Figures from the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) have shown that, in total, 1.81 million people visited the Edinburgh museum - a 15.5% rise on the previous year. Edinburgh Castle welcomed 1.77 million people, up 13.4% on 2015. Visits across Scotland rose for the third year running in 2016. Almost 30 million visits were made to 249 of the ASVA members' sites in Scotland last year - a rise of 6% on 2015 figures. The National Museum of Scotland opened 10 new galleries in July 2016. Director Dr Gordon Rintoul said: "I am delighted that the latest ASVA visitor figures have confirmed the National Museum of Scotland's place as the most popular visitor attraction in Scotland. "In addition, we recorded the highest-ever visitor numbers across all our sites with nearly 2.7 million visits." 1 National Museum of Scotland (free), Edinburgh - 1,810,948 visitors 2 Edinburgh Castle (paid) - 1,778,548 visitors 3 Scottish National Gallery (free), Edinburgh - 1,544,069 visitors 4 Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (free), Glasgow - 1,259,318 5 Riverside Museum (free), Glasgow - 1,259,042 6 St Giles' Cathedral (free), Edinburgh - 1,171,793 7 Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (free) - 857,268 8 Gretna Green (free) - 794,543 9 National War Museum (free), Edinburgh - 678,982 10 Gallery of Modern Art (free), Glasgow - 646,567 Four other sites welcomed more than one million visitors each, with Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum, both in Glasgow, attracting more than 1.25 million people each. The Scottish National Gallery and St Giles' Cathedral, both in Edinburgh, drew 1.54 million and 1.17 million visitors respectively. Eleven of the top 20 attractions were located in the capital, compared with nine in 2015. Sites outside the top 20 were also successful in attracting more visitors. The Black Watch Castle & Museum in Perth and Kinross saw a 1,248% rise in numbers, largely on the back of "Weeping Window", a sculpture featuring thousands of handmade ceramic poppies commemorating those who died in World War One. Last year, 195,301 people visited the museum, up from 14,483 visitors in 2015. In the Highlands, interest generated by the Outlander TV series helped boost visitor numbers at the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, which rose 21% from 115,923 in 2015 to 139,691 last year. Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "It is fantastic that Scottish visitor attractions recorded another successful year in 2016, with almost 30 million visits to some of Scotland's most popular and iconic tourist sites. "I commend the sterling work of ASVA in creating quality visitor experiences and building Scotland's reputation as a top tourist destination for visitors from around the world." ASVA chairman Douglas Walker said the figures demonstrated that the visitor attractions sector in Scotland was in "robust health".

Summary: The National Museum of Scotland overtook Edinburgh Castle to become the most popular visitor attraction in Scotland last year.


Chief executive Jonathan Ford said the FAW would be working with organisers and others as safety was "paramount". An army of fans are expected to make the trip for Wales' games in June. They face Slovakia in Bordeaux, England in Lens and Russia in Toulouse in their first major tournament since 1958. Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood called for 16 June to be made a national civic day so more fans can witness Wales take on England. She said because the match will take place during working hours, employers should be encouraged to make provisions to allow employees the afternoon off. Mr Ford said it was hoped friendly matches would be held in Wales before their Group B matches to give the "boys a great send-off". The majority of home matches since 2011 have been staged at the home of Cardiff City. The last time Wales played at the Millennium Stadium was the 2-0 defeat by England in March 2011 in front of a crowd of 69,000. Mr Ford said: "Of course, there are some complications at home. There are concerts that happen in the summer at those stadia. "We've got to look at that. We've got to put it all together as quickly as possible." He said Uefa, which oversees football in Europe, took "security very, very seriously". "Tragic circumstances here, of course, very much mentioned in the ceremony and in the draw," he said, referring to the Paris attacks in November. "Our focus now has got to be on to the teams, but we will have many people working with us to ensure the environment is very secure for us," he added.

Summary: Security will be taken "very seriously" for Wales football fans in France to watch the team at the Euro 2016 finals, the Football Association of Wales boss has said.


Researchers, who have carried out a four-year review of the literature, say the evidence of damage is now "conclusive". The scientists say the threat to nature is the same as that once posed by the notorious chemical DDT. Manufacturers say the pesticides are not harming bees or other species. Neonicotinoids were introduced in the early 1990s as a replacement for older, more damaging chemicals. They are a systemic insecticide, meaning that they are absorbed into every cell in a plant, making all parts poisonous to pests. But some scientists have been concerned about their impact, almost since the moment they were introduced. Much of the worry has surrounded their effects on bees. There's been a well documented, global decline in these critical pollinators. Many researchers believe that exposure to neonicotinoids has been an important destabilising factor for the species. In 2011, environmental campaigners, the IUCN, established an international scientific taskforce on systemic pesticides to look into the impacts of these chemicals. The members have reviewed over 800 peer reviewed papers that have been published in the past 20 years. Their assessment of the global impact says the threat posed goes far beyond bees. In their report, to be published next month, they argue that neonicotinoids and another chemical called fipronil are poisoning the earth, the air and the water. The pesticides accumulate in the soil and leach into water, and pose a significant problem for earthworms, freshwater snails, butterflies and birds. The researchers say that the classic measurements used to assess the toxicity of a pesticide are not effective for these systemic varieties and conceal their true impact. They point to one of the studies in the review carried out in the Netherlands. It found that higher levels of neonicotinoids in water reduced the levels of aquatic invertebrates, which are the main prey for a whole range of species including wading birds, trout and salmon. "There is so much evidence, going far beyond bees," Prof Dave Goulson from the University of Sussex told BBC News. "They accumulate in soils, they are commonly turning up in waterways at levels that exceed the lethal dose for things that live in streams. "It is impossible to deny that these things are having major environmental impacts." The scientists are very worried about the prophylactic use of neonicotinoids, where seeds are coated in the chemicals and the plant grows up with the ability to destroy pests already built in. "It is a bit like taking antibiotics to avoid getting ill," said Prof Goulson, one of a team of 29 scientists involved in the research. "The more they are used, the stronger the selective pressure you place on pest insects to become resistant to them. Using them as prophylactics is absolute madness in that sense." The task force argues that with neonicotinoids and fipronil making up around a third of the world market in insecticides, farmers are over-relying on them in the same way as they once became over reliant on chemicals like DDT. "We have forgotten those lessons and we're back to where we were in the

Summary: Neonicotinoid pesticides are causing significant damage to a wide range of beneficial species and are a key factor in the decline of bees, say scientists.


The Family and Childcare Trust (FCT) said the increase in Wales between 2014 and 2015 is far larger than rises in England and Scotland. It also warned that there is not enough holiday childcare to meet demand. Welsh councils said they are "working hard to support families in need of childcare, including during the summer holidays". The FCT surveyed local authorities in Wales and found the average price of public sector holiday childcare, such as schemes run by councils or in schools, had risen by 69.9%. The average increase between 2014 and 2015 across Wales, England and Scotland was 14%. Jill Rutter, who carried out the survey, said: "Welsh local authorities have until very recently protected a lot of their public sector childcare. "In England the cuts started much earlier, back in 2010, now things are really catching up on Welsh local authorities." The average price of public sector holiday childcare in Wales is £108.31 a week. The average price in the private sector is £117.13 a week. The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) said it is working with the Welsh government and childcare providers from the voluntary and private sectors to "consider the issues that parents face in finding accessible and affordable childcare". The FCT said 95% of Welsh councils lack sufficient holiday childcare for working parents and not one provides sufficient childcare for disabled children, compared to 87% and 88% of English councils respectively. A spokesman for the WLGA said: "Local authorities in Wales carry out childcare sufficiency assessments which highlight any gaps in childcare provision. "There is, however, no legal obligation for councils to provide their own holiday childcare."

Summary: The cost of council-run school holiday clubs has increased by nearly 70% this year, according to a charity.


The group's State of Nature 2016 report says 18% of butterflies, 15% of dragonflies and 13% of plants face dying out. Across the UK, 13% of species assessed are under threat of disappearing. The report calls for "significant investment in the environment to ensure year-on-year improvement". It says changes in agricultural practices - including the use of pesticides and the loss of hedgerows - are among the biggest factors behind the "widespread decline" of nature. The State of Nature 2016 UK report will be launched by Sir David Attenborough in London on Wednesday. It will be followed later by separate launches in Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff. Sir David said: "The natural world is in serious trouble and it needs our help as never before. "The rallying call issued after the State of Nature report in 2013 has promoted exciting and innovative conservation projects. Landscapes are being restored, special places defended, struggling species being saved and brought back. "But we need to build significantly on this progress if we are to provide a bright future for nature and for people. The future of nature is under threat and we must work together; governments, conservationists, businesses and individuals, to help it." The Edinburgh event will be held at the Holyrood Hotel and will be attended by Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham, as well as leading conservation and research organisations. Ms Cunningham said: "This report highlights the challenges which lie ahead in conserving Scotland's wonderful nature. "The Scottish government is committed to driving forward Scotland's Biodiversity Strategy, the 2020 Challenge for Scotland's Biodiversity, and its accompanying Route Map to 2020. "We will publish a progress report at the end of this month and early indications show the majority of actions included in the Route Map are on track to achieve their targets. "We have so much to be proud of in Scotland and so much to protect and enhance. That means we all have much work to do and I look forward to working with our partners to improve the state of nature in Scotland." Mark Eaton, one of the lead authors on the report, said "ambitious action" was needed to preserve Scotland's natural world. He said: "Never before have we known this much about the state of nature in Scotland and the threats it is facing. "The partnership and many landowners are using the knowledge we're gathering to underpin some amazing scientific and conservation work. But more is needed to put nature back where it belongs - we must continue to work to help restore our land and sea for wildlife. "There is a real opportunity for the Scottish and UK governments to build on these efforts and deliver the significant investment and ambitious action needed to bring nature back from the brink."

