The charity's Great British Beach Clean report found just under seven bags per 100 metres of coastline cleaned. That is a 40% drop from the average 11 bags found in 2015 and is the lowest number in 10 years. The MCS said the drop "vindicates" the introduction of a 5p charge on single-use plastic bags. The MCS was among those groups which campaigned for the plastic bag levy to be introduced in Wales in 2011, Northern Ireland in 2013, Scotland in 2014 and England in October last year. "We've seen a significant drop in the number and that can only be as a result of the 5p charge which is now in place in all the home nations," said MCS beach watch manager Lauren Eyles. "It vindicates the charge, which we predicted would be good news for the marine environment. "Thanks to our thousands of fantastic volunteers who collect beach litter data, we can now see the impact these charges have had." The Great British Clean is an annual beach clean and survey that takes place all along the UK coastline. This year, some 6,000 volunteers cleaned 364 beaches and recorded the litter they found. In Wales, where the bag charge has been in place for five years, the number was lower than any other year since 2011 - just under four bags for every 100m cleaned. But it was beaches in England and Northern Ireland which saw the biggest drop in the number of plastic bags found during the September clean up - with half as many recovered compared with 2015. Environment minister Therese Coffey said the introduction of the charge in England had been a "huge success" and had raised Â£29m for charitable organisations and good causes. One of those was the MCS, which received Â£28,400 in the last year, with the money being used to recruit thousands of beach clean volunteers Ms Coffey added: "It shows small actions can make the biggest difference, but we must not be complacent as there is always more we can all do to reduce waste and recycle what we use." But the data collected by volunteers showed a rise of more than 4% in the quantity of drinks containers found on the UK's beaches - including plastic bottles, bottle tops and aluminium cans. There was also a 53% rise over the past year in the amount of balloon-related litter found on beaches. Plastic bags are particularly dangerous to turtles, who mistake them for their jellyfish prey. The bags can block their digestive systems, leading to death from starvation. Some species of seabirds are particularly attracted by the scent of plastic junk and according to the MCS, over 90% of fulmars found dead around the North Sea have plastic in their stomachs. The charity said there had been a drop of almost 4% in the amount of litter found on UK beaches between 2015 and 2016, with 6,000 volunteers collecting 268,384 items in this year's clean. Beaches in Scotland saw a decrease of 18% in overall litter levels, rubbish in the North East of

Summary: The number of plastic carrier bags found on UK beaches has dropped by almost half, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has said.


The Strasbourg judges said Russia had discriminated against three gay rights activists who opposed the law. It was adopted in 2013, banning promotion of homosexuality among people under 18. The law "reinforced stigma and prejudice and encouraged homophobia", the ruling said. Gay rights groups condemned the law. Under the law, private individuals deemed to be promoting "homosexual behaviour among minors" face fines of up to 5,000 roubles (£67; $85), while officials risk paying 10 times that amount. Businesses and schools can be fined up to 500,000 roubles. Homosexuality was decriminalised in Russia in 1993, but anti-gay prejudice is rife. Critics see the propaganda law as part of a state campaign to marginalise LGBT activists, whose work includes dissemination of sexual health advice. The Strasbourg court said the fines imposed on three Russian gay rights activists violated Article 10 (freedom of expression) and Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination) of the European Convention on Human Rights. According to the court, the legislation aimed at curbing promotion of homosexuality was "not clearly defined" and was implemented in an arbitrary way. It "served no legitimate public interest", the court said. Russia's justice ministry says it will appeal, arguing that the law is aimed "exclusively at protecting the morals and health of children". MP Vitaly Milonov, of the ruling United Russia party, who introduced the original bill into the St Petersburg parliament and which formed the basis of the federal law, told BBC Russian that the court's decision was "anti-national". "It is absolutely harmful, and those who set up this decision are enemies of Europe," he said. The three activists had been found guilty for protesting against the law in 2009-2012 - outside a secondary school in Ryazan, a children's library in Archangel and an administrative building in St Petersburg. The court rejected the Russian government's claim that such a law was needed to protect morality. It found that the government had "failed to demonstrate how freedom of expression on LGBT issues would devalue or otherwise adversely affect actual and existing 'traditional families' or would compromise their future". Such laws, the judges said, "embodied a predisposed bias on the part of a heterosexual majority against a homosexual minority". They ordered Russia to pay each of the activists damages of between €8,000 (£7,000; $8,900) and €20,000. One of the three, Nikolai Alexeyev, hailed the ruling as a "total victory", the BBC's Sarah Rainsford reports from Moscow. He had picketed a children's library, holding a sign declaring that gay people could also be great - and listing the Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky and filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein as examples.

Summary: Russia's "gay propaganda" law is discriminatory and encourages homophobia, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled.


The Russian-born 24-year-old picked up a season-ending injury in September. "I wish I could have shown more to the supporters who have always been very supportive of me," said Bilate. "However, I know at this stage it is the right thing to do for the club and myself and I will now look to progress my career elsewhere." Bilate is the first departure from Tannadice since Mixu Paatelainen took over from sacked manager Jackie McNamara last month with the club sitting second bottom of the league table. "I am sad to be leaving as I feel that, despite the current position in the league, the players and the team are improving things," said the striker. Bilate, who was brought up in the Netherlands, joined United in July 2014 after being released a year early from his contract with Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam. A series of injuries have meant he only started eight games for the Scottish club, with another 10 appearances coming from the substitutes' bench. Bilate scored two goals for the Tannadice side in that time. United said on a website statement: "We know how disappointed he is not to have featured more regularly, but this announcement allows him to look to the future."

Summary: Striker Mario Bilate has expressed his "sadness" after he and the Scottish Premiership club agreed terms for his exit from Tannadice.


The rain hindered Connacht's running game and Munster hooker Rhys Marshall's second-half try was the crucial score. Ian Keatley kicked Munster's other 11 points including two first-half penalties as they led 6-3 at the break. Jack Carty slotted Connacht's three penalties as they failed to capitalise on several good attacking positions. The key phase of the match was a two-minute period midway during the second half - as Marshall finished off a line-out maul to score after Connacht had squandered a chance of their own when Tom McCartney had been dispossessed following a poor pass from Denis Buckley. As Munster broke quickly, Keatley's superb crosskick found a charging Andrew Conway and after Buckley had been bundled into touch near his own line, the visitors mauled their way to the crucial try. Helped by a wind advantage, Connacht had the majority of possession in the first half but while Rory Parata, Matt Healy and Carty went close to scoring tries, the Munster line was not breached as the champions suffered their seventh defeat of the campaign. Because of the IRFU's player management programme, Munster boss Rassie Erasmus had to leave out stars Conor Murray, CJ Stander, Simon Zebo, Donnacha Ryan and Peter O'Mahony as he made 11 changes from the Boxing Day win over Leinster. The absence of in-form fly-half Tyler Bleyendaal might have looked an even bigger loss for Munster but his replacement Keatley went on to produce an impressive display for the visitors. Connacht went into the contest with more than 20 members of their squad ruled out but Pat Lam was still able to parade a starting line-up that included Ireland internationals Tiernan O'Halloran, Matt Healy, Kieran Marmion, Finlay Bealham and Niyi Adeolokun. After Keatley's early penalty, the Munster fly-half was nearly caught out as he attempted to shepherd a Carty grubber kick over his own line, with Marmion's attempt to get the touchdown only ruled out after a prolonged viewing by the TMO. As Connacht failed to exploit their wind advantage and decided edge in the scrum, Munster led 6-3 at the break as Keatley restored his side's lead just before the interval. Carty's levelling penalty on 50 minutes spurred Connacht to produce more pressure but the turnover which led to Munster's try proved to be the key moment of the match. After Keatley's successful conversion, his further drop goal extended Munster's lead to 16-6 and while Carty's late penalty left only seven between the teams, Connacht had to settle for the losing bonus point as the sin-binning of Dave Kilcoyne and Duncan Williams came too late to upset the visitors. Connacht coach Pat Lam: "There were just too many errors in possession. Dropped balls and turnovers. "There was a lot of heart and the boys hung in there. "The key moment of the game was (in the second half) when we were one metre from their line and we turned the ball over and they went down the other end to score. These big games come down to little margins." Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus: "I'm very

Summary: Munster extended their lead at the top of the Pro12 to five points as they beat defending champions Connacht in a battle of attrition in a wet Galway.


The £300m re-signalling project affected Cardiff and Valley line services and mainline travel between Newport and Bridgend from Christmas Eve until 2 January. Passengers experienced "severe delays" and cancellations from Thursday after engineering works over ran. Network Rail said the lines have now been handed back to rail operators. The project also saw a new platform eight open at Cardiff Central station on Monday - which will allow more trains to arrive at the station at any one time. It has been designed to ease congestion and will be used by passengers travelling on lines to Penarth, Barry Island and destinations in the Vale of Glamorgan. The positive effects were already being felt by commuters on Tuesday. Peter Clarke, who lives near Reading but stays in south Wales during the week while working in Cardiff, even missed work over the festive period as he was worried about the effects of rail alterations. The works on top of weekday train delays meant he "couldn't face it" and he lost wages. He described the situation frustrated passengers faced before platform eight opened - sitting on a static train waiting for a platform to become free. Mr Clarke said: "If I'm staying in a hotel in the valleys, it is not too bad to Queen Street. But then to central, a three or four minute journey can take 15 to 20 minutes, just sat between the stations. "It is so frustrating, it is quicker to get off at Queen Street and walk." He said the situation is exacerbated if a train is late, with trains then queuing to get on to one of the few available platforms. But with platform eight open, allowing more to arrive at central at the same time, he said he had a "good experience" on Tuesday. Jacob Hewlett, 24, has been left frustrated by late trains, but believes the situation will now improve. He said: "I travel on the Ebbw Valley line and there are always plenty of delays - 20 or 30 minutes into Cardiff. "It is just really annoying when you have another 10 or 15 minutes on top of that after a hard day's work. An extra line should make my trip to work an awful lot easier." Ryan Smith is also confident the work will improve train speeds, but wants to see more work done nearer his home. The line to Treherbert turns to a single track north of Porth, which means only one train can travel on it at a time. He wants to see another put in to speed up the service near the end of the line. For Louis Curtis from Penarth, securing investment to improve the front of the station is just as important as improvements inside. He described the entrance as "a bit grotty", adding: "Before you had the bus station outside, which wasn't that nice. "Now, it's been knocked down and work is going on, it doesn't give a good impression of the city. "Hopefully it will be better when everything is done, but there should be more green spaces."

