovery at home and "be tested and monitored to determine future treatment".
Taylor, who began his career at Leicestershire, played seven Tests and 27 ODIs for England.
He fell ill during the first day of Notts' match against Cambridge University this month and was diagnosed with ARVC, a similar condition that afflicted Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba.
On medical advice, Taylor retired with immediate effect. | Former England batsman James Taylor has left hospital after a "preliminary procedure" on the heart condition which prompted his retirement. | 36112944 |
Many were left baffled after receiving the amber snow alert for London, south-east England, and south Wales - despite temperatures reaching 21C (70F).
"Warmest day of the year and Met Office email me an amber snow warning. Are they having a giraffe or what?!", one Twitter user, Howard Bannister, said.
The Met Office blamed a "technical error".
The snow alert for Thursday evening was a test warning that accidentally went live on the Met Office website and mobile phone application, it said.
It was also emailed to subscribers, with many taking to social media in confusion.
"As if my dad just got an email from the Met office with an amber warning for snow in the south west. Mate, have you looked out the window?" wrote Twitter user Briony.
Essex Weather Centre tweeted: "Looks like the sun has got to someone at the Met Office! Definitely no snow expected this evening or overnight!"
The forecaster later confirmed that Thursday had been the warmest of the year so far, with temperatures expected to continue to rise over the weekend.
Sunday is expected to be the hottest day, with the temperatures expected to reach 26C (79F) in London and 21C (70F) in Edinburgh - hotter than parts of Spain and Los Angeles.
The average UK temperature for May is 14C (57).
However, some showery rain is expected on Friday night in Northern Ireland and Scotland, and thundery downpours are predicted over parts of the west Midlands and Wales, the Met Office said.
There are also predictions from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) of increased levels of pollution on Sunday, with high levels expected in Northern Ireland and Scotland. | The Met Office "mistakenly" issued a warning of snow on what was the UK's hottest day of the year so far. | 36218480 |
McCulloch was appointed permanent manager on a three-year deal, having been interim boss since 19 February.
"Some players where saying, 'how can we take you seriously when you're not the manager?'" McCulloch told BBC Scotland.
"But now it's confirmed I'll be pushing on to try and get the right players in for the club and the fans."
McCulloch, who says he is "delighted" and "ready for the challenge ahead", took charge of the team after Lee Clark left for Bury, and guided Kilmarnock to eighth place and Premiership safety last season.
He says there is a pressing need to add to his squad, with only around 10 senior players currently on contract at the club.
"We've got the youngest team in Britain so we need to try and bring in a little bit more experience," McCulloch said. "But along with that, some more young and hungry players.
"Other teams are making signings and getting word out there that they want certain players."
However with three Kilmarnock players involved with the Scotland under 20's side that beat Brazil at the Toulon Tournament, including Greg Taylor who scored the winner, he has plenty of confidence that the young players will deliver for him.
McCulloch also revealed he spoke to some supporters groups about the prospect of him becoming the manger on a permanent basis, "wanting to make sure they were happy".
"It's important to get backing from supporters, it's important that everyone is together, because we need to try and get into the community to get people back in to the stadium," McCulloch added.
Encouraging more fans through the turnstile is a priority for the new Kilmarnock manager at a club he believes is "a sleeping giant".
"We've an 18,000 all-seater stadium here and we're averaging 3,000 people a game, so we need to try and get everyone together, start connecting with the community and getting winning displays on the pitch," McCulloch said.
"I've been here as assistant manager for the last two and a half years, now it's straight into management so it came quicker than what I expected, but it's a challenge that I'm really looking forward to taking on." | Lee McCulloch admits Kilmarnock are "behind schedule" as they build for the new season. | 40163247 |
Yet many technology and ethics issues surrounding civilian drones are yet to be solved, journalists at London's Science Media Centre were told.
The UK-led, £62m Astraea project - which has participation of the UK Civil Aviation Authority - is attempting to tackle all facets of the idea.
Later in November, they will carry out a crucial collision-avoidance test.
Unmanned aircraft or UAs is something of a new name for drones, which have gained notoriety principally in the theatre of war where remotely operated aircraft are used for surveillance or air strikes.
But the same technology put to use for civilian purposes is already a hot topic of debate in the UK and abroad, most recently surrounding their use by London's Metropolitan Police.
A recent report by the UK's Aerospace, Aviation and Defence Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) found that applications for unmanned aircraft are said to be worth some £260bn - replacing costly or dangerous work done by manned planes, or opening up new applications that are currently out of reach.
Crop or wildlife stock monitoring, search and rescue, and check-ups on railway lines are some of the envisioned uses of UAs.
"All these things are currently done by manned aircraft, and they're done in currently quite hazardous environments," said Ruth Mallors, director of the Aerospace KTN.
"We want to use unmanned aircraft in these applications, but to be able to do that we have to demonstrate that were complying with the Civil Aviation Authority regulations, which are for manned aircraft.
"There's not going to be any new regulations - we'll comply with the regulations in place."
That is what brings about the technological challenge. The project involves sensors to be the "eyes" of a UA, the software to carry out manoeuvres and collision avoidance, and the aircraft themselves.
Plans for UAs envision that a pilot will always be on the ground controlling them, but they must have on-board technology that can perform in an emergency - in the eyes of aviation law - as well as a pilot.
"These things are going to have a level of self-determinism, particularly if you ever lose the communication link with the ground control," said Lambert Dopping-Hepenstal, Astraea project director. "They've got to be able to operate fully safely and take the right decisions.
"But we're not talking about unthinking drones, we're not talking about irrational and unpredictable behaviour, and we're not talking about something that gets itself up in the morning, goes off and does its own things and comes home without any human oversight."
The project has the participation of major contractors including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Thales UK. But they are also working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority, who will ultimately control the licensing for UAs when they pass stringent safety tests.
Gary Clayton, head of research and technology for EADS Cassidian, another project partner, said the CAA's publication CAP722 is being held up internationally as a template for aviation legislation around UAs.
But Mr Dopping-Hepenstal said the project is aiming much further than the technology and safety legislation.