Summary: One in 11 native species of animals and plants in Scotland is at risk of extinction, a report by 50 wildlife and research organisations has suggested.


New regulations allow members of the public to sign up to vote as a "registered supporter" for £3. The contest has been plagued by concerns that members of other parties have tried to influence the outcome. A spokeswoman for acting leader Harriet Harman rejected any suggestion of plans to halt or suspend the election. The spokeswoman said: "The party's focus is on making sure that the 2014 rules are fully complied with. "We have taken legal advice to make sure that the rules are being complied with and that all due diligence as possible was being done. "But there were no plans to halt or suspend the contest. We keep a close eye on the process." A Labour spokeswoman said a Conservative activist who had paid £1 to join the Labour Party - under a discounted rate for former members of the armed forces - had been barred and would not get a vote in the leadership contest. Alan Pearmain, a parish councillor and deputy chairman of the South Ribble Conservative Association, told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme he had joined as a bit of "mischief-making". Meanwhile, Scotland's Daily Record has given its backing in the leadership race to left-winger Jeremy Corbyn. The newspaper's front-page endorsement comes a week after its sister paper - the Daily Mirror - backed Andy Burnham. • Everything you need to know about the four candidates hoping to become the next Labour leader. Mr Corbyn said: "I'm obviously pleased to have the backing of a paper that has such a long tradition of support for the Labour Party. "I'm sure that, at least in part, this endorsement will have been made with Labour's future in Scotland in mind, which is important as Labour has a real need to reconnect with communities in Scotland if we are to succeed across the UK." Meanwhile, former Home Secretary David Blunkett - who is backing Andy Burnham for the leadership - has added his voice to the other senior Labour figures warning about a Corbyn victory. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Jeremy Corbyn has not only been good at opposition against the Tories, he's also been profoundly good at opposition against my party". "If you want to continue being in opposition, vote for somebody who is good at opposition," he added. Mr Blunkett said he wanted "somebody who can actually address the world of tomorrow rather than taking us back to Old Labour or, for that matter, New Labour in the 90s, because we are addressing an entirely different world". Sarah Brown, the wife of former Prime Minister Gordon, has meanwhile backed Yvette Cooper for the leadership, with Andy Burnham as her second choice. Opinion polls suggest Ms Cooper is locked in a battle with Mr Burnham to emerge as the main challenger to Mr Corbyn, with Liz Kendall trailing in fourth place. Mr Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall are battling against Mr Corbyn in the contest. Former Labour leader Ed Miliband has faced calls to apologise for the voting system being used to elect his successor. The

Summary: The Labour Party has made legal checks to ensure its leadership contest is complying with the law and try to avoid challenges to the result.


Aarolina Rutkowska, 35 and of Cross Farm Road in the Peasley Cross area of St Helens, was found not guilty of murder after his trial at Liverpool Crown Court. Mireslaw Kowalczuk, 29, was fatally stabbed in the chest at a house on Cross Farm Road on 27 December. He died in the ambulance on his way to hospital.

Summary: A woman has been cleared of murdering her partner who was found with stab injuries.


Nestled between Somalia and Eritrea at the entrance to the Red Sea, the hot and arid country seldom features on lists of global tour dates. Yet there is one multimillionaire rock star who recently flew into town - Bruce Dickinson, the lead singer of heavy metal elder statesmen Iron Maiden. Instead of performing a concert the 56-year-old was in Djibouti because of his other job - as owner of an airline business. A qualified pilot, Mr Dickinson has spent the past 16 years juggling his commitments on stage and in the recording studio, with a second career flying commercial planes; in 2012 he set up a company called Cardiff Aviation. Based in south Wales, the business provides maintenance, training and operational support to a host of airlines. The visit to Djibouti saw Mr Dickinson sign an agreement with the country's government to help re-launch the nation's former flag carrier - Air Djibouti. The airline went into liquidation back in 2002 after years of mismanagement and overstaffing. Air Djibouti is now set to take to the skies again later this year, with Cardiff Aviation sourcing the aircraft and helping to run the operation. Mr Dickinson says he hopes that the re-launched carrier will help increase awareness of the African nation. "Djibouti is an amazing country, but many people do not know about it," he says. "A national airline has an ambassadorial role wherever it flies from." The relaunch of Air Djibouti comes as the country's economy is continuing to enjoy significant investment from China. Chinese firms are spending $12bn (Â£7.6bn) to build no less than six new ports in the country, a railway line to land-locked neighbour Ethiopia, and two new airports. The Chinese government is also said to be planning to build a military base in Djibouti. A former French colony, the country is already also home to large French and US military facilities. The overseas interest in Djibouti is thanks in no small part to its strategic location in the Horn of Africa, at the entrance to the Red Sea, one of the world's busiest shipping lines. The development of new airports is obviously particularly good news for Air Djibouti, especially because commercial flights in and out of the country currently have to use a cramped airport shared with the US military. It is also hoped that Air Djibouti will benefit from wider efforts by the government to position the country, which has a population of only 810,000, as a low tax, international trade centre to rival Dubai. Mr Dickinson, whose trip to Djibouti was part of a trade visit organised by the British Embassy in Ethiopia, says: "The aviation sector is crucial [for Djibouti], it is like imagining Dubai without Emirates. So if they want Djibouti to become an international trade hub it needs a [thriving] national airline." The Djibouti government is however, not without its critics. Despite a stable political system, and holding elections, politics has long been dominated by the ruling People's Rally for Progress party of President Ismael Omar Guelleh. This has led to opposition parties both

Summary: For the world's biggest rock bands the small East African nation of Djibouti doesn't usually appear on their itineraries.


The information covers individuals who declined an honour from 1950 to 1999 and have since died. It identifies 287 instances [PDF list], including 89 rejected MBEs, 89 OBEs, 61 CBEs and 27 knighthoods. For some people such honours and the official recognition they represent can be a high point of their lives, but clearly for others they have been unwanted, whether for reasons of principle or otherwise. This official data confirms much that has been reported previously, for example that a serial refuser was the painter L S Lowry, who over a period of 21 years dismissed the offer of an OBE, a CBE, a knighthood, and twice becoming a Companion of Honour. The list also confirms that those who have rejected knighthoods include the actor Robert Morley, the writer Aldous Huxley and the physicist Paul Dirac, while those who dismissed lesser honours include the author Roald Dahl, the painter Francis Bacon and the biologist Francis Crick. Some who accepted one honour previously or later refused another, such as the film director Sir Alfred Hitchcock who had earlier turned down a CBE before he was knighted. The list also discloses some apparently new information, however. The author and publisher Leonard Woolf declined to be made a Companion of Honour in 1966, the journalist and editor of the New Statesman Kingsley Martin turned down a knighthood in 1965, and the critic and academic F R Leavis rejected a CBE in 1966. As far as I know, these facts (among others in the list) are previously unreported, although I am not an expert on their biographies and could be wrong. The list also identifies many more obscure figures who for whatever reason did not want to accept the honours on offer. The Cabinet Office has been keen to preserve the secrecy which has traditionally surrounded the honours system and at first refused to reveal the list in response to a BBC freedom of information request. The BBC then complained to the Information Commissioner who ruled that it was in the public interest to disclose the information for honours rejected before 2000. The Commissioner argued that disclosing more recent rejections was more likely to undermine the integrity of the honours system and that 2000 was a reasonable if arbitrary cut off point. The data does not cover living individuals since that may constitute personal information protected by the Data Protection Act. And to avoid doubt it is restricted to people where, according to the Cabinet Office, "it is immediately apparent as a matter of fact that a relevant individual is dead". This means that the individuals listed are only a limited proportion of all those who have declined honours. It does nevertheless show that over the decades there have been many individuals who have not wanted to accept a form of recognition which the British state wanted to bestow on them. What we don't know, however, are their various motives.

Summary: The Cabinet Office has been forced by the Information Commissioner to release an official version of what could be called an alternative honours list - names of people who rejected honours.


The San Francisco-based company's stock fell more than 18%. That suggests investors were disappointed with its decision to take on more capable Android and Apple-powered watches by selling its own device at a cheaper price. Huawei, Misfit and Withings were among other big brands to unveil new wearables at the Las Vegas show. Huawei expanded its Android Wear-powered smartwatch family with two models targeted at women. Misfit announced a small activity-monitoring metal cylinder that is designed to be worn alongside bracelets and watchbands. And Withings revealed a budget-priced tracker with an e-ink display. Fitbit may be the bestselling fitness tracker brand, but company-watchers have doubts about its move into new territory. "It's an aggressive and risky move," commented Daniel Ives from FBR Research. "Fitbit has been massively successful in its own niche of the market, and the jury's out on whether the Blaze smartwatch is the right move at the right time." About 91.5 million smartwatches, sports watches and activity-tracking wristbands were shipped in 2015, according to tech research firm Gartner. It predicts that number will rise to 116.4 million units this year. The Blaze watch provides notification alerts and can control what music a wirelessly-connected smartphone is playing via its colour touchscreen. But like the rest of the firm's line-up, its focus is on health. It can track sleep and workouts, automatically detecting what activity the user is engaged in from a range of exercises including tennis, football, basketball, treadmill running and Zumba. It can also display on-screen workouts from Fitstar - a popular app - measure the user's heart rate and last up to five days between charges. Unlike the firm's earlier Surge "super watch" it does not include its own GPS chip, so it must be paired with a phone to provide location-tracking data. The central module costs $200 (Â£136) and can be swapped between a range of octagonal-shaped wristbands and straps that will cost between $30 and $130. That makes it cheaper than the Apple Watch and devices running Google's Android Wear operating system. The question is whether consumers will prefer to spend more to have the ability to tap into a large library of third-party apps. "When you compare Fitbit to companies like Apple and Google it doesn't have the software talent to offer a fully-fledged mobile operating system," commented Daniel Matte from the Canalys consultancy. "But at this price point it's pretty good value and is a natural next step for the firm." But another analyst questioned the wisdom of entering the smartwatch sector. "If I were an investor, I would ask 'what competitive advantage does Fitbit bring to the table?' and 'do we want to compete against Apple, Google and Samsung?'" said Julie Ask from Forrester Research. "Having an app ecosystem, and ease of use is so important in this sector." Misfit's Ray represents the opposite approach. The aluminium pod can be worn on a strap or around the neck, and runs for up to six months at a time using replaceable batteries. It does not feature a screen, but has an LED that flashes

Summary: Fitbit's shares plunged following the announcement of its first colour smartwatch at the CES tech show.


