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Images published in a newspaper in the Maldives show several small objects it said had been found on one atoll.
But Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said it was too soon to say if they were connected to flight MH370.
The Malaysia Airlines plane carrying 239 people veered off its course from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March 2014.
The plane is long believed to have crashed into the southern Indian Ocean - though no evidence was initially found despite a massive search operation.
The reports in the Maldives come just days after debris found on the remote French Indian Ocean island of Reunion were confirmed to be from the missing plane.
"We will be dispatching a team to the Maldives to view the debris as well as conduct preliminary verification of the debris," Mr Liow said in a statement on Monday.
"Undue speculation will only stress the families and loved ones, anxiously awaiting news on this matter," he added.
Experts have already cast doubt on the find, and a report in the Haveeru newspaper said the captain of a barge that capsized in February believed the debris was from his vessel.
"From the pictures of the debris found on most of the islands, I can almost certainly say that they are from the cargo we were carrying," Capt Abdulla Rasheed told the paper.
Meanwhile, the French authorities are continuing their search for debris around Reunion Island after part of the wing of the Malaysia Airlines jet was found last month.
Tests are still being carried out on that debris but Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said last week that experts had "conclusively confirmed" it was from MH370.
"We now have physical evidence that [...] flight MH370 tragically ended in the southern Indian Ocean," Mr Najib told reporters.
Australia has been leading the search for the plane in the area it is believed to have gone down, some 4,000km (2,500 miles) east of Reunion. | images show small objects found in the Maldives. but transport minister says it is too early to say if they are connected to MH370. reports in the Maldives come just days after debris found on french island of Reunion confirmed to be from missing plane. | 33846493 | Malaysia says it is sending a team of experts to the Maldives to investigate reports that debris from the missing Flight MH370 has washed up there. |
Ethel Irene Ditcher, 82, was walking home from the supermarket when she was hit by a lorry on Leigh Road in Leigh, Greater Manchester, on 4 February.
A man was spotted stealing her purse before running away. Police called it a "truly disgusting and callous act".
The Crimestoppers reward is for information which leads to the man's arrest and conviction.
He is described as white, about 6ft (1.8m) tall, between 30 and 40, and of medium build with a brown beard. | man stole purse of 82-year-old woman after she was hit by a lorry in leigh. he then ran away, described as white, about 6ft (1.8m) tall, between 30 and 40, and of medium build with a brown beard. | 33236689 | A reward of £2,000 has been offered to help find a thief who stole a woman's handbag as she lay dying in the road. |
Janice De'Botte, 57, died in hospital six days after she was hit by a van at a pedestrian crossing in West Didsbury.
Her friend, aged 70, who was also hit remains in a serious but stable condition.
Mrs De'Botte's family described her as a "loving mum, partner, nana, sister, auntie and cousin" with many friends.
They added: "Janice, known to some of her work colleagues as Angela, has lived and worked in and around the West Didsbury area all of her life.
"She held two jobs as a cleaner at Wythenshawe Hospital and also at a local care home.
"Everything Janice did was for her family and she was extremely proud of them all and everything they had achieved.
"Our thoughts remain with Patricia, Janice's friend who was with her at the time.
"We wish her well and pray that she makes a full recovery from her injuries."
The family also thanked the staff at Wythenshawe Hospital, and expressed gratitude for the support they had received from friends and the wider community.
Witnesses reported seeing a white Vauxhall Vivaro hit the women, before stopping briefly and driving away.
Two men were later arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision, and have been released on bail. | Janice de'botte, 57, died in hospital six days after she was hit by a van. her friend, 70, who was also hit, remains in a serious but stable condition. two men were arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. | 35398673 | The family of a woman who died in a suspected hit-and-run crash have paid tribute to the "proud and loving" grandmother. |
Three cars were damaged in the incident in Ravenhurst Street, Highgate, at about 18:45 BST on Sunday.
A man aged 25 was arrested on suspicion of wounding and is in custody.
"Police received multiple 999 calls reporting a collision and people being injured," a West Midlands Police spokesman said.
Police said the man who suffered life-threatening injuries sustained them "from a collision with one of the cars".
"A number of other people have been taken to hospital with injuries," the spokesman added.
For more on this and other Birmingham news
Sean Phillips, force incident manager, said: "We've got officers at the scene trying to establish what has happened. We've also got officers at the hospital assisting those who have been injured."