"What this programme is trying to do is look at this holistically," he said. "It's not just the technology, we're trying to think about the social impact of this and the ethical and legal things associated with it. You've got to solve all this lot if you're going to make it happen, enable it to happen affordably."
Chris Elliott, an aerospace engineer and barrister, is acting as consultant to the project. He told reporters that the licensing and privacy questions were points "to debate, not to pontificate".
"We have a very robust privacy regime now for aviation, and I don't see much very different. A lot of it comes down to what society thinks is acceptable," he said.
"I find it interesting that Google has got away with its [Streetview] because we love Google and we all use it. If this technology positioned to something that is good for us, that we like, then people will accept that kind of behaviour.
"Pandora's box is open - these things are going to fly. What we need is to engage everybody, the public and the specialists, with understanding the good and bad sides."
For now, though, safety is paramount. The Astraea project will carry out real-world collision-avoidance tests using three planes in two weeks' time, putting their autonomous control software through its paces and ensuring that unmanned aircraft can independently avoid a crash. | The "Pandora's box" of unmanned aircraft in the UK has been opened, according to the Astraea consortium. | 20327991 |
The bank, the US's second largest, said net income of $2.3bn (£1.34bn) was down from $3.4bn (£1.99bn) a year earlier.
Its finances have been hit recently by huge payments to the authorities to fend off accusations of wrong-doing.
In the past year, its earnings per share have fallen from 32 cents (19p) to 19 cents (11p).
In April the bank agreed to pay $9.5bn for misleading US mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac before the financial crisis in 2008.
It then agreed separately to pay $783m (£470m) in fines and refunds, for mis-selling payment and identity theft insurance to nearly three million credit card customers.
The bank's chief financial officer Bruce Thompson acknowledged the rise in litigation costs and praised the bank for doing "a good job managing expenses".
He also said that during the quarter the bank's credit losses remained "near historical lows."
The bank's results come as analysts have noted a split in the US lenders' quarterly results between banks that cater mainly to U.S customers and those with a more prominent global presence.
Domestic-orientated banks have been helped by a pick-up in the U.S economy.
International traders have not fared so well, with Citigroup seeing an almost 10% fall in its share price and GoldmanSachs's shares dropping 7%.
Wells Fargo, which is responsible for one out of six US home loans, saw its share price rise 3% on Friday. | Bank of America has reported a 43% drop in its second-quarter profits after a fall in mortgage revenue and a rise in legal costs. | 28323232 |
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But a range of new technologies are helping to make the process less arduous and more productive.
And with UK business trip expenditure expected to top $42bn (£25bn; 31bn euros) by the end of 2014, according to the Global Business Travel Association, productivity on the road is becoming a business essential.
This requires seamless connectivity wherever you are in the world.
In reality, travellers have to navigate a multitude of hotspot "providers, prices and passwords adding to the complexity", says Evan Kaplan, chief executive of wi-fi service provider, iPass.
As a result, European companies waste at least £2.4bn a year in unmanaged connectivity costs, he says. And 53% of travellers feel the wi-fi services currently available at airports are pretty poor.
The iPass solution is to act as a "hotspot aggregator", whereby a single log-in gives users automatic access to more than 150 network operators across 2.7 million hotspots around the world.
"Through these agreements, iPass can enable its subscribers to roam seamlessly onto any of its partner networks," says Mr Kaplan. "[It is] simpler to navigate, and more cost-effective."
The company claims its service can cut data roaming costs by 50% to 73%.
Several airlines are beginning to introduce in-flight wi-fi as well, enabling long-haul passengers to stay connected and productive.
Connectivity is one issue for the business traveller, a feeling of anonymity is another.
So some travel companies are using technology to personalise their services.
For example, travellers using Virgin Atlantic in May and June may have been surprised by a new service being trialled by the airline.
It installed Apple iBeacons at its Heathrow airport lounge in an attempt to personalise the pre-flight experience.
These transmitters use low-energy Bluetooth technology to notify passers-by of nearby services, discounts and flight schedule updates, via their Apple smart devices.
"We could use the passenger's location to help direct them to the lounge or gate area," says Tim Graham, Virgin Atlantic's technology innovation and development manager.
"Or we could link back to their preferences or previous behaviour to provide them with a unique service or offer."
Furthermore, the airline could use iBeacons to identify an approaching passenger so an agent could "greet them in a more personal way", he says.
"Many of these passengers travel a lot, so anything we can do using technology to make their journey that bit more memorable is key," adds Mr Graham.
How else is technology helping to make business travel more economic and efficient?
According to Geraldine Calpin, senior vice president and global head of digital at Hilton Worldwide, her hotels are "putting innovation and digital tools at the forefront of what we do, in order to stay ahead of the game".
The aim, she says, is to empower guests through their entire journey, "from booking to check-in to departure".
Hilton's Conrad Concierge service for customers of its luxury Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand, can check in online up to 48 hours in advance using a dedicated app.
They can also order room service at a moment's notice, book a room for a business meeting, or even order extra towels.
Hilton is also trialling Google Business Photos - a spin-off from Street View - which allows businesses to take 360-degree virtual tours of a hotel's facilities before booking.
Douglas Rice, chief executive of the trade group Hotel Technology Next Generation, says that hotels are experimenting in other ways, too.
Some are trialling "location services that can alert them, for example, when an arriving guest has landed at the airport or gotten to within a mile of the hotel".
And chains like Starwood have piloted "mobile locking", whereby travellers can check in and open their rooms with their mobile phones.
Anything that makes the registration process easier has to be welcome.
Technology can also help business travellers with the perennial annoyance of losing bags in transit.
According to the industry technology provider SITA, about seven bags per 1,000 passengers went missing in 2013.
Today's tracking systems rely on barcode technology that is printed on a tag and stuck to the bag.
But airports, such as Hong Kong International, Italy's Milano Malpensa, and Denmark's Aalborg International, have introduced radio-frequency identification technology (RFID) to make the process more accurate.