This 6% increase in national income numbers gives the government more scope to cut its austerity programme. EU rules allow R&D investment, illicit gambling, drug dealing and activities linked to prostitution to be included. Separate figures showed the economy grew 2.7% in the first quarter of 2014. And the sharp contraction in the economy in the final three months of 2013 was revised to show that it shrank less than thought, by 0.1% rather than 2.3%. The GDP recalculation does not affect the growth figures, because previous years have also been recalculated. In October's budget, Finance Minister Michael Noonan outlined 2bn euros ($2.7bn) programme of tax hikes and spending cuts to meet a deficit target of 3% of GDP by the end of next year. Last month, he suggested that the enlargement of GDP under the new EU rules could mean the programme might be reined back, as the debt and deficit will appear smaller when measured against the new "larger" economy . Conall Mac Coille, chief economist at Davy Group, Ireland's biggest securities firm, estimated that the new numbers meant Ireland's debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 116% and its deficit at 6.7% of GDP at the end of last year . Previously, those figures had been 123.7% and 7.2%. He said: "It's a measurement issue rather than a real improvement. But since exchequer returns were outperforming anyway, it looks as though the finance minister can bring the deficit down below 4% of GDP by the end of the year and hit his deficit target of 3% easily by the end of 2015, without having to do very much at all in the way of austerity." Mr Mac Coille estimates that R&D expenditure contributed more than 90% of the extra GDP, with illegal activities making up the rest. Illegal activity is calculated using EU guidelines. There has been a raft of encouraging economic figures coming out of Ireland in recent months. Much of the growth is coming from exports, which grew 1.8% in the first three months. Even though personal consumption fell 0.1% in the first quarter, the unemployment rate now stands at 11.6%, the lowest level since April 2009. There have been some 30bn euro in tax hikes and spending cuts since the property bust of 2008 was followed by a banking collapse. Ireland was forced to turn to the IMF and the European Union for a 78bn-euro loan, which came to an end in December.

Summary: Research and development (R&D) costs and illegal activities have been added into Ireland's GDP for the first time, enlarging the economy by 10bn euros ($13.6bn; Â£7.9bn).


Research by MigrationWatch, which campaigns for tighter immigration controls, looked at employment status, wages and benefit claims. Migrants from the US, Australia and South Africa were found to earn much more than the UK-born population. By contrast, people from Pakistan and Bangladesh tended to earn much less, the research suggested. The study used data from the official Labour Force Survey of 100,000 people. It suggests: It also suggests that more migrants than UK-born people claim housing benefit, tax credits and child benefit. However, claims for Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance differ little between migrants and UK-born people. Migrant claims were noticeably lower for sickness and disability benefits and carers' allowances, the study suggests. MigrationWatch chairman, Lord Green of Deddington, said the analysis showed that the argument that all immigration to the UK was beneficial could not possibly be right. He said any sensible policy should take account of the real differences in economic characteristics between migrants from different parts of the world. "If immigration policy has been intended to attract only 'the brightest and the best' it has clearly failed, with a very large number of migrants earning less or claiming more than the British-born," he added. "The clear message of this research is that immigration can be reduced substantially while permitting entry to those migrants that our economy really needs." The effect migrants have on a host economy depends on their skills, those of workers in the host country and other factors including rules relating to employment and wages. British research tends to indicate that migrants have two impacts. Medium and high-paid workers gain, partly because they benefit from the cheaper services of the low-paid migrant workers. But the lowest paid resident workers can lose out in competition at the bottom. Further data suggests that immigration from outside the EU could lead to more unemployment of UK workers during a recession - but these effects can change over time if migration leads to greater employment, productivity and business opportunities. A recent study found the biggest losers could be existing migrants who find themselves in competition with newly arrived workers who have similar skills at a lower price. Source: Oxford University's Migration Observatory Neil Carberry, of business lobby group the CBI, said the evidence clearly showed the "vast majority" of migrants came to the UK to study or work, not to claim benefits. The government was right to pursue a managed immigration policy, he told the BBC, but warned a one-size-fits-all approach that did not recognise different types of migration should be resisted and making assumptions based on migrants' home countries added little to the debate. Don Flynn, director of charity Migrants' Rights Network, said the analysis appeared to be spun to suggest that migrants were more likely to receive benefits than UK-born people, and some migrants were poor performers. But, he said, the overall position remained that migrants performed better than their cost to the taxpayer, and there was nothing in the study to challenge that. He added the government should focus on making sure often highly-qualified migrants were employed in

Summary: Employment levels, wages and benefits vary widely between different groups of migrants in the UK, analysis suggests.


Derek Mackay is meeting other finance ministers for a "quadrilateral" summit in Edinburgh. He said he would raise "unnecessary" tax burdens with the chief secretary to the treasury during the meeting. The Treasury said Scottish ministers had been advised of the tax situation before setting up national services. Most other police and fire services in the UK are regional bodies and do not have to pay VAT. The issue arose because Scotland's policing and fire services were previously controlled by local councils, which can claim back the tax - but the new national forces set up in 2013 are controlled by the Scottish government, which cannot. Mr Mackay said the police and fire services were struggling with the "unnecessary" burden of tax which they "simple should not have to pay". He said: "This is a significant sum which other emergency services do not have to meet. "There is a significant difference in the way VAT affects emergency services across the UK, with Scottish police and fire services paying VAT when other territorial services in the UK do not have to. "There needs to be a level playing field for such essential services. "As we continue to invest in our emergency services we will continue to press the UK government for Scottish emergency services to have the same ability to recover VAT as all other British and Northern Irish Forces." Scottish Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur said it was right that the VAT position was "reconsidered", but said the Scottish government should not use that as a "smokescreen" for its own failures. He said: "The financial mess that Police Scotland find itself in is down to the SNP's botched centralisation. Ministers cannot duck that." A Treasury spokeswoman said: "In 2012 the Scottish government chose to make Scotland's police and fire services national rather than regional bodies. The Scottish government were advised in advance that by making this change Scottish police and fire services would become ineligible for VAT refunds." First Minister Nicola Sturgeon raised the issue during a clash over police budgets with Tory leader Ruth Davidson at Holyrood in December. Ms Sturgeon argued that the UK government had changed the rules to exempt academy schools from VAT when they were set up and funded by the central government. She said there was "£25m a year which should be going to our police service but is going to the Treasury". Ms Davidson replied: "The Scottish government was warned about VAT - it knew what would happen and it did not listen to parliament. You know that the first minister is in trouble when she cannot answer for herself but runs to 'Westminster bad'." There have been a series of warnings from auditors about financial management within Scotland's police service, which faces a funding gap of up to £200m in the coming years.

Summary: Scotland's finance secretary is to call on the UK government to scrap a £35m annual tax bill for the country's police and fire services.


Although it was goalless at the break, the Villagers responded to four defeats in-a-row by taking the game to the hosts. Thompson shot just wide from Taron Hare's cross, and Danny Clarke forced Sam Johnson into a good save. It was no surprise when Thompson gave North Ferriby the advantage in the 49th minute. The deadline-day signing marked his first goal for the Grange Lane club by rounding the goalkeeper and slotting in from a tight angle. Gus Mafuta's late strike almost levelled the scores, but North Ferriby held on for the win. Report supplied by the Press Association. Match ends, Gateshead 0, North Ferriby United 1. Second Half ends, Gateshead 0, North Ferriby United 1. Connor Oliver (North Ferriby United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Substitution, North Ferriby United. Ryan Fallowfield replaces Connor Robinson. Mitch Brundle (Gateshead) is shown the yellow card. Substitution, Gateshead. Adam Wrightson replaces James Bolton. Substitution, North Ferriby United. Ryan Kendall replaces Reece Thompson. Substitution, North Ferriby United. Danny Emerton replaces Jake Skelton. Goal! Gateshead 0, North Ferriby United 1. Reece Thompson (North Ferriby United). Substitution, Gateshead. Gus Mafuta replaces Rhys Oates. Substitution, Gateshead. Danny Johnson replaces Sam Jones. Second Half begins Gateshead 0, North Ferriby United 0. First Half ends, Gateshead 0, North Ferriby United 0. Patrick McLaughlin (Gateshead) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Sam Jones (Gateshead) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. First Half begins. Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Summary: Reece Thompson's second-half goal handed North Ferriby their first ever away win in the fifth tier as they beat struggling Gateshead.


