Spread by the bites of infected mosquitoes, the illness is both preventable and treatable. Global efforts over the last decade have already halved the number of people dying from malaria - a "tremendous achievement", says WHO's director general Dr Margaret Chan. So, what are we doing right and what more needs to be done? In 2014, 97 countries and territories have malaria transmission, and an estimated 3.3 billion people are at risk of being infected. The disease burden is highest in Africa - 90% of all malaria deaths occur here. But there is reason for hope. Malaria mortality rates have dropped by 54% in the WHO Africa Region. And the number of people infected has fallen by a quarter - from 173 million in 2000 to 128 million in 2013. This is despite a 43% increase in the African population living in malaria transmission areas. Two new countries - Azerbaijan and Sri Lanka - reported zero indigenous cases for the first time in 2013. Eleven others - Argentina, Armenia, Egypt, Georgia, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Oman, Paraguay, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - succeeded in maintaining zero cases. 528,000 deaths from malaria in 2013 54% drop in mortality since 2000 49% of at-risk people in sub-Saharan Africa have access to mosquito nets 70% of malaria patients could be treated but not all sick children are taken to a clinic 43% of pregnant women did not receive a single dose of preventative medicine While malaria is indiscriminate, the heaviest toll is on the poorest and most vulnerable communities. Children aged five and under and who live in Africa account for 78% of all malaria deaths. Young children, pregnant women and individuals with a weakened immune system, are at particular risk of developing serious illness if they become infected with malaria. An estimated 278 million people in Africa still live in households without a single insecticide-treated bed net, and about 15 million pregnant women remain without access to preventive treatment for malaria. Avoiding mosquito bites between dusk and dawn is the first line of defence against malaria. Bed nets have been shown to cut the incidence of malaria cases by half. Access to insecticide-treated bed nets has increased substantially. In 2013, almost half of all people at risk of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa had access to an insecticide-treated net, compared to 3% in 2004. Another 214 million bed nets are scheduled for delivery to endemic countries in Africa by year-end, but this still may not be enough. In 2013, 123 million people around the world were protected from malaria by coating houses in insecticide spray to kill any visiting mosquitoes. In Africa, 55 million people, or 7% of the population at risk, lived in households that were regularly sprayed. But indoor residual spraying has decreased in recent years, and insecticide resistance has been reported in 49 countries around the world. Pregnant women living in malarious areas should be offered antimalarial medicine as routine, even if they do not have any signs of infection. This is because malaria can have devastating consequences for the mother and child. The

Summary: The World Health Organization says it is confident that deaths from malaria could be stopped entirely.


The Glasgow-based company said revenues rose by 3% to nearly Â£608m in the year to the end of March. Pre-tax profits for the group also increased by 3%. Edrington's brands include The Macallan, Highland Park, Cutty Sark, Snow Leopard vodka and Brugal rum. During the year, Edrington established new sales, marketing and distribution companies in Singapore and the Middle East. It has since launched Edrington Americas, which means the company now owns the route to market for its leading brands in the world's largest premium spirits market. The group said its Macallan brand grew last year across "a broad range of territories" , while Famous Grouse performed strongly in the UK and Sweden and showed "continued progress" in emerging markets. Edrington chief executive Ian Curle said: "I am pleased to report that Edrington has delivered another strong year of growth. "We have again increased our annual turnover, profit and dividend - over the past five years our turnover and profit have increased by 45% and 84% respectively, demonstrating the success of our international expansion. "The market for premium spirits worldwide continues to grow with more and more consumers gaining an appreciation for our brands. "Last year we made significant investments in our route to market and now own the distribution capability in 11 countries which, together with our joint ventures, collectively represent 80% of Edrington's total sales." The group said its strategy of investing in quality and long-term growth would continue this year. It is committing more than Â£100m to a new Speyside distillery and visitor centre for the Macallan brand. Work is scheduled to begin in the autumn of this year and is due for completion in spring 2017.

Summary: Famous Grouse producer Edrington Group has announced a strong set of results, after increasing its presence in both established and emerging markets and investing in its brands.


The U's are now three games unbeaten in League One, but remain seven points from safety with six matches to play. "The club as a whole is going in the right direction," Keen told BBC Essex. "The players are playing with heart and soul and they're having a right go. "I thought it was a good competitive game with both teams going at it." The result means the U's have only conceded once in their last three games, a drastic improvement for a team with the worst defensive record in England's top four divisions. "I thought we were fantastic defensively," continued Keen. "I'm really pleased with the clean sheet. The boys are disappointed because they know we've got to win matches, but to get a clean sheet against that team, I'm pleased for them. "They're up in the play-offs for a reason. Realistically, a point is probably a fair result."

Summary: Colchester United are "going in the right direction" following their 0-0 draw against sixth-placed Millwall, according to manager Kevin Keen.


Analysts and shareholders, uneasy about the multi-billion-dollar project, hoped Paris would be a turning point. The 100-150 seat C-Series is two years late and over-budget. Mr Cromer played down the show's importance for C-Series announcements, saying it provided brand "momentum". Bombardier, which has a big operation in Belfast, has seen rivals unveil a series of deals in the show's first two days. Mr Cromer was appointed as part of a wider management shake-up at the Canadian company, and the planemaker has a big presence at Paris show. Cost overruns pushed Bombardier into a loss last year, its first in almost a decade. The company has 243 firm orders for the C-Series - the biggest from Lufthansa's Swiss International - and wants to have 300 by the time it enters service in the middle of next year. "I think we feel pretty good about being able to achieve that, and potentially beating that target," Mr Cromer said. "The momentum is very tangible right now, and our job is to turn that momentum into sales." He said: "The focus on air shows (for orders) is in some ways unnecessary. Sales is a 365-day job. We will announce deals at the appropriate time." But a lack of order news, even small ones, in the last two days - traditionally when planemakers tout their biggest deals - will concern analysts. In April, Rolland Vincent, a former Bombardier director, told Canada's Financial Post that without any "blockbuster" orders at Paris, the show "will be a really dark week for them". Analysts have urged Bombardier to be more aggressive on price and offer bigger discounts in order to book more orders quickly. But this strategy could further strain relations with some big shareholders, already concerned about mounting development costs, which have reached about $5.5bn - more than $1bn above initial forecasts. Mr Cromer does not seem in any hurry to cut costs for a bigger market share, however. "Everyone wants to get into the price discussion and say that if you don't cut prices you won't get orders. The fact of the matter is, this is an all-new aircraft that fits into many different airline business plans. Price is just one of the aspects during negotiations," he said.

Summary: New Bombardier president Fred Cromer says the planemaker is still set to meet sales targets for its key C-Series aircraft, despite so far failing to announce orders at the Paris Air Show.


Having taken part in the show's 2015 Christmas special alongside Peter Capaldi and Alex Kingston, Lucas will reprise the role of River Song's former assistant Nardole. "I'm chuffed to bits that Nardole is returning to the Tardis for some more adventures," Lucas said. The star will appear in the opening episode of series 10, which begins filming in Cardiff on 20 June. Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, added he was "delighted and slightly amazed to be welcoming Matt Lucas back on to the Tardis - and this time it's not just for Christmas, he's sticking around". "One of the greatest comedy talents on planet Earth is being unleashed on all of time and space." Capaldi will return as The Doctor while Pearl Mackie replaces Jenna Coleman as his new companion, Bill, in her first major television role. Lucas said he was looking forward to reprising his role in the sci-fi drama because he "loved acting with Peter and I'm excited to work with Pearl". Also announced to be joining the series this year is Jekyll & Hyde and Sherlock star Stephanie Hyam. Doctor Who will return to BBC One with a December Christmas special followed by a new series in 2017.

Summary: Matt Lucas is set to return to Doctor Who for its 10th series.


The Dons host the Premiership champions on Friday night before Scotland's top two clubs meet again in the Scottish Cup final on 27 May. "We want to show we can beat Celtic, because we know we've got the players that can," McLean, 25, said. "I think we are the best team to stop the unbeaten run - and stop the treble." Aberdeen were brushed aside by Celtic in November's League Cup final and have lost all three of the sides' previous league encounters this season. "There is a lot at stake because we want to have momentum going into the final," former St Mirren midfielder McLean said. "That's what it's all about now. "We've not taken anything from Celtic this season and we're disappointed from that. "We have done well, but ultimately we've not picked any points up, which is disappointing, no matter how well you do. "Picking up points against Celtic would be a massive boost for us and it would give us confidence going into the final. "They've been outstanding, the best team in the league by far this year, so we know it's going to be a tough task, but we've definitely got the ability in the squad to hurt Celtic." McLean has scored five goals this season, helping Derek McInnes's side all but secure second spot in the top flight. With three league games remaining, the nine-point advantage and significantly superior goal difference Aberdeen have over third-placed Rangers should ensure they finish as runners-up. "At the start of the season, a lot of people didn't think it would be the case, but we were always confident with the squad and ability we had," added McLean, who has one Scotland cap. "It's been a real togetherness this season from everybody; the relationship between the fans and players and staff has been excellent. "We've always been confident that we can be the nearest challengers to Celtic and we've proved that again, and proved most people wrong, I would say. "And it's just up to us to keep pushing ourselves on and keep being in that position, to keep channelling ourselves to get better."

Summary: Kenny McLean insists Aberdeen can end Celtic's unbeaten domestic run - and derail their bid for a treble.


The government's policy was challenged over data security and privacy concerns. Aadhaar, which means foundation, started out as a voluntary programme to help tackle benefit fraud. However, it has become increasingly critical for any financial transactions and for access to welfare schemes. States have been using Aadhaar to transfer government pensions, scholarships, wages for a landmark rural jobs-for-work scheme and benefits for cooking fuel to targeted recipients, and distribute cheap food to the poor. The government argues that Aadhaar has cut waste, removed fakes, curbed corruption and made substantial savings. But questions have been raised about the moral authority of the government to force citizens to share biometric data. Activists say it is in breach of the UN's Fundamental Right of Privacy.