"Put simply, RFID chips react to radio frequencies and return their own 'signature'," explains Carlo Gagliardi, co-lead of PwC's digital practice.
"The chip can be located some distance from the reader, while a normal barcode needs the reader to be close to the barcode itself."
RFID systems have achieved "read rates" of 99% in some cases - but the chips need to get smaller and cheaper if they're to become widespread, Mr Gagliardi admits.
There is an elephant in the room, however, and its name is video-conferencing.
This technology theoretically removes the need for business people to travel at all, potentially saving billions in costs and drastically reducing companies' carbon footprints.
Free online video, voice and text services from the likes of Skype would seem to make the business case compelling.
But Tudor Aw, partner and technology sector head at KPMG, says video-conferencing just has not taken off in the way that many people predicted.
"High-grade video-conferencing facilities are still relatively expensive to install and many organisations understandably do not want to go with cheap or low-quality alternatives for important meetings," he says.
Hotel Technology Next Generation's Mr Rice adds that, while the internet certainly has had an impact, it has not reduced "the need, or the desire, to meet people face-to-face".
So while traditional business methods persist - and the real world trumps the virtual - people will continue to travel.
At least there are some technologies around helping to make this sometimes arduous process more seamless, friendly and productive. | Dropped internet connections, lost luggage and phantom hotel reservations are just a few of the frustrations faced by the typical business traveller. | 27975474 |
The 19-year-old has made 13 league appearances for Phil Parkinson's side so far, scoring once.
He briefly went back to the Premier League club for treatment on a knee problem, but now returns to Yorkshire.
"We are very pleased Reece is remaining with us. We are going to need everyone over this busy Christmas period," City boss Parkinson told the club website. | League One Bradford City have extended defender Reece Burke's youth loan deal from West Ham United until 2 January. | 34925525 |
The teenager was assaulted by a man in his 40s at the City Cemetery during the early hours of Saturday 30 May.
Detectives want to speak to a woman who was driving a red car along the Falls Road who stopped for the teenager and gave her a lift to Downpatrick.
The woman was aged in her 30s or 40s, had blonde hair and wore a uniform.
The girl's attacker, who was unknown to her, was of medium build, clean shaven with short black hair.
Det Sgt Gary Chambers appealed for anyone with information about the attack to contact police at the Public Protection Branch on the non-emergency number 101. | Police investigating a serious sexual assault of a teenage girl in a Belfast graveyard are trying to trace a woman who helped the victim after the attack. | 33028587 |
The Brighton-born defender, who has an English mother and Egyptian father, won the last of his seven caps in 2013.
And at the age of 31, he hopes it is not too late to add more appearances.
"I was very much the English boy in the Egyptian squad, but I would love another opportunity," El-Abd told BBC Radio Shropshire.
"It was a good experience which I'll cherish and look back on with pride."
"I'm told I walk like one apparently," joked El-Abd. "I'm half Egyptian by blood, but I grew up in Brighton, I feel more English and I don't speak great Arabic.
"But I've never forgotten my roots. That was driven into me from an early age by my dad and my brothers."
He comes from a sporting family, elder brother Joe having played professional rugby union in France with Top 14 team Oyonnax, while younger brother Sami was a Brighton apprentice before playing non-league football with Crawley Town, Hayes & Yeading, Whitehawk and Bognor Regis.
El-Abd was first called up by former US coach Bob Bradley to represent Egypt in 2012 and, although he is only nine matches into his career in Shropshire, the former Brighton, Bristol City, Bury, Swindon and Gillingham man is hoping to feature in the Africa Cup of Nations in the new year.
The biennial competition, won a record seven times by Egypt, is a lot more than what El-Abd light-heartedly refers to as all "pot holes and two-footed tackles".
"It's not always played on the best pitches," he said. "But the players are very athletic, and it's very technical, with a pass-the-ball mentality. And I would love to play in it." | Shrewsbury Town skipper Adam El-Abd is hoping his form in League One this season can help him resurrect his international career with Egypt. | 37321888 |
The set on the old Granada TV lot in central Manchester was turned into a visitor attraction after filming moved to Trafford in January.
But developer Allied London, which bought the Quay Street site for £26m last year, is planning to build flats, shops and offices in its place.
The set had been used since 1982 but was refused listed status in 2012.
English Heritage said the complex was not sufficiently historic or architecturally significant to be listed.
The set has attracted more than 200,000 visitors since opening as a temporary tourist attraction in April.
The attraction is due to close on 4 October, although it could be extended to allow it to remain open until demolition work begins. The redevelopment of the area is due to start next year.
An ITV spokesperson said: "Coronation Street's new home is at MediaCityUK and the tour at Quay Street was always for a limited time.
"Although we can't confirm the official closure date - once the tour has closed, ITV will return the site to Allied London with the Coronation Street lot removed."
Glenda Young, editor of the Coronation Street Blog, said it was bad for fans and urged the developers to retain something from the street.
"It seems a shame," she said. "Even if there's just a bit of the old cobbles left, or Maxine's bench, or something that we know, it would be ideal.
"Make it a place for people to go and sit and be a focal point for that piece of Coronation Street history and culture. Once that's gone, there's nowhere else for fans to go.
"The Hacienda [nightclub] has been turned into flats, but people still turn up and have a look to see a bit of the old Hacienda."
But she admitted a full tourist attraction would probably not be viable in the long term.
"I think something like that's got a shelf life, and now that we all know they film on a different set anyway, the novelty would wear off," she said. | The former Coronation Street set is to be demolished following the soap's move to a new site. | 28712158 |
The 33-year-old from the Leeswood, near Mold, died following a collision on a roundabout on the A541 Chester Road in the town.
His family have described him as a talented furniture maker "tragically taken from us at a young age".
A 45-year-old Ford Fiesta car driver was arrested after failing a drugs test, and has been released on bail.
In a statement issued through North Wales Police, Mr Bennison's family said "life will never be the same without him".
They said he was an incredibly proud and loving father to baby son, Osian. They said he had described him as "his greatest achievement and the best thing that ever happened to him".
Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the incident, which happened just before 10:00 BST on Monday. | A motorcyclist killed in a crash in Flintshire on Monday has been named as Lee Bennison, | 37307366 |
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16 December 2014 Last updated at 16:44 GMT
The government has also frozen their bank accounts and revoked the work permits of foreign employees.
The move follows a heated debate in Kenya over a controversial new security bill aimed at fighting militants.
See the story - in 15 seconds. | Kenya has deregistered more than 500 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including 15 accused of links with terrorism, an official has said. | 30504083 |
Dorothy Johnstone wanted a judge to quash the decision by the attorney general not to order a fresh tribunal into the 1988 bombing in Londonderry.
Her father Eugene Dalton, 54, and Shiela Lewis, 68, were killed in the explosion.
Gerard Curran, 57, died months after being pulled from the rubble.
The attack became known as the "Good Samaritan bomb" because the three friends had gone to check on the whereabouts of a neighbour in Derry who had been kidnapped earlier by the IRA.
The IRA later apologised, admitting it planted the booby-trap device in a bid to kill soldiers.
At the High Court on Tuesday, a judge ruled that Attorney General John Larkin was justified in concluding that a new inquest was not advisable.
The judge cited the financial and human costs of a further public hearing and said that it would be unlikely to lead to the prosecution of the perpetrators.
Ms Johnstone's solicitor said the family was "disappointed" with the decision and will appeal.
The case, which challenged the decision-making powers of Northern Ireland's chief legal officer, was the first of its kind.
In July 2013, Police Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire published findings that officers had information about an IRA booby-trap bomb in a house in the Creggan estate, but did nothing to warn residents of the possible danger.
He identified a failure in the police obligation to protect the lives of the public.
Following the report, the attorney general decided a new inquest was not advisable at the time.
However, Ms Johnstone's legal team claimed it could help establish responsibility for police failures.
They argued that investigative obligations under the European Conventions of Human Rights were rekindled by the Ombudsman's findings and that ordering a new inquest could provide fresh hope of identifying and punishing those responsible.
The court also heard that since Mr Larkin had come into office he had directed new inquests into at least 30 cases involving more than 70 deaths - many of them Troubles-related.
However, the judge backed the attorney general's decision.
He said there was no evidence of police collusion in the bombing.
"It is very difficult to see how any practical benefit could now be obtained for the public in going over the procedures then being followed by police officers in Derry at the time, when they say that much of the city was out of bounds to them by terrorist activity."
He added that to ask civilian and retired police witnesses to give evidence in a public inquest "will inevitably be unwelcome and positively distressing" and that "many may have legitimate health grounds for refusing to attend".
"I am very pessimistic that an inquest at this time would succeed in securing any significant accession of information compared to that which the Ombudsman obtained."
In a statement, Ms Johnstone's solicitor said the family of Eugene Dalton was "disappointed with the judgement".
"We welcome the level of scrutiny which the court engaged with examining the process of decision making by the attorney general, whose office has a number of similar applications before it.
"We are, however, disappointed in the extent of the court's focus on perpetrators, and that the same focus was not applied to the to the role of the police when, as in this case, police involvement and knowledge raise grave concerns." | A woman whose father was among three neighbours killed in an IRA bomb has failed in a bid to overturn the refusal to order a new inquest. | 39424821 |
The race is dominated by Prime Minister Mark Rutte's centre-right party and that of Geert Wilders, running on an anti-immigration platform.
Mr Rutte has said the election is an opportunity for voters to "beat the wrong sort of populism".
Mr Wilders has pledged to take the Netherlands out of the EU, close all mosques and ban the Koran.
His Freedom Party had been leading in opinion polls but they have since suggested his support may be slipping.
France goes to the polls next month to elect a new president while Germany is due to hold a general election in September.
Wednesday's election also comes amid a diplomatic spat between the Netherlands and Turkey.
While a populist surge is still possible in the Dutch ballot, a host of other parties could also do well, leaving Dutch politics fragmented, the BBC's Damian Grammaticas reports from The Hague.
As parliamentary seats are allocated in exact proportion to a party's vote share and no major party wants to be in a coalition with Mr Wilders, he has little chance of entering government however well he performs, our correspondent says.
In the run-up to the vote, party leaders took part in televised debates, with Mr Rutte and Mr Wilders clashing over how to stem immigration.
Mr Rutte dismissed Mr Wilders's plan to close borders and mosques and to ban the Koran as "fake solutions". Mr Wilders accused Mr Rutte of providing better healthcare for immigrants than for the Dutch themselves.
Lodewijk Asscher of the Labour Party, the junior party in Mr Rutte's coalition, called Mr Wilders a man of "10,000 angry tweets and no solutions".
The row with Turkey followed Mr Rutte's decision to ban two Turkish ministers from addressing rallies in the country. In response, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the Netherlands of being "Nazi remnants".
Mr Wilders described protesters who rioted outside the Turkish consulate in Rotterdam at the weekend as "scum".
One opinion poll suggested that the spat, and the riots in Rotterdam, had given anti-immigrant parties a boost.
Wednesday's election is expected to be followed by protracted coalition talks.
Analysts say a strong showing for Mr Wilders could foreshadow next month's presidential election in France, where far-right, anti-EU contender Marine Le Pen has widespread support.
In Germany, another right-wing party, Alternative for Germany, is expected to win seats for the first time in September. | Voters are going to the polls in the Netherlands in the first of three crucial eurozone elections this year. | 39275194 |
Lady Hermon said Theresa Villiers must state what steps she would put in place in the event of a Brexit.
The independent MP said Ms Villiers has a responsibility to explain "precisely what is going to happen to the border".
She questioned how the PSNI could police border checks.
Insisting that she was "not scaremongering", Lady Hermon said: "I live here, I am going to continue to live here. I love Northern Ireland. I am a unionist.
"I want to know from our Secretary of State what she anticipates are going to be the arrangements along the border with the Republic of Ireland in the event of the UK voting to come out of the EU."
In response, Ms Villiers, who is in the Leave campaign, told the BBC that fears about border security were wrong.