Summary: Work to upgrade the rail lines in south Wales has been completed over the festive period, Network Rail has said.


The police ombudsman confirmed that the spray was used during the parade on the Ormeau Road on Tuesday evening. The PSNI said two officers received minor injuries during a "minor disturbance". A 26-year-old man has been charged with assault. The parade's organiser said children suffered swollen eyes and lips. Noel Liggett told Good Morning Ulster said the CS spray was "indiscriminately" used after police confronted the parade. He said police believed cars were being damaged as the parade made its way up the road, an allegation he described as "completely false". "Around 20 children were on parade with us yesterday, the average age would be six, seven, eight and nine. Around that age group," he said. "I was quite shocked to see many young children in a state of shock. "Five of them had suffered the effect of CS gas and a number of young children in the band had also suffered the effects of the gas." Mr Liggett said a "very frank meeting where both sides put their case" was held with police after the parade and that he would "question the common sense" of police. "The police knew this was a parade for juniors, there was a lot of young children in the area," he said. Writing on Twitter, Mrs Foster said she would be meeting senior police over the incident. Police said a PSNI motorcycle had also been damaged in the incident. A man will appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 26 April charged with disorderly behaviour and two counts of assault on police.

Summary: First Minister Arlene Foster has said she has spoken to the chief constable after police used CS spray during a junior Orange Order parade in Belfast.


Billy Muir's roles include firefighter, rubbish collector, lighthouse keeper and airport worker. The 67-year-old, from North Ronaldsay, who also works as an electrician, builder and tour guide, was honoured with a Pride of Britain award. His volunteering efforts were recognised at the ceremony in London on Monday. Mr Muir was hailed by the awards organisers as Britain's hardest-working man as he picked up a Community Partner award. The father-of-two said he had no plans to retire as he enjoyed working among the island's 50-strong community so much. He told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "I've been the lighthouse keeper at the North Ronaldsay lighthouse for some 47 years. "I've been a firemen on the island for the Scottish Fire and Rescue team for 33 years, and a fireman at North Ronaldsay airfield for about 11 years. "And I've been a contractor on the island for most of my working lifetime." Mr Muir added: "I've spent most of my life in the lighthouse service and that means a lot to me. "It's something you dedicate yourself to doing as long as you're able to. There is no retiring age now and that's the reason I've clocked up so many years. "It's made me very happy, and it keeps me fit. As long as I keep fit and healthy I've got no plans to retire." Mr Muir says his volunteering work, including that as a retained firefighter, is borne out of necessity on such a small island. He said: "If you're a willing hand you get lumbered with the job. "But we're a very close-knit community and we rely on each other all the time to keep the island going. The sheep are a major part of that because it takes the whole island to round them up. "It's not an easy task to round up 2,500 sheep on a shoreline. We're like one big family." Mr Muir's wife Isobel, 76, said: "He does a lot of work for the community when I would like him to be doing more work around here." But she added: "It's worth it. I've often wondered where the island would be if he didn't do all those jobs. "He contributes so much to everything that goes on. It's an ageing population and he's one of the people that's still strong and fit enough to do all this work."

Summary: An Orkney sheep farmer who holds down a total of 20 jobs has been dubbed Britain's hardest-working man.


In a letter to the Daily Telegraph, they said early schooling was causing "profound damage" to children. They are calling for more emphasis in the curriculum on learning through play. England's Education Minister Elizabeth Truss said starting school later would damage attempts to close the achievement gap between rich and poor. The signatories to the letter, including academics, teachers and some writers and charities, said the current system focused too much on formal education, such as the "three Rs", at too early an age. They said national policies should be reassessed to make them more similar to education systems in Scandinavia. In Northern Ireland, the statutory age of entry to school is four. In England, Scotland, Wales, Cyprus and Malta, the age is five. The statutory age is six in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey. The age is seven in Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Serbia and Sweden (Figures from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER)) Your comments The letter said children who entered school at six or seven "consistently achieve better educational results as well as higher levels of well-being". It was signed by 127 experts including Lord Layard, director of the Well-Being Programme at the London School of Economics; senior lecturer in psychology of education at Cambridge University Dr David Whitebread, and director of Play England Catherine Prisk. Another of the signatories, former Children's Commissioner for England Sir Al Aynsley-Green, said: "If you look at a country like Finland children don't start formal, full-scale education until they are seven. "These extra few years, in my view, provide a crucial opportunity, when supported by well-trained, well-paid and highly educated staff, for children to be children." The letter was sent by the campaign group, Save Childhood Movement, which has launched a campaign called Too Much, Too Soon. Group founding director Wendy Ellyatt said: "Despite the fact that 90% of countries in the world prioritise social and emotional learning and start formal schooling at six or seven, in England we seem grimly determined to cling on to the erroneous belief that starting sooner means better results later. "There is nothing wrong with seeking high educational standards and accountability, but there is surely something very wrong indeed if this comes at the cost of natural development." Currently most children in England go to nursery at the age of three or four before starting school in the September following their fourth birthday and spend a year in reception class. Legally all children in England have to be in full-time education by the term after their fifth birthday. Education Minister Elizabeth Truss rejected calls for formal schooling to start later in England, saying this would damage the life chances of children from poorer homes. "I think the campaign is wrong-headed," she told The World at One on BBC Radio Four. "At the moment we've got one of the biggest gaps between the performance of low-income and high-income students. And

Summary: Children should not start formal school lessons until the age of six or seven, a group of educationalists has said.


Alibaba was taken off the list four years ago, but US authorities say the firm's online platform Taobao is used to sell "high levels" of fake goods. The company has rejected the allegations, insisting it polices its market place better than in the past. The firm also suggested the "current political climate" in the US might be why they are back on the list. US President-elect Donald Trump had, during his campaign, repeatedly accused Chinese firms of stealing intellectual property. Alibaba Group President Michael Evans said he was "disappointed" by the decision and questioned whether it was "based on actual facts or was influenced by the current political climate." The Chinese online retailer and its market place Taobao have long been accused of being a platform for counterfeit goods. Taobao said earlier this year it had tightened controls on its sale of luxury goods, requiring sellers to show proof of authenticity. In May though, Alibaba was suspended from the International Anti Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC) watchdog over piracy concerns. Some members, including Gucci America and Michael Kors, had threatened they would leave the IACC in protest at Alibaba's membership. Alibaba - by far China's biggest online retailer - floated on the New York Stock Exchange in September 2014 and broke records by raising $25bn.

Summary: Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba is back on the US's "notorious markets" list over counterfeit goods sales.


Jack Payne dinked a shot over goalkeeper Daniel Bentley to put Southend ahead before veteran forward Grant Holt drilled home an equaliser. Joe Rafferty's first goal of the season put Dale in front and Jamie Allen made it 3-1 with a long-range drive. Joe Bunney added a fourth to move Rochdale to within two points of the play-off places. Phil Brown's Southend slip down to 12th, four points adrift of the top six. Rochdale manager Keith Hill told BBC Radio Manchester: Media playback is not supported on this device "We've reached the point of safety when, 10 games ago, we were looking at getting involved in a relegation fight. "I was really pleased with the equaliser and then the second half. "The second-half performance just showed our intent."

Summary: Rochdale leapfrogged Southend to climb up to eighth place in League One with a comfortable win over the Shrimpers.


It's not as easy as you think, but then try pairing them all with a character from The Simpsons. That's just what Brian Quinn from Londonderry has done for the Irish Simpsons Fans Facebook group. Like all great ideas, Mr Quinn said it started out small and then kind of escalated. "I probably had one pun in my head - I think it might have been DoneGil first," he told BBC News NI. "I started scribbling more down and I think I had about 17 and I thought: 'I might as well do all 32 now.' "My girlfriend was watching Grey's Anatomy or something, so I just got out the laptop and started messing about." By Thursday evening, his post was closing in on 1,000 likes. He said he was surprised at which ones seemed to be the most popular. "It's funny, the last couple that I thought of probably got the most likes and I thought they were kind of scraping the barrel," said Mr Quinn. "They were the Cork one - Hank Skorkio - and the ones for Meath and Westmeath." Ireland Simpsons Fans started on Facebook in January 2016 and was the brainchild of Jack Leahy from Dublin and Paul Loughran from Belfast. Mr Quinn is now the page moderator for the site. As for his own personal favourite, a bit of hometown favouritism might be at play. "I'm from Derry and I actually think the Derry and Kerry - Sherri and Terri ones are the funniest and the cleverest," he said.

Summary: Can you name all 32 counties of Ireland?


Irish slipped back to the foot of the table after defeat at Sale and Newcastle's win against Harlequins. The Exiles host 10th-placed Worcester on Sunday and could move above the Warriors with a win. "We've already spoken about next week and what we need to do," Coventry told BBC Radio Berkshire. "The boys have had a bit of a hurry up in the changing room. We've spoken about how disappointed we were with our second half performance (at Sale)." Media playback is not supported on this device Irish conceded 26 unanswered points in the second half as Sale ran in a total of six tries at the AJ Bell Stadium. It was the second time in their last three Premiership matches Irish failed to score any second-half points. And following news that prop Ben Franks will be ruled out until late April with a ruptured bicep tendon, Irish have been hit by a further injury to winger Alex Lewington. The 24-year-old is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks following surgery on a fractured thumb. "Injuries are a big part of the game, we have to rely pretty much on the squad that we've got," Coventry added. "We can't lament our losses too much, we have to get on with it. "Losing Ben and Alex is a frustration, but we'll just have to manage without out them until we can get them back on the field."