Ravenhurst Street and Moseley Street are closed while police examine the scene.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the force on 101. | man arrested on suspicion of wounding in highgate car crash. police say man suffered life-threatening injuries in collision with one of the cars. three cars damaged in incident in Ravenhurst street, highgate. | 40324620 | A man suffered life-threatening injuries and others were hurt in a suspected gang-related incident in Birmingham. |
Louis van Gaal's side failed to record a single shot on target as their 10-match unbeaten league run was ended.
Dusan Tadic scored the only goal of the game when he tapped in calmly from 12 yards after Graziano Pelle's effort had come back off the near post.
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The Reds improved after the goal but Juan Mata missed two good chances.
It is the first time United have been beaten at home since their opening day reverse against Swansea and reaffirms Southampton's top-four credentials, as Ronald Koeman's side backed up their home win against Arsenal with another three points.
The visitors had not won at Old Trafford in the top tier since January 1988 - a run stretching back 19 games - and this result was built on a 10th clean sheet in 21 games.
Even after centre-half Toby Alderweireld left the pitch injured in the first half, Southampton remained well-drilled and limited United's array of attacking talent to very few chances.
United's front four, plus wing-backs Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia, cost the club almost £200m in transfer fees but the best they managed in a poor first half was Angel Di Maria's shot which was dragged past an upright.
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Nathaniel Clyne also shot wide for the visitors, while some smart defending from Jose Fonte blocked Robin van Persie's effort.
The game was being played at a sedate pace and only burst into life when Tadic completed a fine move after good work from James Ward-Prowse and Pelle.
United took off former Southampton full-back Luke Shaw and switched Daley Blind to the left, and the Dutchman's dangerous deliveries presented the Reds with two good chances to level.
First, he whipped in a dangerous ball which goalkeeper Fraser Forster failed to deal with and Mata's shot went just wide.
Minutes later, Blind drove a low ball into the box and Mata stabbed over from six yards out.
However Saints held on for arguably their most impressive victory of the season and one which puts them three points clear in the Champions League places. | dusan tadic scores only goal of the game with a calm finish from 12 yards. united fail to record a single shot on target as they lose unbeaten league run. united's first home defeat since opening day defeat to Swansea. | 30670763 | Southampton picked up their first league victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in 27 years to move up to third in the Premier League. |
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Conservative MP for North East Somerset, said the two parties could merge.
Mr Rees-Mogg also wants UKIP leader Nigel Farage to replace Nick Clegg as Deputy Prime Minister.
"I think that would be a better bet for Conservatism and the right wing in British politics," he said.
His comments come after Conservative calls for the party to change course to win back voters who switched to UKIP in England's local elections. | Jacob Rees-mogg says the two parties could merge. he also wants UKIP leader to replace Nick Clegg as Deputy prime minister. | 22419219 | A Somerset MP is calling for an electoral pact between the Conservatives and the UK Independence Party (UKIP). |
Six towns will be hubs for economic growth in surrounding communities, stretching from Neath to Cwmbran.
The minister in charge, Alun Davies, said he would also ensure more public sector jobs were relocated to the valleys "where appropriate".
He has been leading a taskforce which has undertaken a #TalkValleys series of consultations over the last year.
Mr Davies had already called for an "industrial renaissance" and for the valleys to be more than just "shiny new roads".
Our Valleys, Our Future is the result, with the priorities being good quality jobs and skills, better public services and stronger communities.
The taskforce is aiming to:
Analysis: Can the action plan avoid the pitfalls of the past?
The six hubs will each have a particular focus and aim to bring opportunities for people living in nearby villages:
"From the start, I have been clear this taskforce will not be another case of the government deciding what is right for the valleys," said Mr Davies.
"If we are to succeed, local communities and local people must be at the heart of our work."
He will now work on a delivery plan to be published in the autumn.
There have been previous attempts to regenerate the former coal mining and steel areas of south Wales with initiatives stretching back nearly 30 years.
1988-1993: Then Welsh Secretary Peter Walker's first valleys initiative, launched in June 1988, claimed to have secured £700m in extra investment, involving 24,000 jobs.
More than 2,000 acres of derelict land was cleared by the Welsh Development Agency. The final National Garden Festival was held at Ebbw Vale.