Ohio officials say that 26-year-old Saif Nasser Mubarak Alameri was shot in the head after fighting with officers. The Case Western University law student caused a car crash on the Ohio Turnpike then fled from police on Sunday, police officials say. His body has been flown to Abu Dhabi, where he will be buried on Friday. Jill Del Greco, a spokesperson for the Ohio Attorney General's office, said investigators from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation will be meeting representatives from Abu Dhabi Police's Criminal Investigation Department. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a major American ally in the Middle East, and has assisted the US in its fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. Emirati officials called the death a "painful incident" but did not elaborate on what role their investigators will have in the US. Ohio officials have said that they will act as representatives of Alameri's family. Police in Hudson, Ohio, say Alameri was speeding and driving erratically on Sunday when he clipped another car and flipped over. He then allegedly fled into nearby woods, chased by officers for about a kilometre. A struggle ensued and Alameri was shot once in the head, medical examiners say. It is unclear whether he was armed, but his death has been ruled a homicide. The officer, who has not been named, has been put on leave. Alameri's father, Nasser Alameri, told the Khaleej Times newspaper that his family is in a state of mourning but have been following the investigation through US media reports. "There has been a lot of contradictions in the American media. While they call it a homicide, we read that the officer is on paid leave, which is ironic," said Mr Nasser. Alameri, the eldest of six children, will be buried at a cemetery in Abu Dhabi after a funeral at a mosque following Friday prayers. "We have deep trust in the government," Mr Alameri said, "and we know that they will not let the case go until we get a clear image of what had happened." Saif Nasser Mubarak Alameri's name was trending on Twitter in his home country after news of his death. The Case Western University Daily reports that he had planned to return to the UAE after graduation to open a law firm. He recently hosted a Middle Eastern-themed dinner for university students and faculty. This is the second high-profile incident involving an Emirati man in Ohio this year. In October a grand jury chose not to indict a hotel desk clerk who falsely accused an Emirati guest of pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group. The incident prompted the UAE's foreign ministry to warn its citizens to avoid wearing traditional Arabic garments when travelling abroad.

Summary: Abu Dhabi police are travelling to the US state of Ohio to "participate in the investigation" into the death of an Emirati student who was shot by police.


Rochdale's Joe Bunney broke the deadlock, netting from six yards before Nathaniel Mendez-Laing doubled the lead against his old club from close range. Michael Smith then halved Posh's deficit from 25 yards 10 minutes before half time. Rochdale's Bunney and Posh's Chris Forrester both saw second-half efforts well saved as the Dale held on. The result ends Peterborough's play-off hopes, with Posh sitting 14 points outside the top six, while Rochdale keep their slim play-off hopes alive, with seven points separating them and the top six. Rochdale Manager Keith Hill told BBC Radio Manchester: Media playback is not supported on this device "We're still chasing the dream, it's a massive dream but the players have stood up to the challenge. "The recent form is absolutely superb and I'm really pleased with today's performance. "Our attitude, our grit, our determination in the second half to keep the second half clean sheet was magnificent."

Summary: Peterborough were narrowly beaten by Rochdale as all three goals came in the first half at the ABAX Stadium.


In an interview with Empire, the actor and former California governor claimed that low ratings were due to President Trump's credit as executive producer. He said he would like to work "on a show that doesn't have this baggage". However, Mr Trump tweeted that Schwarzenegger "isn't voluntarily leaving". He said the actor was "fired by his bad (pathetic) ratings", adding that it was a "sad end to [a] great show" - referencing his own previous tenure as its presenter. As the row escalated, Schwarzenegger replied: "You should think about hiring a new joke writer and a fact checker." The president - who left the show to run for the White House - has previously ridiculed his TV boardroom successor. In Friday's interview, Mr Schwarzenegger claimed an anti-Trump social media campaign had impacted the ratings of the show, on which he debuted in January. "When people found out that Trump was still involved as executive producer and was still receiving money from the show, then half the people [started] boycotting it," said the former Mr Universe. "It's not about the show... because everyone I ran into came up to me and said, 'I love the show... but I turned it off because as soon as I read Trump's name I'm outta there!' "It's a very divisive period now and I think this show got caught up in all that division," he said, adding that he would decline if asked to host again." Mr Schwarzenegger has often clashed on Twitter with Mr Trump. Last month at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC, Mr Trump mockingly asked people to "pray for Arnold... for those ratings". He said the show had been swamped "in comparison to the ratings machine, DJT", using his own initials. The show, whose 15th season ended last month, averaged fewer than five million viewers per episode. New York real estate businessman Mr Trump became a household name as the show's host for 14 seasons. Some 20 million Americans were regular watchers in its first year before the viewing figures tapered to six million for Mr Trump's last episode.

Summary: Arnold Schwarzenegger has quit The New Celebrity Apprentice, saying it has become tainted by Donald Trump's involvement.


VJ Day on 15 August 1945 followed the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by atomic bombs. On Saturday, services have been held at St John's Church in Cardiff and at the war memorial in Llandudno, Conwy. A national service is taking place at Llandaff Cathedral on Sunday where First Minister Carwyn Jones will give a reading. The Cardiff Branch of the Burma Star Association has held its service at St John's Church. About 300 people joined the parade from Llandudno Pier Head to the war memorial where a drumhead service was placed. Canon of Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, from St John's Church, said: "The Burma Star Association was set up in 1951, and ever since we've had the veterans coming and holding a service annually. "They're now down to single figures, only a couple of them are hail and hearty in their mid-90s and so they decided the time had come on the 70th anniversary of VJ Day to lay up their standard. "So what we are doing today is holding a service in which the standard will be paraded as usual but at the end of the service it will be handed over to the church's safe keeping and we shall we hanging it up permanently right next to the Burma Star window so that it can be there for future generations to look at and be prompted to remember." The national service the following day, which is open to the public and has been organised by the Welsh government, Cardiff council and Llandaff Cathedral, will start at 15:30 BST. Speaking ahead of the event Mr Jones said: "We must never forget the sacrifice allied forces made for our freedoms during World War Two. "Victory in Japan by the allied forces brought to an end six years of conflict which saw the tragic loss of so many lives and the destruction of so many communities across the world. "Their heroics in battle, often so very far from home, will always have a special place in our hearts and it's important we remember and show our gratitude for their service."

Summary: Commemorations have taken place across Wales to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in Japan day.


The moneyed men were from the town's trawling fleets and made their living working "at the hardest job in the world". After about three weeks toiling in the fishing grounds, they would return for just three days on land to spend their hard-earned cash before going back to sea. Their lives and other aspects of the booming Grimsby fishing industry of the 1950s are being marked in an exhibition called Fish, Ships and Rock 'n' Roll. Local history enthusiast Alf Ludlam, 71, said: "The men would stand out in what almost amounted to a uniform. "They would wear pale grey or blue suits with lots of pleats in the back of the jackets and baggy trousers." Mr Ludlam, a museum volunteer with Grimsby Council, said the suits were a fashion statement but also a way of saying "look at my money" because the trawlermen could afford to buy a extravagant quantity of cloth. And the men wore open-necked shirts as "however cold it was in town, it was never as cold as on a trawler off Iceland," he added Mr Ludlam remembers watching the men roaming his home town during the 1950s, a time when "thanks to fishing Grimsby was making more money than ever". At its peak in that decade, Mr Ludlam said Grimsby was "the largest fishing port in the world". The vibrancy of the fishing trade had a spin-off for the rest of the town until the mid-1970s. It was a great period to grow up in Grimsby, Mr Ludlam said, because "everything was in the melting pot". "Fishing was Grimsby's raison d'etre - no fishing, no Grimsby, " he added. The heyday for the trade lasted about 20 years but the reliance on fishing proved to be a problem for the town as the trawler fleet contracted during, and after, the two decades of the Cod Wars. Iceland started extending its territorial limit around the island to exclude foreign vessels from the water it claimed as its own. The limit was extended on three occasions between 1958 and 1976, each time forcing British fishing vessels further offshore. The limit was finally extended 200 miles off Iceland. This led to confrontations at sea between the Icelandic coastguard and trawlers from Grimsby and Hull. Several ships were even rammed as trawlers continued to try to fish within the new limit. The neighbouring fishing ports of Grimsby and Hull vied with each other in the size and skill of their trawler fleet, and the quality and quantity of fish landed. Mr Ludlam said the ports had "always been at daggers drawn" and their fishing fleets were a source of civic pride. He said the collapse of the trawler industry in Grimsby mirrored the similar economic and social struggle former mining towns experienced after the pits closed. The two industries of fishing and mining were also linked by the level of danger encountered. Mr Ludlam said: "Fishing was the most dangerous - when you set sail you didn't know if you were going to come back." The free exhibition Fish, Ships and

Summary: It was easy to spot a so-called "three-day millionaire" in Grimsby in the 1950s.


Last year meldonium was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited substance list and several athletes later tested positive for the drug. Tennis player Maria Sharapova is now serving a two-year ban. "Athletes and their entourage have ample time to familiarise themselves with the list," Wada president Craig Reedie said. "There can be no tolerance for people who intentionally break the rules." The updated list comes into force on 1 January 2017. It covers substances and methods banned in and out of competition, and which substances are banned in different sports. Wada said in April that scientists were unsure how long meldonium stayed in an athlete's system. It also suggested athletes who tested positive before 1 March could avoid bans, provided they had stopped taking it before 1 January. Sharapova, 29, tested positive for meldonium at the Australian Open in January 2016 and an out-of-competition test on 2 February. The Russian said she had been taking meldonium since 2006 for health reasons and was unaware it had been added to the banned list as she knew it only by the name mildronate.

Summary: Athletes have been warned to prepapre for an updated list of banned substances coming into force in 2017.


Konta won 7-5 6-2 and will now face the Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova. The fifth seed beat Russia's Daria Kasatkina 3-6 7-5 7-6 (9-7). Konta, 25, is 11th in the race to Singapore, with only the top eight qualifying for the tournament, which takes place from 23-30 October. Konta could also break into the world's top 10 for the first time if she continues her run at the China Open. Currently ranked 14th, she would join Virginia Wade, Sue Barker and Jo Durie as the only Britons to achieve the feat on the WTA Tour.