She said: "It really is a scare story to say that suddenly we are going to have Troubles-style security checks and towers around the border.
"It is not going to happen. We can keep an open border with the Republic of Ireland."
The cabinet minister added: "The Common Travel Area has survived a civil war, a world war and 30 years of the Troubles. Of course it is going to survive a Brexit vote."
Lady Hermon also has concerns about the future of the UK if voters back a move to leave the EU.
"In the event of a Brexit, Alex Salmond estimated that within two years, there would be another independence referendum in Scotland," she said.
"I am a unionist. I do not want to accelerate the break up of the United Kingdom. Of course I am deeply worried."
However, Ms Villiers does not believe that the make-up of the UK is under threat if voters back a Brexit.
She told the BBC: "When the Scots voted to stay in the United Kingdom, they knew perfectly well that there was a forthcoming referendum on EU membership, in which the United Kingdom would vote as a whole.
"So a Brexit vote does not change this situation in Scotland. The matters relating to Scottish separation from the UK have been settled by that Scottish referendum and its decisive vote to stay in."
On Thursday, two former prime ministers - Sir John Major and Tony Blair - visited Northern Ireland to warn of the dangers of leaving the European Union.
They said an exit could undermine the peace process in Northern Ireland and encouraged voters to back a move to keep the UK in the EU.
The First Minister, Arlene Foster, said she found the intervention by Tony Blair and Sir John Major "rather sad".
She told journalists: "I do find it rather disgraceful for two prime ministers, who know full well the importance of the peace process here in Northern Ireland, to come over here and suggest that a vote in a particular direction is going to undermine that, is quite scandalous."
You can hear interviews with Lady Hermon and Theresa Villiers on Inside Politics on BBC Radio Ulster at 18.00 hours on Friday and repeated on Saturday at 13.35. | North Down MP Lady Sylvia Hermon has called on the secretary of state to clarify what would happen to border security with the Republic of Ireland if the UK leaves the European Union. | 36503633 |
Police were called to Hawkeswood Metal on Aston Church Road in Nechells shortly before 09:00 BST.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said emergency services attended the site but the men were pronounced dead.
Det Supt Mark Payne described it as "a very traumatic incident". It is understood a sixth man managed to scramble free.
He was taken to Heartlands Hospital with a broken leg.
Latest updates on this story
Community rallies to help bereaved families
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "On arrival, ambulance crews found that a wall had collapsed.
"Sadly, there was nothing that could be done to save the five men who had been working next to it."
The Press Association is reporting the men killed are believed to be Spanish nationals, originally from Gambia.
They were working next to a "large concrete structure containing metal" when it collapsed, said the fire service.
A specialist team of firefighters is working to recover the men's bodies using heavy lifting gear and cutting equipment.
A spokesman for the Hawkeswood Metal confirmed the deaths were caused by "the collapse of a partitioning wall within the company premises".
"At the present time it is not known why the wall collapsed. The wall had been in place for more than two years and had not been subject to any damage or was not subject to any incident that would have resulted in its collapse," he added.
The company, which is fully co-operating with police, fire crews and the Health and Safety Executive, said it wished "to offer their condolences to the families of all those involved in the incident at this very sad time."
Assistant chief fire officer Gary Taylor said it was a "devastating incident for everyone involved".
Dozens of friends and relatives of the victims have been anxiously waiting outside the plant during the recovery operation.
One of them, Lang Dampha, says two of the dead were his lodgers - and that he had known one of them since childhood.
"I feel sad about it. We come from the same town, Noo-Kunda in Gambia," he said.
He said one of the men "expected to spend the rest of his life here" and his family were coming to the UK on Sunday after he bought tickets for them.
Another man in the crowd, Dantra Sillah, said his cousin was among the dead.
He said the five men who died were from different families, but all knew each other well through attending mosques in the city.
"It is very sad," he said. "We don't have any clear information."
Another onlooker, Manka Sawo, said: "It is a tight community. We pray in the same mosques… they are very hard-working.
"This will greatly affect the community. Yesterday we went to congregation with one of the men for Eid."
Mr Taylor said: "Once the police have finished their initial examination of the scene, our absolute priority will be to ensure that the bodies of those who have lost their lives are recovered in the most timely and safe way possible, and with the utmost dignity and respect.
"The scene is an extremely challenging one, involving significant tonnage of concrete and metal and a structure that is still unstable."
The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and it is understood officers are at the scene.
Det Supt Payne said: "We are still in the very early stages of this investigation to determine exactly what happened this morning.
"Sadly five people have lost their lives and we have several teams of specialist officers supporting their families at this time.
"This has been a very traumatic incident for those who were at the site this morning and we will continue to work alongside the HSE and the other emergency services at the scene."
At a news conference from the scene, he said the victims had been working to recover scrap metal when the accident happened.
He described the collapsed structure as 12 to 15ft high and made of "concrete blocks" that were supporting the scrap metal.
"It appears the wall collapsed on the men and the scrap metal has fallen on top," he said. "It's a difficult and complex scene."
The officer said the recovery operation was expected to last most of the day, with witness statements and CCTV of the scene being gathered.
Police liaison officers are with the families of some of the men helping them to cope with what he described as a "tragic incident".
John Woodhall, from West Midlands Ambulance Service hazardous response team, described workers at the scene being "very upset".
"We've had to bring in heavy lifting equipment, there are a number of hazards we've got to resolve," he added.
Slav Angiyu, a truck driver, was on site when the accident happened.
He said: "The guys came over and said something had happened and we had to abandon the site. My heart goes out to the families of the victims."
Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: "Shocked to hear about the tragedy in Birmingham. My thoughts are with the families of those involved."
The recycling plant was the scene of a major fire in February this year, when 700 tonnes of scrap metal went up in flames.
In 2012, the company was fined £50,000 after a worker's arm became trapped in machinery.
Hawkeswood Metal Recycling Ltd pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to a breach of health and safety law.
According to its company website, the firm processes more than 500,000 tonnes of scrap metal each year.