Victoria Winckler, of the Bevan Foundation think-tank, has called it a "masterpiece of spin and re-packaged monies" whose main legacy was "a derelict garden festival site and a chain of Wetherspoon pubs across the region".
1993-1997: The second £1bn valleys initiative by successor David Hunt promised a shift away from centralised initiatives towards a "dynamic" programme involving communities more.
He wanted the valleys to be treated as a special case and be supported by European funding.
2000-2006: By the turn of the century, with devolution, £1.5bn EU funding under the Objective One programme for west Wales and the Valleys was called a "once in a generation opportunity".
But it brought criticism that it lacked focus and spread the spending too thinly with the valleys still relatively poorer.
The Wales-wide Communities First programme - which had 24 projects in the valleys - was also set up in 2001.
2007-2017: There were another two lots of Objective One funding awarded (worth £2bn, 2007-13 and £1.89bn, 2014-2020).
Communities First was dropped in 2016 amid concerns about its effectiveness.
Prof Kevin Morgan of Cardiff University, author of A New Agenda for The Valleys back in 1988, said investment in high quality and affordable transport and improved housing was needed to better connect valleys towns.
He said that way, young professionals would be encouraged to live in places such as Pontypridd in Rhondda Cynon Taff.
Prof Morgan added: "Pontypridd is the gateway to the valleys and it should fulfil the role of being a major employer hub for the central and upper valleys.
"Companies like Admiral would, I'm sure, make it an attractive proposition to put some of their back office functions in Pontypridd.
"This would help us to see the interdependence of our cities and Valleys. It's a win-win situation to recognise the interdependence of the two."
Mr Davies said the plan presented "an exciting opportunity to focus efforts and resources across government to make real and lasting change". | six towns will be hubs for economic growth in surrounding communities. minister in charge, alun Davies, said he would ensure more public sector jobs were relocated to the valleys "where appropriate" there have been previous attempts to regenerate the former coal mining and steel areas of south Wales. | 40655893 | An action plan to create 7,000 jobs and revitalise the south Wales valleys has been published. |
Peter Shickle, 58, was found in a pool of blood in his flat in Stevenage, Hertfordshire in 2016. He later died.
His TV was ripped from the wall and wielded in an attack against the father-of-two, Luton Crown Court heard.
John Jamieson, 36, of Wigram Way, Stevenage and Graham King, also 36, of Harrow Court, Stevenage, have denied murdering Mr Shickle.
Mr Shickle was found by a friend at the flat in Silam Road, Stevenage.
Prosecutor Martin Mulgrew said: "His rib cage had been smashed where he had been stamped on. There was also internal bleeding and a bleed on his brain. The cumulative effect was to result in Peter Shickle's death."
He told the jury the head injuries had been caused by the TV hitting Mr Shickle's head.
Mr Mulgrew said the catalyst for the attack happened about a week earlier on 28 October.
He said: "Mr Shickle was out drinking with Christine Jamieson, the mother of the first defendant.
"They were in the Old Post Office pub in Stevenage. During the evening, they got into an argument and a physical altercation took place.
"The crown say this is the spark of events that would lead to the death of Peter Shickle on 6 November.
"The news got back to John Jamieson, Ms Jamieson's son. He set out looking for Peter Shickle."
When questioned by police, Mr Jamieson denied visiting Mr Shickle's home that afternoon. He said he and Mr King had been drinking in Monkswood.
Mr King refused to answer police questions.
The trial continues. | a TV was ripped from the wall and wielded in an attack against the father-of-two. he was found in a pool of blood in his flat in Stevenage, hertfordshire, in 2016. two men have denied murdering the father-of-two. | 39709596 | A large flat screen TV was used as a murder weapon in a frenzied revenge attack, a jury has heard. |
A lorry struck a male pedestrian on the southbound carriageway near Bletchingdon shortly after 01:00 GMT. The man, who has not been identified, died at the scene.
The carriageway was closed for more than five hours. It reopened by 07:00.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward, including the driver of a dark-coloured Audi who stopped at the scene. | pedestrian was struck by lorry on southbound carriageway near Bletchingdon. he died at the scene, and carriageway was closed for five hours. police are appealing for witnesses, including driver of dark-coloured car. | 35620979 | A man has died in a crash on the A34 in Oxfordshire. |
Adam Withers, 20, suffered from an acute psychotic illness and died after gaining access to a chimney at Epsom Hospital in May 2014.