Summary: London Irish head coach Tom Coventry admits their meeting with fellow Premiership strugglers Worcester will be a "huge" game for his team.


Owen Lane's two tries set Wales on their way with Reuben Morgan-Williams and Phil Jones also crossing for the hosts. Robbie Smith, Blair Kinghorn and Ben Appleson were Scotland's try scorers. Wales begin their World Rugby Junior Championship campaign in Georgia against Australia on 31 May, They will also face England and Samoa in Pool A, while Scotland are in Pool B with Ireland, New Zealand and Italy.

Summary: Wales Under-20s warmed up for the 2017 World Rugby Junior Championship with a 29-22 victory over Scotland at Bridgend's Brewery Field.


13 November 2015 Last updated at 00:05 GMT Released in 1996, the browser plug-in enabled animations, interactivity and streaming video on what was a largely static web. But the software has been plagued by security problems, and has been criticised for affecting computer performance and battery life. Now many experts say the media plug-in's days are numbered. Watch the video to find out more.

Summary: A few years ago, it was difficult to browse the web without coming across a site using Flash.


17 March 2017 Last updated at 09:23 GMT A BBC team and some tourists were on the mountain when the explosion happened. BBC science reporter Rebecca Morelle described the experience of "Running down a mountain pelted by rocks, dodging burning boulders and boiling steam." Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, it's been erupting for the last three weeks. Mount Etna erupts a few times a year.

Summary: The Mount Etna Volcano in Italy has erupted.


Steven Van de Velde, 21, pleaded guilty at Aylesbury Crown Court to three counts of rape against a child. The court heard how he travelled from Amsterdam in August 2014 and raped the girl near Furzton Lake, and at an address in Milton Keynes. Van de Velde, who will be sentenced in March, returned to the Netherlands, but was extradited and arrested in January. Click here for more on this story and all the latest news across Beds, Herts and Bucks The court heard how Van de Velde, of Cornelis De Wittlaan, Den Haag, was aware of the girl's age, having had conversations on various social networking sites. A survey for CBBC Newsround suggests more than three-quarters of children aged 10 to 12 in the UK have social media accounts, even though they are below the age limit of 13.

Summary: A Dutch international volleyball player travelled to Milton Keynes and raped a 12-year-old girl he met on Facebook.


Mae Llywodraeth Cymru'n dweud ei bod yn gwireddu un o'i phrif addewidion, drwy fwy na dyblu'r terfyn sy'n cael ei ddefnyddio cyn codi tâl am ofal cymdeithasol preswyl. Hyd yn hyn, roedd gan bobl yr hawl i gadw £24,000 o'u cyfalaf pan yn mynd i ofal preswyl, ond mae hynny'n codi ddydd Llun i £30,000. Nod y llywodraeth, yn unol â'i chynllun pum mlynedd 'Symud Cymru Ymlaen', yw codi'r trothwy i £50,000 yn y pen draw. Awdurdodau lleol sy'n gyfrifol am ariannu gofal rhywun os yw ei gyfalaf yn llai na £30,000. Os ydyn nhw'n codi swm, bydd hwnnw'n seiliedig ar yr incwm sydd ar gael i'r unigolyn. Ymysg newidiadau eraill sy'n cael eu cyflwyno mae diystyru'r Pensiwn Anabledd Rhyfel, fel bod dim rhaid i gyn-filwyr ddefnyddio unrhyw ran o'r pensiwn hwn i dalu am eu gofal. Mae'r llywodraeth yn dweud bod y newidiadau yn rhan o ystod eang o fesurau i wella gofal cymdeithasol yng Nghymru, gan gynnwys buddsoddiad o £55m. Dywedodd y Gweinidog Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol, Rebecca Evans: "Mae pobl hŷn, sydd wedi chwarae eu rhan ac wedi cyfrannu'n ariannol ar hyd eu hoes, yn haeddu mwy o degwch. "Dyna pam y byddwn ni, dros gyfnod y Cynulliad hwn, yn dyblu swm yr arian y caiff pobl hŷn ei gadw pan fyddan nhw mewn gofal. "Dw i'n falch o allu dweud y caiff pobl gadw £30,000 heb iddo gael ei ddefnyddio i dalu am eu gofal o heddiw ymlaen. Bydd hyn yn cynyddu i £50,000 dros y blynyddoedd nesaf." Dylai unrhyw rai sy'n meddwl y gallen nhw, neu aelod o'u teulu, elwa ar y trefniadau newydd, gysylltu â'u hawdurdod lleol.

Summary: Mae rheolau newydd yn dod i rym ddydd Llun i geisio galluogi pobl mewn oed i gadw mwy o'u harian pan yn byw mewn gofal preswyl.


Media playback is not supported on this device The Serb, 29, was knocked out in the first round of the Rio Olympics tennis tournament by Juan Martin del Potro. He also suffered a surprise defeat by Sam Querrey in the third round of this year's Wimbledon. Djokovic has pulled out of the Cincinnati Masters, which starts on 14 August. "I am very sad to announce that I won't be able to play this year in Cincinnati," he said. "I have a recurring injury that has taken its toll on my body due to a very busy and active schedule this year. "I have played many matches and I have to take some rest in order to heal."

Summary: World number one Novak Djokovic says a recurring wrist injury has "taken its toll" after a "very busy and active" year.


The charges start from 1 April 2017 and will increase BT's annual valuation fourfold, from £165m to £743m. "We are extremely disappointed by the new rateable values, which are clearly excessive," BT said. On Friday, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) published revaluation details of 1.96 million non-domestic properties in England and Wales. But BT said: "It is highly likely that an increase of this size would lead to higher prices for consumers and businesses." The telecoms giant warned that if the proposed new rates are brought in, "it could have a negative impact on future investment in the network". That point was echoed by Virgin Media chief executive Tom Mockridge, who said: "The Chancellor Philip Hammond is choosing to side-step responsibility for a huge increase in infrastructure taxes, at the very moment after the Brexit vote the UK needs to maximise investment into its digital fibre network." BT said it will challenge the VOA's "method and assumptions". "The Government has made it clear that it wants companies such as BT to invest heavily in the UK. We have stepped up to that challenge but we need a more joined up and logical approach from the public sector if there is to be a more conducive environment for investment," the company said. The proposed rates will be welcomed by many small businesses, which will see a drop in their charges. That is because they have overpaid in recent years, as rates have been based on 2008 valuations which are now out of date, said the Federation of Small Businesses. Chairman Mike Cherry said: "Many businesses across the country will be getting some relief from years of overpayment or see their rates remain steady. "In other areas, there will be a big jump between the old valuation and the new one. To avoid such big discrepancies in payments, we believe more frequent valuations are necessary." But he added that transitional relief plans, which were announced by the government earlier this week, will help reduce some of the pain for those facing a big rate hike. Under proposed changes to Small Business Rate Relief announced in the March 2016 Budget, small firms with a rateable value of less than £12,000 will pay no business rates at all, with further assistance handed to those with a rateable value of under £51,000. "It means that today's revaluations could have big consequences, especially for those firms on the margins of these cut-off points," said Mr Cherry. Local Government Minister Marcus Jones said: "Local firms also need to be confident that the rates they pay are accurate and fair, no matter where they are in the country, and these updates will give them that reassurance. "We are committed to helping all businesses flourish and as we make the system fairer up and down the country, nearly three quarters of companies will see no change, or even a fall, in their bills - including 600,000 who from next April will have their bills cut altogether. "But for the small minority of businesses that do face an increase, we're putting in

Summary: BT has condemned "excessive" new business rates, which it says will push up the cost of broadband services.


"Paramedics found the bodies of three people lying inside the aircraft," ER24 medical service told News24 website. The plane crashed into shacks in Benoni, about 40km (25 miles) east of the city. Footage on social media show emergency services taking bodies away from the crash site. The BBC's Pumza Fihlani in the city says incidents like this are not common in South Africa. The country has a very good record of air safety, she adds.

Summary: A light aircraft has crashed in the South African city of Johannesburg, killing all three people on board, emergency officials have said.


Former multi-millionaire pig farmer Robert Pickton was convicted in 2007 of murdering six women. Charges relating to 20 other deaths were suspended. Another inmate helped him smuggle the book out of prison, CTV reported. The publisher requested its removal from retailer Amazon and apologised to victims' families, reports said. Officials in British Columbia had earlier vowed to prevent Pickton, who says he is innocent, from profiting from sales of the memoir, entitled Pickton: In His Own Words. "It is not right that a person who caused so much harm and hurt so many people could profit from his behaviour," said the province's Minister for Public Safety, Mike Morris, in a statement. Vancouver's dirty little secret City's vanished women British Columbian officials also asked Amazon to stop selling the memoir, which was published by Colorado-based Outskirts Press, a firm that specialises in helping authors self-publish books. Amazon users had also called for it to be removed and gave it the lowest possible rating. The company has not yet commented on the book's appearance on its site. Canadian Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said an investigation had been launched into how Pickton's manuscript was smuggled out of the maximum security Kent Institution prison where he is being held. But CTV reported that Pickton bypassed checks on his own correspondence by passing the book to a fellow inmate, who sent it to a friend. In the book, the serial killer said he was innocent and was framed for the killings by Canadian police, the Vancouver Sun reported. Ernie Crey, whose sister Dawn's DNA was among that of 33 women found at Pickton's Port Coquitlam pig farm, said he was "deeply troubled" by the book. Lori Shenher, who helped bring Pickton to justice and wrote her own book on the case, wrote that she hoped people would ignore it "in the interest of common decency". Pickton was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years after initially being charged with the murders of 26 women from a total of 69 who had gone missing. He killed the women at his farm and fed some of their remains to his pigs. During the trial, prosecutors claimed Pickton had confessed to 49 killings to an undercover police officer posing as a cellmate.