The company, which employs about 50 people, began trading more than 40 years ago and has a customer base that includes local authorities, major PLCs and smaller independent companies. | Five workers were killed at a recycling site in Birmingham when a retaining wall holding scrap metal collapsed. | 36736571 |
Mr Davis met with First Minister Arlene Foster and Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir separately on Thursday.
"There are other places in Europe that don't have hard borders with places outside the union," he said after speaking with Mrs Foster.
However, Mr Ó Muilleoir said he was determined that Northern Ireland would remain a part of Europe.
The Sinn Féin finance minister - who was standing in for Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness who is on leave - described his meeting with Mr Davis and Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire as a "frank exchange".
"It's my resolve and conviction that we will ensure that the Irish government and the British government get together to make sure that we are not dragged out of Europe," he said.
"That we remain at the heart of Europe and it is up to him (Mr Davis) to square that particular circle.
"But, the majority of people here voted to stay and that vote to remain should be respected."
In an article in today's newspapers, David Davis says he wants to see continuity when it comes to public funding, but Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir will probably be pressing him to go further.
David Davis is also quoted as saying the government does not want a hard border and wants a practical solution that will work in everyone's interest here.
David Davis and Secretary of State James Brokenshire both emphasise there was a common travel area between the Republic Ireland and the UK before either was a member of the European Union.
Speaking after his meeting with Mrs Foster, Mr Davis underlined the importance of controlling immigration and said "we have to take control of our borders".
He identified the single energy market, export markets and the skills base as "things which are important to making Brexit a success in Northern Ireland".
Mr Brokenshire said it was "important" to move on from the EU referendum and focus on getting "the best possible deal for the UK and the best possible deal for Northern Ireland".
Both Mr Davis and Mrs Foster campaigned for a leave vote in the EU referendum and believe Brexit offers excellent potential trade opportunities.
DUP sources described their meeting in Belfast on Thursday as "useful".
Mr Davis has been attending the first session of a business group set up to advise the Northern Ireland Office on local concerns about the forthcoming Brexit negotiations.
In Northern Ireland, the majority of voters (56%) opted for the UK to stay in the EU during June's referendum.
At a special meeting of the cabinet on Wednesday, Prime Minister Theresa May said there would be no second referendum on EU membership.
She said there would also be no question of the UK trying to remain inside the EU through some kind of back door.
Mr Davis has said he wants to reach out to the parts of the UK where people did not support Brexit, as well as those where big majorities voted to leave the EU.
In an article in Thursday's Belfast Telegraph, he wrote that Northern Ireland's voice will be heard loud and clear and Brexit should not mean the introduction of a hard border. | Brexit Secretary David Davis has said that the UK and Republic of Ireland "both want to have an open border". | 37238279 |
Martin Galbraith, 18, of Grays, drove at speeds up to 130mph (209km/h) on the A13 outside the Essex town in January.
As he was escorted off the road, he pushed the police bike in front of him into a roundabout and tried to run the officer over, Essex Police said.
The force said the officer was "lucky to be alive". Southend Crown Court jailed Galbraith for six years.
The defendant, of Boscombe Avenue, had admitted attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, aggravated vehicle taking, driving without insurance and having no driving licence.
He also received a five-year driving ban.
Essex Police said officer Paul Hills was on his bike when he spotted Galbraith speeding in a BMW in the outside lane of the A13.
He followed him as he accelerated to speeds of up to 130mph.
When Galbraith braked hard and moved into the inside lane, Mr Hills pulled in front and indicated to the 18-year-old to follow him.
As he was escorted off the road, Galbraith pushed Mr Hills' bike 35 yards (32m) into the oncoming roundabout. The BMW was then hit by a van.
Police said they believed Galbraith then attempted to run over Mr Hills as he was lying on the ground, but he was blocked by another vehicle.
He then drove off, but crashed soon afterwards and was caught in an industrial estate.
Mr Hills suffered severe back injuries in the crash.
Investigations revealed Galbraith had knowingly bought the BMW, which had been stolen.
Insp Scott Egerton said: "PC Hills is lucky to be alive.
"As Galbraith sped away from the scene witnesses saw him laughing, but that soon stopped when he lost control on the next roundabout and crashed into a wall." | A man has been jailed for ramming a police motorcyclist and trying to run him over during a 130mph pursuit. | 32819713 |
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Ibrahimovic, 35, joined United in the summer on a one-year deal - with an option to extend his stay at Old Trafford for a second season.
The Swede has scored 26 goals in 38 games this season, including two in the 3-2 EFL Cup final win over Southampton.
"I never beg a player to play for me, but we all want and believe he will stay one more season," said Mourinho.
"I never beg for a player to sign a contract. But if needed, the fans can go to the door of his house and stay there all night."
Ibrahimovic joined United from Paris St-Germain on a free transfer.
He collected the 32nd trophy of his career after heading an 87th-minute winner at Wembley, having earlier given his side the lead with a brilliant 19th-minute free-kick.
Jesse Lingard put United 2-0 in front before Manolo Gabbiadini scored twice for the Saints to level, after having an 11th-minute effort contentiously ruled out for offside.
Mourinho, who also managed Ibrahimovic at Inter Milan, added: "Zlatan won the game for us because he was outstanding.
"When he went to Barcelona [from Inter, in 2009], I was very sad. I know the potential. Only a silly player comes to England if he doesn't feel he can do it. Who better to know? Him. Not me or you.
"When he decided to come here it is because he feels ready. It is not my credit. It is him. Nothing for me."
When asked about his future at Old Trafford earlier in February, Ibrahimovic replied: "Nothing is done. We'll wait and see."
Speaking after Sunday's final, he said: "Wherever I have gone I have won. I think this is trophy number 32 for me. This is what I predicted.
"My friend, I keep doing it. I am enjoying it in England. You appreciate it more the older you get. This is what I came for - to win, and I am winning."
'Echoes of Cantona' - analysis
BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty
Mourinho's move to bring Ibrahimovic in on a free transfer from Paris St-Germain was strategic and wise. He is a personality of equal stature and confidence, had a point to prove having never played in England and could provide the sort of charisma that had echoes of the great Eric Cantona.