Summary: British number one Johanna Konta boosted her hopes of reaching the WTA Finals in Singapore by beating Hungary's Timea Babos in straight sets to reach the China Open third round.


The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) has rated 295 institutions bronze, silver or gold according to their standard of undergraduate teaching. Bangor University was awarded gold, while five other colleges got silver. One - University of Wales, Trinity St David - got bronze. Aberystwyth University and University of South Wales opted not to take part. Across the UK, 59 institutions got gold, 116 silver and 56 bronze. Others received a "provisional" ranking, where there was not enough data for a full assessment. Bangor's vice chancellor John G Hughes said the ranking "reflects its impressive performance". The TEF is administered by the Higher Education Funding Council for England and degree providers could choose whether or not to take part. They were assessed on a range of measures, including teaching quality, student satisfaction, drop-out rates and whether students go on to employment or further study after graduating. A gold award means a university is of the highest quality found in the UK, providing "consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students", while the silver award was given for consistently exceeding "rigorous national quality requirements for UK higher education" and bronze was awarded to those that met these national requirements. Those awarded a bronze or higher are now set to be able to raise tuition fees, which currently stand at around Â£9,000. "Bangor has maintained a strong commitment to the delivery of high quality student experience for many decades," Prof Hughes added. "Not only do we link research and teaching, but we also provide personalised pastoral care, and provide variety and experimentation in our teaching and learning. "We strongly believe that students deserve to be exposed to, and to be stretched by, the rigour and intellectual challenges of problem solving within their disciplines." Dr Mirjam Plantinga, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience at University of Wales Trinity St David, said: "We are pleased that the panel has recognised good levels of student satisfaction with academic support, and assessment and feedback. "Together with a focus on employer engagement and our distinctive culture, our TEF result reflects positively on the key values that underpin the UWTSD student experience".

Summary: Only one Welsh university got the highest possible score in a new ranking of degree teaching standards.


Eugene Gunderman, 28, from Old Windsor in Berkshire, admitted stealing the Audi which knocked over PC David Oram in Chorleywood last July. At St Albans Crown Court he was jailed for four years and ten months. Damon Denham, 27, from Old Windsor, admitted car theft and was jailed for nine months. Gunderman, of Queens Close, who also pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, ABH and dangerous driving, and disqualified from driving for five years. Both men's sentences will run consecutively with convictions they received last August at Guildford Crown Court for their part in a conspiracy to rob a jeweller. The court was told Denham drove Gunderman to Berkhamsted, in Hertfordshire, on 10 July. Gunderman had arranged to test drive a grey Audi RS6, being advertised for sale, but instead sped off in it from the owner's home in Upper Hall Park. Drivers on the M25 saw the vehicle racing along the hard shoulder at speeds of between 70 and 100 mph. PC Oram and PC Stuart Fraser later found it parked in a lane where it was driven at them by Gunderman, who knocked down PC Oram, running over the base of his lower back and up his shoulder, before speeding off. The defendants were arrested after the car collided with a number of other vehicles. PC Fraser said he thought his colleague "had been killed". "I have never been so relieved in my career to see someone get off the ground .... I have no idea to this day how he escaped," he said. Mr Oram said his back was "never going to be 100 per cent" but hoped to remain as a front line officer as long as his back allowed. Chief Supt Bill Jephson praised both officers for continuing to pursue the defendants, despite Mr Oram's "significant injuries". "This proves how dedicated our officers are in facing life-threatening situations in order to prevent crime and protect the public, and their bravery should be commended," he said.

Summary: Two men have been jailed after they stole a car which was used to run over a Hertfordshire police officer, leaving him seriously injured.


This is the principle that all websites and apps should be equally accessible. Travel portal Cleartrip.com and media giant Times Group both announced they would be withdrawing from the service, citing competition fears. But Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg defended Internet.org's aims. The service aims to extend internet services to the developing world by offering a selection of apps and websites free to consumers. Telecoms firms absorb the data costs associated with handling Internet.org traffic. But many companies fear this distorts the market and makes it harder for small companies to get their products seen by the public. Currently, Indian visitors to Internet.org can access nearly 40 stripped-down services, including job, healthcare, news and education sites. Times Group blogged that it was appealing "to all publishers to jointly withdraw from Internet.org" and said that the Times of India newspaper would also withdraw "if its direct competitors - India Today, NDTV, IBNLive, NewsHunt, and [the] BBC - also pull out". The BBC has yet to respond to the call. A Times Group spokesman said: "We support net neutrality because it creates a fair, level playing field for all companies - big and small - to produce the best service and offer it to consumers. "We will lead the drive towards a neutral internet, but we need our fellow publishers and content providers to do so as well, so that the playing field continues to be level." Cleartrip said the debate around net neutrality had given it "pause to rethink" its approach to Internet.org. "What started off with providing a simple search service has us now concerned with influencing customer decision-making by forcing options on them, something that is against our core DNA," wrote Subramanya Sharma, Cleartrip's chief marketing officer. In India, the issue hit the headlines this week after telecoms provider Bharti Airtel said it would allow mobile app developers to pay data charges enabling users to access the apps for free. Start-up developers with little funding could therefore be at a commercial disadvantage, tech firms argue. Facebook launched Internet.org in India in February after partnering with Indian telecom carrier Reliance Communications. India has the world's third-largest internet population and is the first Asian country to get the service. Mr Zuckerberg defended the initiative in an article for the Hindustan Times newspaper, saying: "Net neutrality is not in conflict with working to get more people connected. "We will never prevent people accessing other services, and we will not use fast-lanes."

Summary: A group of Indian technology and internet companies have pulled out of Facebook's Internet.org initiative, fearing it threatens the principle of "net neutrality".


Bath boss Mike Ford announced in October that the former Scarlet star, 28, was taking a sabbatical. "We agreed to sign Rhys on the basis that he did not play international rugby," said Ford. "He's now decided that he wants to play again." Dan Biggar was the first choice No 10 during the World Cup earlier this year as Wales reached the quarter-finals. Priestland has won 40 Test caps and replaced Biggar during the last-eight loss to South Africa on 17 October. Ford explained that Priestland's U-turn was the reason Bath had signed utility back Dan Bowden from New Zealand. But the coach added: "We're hoping Rhys will be with us for the two years of his contract and possibly beyond that." Ford wanted Priestland to act as cover for his son, George, who is expected to be part of England's Six Nations squad.

Summary: Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland has reversed his decision to take an 18-month break from international rugby.


Cyclists have suffered punctures and pet-owners and runners have been warned to beware along the three-mile (4.8km) route, from Mumbles to the centre of Swansea. The council said the drawing pins, found at several locations, appeared to have been left "deliberately". A spokesman said it was "extremely irresponsible and dangerous". The council warned those planning to use the waterfront over the Easter weekend to be aware. "Some cyclists have already reported punctured tyres because of the drawing pins," the spokesman added. "We are asking members of the public who use the promenade daily to be the 'eyes and ears' of the council and the police by reporting anything suspicious they see on the seafront." Swansea is also organising extra sweeps of the promenade.

Summary: A warning has been issued after a stretch of the Swansea Bay promenade was showered with drawing pins.


The 32-year-old, formerly with Watford and Cardiff, has agreed a deal until May 2018. Cowie played with Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle and has 10 international caps. "He'll bring experience to the table, which is invaluable when you're trying to blood younger players into the first team," said Hearts boss Robbie Neilson. Speaking to the club website, Neilson added: "He's played in the Scottish top flight before so knows our game, and he's played at the highest level down south and won a Championship, so I know he's a winner. "Having played in England, he'll show the players here the level they'll have to get to if they have aspirations to play there themselves." Cowie has made more than 450 senior club appearances, scoring 52 times.

Summary: Scotland midfielder Don Cowie has signed for Hearts following his release from Wigan.


His departure comes amid plans to cut about 1,200 jobs as part of a "strategic change" plan. Woolworths is looking to cut millions of dollars in costs and improve sales after its first-half profits fell. It hopes to win back customers from rivals such as Coles and Aldi by lowering prices and improving stores. The retailer recently trimmed its profit guidance for the year to June, which would be only the second fall in annual profits for the company. Since going public, the only other year that Woolworths' annual profits fell was 1999. "The recent performance has been disappointing and below expectations. I believe it is in the best interests of the company for new leadership to see these plans to fruition," Mr O'Brien said. Woolworths said it would start the search for a new chief executive. The company's head of retail services, Penny Winn, will also quit. Shares in Woolworths rose by 2.4% in Sydney trading following the news.

Summary: The chief executive of Australia's Woolworths, Grant O'Brien, is stepping down after nearly four years at the supermarket chain.