Summary: A memoir apparently written by a Canadian serial killer has been withdrawn within hours of appearing for sale online.


The Premiership leaders head to Ibrox for the first time this season having won 5-1 at Celtic Park in September and 1-0 at Hampden Park in the League Cup. "I think we have progressed since that game, I think we have been even better. "So if you take that into account, it might be that the gap is bigger," said the Dane ahead of Saturday's clash. "You always talk about gaps but you also know that one game can change that perception of it. "So I think the most important thing is to be respectful and say that we are doing our job and Rangers are doing their job. "If we at the moment are number one that means something, so we will be doing our best to keep that." Media playback is not supported on this device Rangers have taken 24 points from a possible 33 since their League Cup semi-final defeat to move into second place in the Premiership, having won four and drawn one of their last five games. "They have improved, for sure," Sviatchenko acknowledged. "It is always difficult to come back up into the league but they have performed well and you can see that in the table. "But I think we are still doing really well and we need to focus on ourselves." Celtic, chasing a sixth successive league title, are unbeaten in 23 domestic matches this season and have won their last 14 matches in the Premiership. They are within three matches of equalling the club's 'Lisbon Lions' class of 1966-67 that went 26 domestic matches unbeaten at the start of the season - before losing 3-2 at Dundee United on 31 December.

Summary: Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko believes the gap between the champions and Rangers may have grown since their last meeting two months ago.


Mhairi Black won the Paisley and Renfrewshire South seat for the SNP in last month's general election. The 20-year-old sat her final exam on Scottish politics shortly after being elected. She graduated along with the rest of her class in a ceremony at the university on Friday. Ms Black posted a photograph of herself in her gown on Twitter. She wrote: "Overwhelmed by all the messages of support. They're really appreciated. It's been a great day for everyone involved." Her graduation came seven weeks after being elected MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South. The student had yet to sit her final exam when she ousted Labour's Douglas Alexander to become the youngest member at Westminster since the Reform Act of 1832. She won her seat by 5,500 votes after overturning former Shadow Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander's 16,000 vote majority. The MP admitted recently that it was "quite bizarre" returning to university after being elected an MP. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, she said: "It was a brass neck walking into a room with people I've been studying with for years and they're all pulling their hair out applying for a million and one jobs and I'm like, 'Hi guys, how's it going?'." A spokesman for the University of Glasgow said: "We would like to congratulate Mhairi Black, as we would all of our students who are graduating this summer. "They have all worked extremely hard to earn their degrees and we wish them the very best for their future careers."

Summary: The youngest MP in the House of Commons has graduated with a first class honours degree in politics from Glasgow University.


Rob Stewart was speaking after plans were unveiled for 3,500-seat arena, an aquarium and a city beach area with bars, restaurants, hotels and homes. It will be the biggest landscape change since the city was blitzed during World War Two and is expected to lead to about 1,700 permanent jobs. Swansea council unveiled the plans on Friday with work due to start in 2017. It comes 10 years after a flagship scheme to redevelop Swansea city centre collapsed. Mr Stewart said: "We've been very careful to make sure what we've proposed is deliverable. We're very confident we have the right developers and right funders." Two developers - Rivington Land and Acme and Trebor Developments - have been appointed and construction work will bring about 500 jobs. The main areas to be worked on are the former St David's shopping centre, land next to the leisure centre and the civic centre site. Mr Stewart added: "People quite rightly would want to see us get on with this as soon as possible. "We are already in discussions with Welsh government, with the UK department of trade and industry in London, to make sure we can take these plans forward as quickly as possible." It will run from Whitewalls, include a cafe quarter and be built on an incline so that at the other end, people can walk straight over Oystermouth Road to where the arena will be, hosting concerts, shows, conferences and ice skating. There will also be a high-rise building next to it comprising of a hotel and flats and could become the tallest in Wales. An access route will run from there to the aquarium and city beach.

Summary: A new £500m plan to transform Swansea city centre will succeed, the leader of the city's council has said.


Burberry reported pre-tax profits of £166m for the year to March. A year ago it made a loss of £16.1m, hit by charges at its Spanish operations. In the past year it has opened 21 new stores and closed nine. It plans to open 20-30 stores this year worldwide. The group has also focused on promoting the Burberry brand online. Sales rose 7% to £1.28bn, with the company recording double-digit sales growth in Europe and Asia Pacific. Adjusted profit rose 23% to £215m, taking into account one-off items and a favourable exchange rate. Stores in London in particular benefited from favourable currency movements and increased tourism. "Looking forward, while mindful of the economic environment, Burberry plans to build on its strong financial position by accelerating investment in growth initiatives in retail, digital and new markets, while continuing to enhance the brand," said chief executive Angela Ahrendts. Burberry shares were up 7.6% at 659 pence in afternoon trading.

Summary: Luxury fashion designer Burberry has returned to profit after opening new stores and spending more on online marketing


Western Power Distribution (WPD) said that without expensive investment the grid would struggle to cope with taking any more power. And developers could be asked to pick up "a large proportion of these costs". Renewables advisor Regen SW warned charges, totalling up to £4m, may be a barrier to renewable energy schemes. New renewable energy projects in the South West rose from 936 in 2009/10 to 47,423 in 2011/12, said Regen SW. Since 2009, Cornwall Council has approved nearly 50 solar farms covering more than 1,600 acres. WPD said all the solar farms in the pipeline would produce another 250 megawatts (MW) of power and parts of its system "would be at the limit of the generation they can accommodate". It pinpointed the Pyworthy and St Tudy areas as being closest to capacity. WPD said in a statement: "We have seen many large scale photovoltaic (PV) generation applications, as well as a few wind farms across the South West and particularly in Cornwall over the last few years. "To connect further would therefore require extensive reinforcement of existing or building of new circuits, which can be quite expensive." It said costs could be £1m to £4m depending on the size of the changes. Merlin Hyman of Regen SW, which promotes renewable energy in the region, said: "It is not a secret that the grid's capacity is the biggest constraining factor for the growth of solar energy. "We are working hard with Western Power Distribution to ensure there is investment in reinforcing networks, otherwise the grid will be a major barrier to some renewable energy projects. "Investment to create robust local networks will enable more local generation of secure energy rather than relying on uncertain imported fossil fuels." He said Regen wanted WPD to increase its plans to spend £3m a year reinforcing the network which "we don't think is enough". The Energy Networks Association said: "Large scale generation projects will benefit from the energy they will sell to consumers and so it is fair that they cover the cost to reinforce the network that their project will profit from." Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said there was a growing need in the county to "manage additions to the grid more carefully". "Cornwall is the most extraordinary powerhouse for natural energy and it's very exciting," he said. "But we need 21st century connections to get that energy out of Cornwall and into the rest of the country."

Summary: Renewable energy projects are putting parts of Cornwall's electricity grid under severe strain, according to the region's power firm.


That is the big question hanging over the WTO as trade ministers from its member countries gather in Nairobi. They are heading to the Kenyan capital for the WTO's tenth ministerial conference. The organisation is increasingly at risk of being side-lined as groups of countries do trade and investment deals outside it. The WTO was established in 1995 to be the main forum for trade rules and for negotiating the removal of barriers to international commerce. It is conducting a wide-ranging set of negotiations intended to take this process further. It is called the Doha Round, and it was launched in the Qatari capital 14 years ago. It is still limping along despite the original target for completing the talks being the beginning of 2005. So far all it really has to show is an agreement on improving customs procedures, known as the Trade Facilitation Agreement. The wider negotiations - to reduce tariffs (taxes on imports), farm subsidies and remove many other trade barriers - have failed to produce results. Many countries have turned their attention to negotiating in smaller groups. The prime examples are the United States' negotiations with Pacific nations and with the European Union. It's very unlikely that the Nairobi conference will pronounce it dead. Some countries, including India, Indonesia and Venezuela want a formal reaffirmation of the declaration issued back in Doha. Others, notably the US and European Union do not. They think it has become clear that this huge exercise - known in WTO-speak as a "single undertaking" - will fail to deliver results. So it is certainly possible that the Nairobi Conference will mark an important moment in the failure of the Doha Round. However, there are areas where there could be some agreement. One is the final agreement among a group of countries on tariff-free trade in a range of technology goods. This would extend an existing deal to a number of additional goods including new-generation semi-conductors, GPS navigation systems, some medical devices and touch screens. There is also the possibility of a deal to improve export opportunities for the poorest nations, the least developed countries. This is about extending the scope for them to sell their goods without quota restrictions or tariffs. There are signs that the WTO's members do seem to be willing to agree in these areas, but even so there is no guarantee they will. It is possible that there will be no formal ministerial declaration at the end. That would be the first such failure since the Seattle Conference in 1999, which ended with acrimonious disagreement between governments and was accompanied by often violent protests in the city's streets. The WTO and its conference have in the past been a major focus for protests from groups which argue that globalisation has been a business-driven process undermining national sovereignty, environmental protection and labour standards. More recently some of the trade negotiations outside the WTO have become more of a focus for some of these concerns. Those other talks have, after all, made more progress. And there is a real possibility that

Summary: Does the World Trade Organization matter anymore?