How United needed Ibrahimovic on Sunday because for long periods they were desperately average, outplayed by Southampton and had their hand held by Lady Luck throughout.
If United are to build on this first trophy of the Mourinho era, Ibrahimovic's continued presence is essential because the EFL Cup final win is only the first building block in an edifice that requires considerable renovation after the dismal post-Sir Alex Ferguson years of David Moyes and Van Gaal.
Read more from Phil | Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho thinks striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will stay at the club for another year. | 39098913 |
Learco Chindamo, 33, was 15 years old when he murdered the father of four outside St George's School in Maida Vale, north west London, in 1995.
The 48-year-old teacher had gone to the aid of a 13-year-old boy who was being attacked when he was fatally stabbed.
"We can confirm a three-member panel of the board has directed the release," a Parole Board spokesman said.
"The decision to release is a matter for the board, which is independent. Practical arrangements for the release are a matter for the Secretary of State. We are unable to comment further on the details of this case."
Chindamo stabbed Mr Lawrence through the heart following a stand-off at the school's gates on 8 December 1995.
A feared gang member, the Italian-born teenager was jailed indefinitely following his conviction at the Old Bailey.
He served 15 years and was paroled in 2010 but was recalled later the same year amid accusations he had intimidated and robbed a man at a cash machine. He was later acquitted by a jury.
A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: "The re-release of life sentenced offenders is directed by the independent Parole Board once the board are satisfied they can be safely managed in the community.
"Their life licence lasts for the rest of their lives, and they may be recalled to prison at any time for breaching their licence conditions.
"Additionally, they will be subject to strict controls and restrictions for as long as their risk requires them."
The news comes just days after teacher Ann Maguire was killed in front of her pupils at Corpus Christi College in Leeds. | The killer of head teacher Philip Lawrence is to be released from prison, the Parole Board has said. | 27249769 |
The Hillsborough club won the regular season with plenty to spare, making them hot favourites for the title.
They duly swept into the final with a 3-1 success against Pembroke in Saturday's semi-final and repeated the scoreline at Havelock Park on Sunday.
In the women's final, Anna O'Flanagan netted twice as Dublin side Hermes beat Ulster's Pegasus 3-1.
Banbridge had reached the men's final courtesy of a shoot-out win over Monkstown, but found the final hurdle too high for a fourth successive campaign.
Michael Watt gave Garvey the lead in the 11th minute and Bann replied when Stevie Dowds converted from a penalty stroke.
Garvey, though, quickly restored their advantage when Daniel Buser scored into the roof of the net.
The third came when a penalty corner fell for Matthew Nelson to dink over Banbridge keeper Gareth Lennox from close range before half-time.
Anna O'Flanagan and Emma Gray inspired Hermes to their first All-Ireland crown since 2008.
They went into a seventh-minute lead when O'Flanagan beat keeper Sammy-Jo Greer from the left edge of the circle.
Only a couple of minutes later, the striker was through again to unleash another cracking shot for 2-0.
Taite Doherty pulled one back but Pegasus suffered a setback when Steph Thompson got a yellow for a foul on Naomi Carroll.
It helped Hermes to completely control the final 10 minutes and their clinching goal came when Nikki Evans deflected in a shot by Sinead Loughran.
The Dubliners closed out the win, giving them their ninth All-Ireland trophy, following four wins in the Irish Senior Cup and four in the old Club Championships. | Lisnagarvey beat Banbridge in Sunday's final to clinch the first Champions Trophy title. | 36183733 |
The Seagulls were eight points clear of third place in early January but, after winning just three of their last seven, that gap has been cut to four points.
"By our standards of the season, it is a difficult period," Hughton said.
"You have got to go through these periods and it is about how you come through them."
Brighton have been in the top two since October, and were top of the table after beating Fulham on 2 January.
However, defeats at Preston and Huddersfield since then have seen the chasing pack close in on Albion, who still have a far superior goal difference to the sides below them.
Hughton's side were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Ipswich on Tuesday, but the four sides in the play-off places were all victorious.
They have three tricky fixtures remaining in February - a visit to Barnsley on Saturday before hosting fourth-placed Reading and leaders Newcastle.
"We have to remember we are second in the division," the 58-year-old added to BBC Sussex.
"There are too many good sides that are pushing really hard at the top end, but we have to look after our own results.
"We mustn't get too carried away, and have to work hard to make sure we stay there."
Albion fell short of winning promotion to the Premier League last season, finishing third in the table on goal difference and then being beaten in the play-off semi-finals by Sheffield Wednesday.
Midfielder Steve Sidwell has called for his team-mates to retain their composure during the run-in.
"Other teams can pick up points but as long as we do as well, that's fine," the 34-year-old said.
"When you are under pressure you have got to deliver. If you want to go up you need to deal with the pressure."
Sidwell is one of four Albion players to have won automatic promotion to the Premier League, winning the title with Reading in 2005-06, while Hughton led Newcastle to the Championship title in 2009-10.
"I've been there and done it and if I have to pass the experience on then that's what I'll do, but there is a time and place for that," Sidwell said.
"Nothing is given on a plate for you. These are the defining moments that matter and to be a part of it is what we are all here for.
"We have a group of players that can do it and it is just about making sure it happens." | Brighton boss Chris Hughton says his squad must handle a dip in form to sustain their automatic promotion challenge in the Championship. | 38980613 |
Oliver and jump jockey Paul Hamblin - who was banned for 30 days - failed trackside breath tests at the Warrnambool racing carnival.
Both riders were stood down from races later in the day.
Oliver, 43, pleaded guilty and says he drank with dinner the previous night, adding to stewards: "I am very embarrassed and sorry about it."
In 2012, he was banned for 10 months after placing a £6,500 bet (AU $10,000) on a rival horse. | Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Damien Oliver has been banned for 29 days for failing an alcohol test before a race. | 36210367 |
In response, China says it's "severely concerned" about the South East Asian nations' statement.