Media playback is not supported on this device Wes Hoolahan gave the Republic a deserved lead shortly after half-time with a crisply struck half-volley worthy of opening the scoring in any match. Martin O'Neill's team had struck the woodwork and gone close several times prior to scoring. But, after taking the lead they found themselves under increasing pressure and conceded when Clark, chosen ahead of Richard Keogh in the centre of defence, headed a low cross from Zlatan Ibrahimovic into his own net. The equaliser came from one of the few moments of quality from the Sweden captain, who collected a neat backheel from substitute John Guidetti and raced to the byeline before drilling in a low cross. Jeff Hendrick drew a late save from Andreas Isaksson but there was to be no winner at the end of a feisty, scrappy match the Republic shaded but could not close out. Commitment, passion and determination were much in evidence at the Stade de France, with those workmanlike qualities comfortably eclipsing any quality and finesse on show. But, in the end, neither side had quite enough to prevail and are left to ponder a result that is hardly disastrous but not exactly what either wanted. Both have remaining Group E fixtures against Italy and Belgium - the two favourites to progress - and have arguably missed out on their best chance to get a crucial victory. In a tournament with 16 qualifiers from the group stage, three points would have taken one of them a huge step towards reaching the next round. Media playback is not supported on this device The Republic lost all three of their games at Euro 2012, when Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni set up his team to try to stymie their opponents and snatch the points. Yet after qualifying from a group that included Poland and Germany, there was no lack of adventure and ambition here in Paris. Robbie Brady was a menace down the left, Hendrick struck the crossbar with a caressed right-foot strike and drew a superb save with a crisp shot from the edge of the area, and John O'Shea was inches from converting Clark's flick-on. There was also no disputing the quality of Hoolahan's goal three minutes after the restart. Seamus Coleman delivered a superb cross after a teasing, jinking run down the right and Hoolahan, who had found space at a premium in a generally congested midfield, superbly smashed home a half-volley from 14 yards across goal and beyond Isaksson. Hendrick forced another save from the Sweden goalkeeper with a low strike after his team conceded and the men in green showed enough to suggest that whatever happens to them in this tournament they will leave everything on the field. Ibrahimovic said before the match that "the legend can still deliver", but it did not look like it for most of the match. On many occasions - especially during the first half - the 34-year-old was drawn so deep in search of the ball that he looked more like a midfielder. Ibrahimovic, strongly linked with

Summary: Ciaran Clark scored an agonising own goal as the Republic of Ireland were held to a frustrating draw against Sweden in their opening Euro 2016 fixture in Paris.


The Costa Rican embassy's trade attache, Guillermo Cholele, was abducted in his diplomatic car from outside his home on Sunday night. Details of his release are not known but a ransom was reportedly demanded. He was the latest diplomat to be kidnapped in recent months in Venezuela, which suffers from high levels of violent crime. Venezuelan Interior Minister Tarek El Aissami said via Twitter that Mr Cholele was in good shape and being taken by police to be reunited with his family. His release had been secured due to investigative work and police pressure, Mr El Aissami wrote. He said that more details on the diplomat's release would be issued later. The Costa Rican authorities had earlier said that a ransom had been demanded. It called the abduction "extremely serious" and said Mr Cholele needed medication for a heart condition and high blood pressure. "For me, this kidnapping is organised crime and unfortunately Caracas is one of the most dangerous cities in the world and this is not an isolated case," Costa Rica's Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Roverrsi said. In January Mexican ambassador Carlos Pujalte and his wife were briefly kidnapped in Caracas before being released. Last November the Chilean consul in Caracas was abducted, beaten and shot in the leg before being released. In December, a diplomat from Belarus was also briefly kidnapped. And just last month Karen Berendique - the teenage daughter of a Chilean diplomat - was shot dead by police. Officers said she had failed to stop at a roadblock. Venezuela has some of the highest rates of murder and kidnap in Latin America, with Caracas particularly affected. The opposition coalition have made crime and insecurity a key issue in their campaign for October's presidential election.

Summary: Venezuelan officials say a Costa Rican diplomat who was kidnapped in the capital, Caracas, has been freed.


The FBI said on Monday that it might have found a way to deal with the password lock set by killer Syed Rizwan Farook, who was behind an attack in San Bernardino, California, in December. An Israeli newspaper has since reported that data forensics experts at Cellebrite are involved in the case. Cellebrite told the BBC that it works with the FBI but would not say more. Its website, however, states that one of its tools can extract and decode data from the iPhone 5C - the model in question - among other locked handsets. Apple has refused to help the FBI do this. "File system extractions, decoding and analysis can be performed on locked iOS devices with a simple or complex passcode," Cellebrite's site states. "Simple passcodes will be recovered during the physical extraction process and enable access to emails and keychain passwords. "If a complex password is set on the device, physical extraction can be performed without access to emails and keychain." The keychain reference relates to a tool on Apple devices that allows all of an owner's log-ins to be revealed if a master password is known. The website does not make clear if the process would work with iPhone 5Cs, whose operating system has been upgraded to iOS9, which Farook's device is thought to be running. Cellebrite, a subsidiary of Japan's Sun Corp, signed a data forensics contract with the FBI in 2013, according to the report in the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. Apple has refused to create a special version of iOS that would prevent the contents of a device being wiped if someone made too many incorrect guesses at its passcode. It is not known whether Farook enabled the security setting, but the FBI says it does not want to risk losing "evidence related to the terrorist mass murder of 14 Americans". A federal court had been due to rule on Tuesday whether the FBI could compel Apple to help it. But the hearing was postponed when the Department of Justice announced that it might not need the tech firm's assistance because a third-party had demonstrated a possible extraction method to FBI agents. "I am not able to comment on the identity of the outside party," bureau spokesman Christopher Allen told the BBC. "I would simply refer to the court filing from Monday that says the outside party demonstrated the method on Sunday, March 20." Cellebrite has taken numerous calls from the media asking if it is indeed the unidentified helper. A Twitter user noted the firm signed a fresh $15,000 (£10,600) contract with the FBI two days ago - albeit in Chicago rather than California. A spokesman for Cellebrite said it might have more to say at a later point. The firm recently suggested that it has more than 50% of the North American market in law enforcement digital forensics tools. "When we get devices, we do work on different levels of accessing the data," Ronen Engler, Cellebrite's senior manager of technology and innovation, told the Homeland Security Today website earlier this month. "The logical [data]

Summary: An Israeli cybersecurity firm is under pressure to reveal its involvement in efforts to extract data from an iPhone.


Dijkhuizen's assistant, Roy Hendriksen, has also left the Championship club. Brentford won only two of their eight league games under the Dutchman, 43, and are 19th in the table. Former Blackburn, Coventry and Everton midfielder Carsley, 41, had been working as manager of Brentford's development squad. Media playback is not supported on this device Dijkhuizen was appointed head coach by Brentford in June, following the controversial departure of previous boss Mark Warburton. It was confirmed in February that Warburton, who went on to lead the Bees into last season's play-offs, would leave the club at the end of the campaign. Warburton had guided Brentford to promotion from League One the previous season. A former striker, Dijkhuizen had previously been manager at Excelsior in the Netherlands, where his side finished 15th in the Dutch Eredivisie. Ex-Republic of Ireland midfielder Carsley will be assisted by Paul Williams and will take charge of the Bees for the first time when they host one of his former clubs, Birmingham City, on Tuesday. "The club believes Lee deserves the opportunity to step up and help shape Brentford FC's future on the pitch," said a statement from Brentford. Dijkhuizen's departure comes just days after he said he "felt no pressure" about his job despite Brentford's stuttering start to 2015-16. His final game in charge at Griffin Park was a 2-1 defeat by Sheffield Wednesday, the club's third at home in all competitions this season. "A chaotic start to English management comes to an abrupt end for Marinus Dijkhuizen. "During his brief tenure, he has had to deal with matters out of his control, such as problems with the pitch leading to a postponed fixture. "On the pitch it has been far from a successful spell, with last season's Championship play-off semi-finalists winning just two of their opening eight league games. "In his defence, Dijkhuizen has been unlucky with injuries and has had to deal with the departure of some key players. His undoing may well be that he was indeed too honest in interviews with the media, something that may well have irked owner Matthew Benham. "Question marks also hovered over whether he had a strong enough relationship and rapport with players who he didn't sign."

Summary: Brentford have sacked head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen after nine matches and placed Lee Carsley in charge until the end of the season.


The High Court in Edinburgh heard Craig Wilson, 30, Alan Piper, 26, and Malcolm Amos, 40, were caught during police surveillance on 25 November 2015. Amos had drugs worth £25,000, which he collected from Piper in a car on Lauder Road, Edinburgh. As part of the same surveillance operation, police caught Wilson coming out a house in Glen Street, Paisley, with packages worth £175,000. Advocate depute Derek Ogg QC said all the packages were forensically tested and found to be about 70% pure cocaine, except for one package which was of poor quality. The prosecutor said Wilson, from Cardonald, Piper, from Paisley, and Amos, from Edinburgh, had no previous convictions, and had "very limited experience of any involvement beyond being couriers". Judge Lord McEwan deferred sentence until next month.

Summary: Three men have admitted transporting cocaine worth about £200,000.


The International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board approved moving the track cycling and mountain bike events to an existing venue in Izu. Both were due to be in temporary venues - track cycling in the Ariake district and mountain biking at Sea Forest. The changes to the programme will bring savings of £66m to the Games budget. Earlier this year, the Japanese government scrapped plans for a £1.3bn Olympic stadium designed by British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid - the designer of the London 2012 aquatics centre. A new plan costing about 60% of the original is expected to be agreed. Sea Forest will still host the canoe sprint and rowing events, plus the cross-country and eventing elements of the equestrian programme. An IOC statement said: "The athlete experience will be guaranteed, as all athletes and team officials whose events will be at Izu will have the option to stay in the main athletes' village before and after their competition. "During the competitions, they will stay at a satellite village located close to the event venues." International Cycling Union president Brian Cookson said his organisation had embraced the IOC's cost-cutting programme and the UCI would work with local authorities to build on the sport's legacy in Japan. All sports have now been assigned venues for Tokyo 2020 except football, with a decision on that expected after next year's Rio Olympics.

Summary: Cycling events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be held 75 miles away from the city as part of a £1.2bn programme of cuts.