The 65-year-old was cleared of eight other indecent assault charges by a jury at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. He was accused of abusing four former pupils at Altrincham Grammar School in Greater Manchester and a fifth schoolboy from the Newcastle area. Talbot was remanded in custody for sentencing on 13 March. Judge Timothy Mort told Talbot, from Bowdon in Greater Manchester, his sentence should start immediately bearing in mind his "abuse of trust". The Edinburgh-born former ITV star displayed no obvious reaction while the verdicts were read and nodded at the judge as he was taken down to the cells. He had denied abusing boys aged 14 to 17, but was found guilty of two counts relating to former pupils at Altrincham Grammar School on canal boat trips. The jury heard Talbot staged a naked orgy involving 10 drunken schoolboys on a canal barge. He was said to have asked some of the pupils to pretend they were girls and lie on top of each other as photographs were taken. One victim, who said he thought he was 14 at the time, said Talbot abused him after he was told to share a bed with him. Another boy was abused on another barge trip in similar circumstances. He said boys would take turns to sleep in Talbot's bed during the trip and when it was his turn Talbot "started talking to me about sexual stuff". The incidents are said to have taken place on school trips in the 1970s. It can now be reported that a number of similar complaints against Talbot have been passed by police to the Procurator Fiscal about alleged offences said to have been committed in Scotland. Talbot was also questioned by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) about a serious sexual assault allegedly committed on a former pupil but the matter was withdrawn after the complainant died. Talbot worked as a biology teacher at the boys' school until May 1984. The court heard his teaching career came to "an abrupt end" following an indecent proposal he made to two pupils he invited to his home to look at his telescope. The jury was told he was said to have been "obsessed" with teenage boys throughout his teaching career and "could not help himself" around them when under the influence of drink. During the investigation, police seized a number of diaries Talbot kept during his teaching career. Police found entries "highly suggestive of inappropriate behaviour". Det Con Chris Doggart, of GMP, said: "Talbot was an extremely popular and well liked individual - both as a celebrity weatherman and formerly as a science teacher - who earned not only the trust and adulation of many of his peers and pupils, but also much of the nation. "Now he has been exposed as an opportunistic sex offender and that reputation is rightly in tatters. "Even when he was not committing offences against the two vulnerable young boys, his behaviour was wholly inappropriate and so far removed from his duty as a teacher to nurture and safeguard those under his care it

Summary: Ex-TV weatherman Fred Talbot has been found guilty of indecently assaulting two teenage boys when he was a teacher.


In the 1960s, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Today it's Asia's fourth largest economy and one of the world's most advanced. That progress is largely thanks to the performance of its chaebols: massive family run conglomerates. But now businesses are being criticised for holding South Korea back. Many people I spoke to said it's time for change. Youth unemployment is at record highs, close to 10%. Young people say that the system is unfairly stacked against them, and that the economy is dominated by the chaebols, which basically own South Korea's economy. That has effectively left little or no room for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which are usually the life-blood of an economy, and typically help to create jobs. Also, given that chaebols are so dominant, young people end up wanting to work in them. And that means even if there were jobs to fill at SMEs, there'd be few takers. The calls for chaebol-reform aren't new, but they do appear to have gained more momentum than in previous years. Here's why chaebols are becoming ever more powerful in the economy. Revenues from the top five chaebols make up more than half of South Korea's GDP. Samsung, which is the country's largest, makes up a fifth of the economy. It's true that in the past chaebols were job-creators, but now most of their business is derived from overseas markets. So they're hiring less at home, and are not bringing all of those profits back. The money-for-influence scandal is what brought down the previous President Park Geun-hye. Many Koreans believe the cosy relationship between business and government has created a class system where the elites constantly succeed and those who don't have access to power are left behind. In particular there's been a lot of resentment of the "chaebol-children" - the next generation in these family-run businesses. They're seen as spoiled, privileged and out of touch. The bribery trial of Samsung's de facto head Lee Jae-yong - son of the current chief executive and grandson of the firm's founder, has underlined those concerns Think of South Korea's chaebols and immediately Samsung, LG and Hyundai come to mind. They've all invested heavily in research and development to try and come up with products that beat their competitors. South Korea invests more of its GDP in R&D than most other Asian nations, according to the OECD. The attractiveness of working in a chaebol means few young people are prepared to take a risk and start a company of their own, a trend that stifles ideas and creativity. Also for those who do take the leap and set up on their own, the biggest customers are invariably chaebols. They are criticised for unfairly controlling prices and squeezing profits for start-ups, effectively putting them out of business. All of this is coming at a time when South Korea's preeminent position in the world of the technology and innovation is being challenged by China. Chinese manufacturers like TCL and Xiaomi are now making flat screen televisions and mobile phones, and at

Summary: For all the talk of North Korea and the controversial THAAD anti-missile system, my recent trip to South Korea left me in no doubt that for most voters, top of their minds going into the country's presidential elections is something far less headline-grabbing: the economy.


The 19-year-old son of Saints director of rugby Jim scored a try in his first two matches for Saints and has made a total of nine appearances. Fellow backs Tom Collins, George Furbank, Rory Hutchinson, Sam Olver and Howard Packman have also signed deals. As have forwards Will Allman, Sion Bennett, James Fish, Lewis Ludlam, Alex Moon, Jordan Onojaife and Josh Peters. Of the group, England Under-20 wing Collins, 21, is the most experienced in a Saints shirt, having made 27 first-team appearances. Scotland Under-20 centre Hutchinson, 20; England Under-20s 21-year-old fly-half Olver; England Under-20 wing Packman, 20 and England Under-20 second row Onojaife, 20, are the others in the group to have played for Northampton's first team. "The Saints academy is doing its job, identifying and bringing through local talent. "There are some highly-rated players in that group - some who've already made an impact in the first team such as Tom Collins and Harry Mallinder. "The challenge for the club and the players is for more of them to make the step up now and break into the match-day 23 - something which has been difficult this season without an Anglo-Welsh Cup."

Summary: Northampton Saints centre Harry Mallinder is among 13 youngsters to sign new deals with the club.


The tests have been made tougher and Mrs Morgan says lower results should not be interpreted as a decline in performance by pupils. "They simply cannot be compared directly," says Mrs Morgan. Heads have called for this year's test results not to be published. Mrs Morgan's warning comes in advance of the publication of results from Sats tests taken by 11-year-olds, which this year have been made more difficult and based on a new curriculum. There will be national level results published on Tuesday and individual schools will receive their results. There has been an expectation of volatile and unpredictable results - and Mrs Morgan is pre-empting claims that they will show that standards are falling. "I expect critics of the new primary curriculum will be quick to try and suggest that any lower results are evidence of a failure of the system," says Mrs Morgan. "Nothing could be further from the truth. I don't know what the results will look like yet. But I have always been clear that politicians trumpeting ever-rising test results, at the expense of high standards is entirely wrong." If results do turn out to be lower than previous years, then Mrs Morgan feels: "It wouldn't mean children have performed any worse this year; simply that we have raised the bar on what counts as good enough. "Neither schools nor parents should try to compare this year's results with previous years. The tests are new and are based on a new, more rigorous national curriculum - based on the best evidence from across the world." Mrs Morgan said that parents should "see the results as what they are - a reflection of how well children this year have performed against a new curriculum". The National Association of Head Teachers had previously written to the education secretary calling for the publication of this year's results to be cancelled. They warned that there had been "serious mistakes" in how changes had been introduced and said results were too "unpredictable" to be used for league tables. Head teachers said the results were likely to be so "skewed" that "comparisons between schools become very risky". Kevin Courtney, acting general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said the results would be used by the Department for Education and Ofsted to make judgements on schools, with potentially "serious consequences for the jobs of school leaders and the future of the school". But he said that from the perspective of teachers, the changes to the tests had been "shambolic", with frequently changing guidance and leaked test papers.

Summary: The results of Sats tests taken in primary schools in England, due to be published on Tuesday, should not be compared with previous years, says Education Secretary Nicky Morgan.


Media playback is not supported on this device Shaw, 20, will have an operation on his return to Manchester, the club said. He received oxygen while being treated on the pitch for 10 minutes after Hector Moreno's tackle. "It is awful. It was a very bad tackle. He had the oxygen mask on and was crying in the dressing room," said manager Louis van Gaal. Mexico defender Moreno sent his "strength" to the left-back and wished him a "fast recovery". The 27-year-old, who broke his leg during last year's World Cup, added: "I've been through this before and I know how it feels." Shaw moved to Old Trafford from Southampton in June last year in a £31m deal and made 20 appearances in an injury-interrupted first season. He has started all of United's eight games this season, as well as playing in England's European Championship qualifiers against San Marino and Switzerland. Yet with just nine months to go until Euro 2016, Shaw has suffered a broken tibia and fibula. When Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey suffered a similar injury against Stoke in 2010, he was ruled out for nine months. The Welshman tweeted: "Fingers crossed for Luke Shaw. Get well soon." Less than an hour after suffering the injury, Shaw wrote on Twitter: "Thank you everyone for your messages, words can't describe how gutted I am, my road to recovery starts now, I will come back stronger." Former PSV player Memphis Depay scored the opener for the visitors in Eindhoven, before Moreno headed in an equaliser on the stroke of half-time. Luciano Narsingh then nodded home in the second half to secure victory. Mexican centre-back Moreno escaped censure for the challenge on Shaw, and Van Gaal was unhappy referee Nicola Rizzoli took no action. "A boy who came to Manchester United at 18 years old, it was very difficult, and the next season he plays fantastic and then that happens like this," said the Dutchman. "When I say it is a red card and penalty, you will say I am a bad loser. Every word I say is taken in the wrong way. It was in the 18-yard box and it was very bad tackle with two legs. "I'm not a doctor so I cannot say, but when you have a double fracture it is four to six months. But you can never say that in advance. "He won't play in the group stage, I don't think. I hope he will play again this season." PSV manager Phillip Cocu expressed sympathy for Shaw, and said Moreno had not intended to hurt him. The former Netherlands midfielder said: "We are all sorry about Shaw's injury. "Hector is a player who went for the ball and was not out to injure anyone but it didn't look good." Analysis from chief football writer Phil McNulty: The serious injury sustained by Luke Shaw is not only a devastating blow to the 20-year-old, who had made such an outstanding start to this season, but also to Manchester United and manager Louis van Gaal. Before the start of the

Summary: Full-back Luke Shaw suffered a double fracture of his right leg in Manchester United's 2-1 Champions League loss at PSV Eindhoven.