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust admitted health and safety breaches at a previous hearing at Guildford Crown Court.
An inquest found the trust had failed to reassess Mr Withers' risk levels.
It concluded his death had been "caused or more than minimally contributed to" by the trust's failures.
The trust was found to have failed to act on previous warnings that patients could abscond via a low level building in the courtyard.
There had been at least nine previous incidents between 2011 and 2014 in which patients had managed to get on to the roof.
Mr Withers was admitted to the Langley Unit at the hospital in April 2014 after becoming mentally ill, suffering from paranoia and delusions.
In May, while being visited by his mother, he went into the courtyard at Elgar Ward and climbed onto a low rise building.
From there, he gained access to a ladder that had been propped up against an industrial chimney, climbing to the top of it and falling to his death.
His mother was standing nearby and his twin sister, Carla, had arrived just moments earlier.
Fiona Edwards, chief executive of Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said the trust "fully accept" the judge's decision and the fine imposed.
She said: "I am deeply sorry for Adam's death and continue to offer my most sincere condolences to his family and friends for the devastating impact this has had on them.
"This was a tragic accident and we accept responsibility for our contribution to his death.
"Sadly the loss of his life has helped drive, and contributed to, all of our safety work and service improvements." | inquest finds death of 20-year-old man was "caused or more than minimally contributed to" by trust's failures. he was admitted to the hospital in April 2014 after becoming mentally ill. he climbed onto a low level building in the courtyard and fell to his death. | 40371112 | An NHS trust has been fined £300,000 after a patient fell 130ft (39m) to his death from an industrial chimney. |
Matthew Baker, 29, and James Whitlock, 32, went on the run in November after breaking out of HMP Pentonville.
Baker's girlfriend Chelsea Gibson, 25, of Bow, east London, pleaded guilty to assisting an offender while his sister Kelly Baker, 22, of Ilford, admitted harbouring an escaped prisoner.
They were both sentenced to eight months in jail suspended for 18 months.
Baker and Whitlock escaped from prison by sawing through a metal bar to open an external window cover.
Two days later, Baker was found hiding under a bed at his sister's home in Ilford. He had dyed his hair and had a fractured leg.
Whitlock was found at an address in Homerton, east London, after six days on the run.
Gibson was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, while Baker was told to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. | Matthew Baker, 29, and James Whitlock, 32, went on the run in November. they broke out of HMP pentonville in east london. they were sentenced to eight months in jail suspended for 18 months. | 40482798 | A prisoner's girlfriend and his sister have been sentenced for helping him to escape. |
Brian McKandie, 67, was found dead at his cottage at Badenscoth, near Rothienorman, on Saturday 12 March last year.
Police said a 23-year-old man had been charged. He is due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday.
Det Ch Insp Iain Smith said: "Our inquiries are ongoing and police activity will continue in the area."
He added: "This has been a lengthy and complex investigation.
"There has been considerable work carried out in the area over the last 11 months and I know this has impacted greatly on the local community.
"I would like to sincerely thank all those who have contacted police or been spoken to by officers while extensive inquiries have been carried out."
There has been an increased level of police activity in recent days.
Police were in attendance at another property on Friday as part of their investigation.
A police pod is situated in Rothienorman where anyone with information can speak to officers.
The investigation has featured on the BBC's Crimewatch programme. | police say a 23-year-old man has been charged in the death of 67-year-old. he is due to appear at Aberdeen sheriff court on Monday. police say the investigation has been a lengthy and complex one. | 39074634 | A man has been charged in connection with the death of a man in Aberdeenshire almost a year ago. |
That's exactly what happened to a woman in Melbourne this week, when a sinkhole three metres deep opened up beneath her while she was doing chores.
A neighbour heard the 45-year-old screaming for help and called rescuers.
Firefighters then managed to pull the woman out of the hole, which had partially filled with water.
Amazingly she was unharmed by her fall but told medical staff that she had to tread water for 20 minutes while waiting for help.
"The issue is the hole in the ground is only 500 (centimetres) wide but it actually opens up very big inside so there was nothing for her to grab onto to try and get herself out," explained local fire official Paul Carrigg.
"Every time she put her hands up, the dirt disappeared. So, there was nothing she could do to help herself.