Summary: India's Supreme Court has rejected an attempt to stop the government making a controversial biometric identity card mandatory for social welfare schemes.


Under the Wales Bill, currently going through Parliament, Welsh ministers could vary income tax by up to 10p in the pound, subject to a referendum. Mr Jones said that "on balance" a referendum would still be needed. But opposition parties suggested extra powers being offered to other parts of the UK could make a poll unnecessary. Assembly party leaders were giving evidence to the Commons Political and Constitutional Reform Committee, meeting in Cardiff Bay, which is holding an inquiry into the future of devolution. Mr Jones said: "Is there a need to have a referendum specifically on income tax devolution in Wales? "I think on balance I would say referendums still need to be held but given the pace of change elsewhere in Scotland...I am very wary of any suggestion, leaving aside what I've said on income tax, that every change in Wales needs to be approved by a referendum." Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said AMs should decide on income tax, if English regions were to gain tax powers without referendums. "Given that there will be some tax powers offered, in all likelihood, to some of the English regions now, without the need for a referendum, we would argue that that changes the picture for Wales," she said. "Tax powers should be able to be triggered by the representatives of the people of Wales via this institution." Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams also questioned the need for a poll, if parties put the issue of devolving income tax powers to Wales in their general election manifestos. "I really wonder whether that's necessary, especially if all political parties had it in their manifestos in May and people were elected on the basis of that," she said. Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said he was "open-minded" about the need for a referendum, but noted that a specific question on income tax was included in Scotland's 1997 referendum which has not been put to voters in Wales.

Summary: A referendum still needs to be held before income tax powers are devolved to Wales, First Minister Carwyn Jones has told MPs.


14 May 2015 Last updated at 08:26 BST The goslings needed to leap from the first floor onto tarmac, so crash mats were placed below to create a soft landing. It seemed to do the trick as the little birds made it safely down, bounced on to the mat and waddled off with their parents across the campus. Finlay Macniell from the University of Calgary said: "I was just answering some emails in my office, and a goose flew up onto the roof outside my office window, and was honking loudly, and strutting back and forth, and tapping on my window." He added: "I wasn't sure what was going on at first but then a gosling dropped from a higher level roof above my office down next to mum, and then it was quite clear what the fuss was about." The video, posted by Calgary University, has already been viewed more than 100-thousand times. Pictures from the University of Calgary

Summary: When a group of baby geese got stuck on the roof of a university building in Canada, fast thinking staff decided to help.


Chanel Purchase, 21, of Sheerness, Kent went on social media after the attack to search for his photograph, and he was arrested the following day. James Huggett, 22, of Minster, attacked her after they met outside a nightclub and he walked her home in April 2014. He denied the attack but was convicted of attempted rape at Maidstone Crown Court last week. Miss Purchase, who has waived her anonymity, said the attack happened in her own road. She said she screamed and he ran off, and when she got in her brother rang the police. After police visited her house to take a statement and swabs, she spent three hours searching for his picture on Facebook, even though she did not know his name. "He had told me a few friends that I may know. I did know a few. I thought if I can find a picture, and they would be on his friends' Facebook [pages], she said. She said she persisted because she did not want him to be on the streets and she felt unsafe with him out there. Miss Purchase emailed a picture of Huggett to police and he was arrested hours later. Det Con Gavin Humphrey, from Kent Police, said Miss Purchase responded to what must have been a horrifying ordeal with a incredible bravery and determination. He said her efforts in identifying Huggett allowed police to secure his arrest within seven hours of the incident. Huggett, of Woodland Drive, is due to be sentenced in January following pre-sentence reports.

Summary: A woman who used Facebook to track down the man who tried to rape her has seen him brought to justice.


Swansea's 5-0 defeat at Tottenham and Sunderland's win over champions Leicester City means Bob Bradley's side are bottom of the league. Sunderland are two points ahead of Swansea in the relegation zone and visit the Liberty Stadium on Saturday. "It's one of the most important games of the season," said Amat. "We have to learn from [the Spurs game] and be ready for next week because it's a final." Media playback is not supported on this device Saturday's heavy defeat at White Hart Lane ended Swansea' two match unbeaten run which had seen them draw 1-1 at Everton and beat Crystal Palace 5-4. After facing Sunderland, the Swans travel to West Brom and Middlesbrough and then have back-to-back home games against West Ham United and Bournemouth. "I believe we've got a strong team and we need to be better," Amat added. "In the last two games we were playing good - the idea was clear. We need to come back like the last two weeks. "This month is so important for us."

Summary: Swansea City defender Jordi Amat says their home game against Premier League relegation rivals Sunderland will be like a "final."


The doodle references the artist's famous work of a tiger shark pickled in formaldehyde and was given to an unnamed chauffeur as a tip. "A great drive," wrote the artist along the top of the page. The sale came in the same week that critic Julian Spalding said Hirst's work was "not art" and the market for his productions would bottom out. "The emperor has nothing on," he told The Independent. "When the penny drops that these are not art, it's all going to collapse." However, the sale of the Hirst sketch appears to show that some collectors continue to value his output. It was bought by an anonymous bidder during a sale at International Autograph Auctions in London on Saturday, 24 March. Alongside Hirst's sketch, the autograph book also contained signatures from the likes of Alan Bennett, Julie Walters, Alastair Campbell and Ricky Gervais. Comedian David Baddiel also signed the book, writing: "To Peter, It won't be worth as much as the Damien Hirst." The collection was originally valued at £250-350. An exhibition catalogue signed by Damien Hirst also sold for £900 at the same auction. A spokesman for the auction house said an unadorned page bearing the artist's inscription would normally raise about £100. The highest-value lot at the auction was a signed photograph of Marylin Monroe. It was originally given to Jack Cole, who was the star's choreographer on Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Monroe scrawled across the picture in light blue ink: "Jack - You certainly can - and I'm not mad! Marilyn". The photo was sold for £20,088, including VAT and buyer's premium.

Summary: An autograph book containing a sketch of a shark drawn by Damien Hirst has sold for £4,664 at auction.


The decree, or fatwa, was passed on Sunday by a group of clerics. It said that according to Islam transgender people with "visible signs" of being male or female may marry someone of the opposite sex. But those with "visible signs of both genders" may not marry, it said. The 50 clerics, part of the little-known Tanzeem Ittehad-i-Ummat body based in Lahore, also said any act intended to "humiliate, insult or tease" transgender individuals should be considered a crime under Islam. The fatwa is not legally binding in any way. "We are glad that somebody's talked about us too," transgender rights worker Almas Bobby told BBC Urdu. "By Sharia we already had the right [to marry], but unless measures are taken to remove the misconceptions about us in society, the condition of our community will not be changed." Another social worker for gender issues told BBC Urdu that it was a "good step", but that issues would remain until transgender marriage was officially legitimised. Qamar Nasim said that many police officers had charged people in transgender marriages because "due to a lack of knowledge... they consider it same-sex marriage". "This practice can only be stopped when [the] government spread awareness about rights of a transgender person." Transgender people are discriminated against in Pakistan and struggle to find employment. More than 45 transgender people have been killed in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the past two years, according to local rights group Trans Action. Last month, a 23-year-old transgender activist died after delays in treatment. Alisha, who was shot eight times, was in critical condition when admitted to hospital but staff could not decide whether to put her in a male or female ward, according to her friends. Trans Action, an advocacy group, say that there are at least 45,000 transgender people in the province and at least half-a-million nationwide. In 2012, Pakistan's Supreme Court declared equal rights for transgender citizens, including the right to inherit property and assets. They were also given the right to vote the year before. However, it has denied homosexual couples the permission to marry, with cases in the past of male homosexuals being charged under anti-sodomy laws.

Summary: A religious decree declaring transgender marriage to be legal has been cautiously welcomed in Pakistan, but activists say attitudes still need to change.


Paul Martin, 37, from Stroud, died when his trail bike was hit by a train at Frampton level crossing in May 2014. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) report also found signs did not explain trail bike riders were prohibited from using the crossing. The RAIB has recommended Network Rail improves the "content" of its signs. Mr Martin was the last of three trail bike riders to reach the level crossing along a track, near the village of Sapperton on 11 May. Despite signs warning "vehicle users" to use a telephone at the crossing to find out if it was safe to cross, none of the riders had. According to the RAIB report, the signs had failed to "grab their attention sufficiently" and the bikers had "believed" they could cross safely by "looking for trains". "The riders did not know that a curve in the railway meant that they could not rely on seeing an approaching train early enough to decide whether it was safe to cross," the report stated. As the Swindon-to-Gloucester passenger train approached the crossing, a warning horn was sounded but the report said it was "likely" the bikers did not hear it because of their "full-face crash helmets" and "noisy" trail bike engines. Although the RAIB found there was "no requirement" for signs to include references to trail bike riders, it has recommended that "content and positioning" of signs be improved. It has also recommended that Network Rail "seek a better understanding of actual (not only permitted) use of level crossings" and raise awareness of where people are "not permitted" to take vehicles onto level crossings.

Summary: A man killed at a level crossing in Gloucestershire may not have heard the train's horn because he was wearing a crash helmet, a report has found.