The former presidential candidate is the former CEO of technology company Hewlett-Packard. Mrs Fiorina dropped out of the presidential race after a poor showing at the New Hampshire primary. She has been an active supporter for Mr Cruz, a senator from Texas, on the campaign trail. The early announcement is unusual because vice-presidential picks are not normally decided until after a candidate secures the nomination. "Over and over again, Carly has shattered glass ceilings," Mr Cruz said. He doesn't have the Republican nomination. He doesn't even have the lead for the nomination. In fact, he has no clear path to the nomination. But it looks like Ted Cruz will have a running mate. Naming Carly Fiorina as his vice-presidential pick at this point provides Mr Cruz with several benefits. First, he can generate some positive press and at least partially move on from the drubbing he received at the hands of Donald Trump in Tuesday's mid-Atlantic primaries. Second, he positions his campaign to make a strong play for that grand prize on the horizon, the California primary on 7 June - a battleground that could decide whether Mr Trump secures the Republican nomination without a convention fight. While Mrs Fiorina's 2010 general-election bid for a Senate seat there was spectacularly unsuccessful, she did win her party's nomination and is a known quantity among the state's conservative voters. Mr Cruz has his back to the wall. He needs a win in Indiana, and he really needs a strong performance in California. Mrs Fiorina on the ticket could help - and at this point, anything that might work is worth a shot. Mrs Fiorina could help Mr Cruz in his battle against front-runner Donald Trump, who has made disparaging comments about women - including her. "Look at that face. Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?" he said. Mrs Fiorina responded: "I think women all over this country heard very clearly what Mr Trump said." Mr Cruz alluded to this exchange in introducing Mrs Fiorina in Indiana, saying she handled it with "grace and class". While at Hewlett-Packard, Mrs Fiorina laid off 30,000 people and was fired by the company's board, though she has argued that her leadership "saved" the company. She also had a failed bid for a California Senate seat. Donald Trump's son Eric Trump called the move desperate. While addressing the crowd, Mrs Fiorina broke into song. She sang about Mr Cruz's daughters and their times together on the Cruz campaign bus. "Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are two sides of the same coin," she said, and Mr Cruz's presidential bid is not over yet, despite what "the media says".

Summary: Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz has announced Carly Fiorina as his running mate, calling her a "consistent, courageous fighter".


Taylor beat Van Gerwen in the opening contest, but Lewis then struggled in losing to Van Barneveld, before the Dutch won the pairs. But Taylor's defeat of Van Barneveld forced a decider, in which Lewis beat Van Gerwen 4-1. Victory in Frankfurt gave England their fourth World Cup of Darts crown. After losing both of his matches in the final, world number one Van Gerwen seemed to take exception to Lewis' celebrations on sealing the trophy. "MVG got the the hump with me because I gave it large, but I said to him that he does that every week, so he has to expect some back," said Lewis. Taylor and Lewis, both from Stoke-on-Trent, had earlier defeated Northern Ireland duo Brendan Dolan and Daryl Gurney in the semi-finals. Scotland, represented by world champion Gary Anderson and Robert Thornton, lost in the quarter-finals to Belgium.

Summary: England pair Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis retained the World Cup, beating the Netherlands' Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld in the final.


Former world heavyweight champion Bruno says he would like to box again, but has battled with bipolar disorder since he was diagnosed in 2003. David Haye, who is also a former heavyweight champion, says Bruno would need to face boxers of a similar age. But Hearn said: "Frank is a national institution. He needs help and support, but not through returning to boxing." Bruno, who has not fought since losing the WBC belt to Mike Tyson in 1996, said on Monday he wanted to return to the ring, but had been denied a licence by British boxing officials. "He won the heavyweight world title. It would be a travesty to see him back in the ring," said Hearn. "It's not the answer but I fully understand all the things that boxing can give him, and I hope he can find that through being involved in the sport, whether it's coaching, whether it's being an ambassador because he trains all the time and that's because he feels he needs to." Fellow Briton Haye does not feel Bruno should meet boxers in their 20s or 30s. "As long as he fights somebody his own age, I've got no problem with that," Haye, 35, told Radio 4's Today programme. Haye made a comeback of his own in January, taking 131 seconds to win his first fight in three-and-a-half years. He added that Bruno was in "fantastic shape" but added there should be a seniors division in boxing, as there is in tennis. Promoter Kellie Maloney said Bruno should not risk his health and instead channel his energy into other things, like training up-and-coming boxers. "He's got a lot of knowledge and he could pass that on to the young fighters," said Maloney. "There's so much more out there for him."

Summary: Frank Bruno returning to boxing at the age of 54 would be a "travesty", says promoter Eddie Hearn.


The England striker fired in off the post from Danny Drinkwater's ball before Wes Morgan volleyed in from a right-wing corner after the break. Leicester's Riyad Mahrez had a penalty saved by Lukasz Fabianski, who also blocked Shinji Okazaki's follow-up. Swansea pulled one back when Leroy Fer headed in from Modou Barrow's cross. How these players managed to produce a good show in relentless torrential rain is remarkable. Heavy rain coupled with thunder and lightning added an extra dimension to proceedings, which Leicester coped with better than their opponents. Vardy, who barely had a sniff of a chance in the opening two league games, gave Claudio Ranieri's side the lead with a very typical Leicester goal. One-touch football on the edge of their own area, involving Daniel Amartey, resulted in Drinkwater playing a long through-ball for Vardy to chase. The 29-year-old latched on to it and thumped home his shot via the woodwork. It was the minimum the Foxes deserved having dominated possession, and they increased their lead after half-time when captain Morgan lashed in a fierce volley. The defending champions should have made it 3-0 but Fabianski guessed where Mahrez would place his spot-kick after Okazaki had been fouled in the area by Jordi Amat. The Japanese forward then saw his follow-up saved by the Polish keeper. Francesco Guidolin's side had gone AWOL as an attacking force during the first 30 minutes of this game as Leicester harried and pushed them back. Bar a couple of tame Gylfi Sigurdsson efforts, it appeared it might be a case of how many Leicester would score after Morgan made it 2-0. But then the Swans clicked into gear. Gambian winger Modou Barrow, who was sensational down the right and put in a handful of great deliveries, was justly rewarded for his efforts when Dutch midfielder Fer got on the end of another peach of a cross in the 81st minute. Foxes full-back Danny Simpson also had to be on hand to clear another Barrow cross, with striker Fernando Llorente poised in the area. Leicester's number one Kasper Schmeichel had little to do in the game, but his one vital interception resulted in him coming off the pitch. The Danish goalkeeper was at his sharpest as he rushed out to beat Fernando Llorente to the ball, but he appeared to hurt himself in doing so. Schmeichel signalled to the bench as the penalty drama played out in the Swansea box, and was soon replaced by summer signing Ron-Robert Zieler. After the game, Ranieri said Schmeichel had aggravated a hernia, but should not be out for long. "He has a small hernia," the manager said. "He was due for an operation on Monday, but he should be ready for our next match." Schmeichel will have a two-week recovery period after his surgery, with Leicester's next game on 10 September at Liverpool. Alan Shearer: "I thought it was nonsensical to not have Danny Drinkwater in the squad for the Euros when other players were not fit. "Against Swansea he had more passes, more touches and covered more

Summary: Jamie Vardy scored his first goal of the season to help champions Leicester record their first win with victory over Swansea in very wet conditions.


The Fochabers Fish Bar will now go up against nine other regional winners for the UK award in the Seafish-run 2017 National Fish and Chip Awards. Fochabers Fish Bar owner Darren Boothroyd said: "We're completely over the moon to have made it to the top 10, it's a real testament to all the hard work we've put into the business." The overall winner will be announced in January.

Summary: A Moray fish and chip shop has been named the best in Scotland.


The 41-year-old former Ross County boss took Argyle to May's play-off final in his first season in charge, but they lost to AFC Wimbledon. The Pilgrims spent much of the last campaign in the automatic promotion places, but finished in fifth place after a drop in form. Adams' previous deal was scheduled to expire at the end of this season. "Derek has already made a major contribution to Plymouth Argyle and the board believes he has much more to offer," chairman James Brent said. "Much of what football clubs do is focused on the current season and yet, to achieve sustainable success, we believe that plans need to be implemented for the medium-term, as well."

Summary: Plymouth Argyle manager Derek Adams has signed a new four-year contract with the League Two club.


Adam Morgan finished off a searing counter-attack to punish the hosts after 28 minutes, scoring only their second league goal in five games. Moors had a golden opportunity to equalise moments after the break but Oladapo Afolayan's penalty was well saved by Sam Johnson after Matty Brown was adjudged to have fouled the striker in the box. The defeat sees Solihull sink to the bottom of the fledgling National League table, having only picked up one point from their first four games. Match report supplied by the Press Association. Match ends, Solihull Moors 0, FC Halifax Town 1. Second Half ends, Solihull Moors 0, FC Halifax Town 1. Jordan Cullinane-Liburd (Solihull Moors) is shown the yellow card. Matthew Kosylo (FC Halifax Town) is shown the yellow card. Substitution, Solihull Moors. Jack Edwards replaces Luke Benbow. Substitution, Solihull Moors. Paul Green replaces Shepherd Murombedzi. Scott McManus (FC Halifax Town) is shown the yellow card. Kristian Green (Solihull Moors) is shown the yellow card. Luke Benbow (Solihull Moors) is shown the yellow card. Substitution, FC Halifax Town. Bohan Dixon replaces Adam Morgan. Substitution, Solihull Moors. Luke Benbow replaces Tristan Dunkley. Substitution, FC Halifax Town. Dion Charles replaces Josh MacDonald. Second Half begins Solihull Moors 0, FC Halifax Town 1. First Half ends, Solihull Moors 0, FC Halifax Town 1. Substitution, FC Halifax Town. Scott McManus replaces Martin Riley. Tristan Dunkley (Solihull Moors) is shown the yellow card. Goal! Solihull Moors 0, FC Halifax Town 1. Adam Morgan (FC Halifax Town). Shepherd Murombedzi (Solihull Moors) is shown the yellow card. First Half begins. Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Summary: FC Halifax claimed their first win of the season by beating Solihull.