"She's extremely lucky person, there's no doubt about that."
Local council engineers blamed an old well for the collapse.
Sinkholes, or dolines, often take thousands of years to form and vary hugely in size.
The deepest is China's Xiaozhai Tienkeng at 2172ft (662m). The Qattara Depression in Egypt is roughly 50 miles (80km) by 75 miles (121km) in surface size.
But often sinkholes can be only a few metres in diameter.
They are often caused by acidic water dissolving a layer of rock underneath the ground.
Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter and Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube | woman in Melbourne falls into a three metre deep sinkhole. she was pulled out by firefighters but was unharmed. sinkholes, or dolines, can take thousands of years to form. | 30205407 | Imagine being in your garden, hanging out some washing, when the ground suddenly drops away from under your feet. |
Tech firm Grability has developed Rappi, a smartphone app that aims to makes shopping as easy as swiping your finger across a screen.
Instead of laboriously wading through long written lists of food items, shoppers swipe through images of supermarket shelves and touch pictorial representations of each food item they want to buy.
Grability has applied for a patent - pending in the US - for this swiping process, but it also handles the back-end platform that integrates the app with retailers' systems.
When the shopping is done and the order placed, a delivery person, which the company calls a "rappitendero", selects the items from the stores and delivers them to the customer.
A senior retail industry source in Colombia, who preferred not to be named, described the app as "transformative, revolutionary" and was particularly surprised that the young entrepreneurs - Sebastian Mejia, Simon Borrero and Felipe Villamarin - are complete outsiders.
Despite this apparent lack of experience, the company is already working with major retailers, such as Cencosud in South America and El Corte Ingles in Spain.
So what attracted a Spanish retail giant to a little Colombian tech start-up?
"The main factor was the ease of use we could offer our clients," says an El Corte Ingles spokesman. "The time to make a purchase was reduced from one hour to 20 minutes."
The app features products from many local shops, which avoids putting retailers in the uncomfortable position of looking more expensive than a competitor on a single mobile screen. The entire inventory is updated every two hours, the company says.
But could the company, whose app is currently only available in Mexico City and Bogota, break into the US market, where there is already a huge player in online grocery deliveries, Instacart, currently valued at about $2bn (£1.37bn)?
Grability thinks it can as there is plenty of room for growth in the sector.
Around 3% of groceries are bought online in the US, whereas for other products, online accounts for about 20% to 30% of total sales, say Rappi's founders.
"Our vision is to change the way people buy all over the world," says co-founder Sebastian Mejia.
Rappi does not own shops or warehouses or manage inventories of goods, nor does it employ the rappitenderos directly - they are self-employed, earning money through delivery fees and tips.
In this sense, the company says it follows the Uber model.
But there are risks with this approach.
For example, the rappitenderos wear Rappi-branded uniforms, so if they make mistakes with the order, Rappi takes the rap.
To combat this, the firm says it provides help to the rappitenderos on complex orders and constantly monitors the operation. But it will also punish mistakes by suspending the salespeople for a number of hours, reducing their earning potential.
"We have a very strict training and background check programme," says Mr Villamarin.
The other risk - which is the same one threatening Uber - is that regulators insist rappitenderos are treated as direct employees rather than contractors, resulting in a potentially large tax liability.
I tried Rappi's grocery shopping app a couple of times.
On the first occasion I got a call from the company saying they could not get some of the items I'd asked for - even thought they were displayed on the app - so I cancelled the order.
I got a bit luckier on my second attempt: the order did arrive, but not with the chocolate I wanted. For some reason, the rappitendero had replaced it with another brand without letting me know.
But the delivery did get to my place in less than half an hour, and if I had gone to the supermarket myself it would have taken me much longer.
In Colombia's capital Bogota, about 200 rappitenderos cover 30% of the city, and the aim is to cover 60% by the end of 2016, says Mr Villamarin.
And the app has attracted about 100,000 users in less than a year, the firm says.
The plan is to expand into other cities, especially those with under-developed infrastructure, in South America, South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
"Rappi makes more sense in emerging markets," says Mr Mejia.
That is because the retail sector is less organised in those places, serviced mostly by small shops rather than huge supermarkets.
Neil Saunders, managing director of retail analyst Conlumino, says: "I can see a lot of growth potential because you are going into a market that is not yet saturated. It gives the retailers another channel through which to sell."