Vincent Friel crashed into Charlotte Collins, 68, and her cousin Margaret Haldane, 69, near Silverburn shopping centre in Glasgow on 18 January 2014. Ms Collins died shortly afterwards and Ms Haldane was seriously injured. Friel, 44, from Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, was also banned from driving for five years. Jailing Friel at the High Court in Glasgow, judge John Morris QC told him: "You were a normal respectable member of the community until the date of this accident. "I take into account the exceptionally slow speed your vehicle was travelling at. However, you drove through a pedestrian crossing on a red light causing the death of one lady and injuring another. "Miss Collins relatives have lost a much loved family member. The effect on the families has been devastating. No sentence I can pass will assuage such devastation. No sentence passed by a judge will ever be viewed by the families as adequate." The court previously heard that Friel's Range Rover ploughed into the women at a pedestrian crossing in Barrhead Road. Friel, who owns a property letting business employing 20 people, was taking blood pressure medication at the time of the collision. He had also been prescribed Viagra and medicine to take away headaches that were brought on by having sex. His lawyers claimed the combined medicine caused his blood pressure to drop to such a low level as to cause him to faint and he was not in control of his actions at the time. The court heard from one doctor, described as a world-renowned expert in his field, who said it was "likely or possible" that Friel had suffered a "vasovagal" episode, another term for a faint. However, cardiologist Dr Andrew Flapan told jurors he thought it was "extremely unlikely" that Friel had fainted at the wheel of his 4x4. He pointed to the fact Friel looked normal after the crash and was able to reverse his car off one of the women and use his mobile phone to call for an ambulance, saying he would not be able to do these things for at least 20 minutes after fainting. A jury of nine women and six men took just one hour and 40 minutes to find Friel guilty of causing the death of Ms Collins and the serious injury of Miss Haldane by driving dangerously.

Summary: A man who was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving after jurors rejected claims that he fainted at the wheel has been jailed for three years.


Many of them are a similar age, and have been playing together at international level for a long time now. Former Wales manager John Toshack deserves a lot of credit for that, after bringing them through a few years ago and giving them a lot of experience when they were young lads. Quite a few people, including myself, probably did not appreciate that much at the time but that policy is coming to fruition now. As well as a real togetherness, there is quality, depth and balance to Coleman's squad. Wales have done brilliantly to be on the brink of qualifying for Euro 2016, and this is why I am 100% confident they will see the job through. Up front is a good example of how adaptable Wales have become. On paper, our strikers might look a weak link because it is the only area where we don't have a Premier League player. At times during this campaign Wales have not even had an out-and-out number nine, but that has not been a problem during the last six matches. Whoever has been leading the line has done a terrific job, and not necessarily by scoring goals themselves. With Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey in the team, the striker's job is to work the opposition defence and do a lot of running to make space for those two to get forward. I did something similar when Mark Hughes was Wales manager, when I played up front with Craig Bellamy and Ryan Giggs running off me. The difference here is that while I could only play as a centre-forward, Hal Robson-Kanu can go out wide and allow other players to come through the middle. It looks like Robson-Kanu will be fit to face Cyprus despite a groin injury but, even if he isn't, Sam Vokes or Simon Church will play a similar role to stretch Cyprus and Israel and create openings for the Wales midfield. Defender James Chester has been another injury doubt this week, while we already knew midfielder Joe Allen would be missing. They are both important players but it shows the strength of Coleman's squad that, if needed, two more Premier League players in James Collins and Andy King can come in. Ashley Williams is a rock, and a superb captain, and I love seeing Joe Ledley sitting in front of the back four. It all means that, as well as carrying a threat going forward, defensively Wales always look really solid too. Wales have had world class players like Bale and Ramsey before, of course, but I don't think we have had an entire group with such quality in my lifetime. They all seem to be pushing each other on and I am really confident they will make it to France. This team should be around for a few years yet, too. Only Williams and Collins are over 30, and most of the players are in their mid 20s - the average age of their latest squad is less than 26. Because they got their chance early they already have

Summary: I loved working with this Wales team for over a year as Chris Coleman's assistant and I know just how tight-knit they are as a group.


Travis was convicted in September of indecently assaulting a woman and given a three month sentence suspended for two years. A hearing at Southwark Crown Court heard that he had racked up a taxi fare bill of £4,456 during his trials. He was awarded travel costs, limited to the value of a day return train ticket and £50 for a taxi, and hotel costs. Stephen Vullo QC, representing Travis, made the defendant's costs application and said his client had been "financially devastated" by trials in February and September last year. "He has no money left whatsoever," he said. "He is now below zero." Mr Vullo also claimed £630 in hotel accommodation, and £246 for travel to legal conferences, and asked for a total of £5,332 towards Travis's costs. Judge Leonard ruled that Travis could claim the costs of a daily return train ticket from Aylesbury to Marylebone, which the judge said cost £61.40, as well as £50 a day for reasonable taxi costs from the station. He allowed the hotel costs. Referring to Travis's back problems, Judge Leonard said: "His infirmity was such that the benefit from the train, to get up from his seat rather than remain in it, is something that could only have been achieved on a train, not a car." The defence estimated that Travis travelled from his home in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, to court on 37 days, which means he could be entitled to £4,121.80. The number of days will be confirmed with the court at a later stage. Prosecutor Joshua Munro argued the costs were not "reasonable" expenses for the taxpayer to fund. Travis was cleared of 12 counts of indecent assault after a trial in February 2014. The jury was unable to decide on verdicts on an additional count of indecent assault and one count of sexual assault and a retrial was ordered. The Crown Prosecution Service added one more count of indecent assault, the offence of which he was eventually convicted, on the indictment for the September 2014 trial. Travis was cleared of the indecent assault on which he was retried, and after a second jury was unable to reach a verdict on the sexual assault charge, Judge Anthony Leonard QC, directed a not guilty verdict.

Summary: Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Dave Lee Travis was "financially ruined" by his lengthy legal battles, a court has heard.


The 18-year-old victim was attacked in a wooded area off Parkway between 06:00 and 07:00 BST on Saturday, Surrey Police said. Avan Mogridge, 31, of Church Street, Stamford, has been charged with two counts of rape, sexual assault, threats to kill and actual bodily harm. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in court on Monday.

Summary: A man has been charged with raping and threatening to kill a woman in Guildford.


This marks the end of the Welsh government's Open Doors 2015 event. Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd, Ruthin Jail, Denbighshire, Caerphilly Castle, Strata Florida Abbey, Ceredigion, and St David's Bishop's Palace, Pembrokeshire, are all involved. Deputy Tourism Minister Ken Skates said he hoped it had sparked an interest to explore "our fascinating heritage".

Summary: Heritage sites across Wales have free entry this weekend as part of a scheme to get people interested in history.


Four men wearing masks entered the property on the Boleran Road in Garvagh about 20:00 BST on Thursday. Two of the men, armed with a screwdriver and poker, held the couple in the kitchen while the others ransacked the house. The gang left a short time later but police said it was unclear at this stage if anything was taken. The couple, a man in his 90s and a woman in her 70s, were not physically harmed during the incident, but were treated for shock. Police have appealed for anyone who saw a white coloured pick-up type vehicle being driven on the Boleran Road or in the general Garvagh area on Thursday to contact them. DUP MLA for East Londonderry, Adrian McQuillan, said: "I totally condemn those responsible for this barbaric act of burglary and appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI."

Summary: An elderly couple have been held by a gang armed with a poker at their home in County Londonderry.


Curtis Bateson's second goal of the season got the visitors off to a dream start after eight minutes. The 21-year-old took the ball around goalkeeper Magnus Norman and slotted home shortly after Ryan Fallowfield struck a post as the visitors seized early control. Rory McKeown levelled things up six minutes into the second half by tapping in Ben McKenna's low cross, before North Ferriby took complete control. Connor Oliver put the visitors back in front with a spectacular strike from 25 yards in the 69th minute. Ryan Kendall made it 3-1 with five minutes remaining and Reece Thompson added further gloss to the scoreline in the 89th minute. Declan Weeks netted a consolation for the hosts in stoppage time, but the game was long over. Report supplied by the Press Association Match ends, Southport 2, North Ferriby United 4. Second Half ends, Southport 2, North Ferriby United 4. Goal! Southport 2, North Ferriby United 4. Declan Weeks (Southport). Goal! Southport 1, North Ferriby United 4. Reece Thompson (North Ferriby United). Ryan Kendall (North Ferriby United) is shown the yellow card. Goal! Southport 1, North Ferriby United 3. Ryan Kendall (North Ferriby United). Substitution, Southport. Declan Weeks replaces Rory McKeown. Jake Wright (Southport) is shown the yellow card. Substitution, North Ferriby United. Ryan Kendall replaces Danny Emerton. Goal! Southport 1, North Ferriby United 2. Connor Oliver (North Ferriby United). Goal! Southport 1, North Ferriby United 1. Rory McKeown (Southport). Second Half begins Southport 0, North Ferriby United 1. Substitution, North Ferriby United. Sam Cosgrove replaces Matthew Templeton. First Half ends, Southport 0, North Ferriby United 1. Substitution, North Ferriby United. Ross Armstrong replaces Ryan Fallowfield. Goal! Southport 0, North Ferriby United 1. Curtis Bateson (North Ferriby United). First Half begins. Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Summary: Second-bottom North Ferriby crushed Southport at the Merseyrail Community Stadium.


The club has fined the pair for the incident, which happened prior to Tuesday evening's defeat by Brentford. "I'd like to apologise to the Bolton fans for what we did before the game," Trotter, 27, told BBC Radio Manchester. "We didn't realise it was live, it wasn't aimed at the fans or club, it was a silly gesture as we walked in." A club statement said: "Bolton Wanderers takes the conduct of its players and staff extremely seriously and will not tolerate such behaviour." The defeat, Bolton's 22nd in the Championship this season, means they could be relegated to League One on Saturday when they face Derby County. The club have spent much of the season fighting a relegation battle, as well as off-the-field financial problems, and are 17 points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table with six games left to play. "It's too hard to pinpoint one thing, there's a lot of things gone wrong. If we knew what the problem was then we would be doing better," said Trotter. "There's a lot of factors, a lot of outside influence with what's been going on at the club, but it's not just that, the players haven't been good enough this season. "We haven't done enough on the pitch. We're in the position we're in because we deserve to be."

Summary: Bolton Wanderers midfielder Liam Trotter has apologised for making an offensive gesture with David Wheater in a pre-match live club broadcast.