South East Asia says China's actions have "eroded trust and confidence and may undermine peace, security and stability".
China retorts that what it's doing is "entirely legal and shouldn't be questioned".
Are the gloves coming off in the South China Sea disputes?
China has reacted angrily to a formal statement issued on Monday by the 10 countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations, criticising its huge island-building programme in the Spratly Islands.
China is using dredging ships and construction teams to turn at least six coral reefs into large bases with harbours.
One will have a 2,900-metre (1.8-mile) long runway.
There is widening concern that China will use these bases as springboards to assert control over the whole of the South China Sea.
China says it is just protecting its territorial rights and its fishing fleet.
It seems bizarre that some of the smallest islands on the planet now lie at the centre of one the world's biggest territorial disputes.
If they were just a couple of metres lower, they wouldn't even qualify as islands but because they stick up above the surface of the South China Sea, countries can claim them and, more importantly, the territory and the resources in the waters around them.
Whoever controls the islands will have the strongest claim to the 1.4 million sq miles of the South China Sea and all the fish in it and oil under it.
That's why, for the six countries bordering the sea (seven if you count Taiwan separately), these 250 or so rocks, reefs and islands, with a total area of just six sq miles, are worth all the money and effort they spend on them.
But it's actually about much more than even that.
To understand why American and Chinese ships and planes are confronting each other in the South China Sea it is important to realise that there are actually two different disputes taking place there.
One is about which country owns the features that dot its waters.
The other, more critical dispute is about the future of the international system that has run the world since the end of World War Two.
What international rules should countries follow and who should make them?
It's the overlap between these two disputes - between which country rightfully occupies which islet and which countries set the world's rules - that makes the South China Sea disputes so dangerous.
China has convinced itself that it is the rightful owner of almost the entire sea.
As a result, South East Asian countries with rival claims - Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines - are trying to bolster their position by involving the other big powers - primarily the US, but also Japan and India - on their side.
The US doesn't particularly care which country controls which island, but it's getting drawn into the disputes because of its wider interests.
The authorities in Beijing see things the other way around.
They think the US, anxious to remain the world's leading power, is corralling the countries of East and South East Asia to contain a rising China.
But what concerns the US, and many other countries, is not China's rise, as such, but Beijing's efforts to redefine international law to suit its own interests in the sea.
As a result, the US and its allies and friends are working together to "hold the line". This is where the danger lies.
As China tries to extend its control over the water of the sea (as opposed to the islands), it is challenging both the other countries in the region and the international system.
Under current international law - laid down in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea - a country can only own a piece of sea if it owns the land next to it.
A country that owns an island also "owns" 12 nautical miles of seabed around the island and has the rights to the resources (but not the territory) up to 200 nautical miles around.
However, the Chinese government and its state-owned enterprises (particularly oil companies and fishing enterprises) are trying to assert ownership of the South China Sea itself, plus its seabed and its resources, many hundreds of miles away from the Chinese coast.
This is a challenge to the other countries around the sea with claims of their own, to the US whose role as a global military and commercial power depends upon unimpeded access through the world's seas and to every other country that believes in the current rules of international law.
They say (broadly) that the sea more than 12 nautical miles away from a coast doesn't belong to anyone and is therefore free for anyone to use in any way they see fit. (It's more complicated than that but that's the basic principle.)
Japan needs one oil or gas tanker to cross the South China Sea every six hours to keep its economy functioning; South Korea is similarly dependent on energy imports.
Both countries have other concerns about the way that China is rising too.
Japan has its own dispute with China over the Senkaku/Daioyu islands, sees common cause with Vietnam and the Philippines and has begun supplying both with coastguard ships and other equipment and training to help them defend their maritime claims.
South Korea is less vocal, but also concerned and also supplying weaponry to the Philippines and Indonesia.
India does not depend upon the South China Sea so much, but it fears the consequences if China comes to dominate Asia.
It has two disputes with China over border areas in the Himalayan Mountains.
It is also nervous about China's growing relations with countries around the Indian Ocean and has been developing security ties with Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan and Australia (among others) in response.
The Chinese authorities say they have been the historic "owners" of the sea "since ancient times".
The Chinese government's interest in the sea actually only began in the early 20th Century.
For all but the briefest periods of recorded history (one exception is a 30-year period from 1400-1430, during which time the so-called eunuch admirals, including Zheng He, voyaged as far as East Africa) the Chinese authorities were barely able to control their own coastline, let alone islands hundreds of miles away.
Zheng He: The Eunuch Admiral
Zheng He was born in the poor province of Yunnan in 1372 into a Muslim family from Central Asia who had fought for the Mongols.
Captured by the armies of the Ming dynasty, he was castrated at the age of 10.
He was sent to serve the emperor's son, and so distinguished himself in battle that he rose to the rank of admiral.
His armada, bigger than the combined fleets of Europe, featured giant treasure ships 400ft (122m) long and 160ft (50m) wide.
He sailed throughout South East Asia and the Indian Ocean, and on to the Persian Gulf and Africa, creating new navigational maps, and spreading Chinese culture.
He opened up trade routes that are still flourishing today, and gained strategic control over countries that are now once again looking to China as undisputed regional leader.
This version of history is not the one taught in Chinese schools.
This strongly held, but historically unjustified sense of ownership is what is putting China on collision course with its neighbours and the US.
It is the reason why China behaves with such high-handedness when sending oil rigs to drill in disputed waters, for example.
To protect themselves against China's encroachments, other countries are forming new security relationships.
These overlapping interests have the potential to turn a local dispute into a regional or even a global one.
At a time of so many international crises, the South China Sea disputes appear relatively small - but they could get big very quickly.
Changing this behaviour will require the countries of the region to come to a better understanding of the shared history of the South China Sea.
That will be hard but it will be easier than the alternative of escalating conflict and the increasing risk of superpower confrontation.
Bill Hayton is the author of The South China Sea: The struggle for power in Asia, just published by Yale University Press. | South East Asia says it's "seriously concerned" about China's building of artificial islands in disputed parts of the South China Sea. | 29560533 |
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