And Rappi isn't the only tech firm that sees potential in the online grocery buying market - Mercadoni, another Colombian start-up, is also adopting this pictorial approach and giving shoppers the chance to buy from a growing range of supermarkets.
Another site, Worbunna, concentrates on Colombian coffee deliveries.
So are such apps in competition with the supermarkets? Rappi's Mr Villmarin doesn't believe so: "If we grow a lot, they earn more."
And with access to so much data from so many retailers, Rappi and others are in a strong position to sell insights on customer behaviour back to retailers. For example, Rappi is already selling premium spots on its app targeting specific types of customer.
Conlumino's Neil Saunders concludes that there's room for plenty of newcomers in such a huge market.
Follow Technology of Business editor Matthew Wall on Twitter. | tech firm grability has developed a smartphone app that aims to make shopping easier. shoppers swipe through images of supermarket shelves and touch pictorial representations. a delivery person selects the items from the stores and delivers them to the customer. | 35424248 | A start-up founded by Colombians with no former experience in retail is aiming to shake up the way people buy groceries online. |
In a speech broadcast on Iranian television, Mr Rouhani said it was vital that the younger generation had access to the internet.
The president, who was elected in 2013, has vowed to support greater media freedom but has faced opposition.
Last week, prominent Iranian cleric Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi said mobile internet was "immoral and unlawful".
Conservative clerics oppose introducing mobile broadband services, saying they allow immoral images to be shared freely and more easily.
In recent weeks the government has awarded 3G licences to three mobile broadband companies, but experts say the proportion of Iranians using the service is still low.
Speaking on Monday, President Rouhani insisted the internet was crucial to connect with the world of science, saying: "We cannot close the gates of the world to our younger generation".
"If we do not move towards the new generation of mobile today and resist it, we will have to do it tomorrow. If not, the day after tomorrow," he said.
BBC Middle East analyst Sebastian Usher says President Rouhani's comments will resonate in Iran, but it is unclear if they will carry any real weight.
Iranians will be waiting to see if his latest statement of intent produces real change in the face of the usual resistance, our correspondent adds.
Iran's government cracked down on media freedom and internet access after widespread protests against the country's leaders in 2009, banning online services like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Since then, many Iranians have grown used to bypassing censorship controls by using proxy servers or other online tools. | president said younger generation needed access to the internet. clerics have said mobile internet is "immoral and unlawful" in recent weeks the government has awarded 3G licences to three mobile broadband companies. | 29017729 | President Hassan Rouhani has urged Iran's clerics to be more tolerant of the internet and new technologies. |
He confirmed BBC Three would be moved to the iPlayer in autumn 2015, with its budget slashed from £85m to £25m.
Lord Hall said moving the channel online was "the right thing to do" and also "financially necessary".
The proposal will create space for a BBC One +1 service and a one-hour evening extension of CBBC to 2000 GMT.
"I want younger and less affluent audiences to be better served by the BBC. Younger audiences are increasingly moving online and on demand. The challenge is to take the brilliance of BBC Three into that world," he said.
The director general said "tough decisions" needed to be made to face up to the fiscal challenges of the BBC, but said the plan was "strategically right and financially right too".
He stressed that cuts were necessary because the licence fee had not increased, while the BBC was "absorbing extra costs" for running the World Service and S4C.
Lord Hall said he was "not prepared to compromise on the quality of what I think is at the heart of the BBC, and that is drama", adding he had noticed BBC One's drama budget was in need of a boost.
Meanwhile, director of television Danny Cohen said he could not guarantee the future of BBC Four.
He told Radio 5 live: "The honest answer to that is 'no, we can't say for certain what will happen to BBC Four in the future'.
"If future funding for the BBC comes under more threat, we will have to take more services along a similar route."
13m
viewers
per week
29%
of all 16 to
34-year-olds
£85m on programmes
6.6p per hour for each viewer
The proposals for BBC Three have been endorsed by the corporation's executive board but the BBC Trust, which represents the interests of licence fee payers, will carry out a full consultation before giving its stamp of approval.
A Trust spokesman said: "In this case, we expect to conduct a public value test, including a public consultation, so licence fee payers will have the opportunity to have their say in the process."
By David SillitoMedia correspondent
In essence there's less money for experimental comedy in order to protect drama on BBC One.