The book was returned after American owner Marshall Whitehead decided to track down the family of the original owner. It was eventually handed to Donald Mackechnie, 66, at his home in Glasgow. The Bible had originally belonged to the great-grandfather of Mr Mackechnie's grandmother. Mr Whitehead, who was gifted the pocket-sized book in 2001 by an amateur Bible collector from Cleveland, Ohio, had rediscovered it when moving home in May. Noting that the Bible bore the name Alexander MacDonald of Inverness with the date 1 January, 1866, he decided to track down the descendants of Mr MacDonald, who was born in 1825 and worked as a ship master, wine merchant and grocer. After contacting Highland Council, he was put in touch with Anne Fraser, a historian at the Highland Archive Centre who created a MacDonald family tree. Mr Whitehead then used social media to track down Mr Mackechnie's daughter Mairi in Glasgow, who alerted her Islay-raised father. The Bible, which had a four-leaf clover tucked within its pages, was hand-delivered to Mr Mackechnie by Alistair Begg, a pastor at Mr Whitehead's church in Ohio who is originally from Glasgow and was visiting relatives in the city last month. Mr Mackechnie, clerk to the board at St Columba Gaelic Church of Scotland in Glasgow, said: "There was a knock on the door one day and this chap was standing there. "I almost fell on the floor when he explained what he was giving me. I could not believe it, it was such a shock and a surprise. "The whole family are delighted and over the moon to receive his previously unheard of family heirloom. "It does not even enter your head that this kind of thing could ever happen - it is quite amazing." Mr Mackechnie, a retired mechanical design draftsman, said the story of the Bible's return to Scotland is "fascinating and shows there are still kind people in the world". Mr Whitehead, who chose the book from a collection of more than 100, said he believes it is not a coincidence that it has been returned to the family of the original owner. "I am very pleased that this keepsake treasure of the MacDonald family, located in Cleveland, Ohio, was safely returned to Mr MacDonald's native homeland," he said. "It would not have happened if it had not been for the tireless effort of Anne Fraser and the kind gracious act of my senior pastor, Alistair Begg."

Summary: A 151-year-old Bible has been returned to the Scottish descendants of its original owner after making a 3,500 mile journey from the US.


The crash, which involved the bike and a Range Rover, took place at about 19:30 BST on Saturday at Groesonen Road in Clytha, near Abergavenny. The driver of the Range Rover was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The motorcyclist, from Bristol, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Summary: A motorcyclist has died after a crash in Monmouthshire, Gwent Police has said.


"It is absolutely clear businesses where they have discretion over investment, where they can hold off, are doing so - you can understand why. "They are waiting for more clarity about what the future relationship with Europe will look like," he said. The second round of Brexit negotiations take place in Brussels on Monday. Mr Hammond's comments came as a Confederation of British Industry (CBI) survey suggested that 42% of UK firms believe Brexit has hurt their investment plans. The CBI called on the government to quickly secure a future EU trade deal. Barclays eyes Dublin expansion post-Brexit What do businesses want from Article 50 talks? Trade explainer: Single market and customs union Reality Check: 'Red lines' on Brexit Mr Hammond said that government ministers were becoming increasingly convinced of the need for transitional arrangements to reduce disruption as the UK leaves the EU. "Five weeks ago the idea of a transition period was quite a new concept, I think now you would find that pretty much everybody around the cabinet table accepts that there will be some kind of transition," he said. "We're into a real process now with the start of negotiations and I think you'll find the cabinet rallying around a position that maximises our negotiating leverage and gets the best possible deal for Britain." He said a transitional arrangement was "right and sensible both for the UK and EU" and could potentially take a "couple of years". Analysis: Joe Lynam, BBC business correspondent When companies make a big investment, they tend to make a big splash about it. Press releases issued, stock exchanges advised and ministerial blessings acquired. But when businesses decide NOT to invest in new staff, a new production line or even a new product, we rarely get to hear about it. Companies pausing or cancelling investment - for whatever reason - is counter-factual. So surveys and anonymous polling are the next best way to gauge the corporate mood. Although some Brexiteers regard the CBI as a pro-EU vassal, its survey showing two-fifths of companies pausing their investment plans because of Brexit is not an outlier. It chimes with similar reports from the British Chambers of Commerce, Deloitte and the Institute of Directors. And who would blame firms for holding off? If their biggest market could soon be in or out of the Single Market, in or out of the Customs Union, and beholden or not to the ECJ, it does matter for their future investment plans. Brexit minister David Davis is due in Brussels on Monday for the next round of talks with EU officials. Ministers have talked of a transitional period after the UK leaves the EU to avoid a "cliff edge" scenario, but the length and precise arrangements have yet to be decided. Speaking on the BBC's Sunday Politics show, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said any transitional period should be "very time-limited", and should allow the UK to strike new trade deals - something it is unable to do as part of the EU's customs union. Mr Fox accepted it was not

Summary: Chancellor Philip Hammond has told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show that businesses are holding off from investing in the UK because of uncertainty about Brexit.


The home innings fell away against spinners Jeevan Mendis and 16-year-old Hamidullah Qadri in the final session. Nick Selman's patient 50 off 159 balls was the top score in a largely sedate home effort. Earlier, seamer Tony Palladino claimed three wickets in quick succession to leave them struggling at 87-4 at tea. Afghan-born Qadri, Derbyshire's youngest Championship player, bowled tightly with the pink ball under the floodlights, taking 1-16 in 15 overs - including the maiden wicket of Andrew Salter, caught at slip for nine off 75 balls. Bizarrely, Derbyshire sent out two nightwatchmen in Tom Taylor and Palladino for the last two overs at 21:10 BST, but both men survived to continue on Wednesday. Glamorgan batsman Nick Selman told BBC Wales Sport: "It was good to spend time in the middle again, just getting used to that pink ball as they bowled pretty well and stuck to their lines. At the end we weren't patient enough and with our batting line-up we should have got 340 but hopefully we can come out and take some poles. "When you're set (against the pink ball), it's easy to pick up but with the spin it's a bit tricky to pick up, especially Mendis when he was bowling wrong 'uns. It was quite easy to play during twilight and the more time you spend out there the better. "If the (bad) weather stays away, we've got a big day and hopefully the quicks can take some poles early on and crack it open." Derbyshire bowler Tony Palladino told BBC Radio Derby: "It's always nice to get wickets early in your spell and it set us up a bit, we had a quiet middle session but we kept it reasonably tight and got our rewards later in the day. "The pink ball is a lot different, it doesn't buff up as nicely with spit or when you polish it, you just give it a dry polish. It swung early but not much in the middle period so the spinners bowled a lot of overs and it was turning for them. "(Hamidullah Qadri) bowled like John Emburey there, he did exactly what you what from a finger-spinner in the first innings, he kept it tight and hopefully he'll get his rewards second innings."

Summary: Derbyshire finished an attritional day's cricket on 2-0, 53 runs ahead after Glamorgan were dismissed for 237 just before the close.


Omar Gonzalez, 42, was carrying a knife when stopped by Secret Service officers just inside the building. On Monday officials said he was also arrested in July with two rifles and a map marking the White House. The Secret Service says it has stepped up security and launched a comprehensive review of procedures. Mr Gonzalez, a US military veteran who was decorated for his service in the Iraq war, faces charges of unlawfully entering a restricted building carrying a "deadly or dangerous weapon". During his court hearing on Monday, federal prosecutors also said Mr Gonzalez was stopped but not arrested in August after he walked past the White House with a hatchet. Assistant US Attorney David Mudd said that the accused intruder was a danger to the president, and a judge agreed to hold him in jail until a hearing in October. Video footage showed Mr Gonzalez running across a White House lawn after scaling a fence on Friday. Mr Gonzalez was only stopped after entering the North Portico doors, the Secret Service said. He was later found to be carrying a 9cm (3.5in) folding knife. The president and his daughters had just left the White House by helicopter before Mr Gonzalez entered, but White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Mr Obama was "obviously concerned" about what happened. Immediately after Friday evening's incident the Secret Service increased foot patrols along the perimeter fence, deployed additional surveillance resources, and changed the procedures for ensuring the entrance to the building is secure, Mr Earnest said. "The president is confident the changes will be properly implemented," he said. The review of security was initiated by Secret Service director Julia Pierson, who also ordered "the immediate enhancement of officer patrols and surveillance capabilities" around the White House. In July, police found two powerful rifles, four handguns and other firearms and ammunition in Mr Gonzalez's vehicle along with a White House map when he was stopped in south-west Virginia, a local prosecutor told the Associated Press news agency. He served in the military from 1997 until his discharge in 2003, and again from 2005 to December 2012, when he retired due to disability, the AP reported. Family and friends told the Washington Post Mr Gonzalez was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after serving as a sniper in Iraq. An apparently unrelated incident on Saturday saw a man drive up to a vehicle gate in the complex and refuse to leave. Secret Service agents shut down nearby streets and searched the vehicle for explosives. Officials said Saturday's incident was an "everyday occurrence".

Summary: The man who broke into the White House on Friday evening had 800 rounds of ammunition, a machete and two hatchets in his car, authorities have said.


Some people make one to remember all the things they've done in a year. Many others find it a useful way to help them deal with the loss of a loved one by writing down memories of them. Newsround runs you through how to make your own memory jar for a special person. Find an empty jar or an object that's large enough to keep notes inside. Check that it's clean and not being used for anything else. If you want to, you can decorate your memory jar before placing it somewhere all of your family can reach it. Put some paper and pens next to it. Whenever you or your family remember something about your special person, you can write it down or draw it on a piece of paper, fold it up and put it in the jar. You can invite other relatives and friends who knew your special person to join in this activity too. Source: Child Bereavement UK You'll end up with a container full of memories that you can share with your family and those closest to you. Or if you're worried you might forget about your special person, you can dip into the container and open some of the messages to feel connected.