The tax hike of 3.99% will include a 2% rise to pay for adult social care after falls in government funding. Unions have said the £18m of cuts being made to the budget was putting staff and services under pressure. The council says the budget is balanced but critics say the plan lacks specific details of where the cuts will fall. Council leader John Osman said: "As we move forward the financial picture will get worse before it gets better. "It's not until round about 2020 that the financial status of the council will improve, according to what the government has told us so far." He added there would be some "quick wins" of cuts which would not affect frontline services. The opposing Liberal Democrats are calling for more details about which services will be affected. Leader of the Liberal Democrat County Group Jane Lock said: "It is a disgrace that the Conservatives will not give councillors and residents any information about the cuts coming on 1st April, yet they are happy to increase council tax yet again." Independent Mike Rigby said: "I'm very worried because it was very clear last year the budget unravelled, so within three months the council admitted it was £24m overspent. "I'm worried the same thing will happen again this year, particularly this year because we have no detail about where the cuts will fall."

Summary: Taxpayers in Somerset will face at least a £50 rise in council tax after the Conservative-led county council agreed its budget earlier.


The Oxford Temple and Community Centre Project wants a place of worship for the 10,000 Hindus in the county. Volunteers are now appealing to Hindu families to provide regular donations in order to be accepted for a mortgage. Chairman Gyan Gopal said: "Of all the major faiths of the world, Hinduism is the only one not to have a place for communal worship in Oxfordshire." The project has raised £110,000 in six years and aims to raise £500,000, but volunteers are now exploring the option of using their raised funds towards a mortgage on a property. Currently 15 families are contributing every month but the project needs more families to make regular payments rather than one-off donations. Mr Gopal said: "To acquire a mortgage we need to show the financial institutions that we have a regular income coming in in standing orders to meet the interest payments." Applications for funding from Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council have been unsuccessful. The project organises the annual Oxford Mela which raised £4,500 last year. Mr Gopal said the ideal location would be an industrial estate. "Our events usually happen in the evenings and on weekends so we don't want to disturb anyone," he said. Another option is to buy land and start with a "prefab hut". Mr Gopal said: "The biggest cathedrals started off like that".

Summary: Campaigners for a first Hindu temple in Oxfordshire have made a fresh appeal for funds.


The 28-year-old won in four hours three minutes nine seconds, more than eight minutes faster than Belgium's Pieter Heemeryck, with fellow Briton Mark Buckingham third. In the women's race, Emma Pallant claimed victory from fellow Briton Lucy Charles, finishing in 4:35:15. Switzerland's Daniela Ryf was third. The race in the Canary Islands involved swimming 1.9km, cycling 90km and running a half-marathon (13.1 miles or 21.09km). The Ironman 70.3 event is half the regular Ironman distance. The men's Olympic triathlon - which Brownlee won in 2012 and 2016 - involves a 1.5km swim, a 40km cycle and 10km run.

Summary: Double Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee marked his debut in long-distance triathlons with victory in an Ironman 70.3 event in Gran Canaria.


The first half was a tame affair with little for the 1,842 fans to get excited about. Queen's looked the most threatening but could not find an opening. And Cairney found the only goal of the game, picking up the ball on the edge of the box and rifling a low shot into the back of the net. The first real piece of action was for the visitors and their front man Stephen Dobbie. He won the ball from Peter Murphy, but he dragged his shot wide of the target. Minutes later Mark Millar tried his luck for Queens, but his shot was saved by the legs of Greg Fleming in the Ayr goal. The next clear cut chance came just before the half time whistle. Jordan Marshall slipped away from his marker, he whipped in a great ball from the left, but Dobbie couldn't get his head to it. The breakthrough came in the second half with Cairney's goal, and Ayr could have doubled their lead through Gary Harkins. The striker had time, but failed to get the shot on target and launched the ball over the bar. Ayr United move up to sixth spot in the Championship, with Queens now down to third after their second defeat in a row. Match ends, Ayr United 1, Queen of the South 0. Second Half ends, Ayr United 1, Queen of the South 0. Corner, Queen of the South. Conceded by Conrad Balatoni. Attempt missed. Lee Robinson (Queen of the South) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Foul by Gary Harkins (Ayr United). Jordan Marshall (Queen of the South) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Brian Gilmour (Ayr United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Stephen Dobbie (Queen of the South). Foul by Kevin Nisbet (Ayr United). Andy Dowie (Queen of the South) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Corner, Queen of the South. Conceded by Nicky Devlin. Attempt missed. Kevin Nisbet (Ayr United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high. Jordan Marshall (Queen of the South) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Brian Gilmour (Ayr United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Jordan Marshall (Queen of the South). Attempt missed. Stephen Dobbie (Queen of the South) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Conrad Balatoni (Ayr United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Foul by Andy Dowie (Queen of the South). Andy Dowie (Queen of the South) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Foul by Kevin Nisbet (Ayr United). Corner, Ayr United. Conceded by Kyle Jacobs. Substitution, Ayr United. Jamie Adams replaces Paul Cairney. Attempt missed. Gary Harkins (Ayr United) right footed shot from the right side of the box is just a bit too high. Foul by Gary Harkins (Ayr United). Andy Dowie (Queen of the South) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Substitution, Queen of the South. Steven Rigg replaces

Summary: A second half strike by Paul Cairney was enough to give Ayr United all three points against Queen of the South at Somerset Park.


Francis Benali, who made more than 300 appearances for Southampton FC, ran a marathon and cycled 75 miles (120km) each day for a fortnight in October. The city council unanimously approved a motion giving him honorary freedom of the city at a special meeting earlier. Benali, 47, described receiving the honour as "a complete surprise". "It's just wonderful to be thought of," he added. The honour was awarded in recognition of Benali's fund raising achievements for charitable causes, as well those as a player and coach at Saints, the authority said. It confers no rights or privileges, such as driving sheep through the city, and is "purely ceremonial", it added. The 1,000-mile (1,600km) route linking 44 football clubs took him to south Wales, the Midlands and the North-West, before crossing the country and returning via East Anglia and London. He raised more than Â£390,000 for Cancer Research. Benali received a standing ovation from fans when he arrived at St Mary's Stadium at half-time during a home match against Burnley on 16 October. It followed another challenge in 2014 which saw him running between 20 Premier League stadiums and raising more than Â£265,000 for charity. As a result he was presented with the Barclays Spirit of the Game award in December 2014, acknowledged as the Cancer Research UK Flame of Hope Award Winner 2015, Fundraising Volunteer of the Year and also the Just Giving Celebrity Fundraiser of the Year 2015. Other individuals to have been given the honour in Southampton include former Saints managers Ted Bates and Lawrie McMenemy, former player Matthew Le Tissier, and World War One prime minister David Lloyd George.

Summary: A former Southampton footballer who ran and cycled to every Premier League and Championship stadium in two weeks has been granted the freedom of the city.


Parking controls will be implemented between 12:30 and 18:00 in zones 1-4. Councillors said this would reduce traffic "chaos" on some streets and encourage more people to use buses, trams or bicycles to get into the city. But they heard warnings that the restrictions could affect footfall in the city centre and faith groups which meet on Sundays. Conservative councillor Nick Cook warned that the parking charges could affect church congregations. He said he feared that the charges set a "dangerous precedent" and could be extended in the future. "It will be bad for society, bad for business and bad for Edinburgh," he said. However, Nigel Bagshaw, of the Scottish Green Group, urged the transport and environment committee to implement all-day parking charges. He said the move would improve health, safety, air pollution and emissions. "We have to make bold choices," he added. SNP councillor Gavin Barrie backed the limited parking charges, claiming they would make the city centre more accessible to the vulnerable. He said people in wheelchairs and those pushing prams struggle to get around when vehicles were badly parked. Councillor Lesley Hinds, the convenor of the committee, said the restrictions were appropriate for a "seven-day city". She added: "Not only will this make parking easier for residents and visitors by increasing parking turnover, but we hope, in turn, it will encourage more people to choose public transport or active travel over the car by creating safer, more free-flowing roads. "Therefore I believe that we've agreed the best option for Edinburgh. By introducing restrictions on Sunday afternoons we want to strike a balance for all those that live in and visit the city, and I think that our final decision reflects the fact we really listened to the concerns of various groups and individuals." The motion to introduce parking charges on Sunday afternoons was approved 10 votes to two. It is expected to be implemented around the end of 2018.

Summary: Councillors in Edinburgh have agreed to begin charging drivers to park in the city centre on Sundays.


Leiua has played 30 games for Wasps since joining them from Super Rugby side Hurricanes in April 2014. The 28-year-old, who can also play on the wing, has scored two tries in 11 Test appearances for Samoa. "He's a robust midfielder who can play in a number of positions in the backline," Bristol head coach Mark Tainton told the club website. "Alapati was a standout performer for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and made a similar impact in his first season with Wasps - he will be a fantastic addition to the Bristol Rugby squad." Bristol are currently bottom of the Premiership table, one point behind 11th-placed Worcester with nine games left to play this season.

Summary: Bristol Rugby have signed Wasps' Samoa international centre Alapati Leiua in a deal to start from next season.


Two footballers apologised after being photographed apparently urinating into a glass at last year's festival, where women were seen baring their breasts. Chief executive Ian Renton said: "It's to ensure that drinking is not the rationale for people coming racing." The measure is also to be imposed at the Jockey Club's other racecourses. It comes in first at Cheltenham, where the festival takes place next month, but will be in place at Epsom, which stages the Derby, and Aintree, where the Grand National is held. "It's an improvement on things we are already doing," Mr Renton said. "Aintree has already got the ball rolling, with their Ladies' Day, they've already taken steps to improve the way that is perceived. "We want them to come to racing and enjoy the sport and not have those people coming who will be a nuisance to other racegoers," added Mr Renton. As well as the four-drink limit, corporate complimentary bars will close earlier and water points will be made available in every public bar.