It said the measure, following UN and Amnesty International recommendations, would keep sex workers safe. It is also promising to end asylum detention, starting with the release of vulnerable female detainees. Deputy leader Amelia Womack said detention was "inhumane, costly and totally unnecessary". In England, Wales and Scotland, selling and paying for sex is not against the law but many activities linked to it, such as brothel-keeping, kerb-crawling and soliciting sex in a public place, are outlawed. In 2014, Northern Ireland became the first part of the UK to pass legislation making the purchase of sexual services illegal, following other countries such as Sweden, Norway and Iceland. Amnesty International's support for the decriminalisation of prostitution sparked a fierce debate, and criticism by several women's groups But the Green Party said that "making sex work illegal only reduces safety". It said it would also amend sex workers' existing criminal records and have "zero tolerance of coercion, violence or sexual abuse". The party launched its women's manifesto outside Yarl's Wood detention centre for female asylum seekers, ahead of a demonstration at the Bedfordshire facility. Other measures included preserving women's healthcare facilities, reinstating sexual health services and ending pay freezes for public sector workers. The party would also roll out a UK-wide strategy to tackle domestic violence, scrap the so-called "rape clause" for child benefit claimants and restore legal aid so that victims do not have to face their abusers in court. "The bold policies we're announcing today show that the Green Party is committed to standing up for everyone, and we are not afraid to speak out about issues other parties would rather shy away from," Ms Womack added. Her party, meanwhile, has accepted an invitation to take part in a BBC Election Questions programme on 4 June, in a change from the original scheduling. BBC head of newsgathering Jonathan Munro told the News Watch programme the BBC had reflected on its proposed initial format, announced earlier this month, and decided the "gap" between the participation of UKIP and the Greens in the overall schedule was "too great". He said that, based on its performance in general, local and European elections since 2010, the Green Party could not have "equivalence" with the larger parties. But he said the BBC had listened to those who expressed concerns about its level of representation and come up with a "good compromise" which he said he was "really pleased" had been accepted by the party.

Summary: The Green Party of England and Wales says it would decriminalise the sale and purchase of sex as part of its manifesto for women.


A new exhibition was also opened at Edinburgh Castle looking at the first decade of the regiment's operations. The creation of the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006 was controversial at the time. It meant names of famous regiments such as the Royal Scots and the Kings Own Scottish Borderers would disappear. Others such as the Black Watch and the Royal Highland Fusiliers would reform as one of the new six battalions of the new regiment. Now a decade on, senior offices said the Royal Regiment of Scotland had been almost continuously on active operations, creating its own history. That history was marked earlier with a parade down the Royal Mile leaving the castle at 11:00 led by the regimental mascot, the Shetland Pony Cruachan the fourth. Major General James Cowan, the regiment's senior officer, said: "Our soldiers will be proud to parade in Edinburgh on Friday symbolising the support we receive from the wider community across Scotland and we are very grateful for Edinburgh City Council for allowing us to 'Exercise our Freedom'." "Since the Regiment was formed in 2006 our soldiers have deployed almost continuously on operations around the world, so the Regiment is now building its own proud history as we head into the future. "The service in the Canongate Kirk will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on our first ten years and commemorate those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country." Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh's Depute Lord Provost, said: "It is a true honour to welcome The Royal Regiment of Scotland to the City Chambers. "This parade is a fitting demonstration of Edinburgh's steadfast support for the brave men and women who continue to put their lives at risk in service of this country. "Of course, as we celebrate the last decade, we will also remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice."

Summary: Soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland have paraded down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh to mark the 10th anniversary of its creation.


Media playback is unsupported on your device 10 June 2015 Last updated at 13:59 BST The three-year-old slowly walked up to the Queen at the famous Epsom Derby event in England. The boy is believed to be linked with the Dubai royal family.

Summary: A young boy took off his top hat and approached the Queen for a handshake at the horse-racing event.


Media playback is not supported on this device Haskins was awarded the belt after Randy Caballero was stripped of his title after weighing in five and a half pounds over the limit for last Saturday's fight, which had been due to take place at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. Bristol-based manager, Chris Sanigar, told BBC Points West about his future hopes for 32-year-old Haskins.

Summary: Britain's Lee Haskins could return to Las Vegas for a big pay day after winning the IBF world bantamweight title without throwing a punch.


Alexander Baird, 55, of Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, went before Caernarfon Crown Court on Monday. He has been charged with failing to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safe operation of a vessel. In January 2012, a crewman on the scallop dredger, Steven Robertson, 25, of Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway, was lost while aboard the St Amant. The body of Mr Robertson was never found. Mr Baird will appear in court again at the end of February.

Summary: A fishing boat master has appeared in court almost four years after a crewman was lost overboard off Anglesey.


Media playback is not supported on this device Beating Ireland in Dublin next Saturday would equal Scotland's three wins of 2006, and likely secure third place. "It will be a tough game but we are determined to finish the competition well," Laidlaw told BBC Scotland. "Ireland are a good side and it is going to take one huge effort to try to get what would be a massive win." Sunday was a special day for Laidlaw, who celebrated his 50th cap by equalling David Sole's record of leading Scotland in 25 Tests. "To lead this team out at Murrayfield is something that will stay with me forever," he said. "But it is not about individuals. The whole team and the crowd were literally as one today. It was outstanding." Scotland suffered the early setback of losing fly-half Finn Russell to a head knock after just five minutes, in the build-up to France's opening try. But Laidlaw paid tribute to his replacement Peter Horne, usually a centre and who has only started one Test at stand-off. "Peter deserves enormous credit," he said. "I thought he was fantastic when he came on. He's probably not played a huge amount of rugby there but he fitted in brilliantly and made it as smooth as possible for the team. "I thought we scored a couple of great tries in amongst some very gritty defence. France put a lot of width on the game at times and we really had to scramble at times and fought for each other. You could see how much it meant to us all." Scotland were inspired by full-back Stuart Hogg, who scored their opening try, landed a penalty from inside his own half and created the clinching try for Tim Visser with a wonderful overhead pass. "When we lost Finn, everyone stepped up but Hoggy was great," acknowledged coach Vern Cotter. "It was nice to see that chemistry among the players. There was constant talking and encouragement and the positivity on the field was great. "The players adapted well when Finn went off, there was no panic in the ranks. It was nice to see a composed team believing in its strengths and eeking out a win. "The guys are a humble bunch and they will enjoy this, but they know there is another game to come." Man-of-the-match Hogg admitted to a "wee bit of luck" in his assist for Visser's try, but believes hard work on the training ground is reaping its rewards. Scotland's three tries took their tally for this year's Championship to eight, their best since scoring eight in 2005 and one fewer than their best tally of nine in 2000. "You don't get many opportunities in international rugby and the ones we have created we have finished them off," he told BBC Sport. "We have worked hard in training on that and it is great to see that coming off in the game. "The team worked incredibly hard during the week to get that victory. You could see how much it meant to us in front of

Summary: Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw wants one more "huge effort" from his team to win a third straight game and match their best Six Nations campaign.


At the beginning of the season, Claudio Ranieri's side were as much as 5,000-1 to finish as champions, while the odds were 1000-1 to be top at Christmas. The Foxes lead the Premier League by five points from Tottenham and have lost just three times all season. Leicester can guarantee themselves a shock title triumph with three wins from their remaining four games. Betfred are the only bookmakers to have already paid out on Leicester as champions, after they beat Southampton 1-0 on 3 April. "I've been wrong before but this time I can't see Spurs or Arsenal catching Ranieri's men," said Betfred boss Fred Done. At the start of the season, 47 people placed a bet with Ladbrokes for Leicester to win the title at 5000-1 - of which 23 have cashed out, while 24 are still awaiting their fate. "Leicester's win would be the biggest upset in the history of betting," Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes told BBC Sport. "It would be the worst result for us financially and our biggest payout by a distance. "If Chelsea, Manchester City or Manchester United would have won, the total payouts would have been in the few hundred thousands. "Leicester have been upsetting the odds all season but it is a brilliant Hollywood story that we are a part of. Hats off to anyone who backed them at the start of the season." Last month, a Leicester fan cashed out for £72,000 from a £50 bet on his team to win the title.

Summary: The UK's leading bookmakers face paying out more than £10m if Leicester City win the Premier League title.


The former van driver sold 214,000 copies of his single Something I Need, which was originally recorded by US pop band OneRepublic. His nearest rivals were Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, whose song Uptown Funk dropped one place to number two. Shortly after it was announced, Haenow thanked his fans on Twitter, saying: "You guys are amazing!" Speaking about his chart success he said: "It's an incredible end to my year. I'm absolutely shocked, I can't believe it. "I'm gonna go and have a few good drinks with my mates - definitely more than a few good drinks - to celebrate." The top-selling album in the run-up to Christmas was Ed Sheeran's X, which shifted more than 214,000 copies last week - the most it has sold in a seven-day period. X - pronounced "multiply" - was already the UK's biggest-selling album of the year, excluding compilations. The singles chart also saw a high entry for novelty act The Wealdstone Raider. The 48-year-old, whose real name is Gordon Hill, became famous when he was discreetly recorded at a football match, pint in hand, shouting "you've got no fans" to opponents of his football club, Wealdstone FC. After being uploaded to YouTube, the video went viral, amassing more than eight million views. His single, called Got No Fans, is raising money for Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, Autism Concern and Wealdstone Raiders Youth FC. It entered the chart at number five. For the first time, streaming data counted towards the Christmas chart, benefitting acts like Mariah Carey and The Pogues, whose seasonal standards climbed back up the top 40. Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You reached number 18, while The Pogues' Fairytale of New York - boosted by download sales - reached number 11. But the biggest beneficiary of the new chart rules was Ronson, who broke the all-time record for the most streamed track in a single week. Uptown Funk was listened to almost 2.34 million times last week, smashing Sheeran's previous record of 1.72 million streams, set in November. Band Aid 30, at one point considered to be a strong contender to top the Christmas charts, ended up in 17th place.

Summary: X Factor winner Ben Haenow has won the race for the Christmas number one, the Official Charts Company has announced.