Summary: A memory jar is where you can keep happy memories in a safe place.


Victims reacted angrily to the judge's decision in the Pretoria High Court to extend bail pending an appeal hearing on 19 June. The former Grand Slam champion will now be placed under house arrest. Hewitt, 75, was found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting girls he coached in the 1980s and 1990s. Judge Bert Bam criticised the Australian-born player at his sentencing on Monday for not showing remorse during his trial. He said justice must be seen to be done, even for ageing offenders. One of the victims who gave evidence at the trial said that Hewitt had assaulted her when she was just 12 years old. The judge said at the time of Hewitt's conviction that the striking similarities between the three victims' testimonies showed that his conduct was calculated. Speaking at the sentencing hearing in Pretoria, Hewitt's wife Delaille had begged the court to show mercy and not award a custodial sentence. Hewitt had testified that he suffered from poor health. The BBC's Nomsa Maseko, in Johannesburg, says the tennis champion has also been ordered to pay a fine to the South African Department of Justice, which will help fund its campaigns against sexual abuse. Hewitt's lawyers say they will appeal against his conviction and sentence. He was suspended from the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2012 over the allegations of sexual abuse. Hewitt played initially for Australia, later moving to South Africa and taking citizenship there. He was a member of the South African team which won the Davis Cup by default in 1974. India, their opponents, refused to travel to South Africa for the final as a protest over the government's apartheid policies.

Summary: Former tennis star Bob Hewitt has been granted bail by a South African court, after receiving a six-year prison sentence for raping underage girls.


Tentative research published earlier this week suggested repeated headers during a player's career may be linked to long-term brain damage. The research examined the brains of six players renowned for heading the ball - all of whom later developed dementia. The Football Association has said it will look at the area more closely, but is yet to announce its own study. European football's governing body Uefa says the project, which will begin on Friday, "aims to help establish the risk posed to young players during matches and training sessions". One Premier League club will be involved in the study. The FA says it is committed to supporting research into degenerative brain disease among former players, but authorities in English football have been criticised over a perceived reluctance to confront the issue. Speaking in April, the FA's medical chief Dr Ian Beasley said the organisation wanted Fifa to investigate. He said it would be "taking some research questions to Fifa imminently" after it was revealed three members of England's 1966 World Cup squad - Martin Peters, Nobby Stiles and Ray Wilson - had Alzheimer's. Ian St John, who played for Liverpool between 1961-71, says six of his teammates - from a group of about 16 players - now have Alzheimer's. "I don't know why the FA and the PFA have covered this up for years," he said on the Victoria Derbyshire programme. "I talked about it to the PFA a couple of years ago, and their answer was: 'Well, women get dementia, so therefore it's not an industrial injury'. Which is a load of nonsense isn't it?" Former England and West Brom striker Jeff Astle, died aged 59 suffering from early onset dementia. The inquest into his death in 2002 found that repeatedly heading heavy leather footballs had contributed to trauma to his brain. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, his daughter Dawn Astle said: "At the coroner's inquest, football tried to sweep his death under a carpet. They didn't want to know, they didn't want to think that football could be a killer and sadly, it is. It can be." By the end he "didn't even know he'd ever been a footballer", she said, before adding: "Everything football ever gave him, football had taken away." Uefa's project follows similar initiatives in other sports. In September, American football's National Football League (NFL) announced it would spend $100m (£80m) on medical and engineering research to increase protection for players, after agreeing a $1bn (£800m) settlement to compensate ex-players who had suffered brain injuries. That figure was agreed in April following a lawsuit by 5,000 former players who successfully claimed the NFL hid the dangers of repeated head trauma. A UK RugbyHealth study is already examining the long-term health effects of playing rugby, including the effects of suffering frequent concussion. That followed a World Rugby research project, which published findings of a potential link between frequent concussion and brain damage in 2015. However, its lead researcher said it was "difficult" to draw robust conclusions, adding "further research was required". Researchers from University College London and

Summary: Uefa has commissioned a research project that will examine the links between dementia and playing football.


House Intelligence Committee chairman Devin Nunes is now himself under investigation by the House Ethics Committee. The panel is looking into claims that the Republican disclosed classified intelligence. Mr Nunes called the charges "entirely false" and "politically motivated". He said his decision to step aside came after "several left-wing activist groups have filed accusations against me with the Office of Congressional Ethics". Mr Nunes added he would continue to fulfil his other responsibilities as chairman, requesting to speak to the ethics panel "in order to expedite the dismissal of these false claims". Democrats have criticised Mr Nunes for his handling of the inquiry, which is also looking at possible links between the Trump campaign and Moscow. The House Ethics Committee said in a statement on Thursday: "The Committee is aware of public allegations that Representative Devin Nunes may have made unauthorised disclosures of classified information, in violation of House rules, laws, regulations, or other standards of conduct." Watchdog groups Democracy 21 and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington had asked the House ethics panel to investigate Mr Nunes. His political foes have accused him of helping the White House to divert attention from several investigations into links between the Trump team and Russian officials. Mr Nunes has acknowledged making an after-dark trip to the White House grounds last month that even the congressman's own aides were apparently unaware of. The next day at a hastily arranged news conference he announced he had learned that post-election communications of Mr Trump's team had been monitored by US intelligence agencies as they snooped on foreign officials. He expressed alarm that information about the then-incoming president's aides had been swept up in US intelligence reports. Mr Nunes' Democratic colleagues on the panel were furious that he had not shared such information with them before going public. In the face of much scepticism, Mr Nunes maintains White House officials were not his original source for the claims. Democrats questioned whether the investigation into Russia's alleged role in the election could proceed objectively. It's never a good sign when the investigator becomes a bigger story than the investigation. Such was the case with Congressman Devin Nunes, with his shifting explanations for where and how he acquired sensitive intelligence documents, his decision to keep details from his fellow intelligence committee members, his apparent behind-the-scenes co-ordination with White House sources and his penchant for dramatic press conferences. All this made him a liability for Republican congressional leadership and the White House. Now he is, at least temporarily, out of the picture. He may blame an ethics complaint filed by "leftwing activist groups" for forcing the move, but there's little doubt that many Republicans are breathing a sigh of relief. Mr Nunes, at times, seemed out of his depth on the big political stage. The committee's investigations effectively had been ground to a halt by partisan bickering, and this move is a first step toward rebooting the efforts. It may be too late, however, as the concurrent Senate intelligence committee investigation has launched more smoothly and with a greater show

Summary: The head of a key US congressional investigation into alleged Russian hacking has temporarily stepped down amid an ethics inquiry into him.


Keith Barrow quit as leader of the Conservative-run Shropshire Council and as a councillor when an allegation was made in November. He later admitted to failing to comply with the council's code of conduct by not declaring a conflict of interest. However, West Mercia Police said a "thorough and detailed investigation" found no case to answer. Updates on this story and more from Shropshire Det Insp Mark Glazzard said: "Following receipt of a complaint in November 2015, a thorough and detailed investigation was conducted...into an alleged offence under the Localism Act 2011. "This investigation has concluded, and no further action will be taken into this matter." Previously, West Mercia Police said it had received a complaint regarding "misconduct in public office involving a man from Shropshire". The BBC understands the complaint relates to Mr Barrow. The former council leader stood down after failing to declare a relationship with the director of an accountancy firm appointed to work with the authority's private company, IP&E. He apologised and also resigned as director of IP&E, following the findings of an internal investigation. Shropshire Council did not wish to comment.

Summary: A complaint against a former council leader has been disregarded by police.


The two-year-old was talking to the two teenagers as her mother shopped nearby when she was snatched. She was found an hour and 45 minutes later in a park three miles away and the girls, 13 and 14, were arrested. The pair were ordered to be detained for three years and the mother said she hoped they would get help and lead worthwhile lives when released. The woman, who is not being named to protect her daughter's identity, said: "It all happened within the blink of an eye - we think we are careful, but honestly we are never careful enough. "All it takes is for a child to run off or run around a corner and you trying to keep up and everything changes. "My little one was laughing and running up and down in the store and I could hear her voice but then I couldn't. I knew something was wrong because she always likes me in her sight." Speaking to BBC Newcastle, the mother said that when police brought her child back to Primark, she realised she had been targeted deliberately and the kidnapping had not been a spur-of-the-moment thing. She said her daughter's hairstyle had been changed and she was sucking a baby bottle the girls had bought. "I was very, very frightened - it was completely numbing - the last thing you expect," she said. "These are kids, what were they thinking? "It was an evil act, but would I call them evil? No." During sentencing of the pair in July, Newcastle Crown Court heard how they had carried out online searches on topics such as rape and children having sex. Mr Justice Globe said although their victim was not harmed there had been intent. He detained the girls, who cannot be named due to their age, for three years and three months. They were initially charged with kidnap with the intention of committing a sexual offence but this was dropped. 16:30 - Child taken from Primark store in Northumberland Street 16:35 - Girls go to nearby Metro station and travel to Gosforth 16:55 - CCTV from store's exit identifies kidnappers, every police officer in Newcastle alerted 17:00 - Teenagers shoplift baby milk and bottle from Sainsbury's store in Gosforth 18:01 - The three are spotted at Gosforth Park and the teenagers are arrested The mother said parents needed to monitor older children more closely. She said: "Parents need to find ways to get to their teenagers - we all know that teenage life is difficult - we don't know what children are doing online or who they are communicating with, so I plead with every parent to take every precaution to keep the little ones and the teenagers safe." She added: "But who am I not to forgive them? One of the biggest problems in the world is our inability to forgive one another. "She was not harmed in any way and has no recollection of that day."

Summary: The mother of a toddler who was taken from Newcastle's Primark store says she has forgiven the girl's kidnappers.