Summary: Cheltenham Festival racegoers will be restricted to buying four alcoholic drinks at a time in a bid to crack down on anti-social antics.


The home affairs minister said he was refused a visa as the constitution prohibits hate speech. Mr Anderson runs the Faithful Word Baptist Church, which says that homosexuality is an abomination punishable by the death penalty. He said that religious freedom no longer existed in South Africa. "I feel sorry for people who live in South Africa, but thank God we still have a wide open door in Botswana," Mr Anderson posted on his Facebook page after the decision to refuse him a visa. South Africa has one of the most liberal constitutions in the world which protects gay rights. The BBC's Milton Nkosi in Johannesburg says Mr Anderson was invited by a local church to visit this month. Two petitions with more than 60,000 signatures, organised by gay and human rights activists in South Africa, had called for the trip to be stopped. "I have identified Steven Anderson as an undesirable person to travel to South Africa," Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba said. Mr Anderson's church is based in the US state of Arizona and describes itself as an "old-fashioned, independent, fundamental, King James Bible only, soul-winning Baptist church". In a video posted on YouTube before South Africa's decision was made, he said that the trip was not going to be about homosexuality, but he stood by his views against homosexuality, which he said were endorsed by the Bible.

Summary: South Africa has barred controversial US pastor Steven Anderson from visiting the county because of his critical remarks about homosexuality.


Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb made the pledge in his first speech since replacing Iain Duncan Smith, who quit as discord broke out in the Tory party over the cuts. Earlier, the PM defended Chancellor George Osborne, whose Budget is missing £4.4bn since the cuts were dropped. Labour said Mr Osborne should resign and the Budget should be withdrawn. Both David Cameron and Mr Crabb praised Mr Duncan Smith, who has said the government risked dividing society with politically-motivated spending cuts. The new work and pensions secretary confirmed the changes to Personal Independence Payments had been cancelled and told MPs: "After discussing this issue over the weekend with the prime minister and the chancellor we have no further plans to make welfare savings beyond the very substantial savings legislated for by Parliament two weeks ago." A Downing Street spokesman said the government would still deliver on its commitment to save £12bn from welfare by the end of the Parliament in 2020. Mr Crabb also said the government welfare cap, branded "arbitrary" by Mr Duncan Smith, had "strengthened accountability" and its level would be reviewed in the Autumn Statement later this year. "I am absolutely clear that a compassionate and fair welfare system should not be just about the numbers," he added. "Behind every statistic there is a human being, and perhaps sometimes in government we forget that." Stephen Crabb provided the usual Westminster wriggle room - no "planned" extra cuts - rather than ruling out taking the axe to the benefits budget ever, ever again. But couple that with his comments in the Commons - "behind every statistic is a human being and perhaps sometimes in government we forget that" - and it seems the new secretary of state was displaying just as much sympathy with his predecessor's views as with the chancellor or the prime minister. I'm told the plan to make that announcement was Mr Crabb's but the language was agreed by Downing Street and Number 11. The irony was perhaps that Iain Duncan Smith was nowhere to be seen in Westminster, absent for the announcement he might have longed to make himself. Read more from Laura The Conservative leadership has been under fire - including from some of its own backbenchers - over the cuts to disability payments, which came at the same time as tax cuts for higher earners. Mr Duncan Smith - who resigned on Friday - said this flew in the face of Mr Cameron and Mr Osborne's oft-repeated claim that "we are all in this together". London mayor Boris Johnson welcomed the fact that the cuts had been shelved but he said he rejected "totally and utterly" claims that the government was pursuing divisive policies. Speaking to ITV's The Agenda, he said Mr Duncan Smith should have "stayed and fought his point of view" from within cabinet, saying his walkout was "a storm in a teacup". Mr Cameron addressed Mr Duncan Smith's attack during a statement about the European Council in the Commons on Monday afternoon. He stressed to MPs that the Conservatives remained

Summary: Ministers have said say they will not target other benefits to pay for abandoning cuts to disability payments.


Managing director of ITV Studios Kevin Lygo will replace him next month. Fincham said it was "time to do something different" but added that while he had "no firm plans", he would consider a return to the indie sector. ITV's chief executive Adam Crozier paid tribute to Fincham as a "great creative partner" and added that he was "delighted" by Lygo's appointment. Julian Bellamy, managing director of ITV Studios in the UK, will succeed Lygo. Lygo and Bellamy start their new roles on 1 February, with Fincham staying until the end of March to complete the process of handing over the role. Fincham, former controller of BBC One, said: "This is a personal decision that I have been thinking about for a good while. "By the time I leave at Easter I will have been a channel controller at the BBC and ITV, amazing as it seems, for 11 years. Quite simply, it's time to do something different." He said he had worked at ITV "during a period of great revival", and added: "I haven't made any firm plans for the future yet, but I wouldn't rule out a return to the indie sector - I ran TalkBack for a lot longer than I've been on the broadcasting side and that indie heart has never quite stopped beating. " His commissions for ITV include Downton Abbey, Broadchurch, Long Lost Family and The Only Way is Essex. Crozier said: "Peter came to see me in September to say that he wanted to step down and whilst I am sorry to see him leave, eight years is a long time and I fully respect his desire for a new challenge." He added Lygo was "perfectly placed to lead the commissioning team as we enter this next exciting phase". Lygo - Channel 4's former director of television - said: "I've had a terrific time over the last five years building ITV Studios in the UK and internationally into the success story that it is today, but the chance to become director of television of the UK's biggest commercial broadcaster was just too good to miss." ITV also announced David McGraynor, ITV Studios finance director, was to become the chief finance and operating officer of the studios division.

Summary: ITV director of television Peter Fincham is leaving the post after eight years, it has been announced.


Thomas Scanlon, 23, attacked Jamie Bagnall with a piece of wood at a flat in Pensarn near Rhyl, Denbighshire, Mold Crown Court heard. Scanlon, of no fixed abode but who had lived at Rhos-on-Sea, admitted wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm. On Monday, he was jailed for four-and-a-half years. Prosecuting barrister James Coutts said Scanlon was in a relationship with Mr Bagnall's sister. It was accepted Mr Bagnall had stolen an iPad from her, and the defendant had made a threat to "get" him. The court heard that after the attack in March 2015, he posted the photograph of Mr Bagnall cowering on the floor on Facebook with a caption which read "I am sorry, ha, ha, ha". Mr Bagnall, who has since moved to the Manchester area, needed surgery, had severe injuries including four deep cuts to the head and an injury to his elbow. Owen Edwards, defending, said he appreciated that he had got himself into a huge amount of trouble. Judge Niclas Parry told him: "This was a revenge attack - a total over-reaction to a dispute between you and Mr Bagnall." A 10-year restraining order was made preventing him from contacting Mr Bagnall.

Summary: A man who attacked another man in a row over a stolen iPad and then posted a photograph of his injured victim on social media has been jailed.


The Mesh Oversight Group report also said complications caused by the implants should be recorded so that experts fully understood the risks. Vaginal mesh implants are used to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. But some women said they left them in permanent pain and unable to walk. The research - seen exclusively by the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme - aims to address concerns over the use of mesh devices. What's the issue with mesh implants? Mesh implants 'as dangerous as asbestos' Faulty implants end women's sex life Prof Keith Willett, who wrote the foreword to the report, said it contained three key recommendations: The report says: "Adverse events involving mesh as a medical device must be reported and clinicians must bear this responsibility." It also says surgeons undertaking surgery for stress urinary incontinence "must be able to demonstrate they are performing these operations regularly". It says that where a mesh is being used to treat pelvic organ prolapse "this should not be offered routinely for the first surgical intervention". The plastic meshes are made of polypropylene - a material also used to make certain drinks bottles - and are manufactured by many different companies. They are used to ease incontinence and to support organs such as the vagina, uterus, bowel, bladder or urethra which have prolapsed after childbirth. The MHRA says, for the majority of women, the use of vaginal mesh implants is safe and effective. But some can cut into the vagina, causing severe discomfort. Currently in the UK, there are around 100 types of vaginal mesh implants.

Summary: An NHS England report on vaginal mesh implants has recommended better support and communication between patients and doctors over the devices.


She's in the central hall - the largest space available - to accommodate the hundreds of people desperate to glean any further details on how she's going to manage the UK's EU exit. And of course hear how exactly she's going to help narrow the inequality, which has been blamed for driving a growing anger at the current political elite. But, the aides in the conference centre at Davos do not appear to have even heard of her. "You want the tourism desk?," they ask, pointing to a room at the end of the corridor. No, I say, Theresa May. "Theresa May?" they ask surprised. The UK prime minister I explain. "Ahh a global leader?," they ask, and point the way. May: UK will lead world on free trade UK will stay 'financial lungs' of Europe Lagarde warns UK of Brexit pain ahead Davos coverage in full Perhaps it's not so surprising. Global leaders are ten a penny here - there's around 50 heads of state and government in Davos - and Donald Trump's fast approaching presidency, rather than Brexit, is the focus of much of the discussions. Nonetheless by the time Mrs May takes the stage it's standing room only in the huge room. And overall her message, that the UK will advocate for growth in free markets and free trade - which she claims will improve life for everyone - appears to have been positively received. It's not exactly a standing ovation at the end, but the applause is solid, if not prolonged. Wojciech Kostrzewa, chief executive of Polish media giant ITI Group, declares it "a very good speech". "She made a clear commitment to free trade and globalisation. It was a very clear statement concerning all those who have been left behind," he said. But does he think the UK's impending EU exit will lessen its ability to achieve this? Mr Kostrzewa is sanguine: "Europe still needs the UK," he says. Yufen Shi from Boston, currently on maternity leave, says she agreed with Mrs May's pledge to make sure globalisation would benefit everyone, but she's sceptical it will prove possible. "It would take a lot of work to formulate a policy to achieve that," she says. Still, she says the speech was "uplifting". "She committed to upholding good values and I hope globalisation does benefit everybody," she says. Similarly, Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat, who heads US law firm Covington's international practice, but previously held a number of senior White House positions including US ambassador to the European Union during the Clinton era says Mrs May's rhetoric was "very positive". "The notion that the UK is not withdrawing from Europe was a very important message, as was the commitment to free trade. "We could do with more details, but the basic message was very welcome," he says as I walk with him to his next meeting. Finally, I happen across David Moran, the British ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. "You won't get much from me," he chuckles. But was it good, I ask? "Oh yes," he nods.