Scott Fox made saves to deny Hearts' Tony Watt and Conor Sammon before the interval. The hosts continued to dominate after the break but their ability to hit the target waned. County, who threatened through Andrew Davies, finished with 10 men after Ian McShane received a second booking for a tackle on Faycal Rherras. Media playback is not supported on this device Fox was the busier keeper and he was on top form as he produced a sequence of top-class saves, particularly in the first half. He reacted well to turn striker Watt's shot from 16 yards over and held headed efforts from Callum Paterson and Igor Rossi. Sammon was denied twice by the agile stopper as Hearts continued to press. At the other end, a Martin Woods free-kick was flicked, in an attempt to clear, by Paterson against the head of Davies and the ball had to be scrambled clear by the Hearts defence. Some of the visiting players claimed the ball had crossed the line but referee Alan Muir was unconvinced. Alim Ozturk was relieved of the Hearts captaincy duties earlier in the week with the armband passed to midfielder Perry Kitchen. Having been kept out of the side because of the form of John Souttar, Ozturk got his opportunity after half-an-hour when the former Dundee United defender had to limp off injured. Hearts' dominance in possession continued into the second period but they found it harder to test Fox with Sam Nicholson clipping the outside of the post and Rherras firing over. The Staggies, who have never won at Tynecastle, lost a man when McShane - earlier booked for a foul on Nicholson - caught Rherras late and was promptly dismissed. But the Highlanders held out to earn a point and their third draw in a row. Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson: "A disappointing result but the first 60, 70 minutes the performance was great. Again we created loads of chances but we are not taking those chances as we should be. "It's that final little bit, if we had done it today we would have another three points on the board. "It was poor finishing from our point of view. The performance is the key for us. If the performance is there then the three points are there. But today similar to last week the three points weren't there." Ross County manager Jim McIntyre: "If you take a point away from here it's never a bad result. That goes for any away ground in the Premiership, it's a tough league. "We had Scott Fox to thank for a couple of good saves in that first period. "We can't be disappointed with what the boys gave us today - I thought they were excellent and showed a real togetherness once we went down to 10 men. "The Andrew Davies effort had not crossed the line. I've seen it back and as much as I would have wanted it to have gone over the line, it has not." Match ends, Heart of Midlothian 0, Ross County 0. Second Half ends,

Summary: Second-placed Hearts were held to a goalless draw at home to Ross County in the Scottish Premiership.


The True Blood star died after years of suffering from drug and alcohol abuse. In a statement, his family said Ellis, 39, was ashamed of his addiction and did not want to talk about it. But they added: "His family, however, believes that in death he would want his life to serve as a cautionary tale in an attempt to help others." Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter through his manager Emily Gerson Saines, the family's statement continued: "Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. "He was a father, a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, and a great friend to those that were lucky enough to know him." Talking about the circumstances behind Ellis's death from heart failure, the statement explained: "After many stints in rehab, Nelsan attempted to withdraw from alcohol on his own. "According to his father, during his withdrawal from alcohol he had a blood infection, his kidneys shut down, his liver was swollen, his blood pressure plummeted, and his dear sweet heart raced out of control." Ellis played the flamboyant Lafayette Reynolds, a charismatic gay medium who was able to contact ghosts, in the HBO horror-drama series. He appeared regularly throughout the series of True Blood after first appearing as the cook at a local restaurant in 2008. He also featured alongside Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer in the film adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's novel The Help in 2011. Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.

Summary: Actor Nelsan Ellis's family has spoken about the actor's death on Saturday, in an effort to help other people who suffer from addiction.


It is a crime for Australian citizens to travel to parts of Syria, including areas controlled by the Islamic State (IS) militant group. New South Wales Police said the man was arrested at 10:00 local time on Thursday (midnight GMT). They said it was part of an ongoing investigation and there was no impending threat to the public. The police shared a picture on Twitter showing two plainclothes officers outside the terminal leading the man in handcuffs. He was known to police for minor matters and had been under surveillance in the five months leading up to his arrest. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson said the man was expected to be charged with preparations for incursion into a foreign territory to commit acts of violence. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. "It appears he was radicalised online," Dep. Comm. Dave Hudson said. "We will allege that this 22-year-old man was going to leave Australia this morning in an attempt to get to Syria to fight for Islamic State."

Summary: A 22-year-old man has been arrested at Sydney Airport as he was allegedly attempting to leave for Syria.


Ironbridge Power Station, in Shropshire, opened in 1969 and became one of the UK's largest plants. The power station was switched off on Friday afternoon, when it reached its 20,000 hours limit of generation under an EU directive. About 130 workers are at the site, some of whom will be kept on until 2017 to help with the decommissioning process. Updates on this story and more from Shropshire Former engineer Mike Smith pressed the button to end production. Mr Smith, who started at the station when it first opened and retired from Ironbridge in 1992, said it was "a great honour" to have been involved with the plant. "Obviously many people will have mixed emotions today, but I'm proud to have contributed to the success of a power station which has been at the cornerstone of energy generation and has supported the careers of many members of staff for so many years," he said. A mosaic designed and created by pupils from St Martin's Modern School in Oswestry in 1966, which was displayed in the main conference room, will be returned to the school. No further decisions on the future of the site will be made until the decommissioning process is completed in 2017. E-On chief executive Tony Cocker thanked workers at Ironbridge for keeping the power station operational for decades. "The closure of such an iconic plant will of course be tinged with sadness having played such an important role in the community," he said. "Our continued focus will be supporting those colleagues who are directly affected by today's closure."

Summary: An historic power station has stopped generating electricity after more than 45 years of energy production.


Argentine forensic scientists said they found no DNA from the students at a rubbish dump outside the town of Cocula. The government says the students were killed there. It said their bodies were burnt, after police handed them over to a gang. But after a year-long investigation the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team concluded there was no biological or physical evidence to show that the 43 students who disappeared in 2014 were burnt and killed at the rubbish dump. The team said they had evidence that there had been a number of fires over the years at the rubbish dump in a canyon outside Cocula but none had been big enough to burn 43 bodies. They said they found bone fragments from 19 people but none came from the students. The government had said that the students were arrested on 26 September 2014 in the town of Iguala around 20 km (12 miles) away by municipal police. The Prosecutor General at the time, Jesus Murillo Karam, said that his investigations had uncovered that the police had handed over the students to a drug trafficking gang who had killed them at the rubbish dump and then built a large funeral pyre with the bodies to burn them. The gang allegedly collected up the ashes and remains after the fire in bags and threw them into a nearby stream. The government has said it has identified the remains of two of the students from the bags, Alexander Mora and Jhosivani Guerrero, although only the first could by fully identified through DNA sampling. The Argentine team said it had not been present when the bags were found so could not be sure of the remains' origins. It said the bones that had been analysed by an Austrian laboratory to identify Alexander Mora, were "unusual in size compared to the other fragments in the same bag". It has also had minimal exposure to fire, the group said, and there was "not any sign of a recent fire in the vegetation" at the rubbish dump. In September, experts from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights concluded the government's original investigation had been deeply flawed. In response to the new report, the Mexican Attorney General's office said the case of the 43 students was not closed and that the authorities were finalising a team to conduct a new analysis of the fire claims as well as looking at new lines of investigation into what had happened to the students. The parents of the students have been campaigning to be given access to military barracks in the area which, they say, may contain clues about the whereabouts of their children. The government has refused to let the soldiers who were in the area at the time of the disappearance be questioned by anyone but government prosecutors.

Summary: A second report into the disappearance of 43 students in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero says there is no evidence to support the official version of what happened to them.


They say the rapid test, which looks for a chemical in the blood, would reduce stress for patients, save money and ease pressure on hospital wards. Trials on 6,304 people, published in the Lancet medical journal, suggested it was 99.6% accurate. The British Heart Foundation said the test would produce faster answers without affecting patient safety. About one million people attend A&E departments in the UK with chest pain, only for most of them to be sent home after a sometimes lengthy and anxious stay. They have levels of troponin, a chemical released by damaged heart muscle, tested when they are admitted and again 12 hours later. The new test also looks for troponin, but can detect much lower levels and needs to be done only once. So those given the all-clear can go straight home. The study, led by the University of Edinburgh and taking place in Scottish and US hospitals, estimated that two-thirds of patients could be discharged much more quickly. Dr Atul Anand, one of the researchers and a physician at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, told the BBC News website: "It's really exciting. When you look at patients who come to medical wards with chest pain, 80% are going home 12 hours later. "This avoids the hassle, cost and patient stress." He said the test cost less than Â£10 although not all hospitals currently had the facilities to perform the more sensitive test. However, Dr Anand said it would be "pretty straightforward" to introduce and there was a "clamouring" to do. Last year the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommended the NHS uses the more sensitive troponin testing kit however it is unclear when the NHS will move from a double to a single test. By Dominic Hughes, health correspondent Three years ago I woke in the middle of the night with crushing chest pains and was rushed to my local hospital. Once we reached A&E I was given a blood test, looking for the chemical troponin, but the existing test has to be repeated after at least six hours. So there I lay, waiting anxiously for the result, taking up a valuable bed. Like 80% of people with chest pain, it wasn't a heart attack, just a footballing injury gone haywire. But this new test would have saved me some anxious moments, and freed up capacity in a busy A&E. Prof Jeremy Pearson, from the British Heart Foundation, said: "A faster, more accurate diagnosis of whether chest pain is caused by a heart attack would be better for patients and save the NHS money. "No-one wants to be in hospital unless they have to be. "What's important about this study is that the evidence shows you can quickly and confidently rule out a heart attack without compromising patient safety." Follow James on Twitter.

Summary: A blood test can more than halve the number of people admitted to hospital with a suspected heart attack, say doctors.