Summary: At the World Economic Forum in Davos, UK Prime Minister Theresa May's speech has been given top billing.


The Dungannon man, one of Ireland's most successful riders, replaces colourful Lincolnshire man Guy Martin in the Northern Ireland-based team. Forty-year-old Farquhar first raced for the TAS-run outfit 10 years ago. "This is really exciting and has given me a new lease of life. I am more motivated than I have ever been," said Farquhar, who has won three TT races. "I am not jumping ship because I will still be running my Kawasaki team in the Supertwins. "For Superstock, I will be riding a BMW with a new personal sponsor and on the back of that I have managed to get Guy Martin's Superbike ride at the TT. "I am proud to be in this situation. It is by far the best package I have had at the start of a season. "I am up three mornings a week to go boxing training, trying to get myself in the best possible place I can be mentally and physically." Farquhar will partner 11-time TT winner Ian Hutchinson in the Tyco BMW outfit for the Superbike and Senior TT events after Martin opted to sit out at least the opening half of the road racing season to participate in a mountain bike challenge in North America. Previously a Kawasaki rider for many years, Farquhar has won two Supersport TT races and the inaugural Lightweight Supertwins class and last rode for Hector and Phillip Neill at TAS Racing back in 2006. He boasts a record 200 successes on Irish roads, making him Ireland's most successful ever national road racer. He will compete at the Mid Antrim 150 and Tandragee 100 races in April and race in the Supertwins class, alongside Jeremy McWilliams, Danny Webb and Canadian Darren James at the North West 200 in May. Cameron Donald will join the team for the TT, riding McWilliams's supertwin in the Lightweight class.

Summary: Northen Ireland's Ryan Farquhar is to ride a Tyco BMW factory Superbike at this year's Isle of Man TT road races.


The plane was heading from Heathrow to Dubai on Thursday - a seven-hour flight. Abhishek Sachdev, who was on board tweeted: "Insane. Our BA flight to Dubai returned back to Heathrow because of a smelly poo in the toilet". He told a newspaper: "The pilot made an announcement requesting senior cabin crew, and we knew something was a bit odd. "About 10 minutes later he said 'You may have noticed there's a quite pungent smell coming from one of the toilets'. "He said it was liquid faecal excrement. Those are the words he used." The plane had been airborne for just 30 minutes when it turned round. The next available flight was 15 hours later, so passengers had to be put up in a hotel overnight. Speaking to Radio 1's Greg James, Sarah, who works for the airline said: "When you're up at that altitude the cabin has to be pressurised so the problem is that anything like that is actually a health and safety problem because only 50 percent of the air is being recycled and cleaned". In a statement, BA says "A decision was taken to return for the safety and comfort of our customers on board. "We're very sorry for the discomfort to our customers. "We provided them with hotel accommodation and rescheduled the flight to depart the next day." Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter, BBCNewsbeat on Instagram and Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube

Summary: A British Airways flight was forced to turn around because of a "smelly poo".


Under the new rules, households will be fined $1 (Â£0.61) if their rubbish bins contain more than 10% food waste, and businesses and apartment buildings $50. The city already recycles 56% of its waste but is aiming for 60% by 2015. Seattle, in Washington State, is the second US city after San Francisco to make composting mandatory in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Composting is the processing of breaking down food and lawn refuse into useable soil through decomposition. Up to 40% of food in the US is wasted, according to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council. Only 5% of food scraps are composted, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many Seattle homes and businesses have food compost bins but are not required to use them - now they will have to. The city will begin issuing warning tickets on 1 January 2015 and fining customers on 1 July, according to the ordinance, which passed unanimously on Monday. Under the new rules when Seattle garbage pickers see too much food waste in a rubbish bin, they will note it in a computerised system and the fine will be added to the customer's rubbish carting bill, local media reported. Multi-unit flats and businesses will also be required to limit their food waste but will get two warnings before they are fined, according to the Seattle Times newspaper. Seattle officials do not expect the programme to be a money-maker for the city, Tim Croll, the Seattle Public Utilities solid waste director, told the newspaper. He added the city has collected less than $2,000 (Â£1,220) over nine years of a similar programme that banned recyclable items from the rubbish. "The point isn't to raise revenue," Mr Croll said. "We care more about reminding people to separate their materials." Correction 10 October 2014: This report has been amended to clarify that fines will apply for disposing of food waste incorrectly rather than doing so at all.

Summary: The Seattle city council has voted to fine businesses and residents that do not recycle their food waste.


Flint prodded in after Wigan failed to clear a corner to lift the Robins above Blackburn on goal difference. David Perkins went closest for Wigan in the first half when his curling shot from the angle of the box hit the bar. Fit-again Bristol City striker Tammy Abraham was denied by home keeper Matt Gilks, while Flint also headed wide. The result, coupled with Blackburn's 2-2 draw at Norwich, leaves City fourth from bottom, while Wigan are now four points adrift of safety with nine games left to play. In a typically tense bottom-of-the-table encounter, chances were at a premium as Wigan responded to City's stronger start by hitting the bar through Perkins before Omar Bogle forced a fine save from Frank Fielding. The visiting keeper also tipped a Gabriel Obertan header around the post before Gilks smothered Abraham's effort, on his return from a thigh injury, at the other end. Bogle had a snap shot saved by Fielding after the break and Josh Brownhill fired inches wide for City. But Flint finally ended City's run of seven games without a win three minutes from the end when he bundled home from a yard after Abraham had been unable to convert from close range. Wigan boss Warren Joyce: "It's a cruel way to lose a game. We've looked at the build-up, it's not a corner, and he's in an offside position anyway. "Having said that, I don't think we played well enough today - although we didn't deserve to lose the game. "We didn't play with enough quality or enough drive. We didn't win as many individual battles as you'd like to win, and we gave away too many cheap free-kicks, which slows the play down and takes the pressure off them." Bristol City boss Lee Johnson: "We needed that - the run we've been on hasn't been great, to say the least. I'm just delighted to get the win as we had that bit of luck. "It probably wasn't a corner [for the Flint goal] but we got it and, over the course of the 90 minutes, we were the better side. We had chances in the first half. It's a massive win and the players are buzzing - it's like a nightclub in that dressing room! "We've need that winning feeling back, especially today, which had a cup final feeling about it. We've only got nine games left and we needed to win it." Match ends, Wigan Athletic 0, Bristol City 1. Second Half ends, Wigan Athletic 0, Bristol City 1. Foul by Mikael Mandron (Wigan Athletic). Joe Bryan (Bristol City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Michael Jacobs (Wigan Athletic). Lee Tomlin (Bristol City) wins a free kick on the left wing. Corner, Bristol City. Conceded by Jamie Hanson. Foul by Omar Bogle (Wigan Athletic). Bailey Wright (Bristol City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Omar Bogle (Wigan Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Foul by Gary O'Neil (Bristol City). Goal! Wigan Athletic 0, Bristol City 1. Aden Flint (Bristol

Summary: Aden Flint scored a late winner as Bristol City climbed out of the Championship relegation zone with victory at fellow strugglers Wigan.


The victim was with a friend in McKechnie Street, Govan, when the attack took place at about 11:10 on Wednesday. He was taken to South Glasgow University Hospital and treated for a serious facial injury before being allowed home. His attacker is described as a white male in his 20s, with light brown hair. Police Scotland, who have appealed for witnesses, said the suspect ran off towards Harmony Row. Det Con Adam Richardson, of Govan CID, said: "We are currently studying CCTV footage in an attempt to get a clearer description of the person responsible for this vicious attack. "At this time there is no apparent motive for the attack and I appeal to anyone who either witnessed the incident or who saw the suspect running off afterwards to contact police immediately."

Summary: A 61-year-old man was slashed in the face after being attacked from behind as he walked along a Glasgow street.


Mr Schleicher, who runs the tests, says the high results of deprived pupils in some Asian countries shows what poor pupils in the UK could achieve. The most disadvantaged pupils in Shanghai match the maths test results of wealthy pupils in the UK. Mr Schleicher says it "debunks the myth that poverty is destiny". On Monday, Education Secretary Michael Gove said individual schools in England should take Pisa tests, so that they could compare themselves against international standards. The latest Pisa - Programme for International Student Assessment - test results were published last year by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, ranking developed countries in terms of how well 15-year-olds performed in tests in reading, maths and science. Source: OECD This showed the UK as a middle-ranking country, with Asian school systems, such as in Singapore, South Korea and Shanghai and Hong Kong in China, as the highest performers. But Mr Schleicher's latest analysis compares the performance of the most deprived 10% of pupils. This reveals how the poorest in many countries overlap with the results of the wealthy in other countries. The poorest 10% of pupils in Shanghai are as good as the most privileged 20% of teenagers taking the test in the UK and the United States. In Europe, the Netherlands has the highest-performing pupils from the poorest families. Poor pupils in the Netherlands are as good at maths as much better-off teenagers in France. The poorest 10% of pupils in Hong Kong scored at a higher level than the wealthiest in Sweden and Norway. The very lowest performers among this group were in the Slovak Republic. Mr Schleicher says it shows how academic differences attributed to social background should not be unquestioningly tolerated. "We tend to overestimate the impact of poverty," he says . There was also a challenge to the idea that the UK has an unusually poor record on social mobility. Dr John Jerrim at the Institute of Education published a study suggesting that in international terms the UK was mid-ranking in the link between family background and future employment opportunities - 17th out of 34 developed countries. There was greater equity in Scandinavia and some European countries, including Germany and the Netherlands. But Dr Jerrim said social mobility in the UK was not dissimilar to France, Spain and Italy - and the UK's record was better than some central and eastern European countries. "Policymakers often state that the relationship between family background and labour market earnings is stronger in the UK than most other countries," he said. "It is not true that we stand out compared to the rest of world. Policymakers should avoid making such exaggerated claims when discussing this politically sensitive issue."

Summary: There is nothing inevitable about the weaker academic performance of poorer pupils, says an analysis of Pisa tests by the OECD's Andreas Schleicher.


Kevin Thomas said he would be scattering the ashes of the 20-year-old, from Chorley, in Lancashire, at the Isle of Man TT races in June. "That is what he wanted me to do - he lived for racing," said Thomas. "He had taken to the roads, the crowds had taken to him. He was a petrol head and just wanted to go faster." Mitchell-Thomas had been racing at the North West 200 for the first time, having signed for the Cookstown BE Racing team. He crashed during the Supertwins race at Saturday's road races. "I want to thank the paramedics for trying to save him at the roadside and the organisers for the way they helped me when things went wrong," Thomas added. Media playback is not supported on this device "It was a great event, but saddened by his loss. "I have lost my best friend - I have lost my son, but he died doing what he wanted to do. "He did not have a bad bone in his body and nobody had a bad word to say about him. "He had been doing great things. We did not come here as a big business with a big bank account. "We came here through hard grit, determination and mostly a desire to win races. I have never seen desire like he had." Mitchell-Thomas and his father had been living in a small caravan at the back of the North West 200 paddock area. Thomas said his son had been loving the event and could not wait for the racing to start. Mitchell-Thomas finished fourth in Saturday's opening Supersport race. Thomas said he did not agree with people who wanted road racing banned because of the dangers. "There are risks in everything you do," he said. "Mal got knocked off his bike by a car when he was six - he could have been killed then. "Yes, it is a dangerous sport, but so are other forms of motorsport. So is horse racing. "I will continue to be involved in the sport because that is what Mal would have wanted me to do." Cookstown BE Racing owner John Burrows said the team was "devastated" by the loss of its rider. "Everyone is in a state of shock. Enthusiasm just bubbled out of him and he was a joy to be around," he added. Jim Gracey, group sports editor of the Belfast Telegraph, described Mitchell-Thomas as "one of the brightest shining young stars who has appeared in motorcycle racing for many, many years". Gracey added: "He was an absolutely lovely lad. "Many people here were saying he was going to be the next Guy Martin. He wouldn't have any of it. He said to me: 'I'm the first Malachi Mitchell-Thomas.' "He told me racing was his be all and end all." First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have expressed their condolences to Thomas's family. Foster said: "It was with great sadness I learned of the death of Malachi Mitchell-Thomas following a tragic accident at Saturday's North West 200.

Summary: Malachi Mitchell-Thomas, who died at the North West 200 races on Saturday, was a rider of incredible grit and determination, his father said.


The French-born ex-AS Monaco left-back, 20, has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal, with the option of an extra year. He becomes the second attacking full-back to join Blues in as many days after right-sided player Emilio Nsue's move from Middlesbrough on Wednesday. "He is very highly rated in Italy and one we have kept an eye on," Blues boss Gianfranco Zola told BBC WM. "Juventus and Torino are following him, so he is a valuable player. Everyone speaks so highly of him. "I am sure we can do something with him that might make him a complete player. He is one of those that maybe in a few years we are selling to a big club. He has the potential to reach the top." Keita, who is Blues' fourth signing of the January window following the arrivals of Lukas Jutkiewicz, Craig Gardner and Nsue. made 67 league appearances for Virtus, who he joined in 2014. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page or visit our Premier League tracker here.

Summary: Birmingham City have signed Cheick Keita from Italian Serie B outfit Virtus Entella for an undisclosed fee.


Sixty-one percent of nearly 3,000 responses agreed to a change of name, with nearly three-quarters backing Welsh Parliament as the best option. A law to change the name is expected to pass before the 2021 election. Presiding Officer Elin Jones hoped people would "more fully understand the powers of the assembly and the role it plays in their lives". But Neil Hamilton, UKIP AM, expressed concerns over potential costs. The assembly was given the power to rename itself under the 2017 Wales Act. Assembly members had unanimously backed the idea last July after which it was put out to public consultation. Publishing the responses on Tuesday, Ms Jones said: "Our role today is as a full parliamentary body, with the power to pass laws and agree taxes, and we must continue to work hard to inspire the confidence, trust and pride in the people we serve." Speaking to BBC Wales, Ms Jones said the Welsh Parliament name will "reflect directly the will of the people of Wales in giving us the mandate to have the powers to create legislation on their behalf". "We are a parliament in all but name," she said. Sixty percent of people responding to the consultation said they did not agree that the role of the assembly was well understood. Just over a fifth of respondents - 22.6% - who responded to the survey said they strongly disagreed or disagreed with the assembly's name changing. Legislation on assembly reforms - including the change of name - will be published by the Assembly Commission in 2018. They will include rules on disqualification of assembly members and the design of the committee system. The commission proposes that assembly members will in future be known as Welsh Parliament Members (WPMs), in keeping with the current title of Assembly Members. The option was the second least-favoured option according to a summary of the survey conducted for the consultation - with 11.1% of respondents preferring it over other suggestions. Member of the Welsh Parliament was preferred by 30% while 28.4% liked Member of the Senedd. Tory AM Suzy Davies, Assembly Commissioner with responsibility for budget and governance, said the assembly would not "waste resources by rushing to make the change", noting that some people responding to the consultation were worried about the cost. She said until legislation is passed the institution will continue to be known by its current name in order to avoid confusion and to minimise cost. There have long been calls to call the assembly a Welsh Parliament, with Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies having made the suggestion in 2012. On Tuesday, Mr Davies said: "The assembly has clearly evolved into a parliament, and it's only right that this is now reflected in its name." First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "The name Welsh Parliament / Senedd Wales will help to enhance understanding of the assembly and reflect its status as a national parliament, on a par with the other legislatures in the UK." Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood also welcomed the name change, saying the assembly's stature and confidence

Summary: The National Assembly for Wales is set to be renamed the Welsh Parliament after it was backed in a consultation.


The TV broadcaster said some of the UK's most common species have suffered "significant declines" in recent years. Many have experienced "several poor years", he added, due to cold weather and with their habitats under threat. Warm weather this year has given some species, such as the meadow brown and red admiral "a good start", he said. More than three quarters of the UK's butterflies have declined in the last 40 years, with numbers falling quicker in towns and cities, experts say. Sir David, president of Butterfly Conservation, said that despite a warm summer last year, species like the small tortoiseshell, peacock, meadow brown and gatekeeper had seen numbers fall due to a warm winter and a subsequent cold spring. "Worryingly, we are now seeing the fortunes of some of our once common butterflies mirror those of our rarest species and they too are now also suffering significant declines with butterflies declining more rapidly in urban areas than in the countryside," Sir David added. "In the last decade our butterflies have experienced several poor years and although resilient, they simply cannot sustain repeated losses, especially if the habitats they need in order to rebuild their populations are also under threat." He said 2017 has been a good year for species so far, but added: "Butterflies really need this to continue." Sir David urged members of the public to take part in the annual Big Butterfly Count to see if common species can bounce back this year.

Summary: Butterflies in the UK are facing "a vital" period following a worrying decline in their numbers, naturalist Sir David Attenborough has warned.


Seventeen student bodies have endorsed the BDS movement - which calls for an international boycott of Israel over the way it treats Palestinians. Some Jewish students in the UK say growing support for BDS has fuelled a rise in anti-Semitism on campuses. The Commission said it would assess the concerns and take action if necessary. The BDS - which stands for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions - describes itself as a human rights organisation and criticises Israel for its human rights record. It says it stands for "freedom, justice and equality", saying it is "inclusive and categorically opposes as a matter of principle all forms of racism" - including anti-Semitism. Devora Khafi, a student at Queen Mary University of London, is one of nearly 10,000 Jewish students in the UK. She told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme she felt physically intimidated when other students hijacked a speech at London's UCL given by a former Israeli defence force officer. She said she was pushed against some doors, jostled and shouted at by protesters. She says she fears having a connection with Israel has made other people at her university hostile towards her. "If I ever express a viewpoint in class or on social media, I get comments, in public or private," she said. "It has been hard. It's been two years of constant fighting for our freedom of speech, our rights, our wellbeing. I've missed deadlines, I've had counselling, I've had anxiety episodes," she said. Devora believes the BDS movement is adding to a climate of hostility against Israel on campus, which she says has turned her and other Jewish students into scapegoats. "If you look behind the BDS lens, it calls for these things that are not peaceful. They harm Jewish students and pro-Israel students and they don't support a peaceful, atmosphere on campus." Support for BDS has been growing rapidly on British campuses. London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) students' union in London was one of the first to endorse the BDS, after students voted in favour in a referendum in 2015. The students' union implemented an academic boycott of Israel. The BBC found 17 students' unions have now passed motions to endorse the BDS boycott of Israel. They include Belfast, Birkbeck, Brunel, Essex, Exeter, Goldsmiths, Kings College London, Kingston, Lancashire, Liverpool, Manchester, SOAS, Strathclyde, Sussex, Swansea, University of Arts London and UCL. But it is possible they may be breaking the law by backing the movement. Since 2010, students' unions have become registered charities, meaning they have a legal duty to represent the interests of their members. According to guidance, public comment should also be limited to matters that affect the welfare of the union's members as students. The BBC understands these issues have been raised with the Charity Commission, which is assessing them to determine if any regulatory action should be taken. A Charity Commission spokesperson said concerns about links to the BDS Movement would be "assessed consistently" and, where appropriate, it would "take regulatory action". David Holdsworth, from the commission, said students' unions must not be discriminatory

Summary: Concerns over some students' unions' support for a boycott of Israel are being looked into by the Charity Commission, the BBC has learned.


The 22-year-old just beat team-mate Scott Quinn in a finger-tip finish as Great Britain claimed a one-two in the SB14 100 metres breaststroke. Moores, from Trowbridge in Wiltshire, trains in Swansea and is funded by Disability Sport Wales. "I can't believe it, I'm so glad about moving to Swansea," he said. "The whole team down there have just picked me up and moved me forward." His gold came on a day when Paralympics GB overtook their medal haul from London 2012 - making Rio their most successful games. Great Britain's tally includes golds for Welsh athletes Aled Sion Davies,Rob Davies,Hollie Arnold and Rachel Morris. Wheelchair basketball player Phil Pratt, of Cardiff, helped GB to a 22-6 win over Australia in the quarter-finals. GB face Spain in the semi-finals on Thursday, 15 June with Turkey and United States contesting the other game.

Summary: Swansea-based swimmer Aaron Moores was among nine Paralaympics GB gold-medallists on day seven of the Rio games.


Oliver Jones, from Innellan, was crossing the A815 which runs through the village when he struck by a Renault truck at about 16:15 hours on Tuesday. He was taken by ambulance to Dunoon General Hospital and later transferred to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow where he died. The 56-year-old man who was driving the tanker was not injured. Police have appealed for witnesses.

Summary: Police have released the name of a 12-year-old boy who died after being hit by a tanker in Argyll and Bute.


The Saudis say they do not know who fired the mortars, or from where. A small Shia militant group in Iraq, known as the Mukhtar Army, has claimed it carried out the attack, although this cannot be confirmed. The group said it was a warning to Saudi Arabia to stay out of Iraq's affairs. The militia's commander, Wathiq al-Batat, told Reuters that the goal of the attack "was to send a warning message to Saudis to tell them that their border stations and patrol are within our range of fire". The mortars fell in an uninhabited area near Hafr al-Batin in the kingdom's Eastern Province. The mortar fire comes two days after suicide bombers killed more than 20 people outside the Iranian embassy in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. On Thursday Saudi Arabia advised its citizens to leave Lebanon following those bombs. The continuing civil war in Syria is fuelling increased tensions between nations in the region. Saudi Arabia, which is largely Sunni, backs the rebels fighting to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, whereas Shia Iran and Shia militias in Iraq and Lebanon back the president.

Summary: Saudi Arabia and Iraq are investigating an incident in which six mortar bombs landed in a remote area of Saudi Arabia near the border with Iraq and Kuwait.


Lance Corporal Mapp, of the Household Cavalry, finished 0.18 seconds ahead of American Jason Storm in Igls, Austria. "What a feeling," said Mapp. "Delighted to win the first Para bobsleigh gold." Mapp lost both legs when his military vehicle ran over an explosive device in Afghanistan in 2010. He is in the GB sitting volleyball team and took part in the Invictus Games. He said: "Being part of the world's first ever Para bobsleigh race today was incredible. To win was something really special. "I hope that I have done people proud - I've had so much support from many different people. "Help for Heroes have been instrumental in supporting me to this point - it's been great to have their backing. "I love bobsleigh. I only tried it for the first time in Calgary last season so to be here in Austria, at the first ever race and win is just amazing. "I feel so excited about where the sport is going and for our next race in St. Moritz next week. "The field of athletes has been strong and there's been some tough competition. It was an amazingly close race - only three-tenths of a second between the top four finishers. "To think I nearly quit bobsleigh last summer to focus on my other sports. It's been a fantastic experience to be here, with such a great group of competitors. " Para bobsleigh and Para skeleton are being included at World Cup events for the first time this season but the International Paralympic Committee have said that the sports will not be included in a Winter Paralympics until 2022 at the earliest.

Summary: Great Britain's Corie Mapp won gold in the inaugural World Cup Para bobsleigh race.


Since the militant attack, which killed six policeman and a driver, Pakistan have played most of their 'home' matches in the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan Cricket Board president Shaharyar Khan expects Zimbabwe to play in Lahore and Karachi in mid-May. He added that Zimbabwe will assess security before confirming the matches. Khan said his Zimbabwe counterpart, Wilson Manase, had explained the plans during a meeting of the International Cricket Council in Dubai last week. "He told me they are coming with their full team, but for a week," said Khan. If the tour goes ahead, Zimbabwe will be the first Test-playing nation to return to Pakistan, although Afghanistan and Kenya - neither of whom have Test status - have toured the country since the attack on low-profile series.

Summary: Pakistan are set to host top-level cricket for the first time since the 2009 gun attack on the Sri Lanka team bus, with Zimbabwe lined up to tour.


The details of more than a million members including their weight, height, job, and phone numbers were discovered unencrypted online in December 2015. They have now been sold on the black market, said security expert Troy Hunt. The firm said the data belonged to members who joined before July 2015 and that no passwords or financial information were included. Security researcher Chris Vickery, who originally discovered it, told the BBC the firm acted quickly after he notified them - but by then, data had already been sold on. "They published it openly to the world with no protection whatsoever," he said. Beautiful People originally claimed the content was from a test server but Mr Vickery said the data itself was still genuine. "Whether or not it's in the test database makes no difference if it's real data," he added. It also transpired that a second researcher had identified the same weakness on the same day. "The breach involves data that was provided by members prior to mid-July 2015. No more recent user data or any data relating to users who joined from mid-July 2015 onward is affected," Beautiful People said in a statement. "As far as we were aware, at that time [in December 2015], only the two security researchers who informed us of the breach had access to this data." Now the compromised data appears to have been sold on the black market, security expert Troy Hunt told Forbes. "Now it's public, cybercriminals have the opportunity to use this information to steal personal identities or more," said David Emm, principal security researcher at Kaspersky Lab. "Unfortunately, once a breach of this nature has been made, there is not much that can be done." Cybercriminals use the genuine identities to synthesise new ones, and they tend to act within a month of receiving stolen data, said John Lord, managing director at identity data intelligence firm GBG. "Organisations need to take action and use more data, analytical insights and triangulation of multiple-identity proofing techniques to minimise the potential effects of identity theft for both the user and the businesses serving them," he said. People hoping to join the Beautiful People website submit photographs which are then rated by existing members of the opposite sex for 48 hours. If they get enough positive votes, they are then granted membership. The firm claims more than 700 marriages have taken place between people who met on its website.

Summary: Data stolen from a dating website aimed at "beautiful people only" has been traded online.


The family of Luke Schemm confirmed on Wednesday he was taken off life support at a hospital in Denver after being declared brain-dead. The principal of Luke's school did not know why the football player had collapsed during the game. Game officials did not see him sustain neck or head injuries while playing. His teammates are likely to still play in a game on Saturday, something those who knew Luke say he would have wanted. "Luke gave his all on the field," said Gary Musselman of the Kansas State High School Activities Association. "He lived his life with a passion, and that's what we want them to do." Luke's death, if ruled to be football-related, would be the third of its kind in Kansas in 17 years. "Any death is one death too many. We are just heartsick any time a youngster prematurely passes because of whatever reason," said Mr Musselman. There have been 11 high school football deaths in the US since July, according to the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research, seven of which were directly related to football trauma.

Summary: A 17-year-old high school football player from Kansas has collapsed on the sidelines and died after scoring for his team during a game.


The lizard-like creatures lived about 355 million years ago, when the ancestors of modern reptiles, birds and mammals emerged from swamps. The discovery plugs a 15 million-year gap in the fossil record. There are five complete fossils and many more fragments of bones that have yet to be classified. Some resemble lizards or newts, while others are larger, with almost crocodile-like proportions. "We're lifting the lid on a key part of the evolutionary story of life on land," said Prof Jennifer Clack of the University of Cambridge. "What happened then affects everything that happens subsequently - so it affects the fact that we are here and which other animals live with us today." The fossils suggest that the first backboned animals to crawl around on land may have lived in what is now the Scottish borders. Alternatively, there may be many more similar fossils in other parts of the world that have yet to be discovered. Dr Nick Fraser, of National Museums Scotland, who worked on the fossils, said they represent a "critical step in the evolution of life on Earth". "Without this step of vertebrates - animals with backbones - coming on to land, we wouldn't be here, birds wouldn't be here, crocodiles wouldn't be here, lizards, frogs, dinosaurs would never have roamed the Earth - all these things would not have evolved," he told BBC News. Around 360 million years ago, many life forms, including early fish, were wiped out in a mass extinction. For the next 15 million years or so, a key time in tetrapod evolution, there is a gap in the fossil record. This means we know very little about how fish-like animals grew the limbs that could support them on land. Dr Fraser said the focus of attention is on Scotland, as it may be the place where these animals "first colonised land". "These are the oldest animals with four legs that were able to move around on land," he said. "If you want to draw the analogy to Neil Armstrong's first step on the Moon - it was one small step for man but a giant leap for mankind, well, this in some ways is a small step out of the water for these animals but it's a giant leap forward for the future evolution of life on land." Only a handful of sites in the world have yielded similar fossils from this time period. One is in Scotland - in Dumbarton, west of Glasgow, where only a single fossil (Pederpes) has been unearthed. Fragments of fossils have been found in the US and Canada. Details of the latest discoveries are published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution. Dr Per Ahlberg, of Uppsala University, Sweden, said the fossils "substantially change our picture of early tetrapod evolution". And Dr Mike Coates, of the University of Chicago, said "they predict more diversity, earlier in the fossil record" and suggest "a greater range of extinction survivors among the early tetrapods". Dr Jason Anderson, of the University of Calgary, said the fossils show that the apparent gap in

Summary: Fossils of what may be the earliest four-legged backboned animals to walk on land have been discovered in Scotland.