Last year BBC Three spent nearly £90m on programmes and broadcast more comedy than the whole of the rest of BBC TV.
When it goes online its programme budget will have shrunk by two thirds.
Secondly, it's a clear message cutting BBC funding will cut programmes and services people watch.
The problem for the BBC is choosing which channel to close. Older critics may loathe F*** Off, I'm Ginger and Snog Marry Avoid?, but BBC Three reaches 16 million people a week and the audience is younger, less affluent and more diverse than other BBC channels.
Comedy producer Ash Atalla said the BBC had at a stroke made itself "whiter, older and more middle class". That will sting.
BBC Three branding will remain on its offerings on the iPlayer, Lord Hall added, while some shows will eventually be shown on BBC One or Two.
He admitted this was the first time the BBC had ever proposed closing a TV channel - and warned he could not "rule out it being the last change to our programmes or services".
Former BBC Three controller Mr Cohen said in an ideal world "we would not be making this move for a few more years".
He added: "Given an entirely free hand, I would make this change in about four or five years' time, using the years between now and then to slowly shift the balance between linear and on-demand BBC Three content.
"That would be a safer, less risky strategy. But we don't have the choice to wait and do that due to the investments we need to make."
The BBC's media correspondent David Sillito said: "The detail is yet to be worked out. They're going to hang onto the brand, but it won't be a channel.
"It's going to be a much, much smaller output than people are used to. In essence there's less money for experimental comedy in order to protect drama on BBC One. "
Celebrity supporters of the channel, which has been the test bed for many successful comedy shows, have expressed their dismay at plans.
Matt Lucas, who launched Little Britain on BBC Three said the move would be "really bad for new comedy".
Gavin and Stacey's Ruth Jones said she was "really shocked", saying the station had "a special place in her heart."
She added: "However, I'm not an accountant and, I don't know, there's obviously reasons for it. People aren't just doing it for the benefit of their health, are they?"
Viewers have already started online petitions to save the channel in its current form, with one mustering the support of more than 60,000 people by Thursday lunchtime.
Some of them took part in a special Radio 1 programme, where listeners expressed their anger to Cohen.
"I'm completely gutted, I think you're completely ignoring our views," said BBC Three fan Alice. "We're not going to sit by and take it - we're going to make a stand and try to save the channel."
Another viewer, Michael, added: "Me and my fiance are not very techy people. We live busy lifestyles and BBC Three is on at a convenient time - if it goes online we just simply won't watch it."
But a third audience member, Lewis, said he thought moving the channel online made sense.
"We know how to use things online. I think it's the older generations who are going to struggle if, say, BBC Four or a radio channel was cut.
"This the best of the worst situation," he added.
Cohen said he found the cut "painful" and as a former BBC Three controller, was "very focused" on its target audience.
"All those shows you love and like on BBC Three - once they've been online we're going to repeat them," he said.
"We'll put them on around 22:35 on BBC One when more people watch [that channel] than BBC Three. We'll make sure all those great comedies appear on BBC One and Two as well." | director general of the BBC says channel will be moved to the iPlayer in autumn 2015. channel's budget will be slashed from £85m to £25m, with one-hour evening extension of CBBC. move will create space for a BBC One +1 service and a one-hour evening extension of CBBC to 2000 GMT. | 26464007 | BBC One drama is to receive a £30m boost from the closure of BBC Three as a TV channel, director general Tony Hall has announced. |
The move, announced in a decree, came as pro-Russia militants seized the regional prosecutor's office in the eastern city of Donetsk.
Ukraine blames Russia for organising the seizures of a number of offices in the east, a claim Moscow denies.
Some 40,000 Russian troops are stationed near the Ukrainian border.
By David SternBBC News, Kiev
The questions that immediately arise after Mr Turchynov's announcement are how many people will be called up and how quickly will they be deployed?
Also, how will this contribute to Ukraine's ability to fight what has up to now been a losing battle?
Russia may not invade. If President Putin's final goal is, as many people here believe, to dismember Ukraine and render what remains of the country forever impotent in the face of Russian power - then he is currently accomplishing this without the need for a single soldier to cross the border.
The coming days will indicate whether restoring conscription is a serious move or just the latest attempt by Ukrainian officials to be seen doing something, when in fact nothing can be done.
Mr Turchynov admitted on Wednesday that his forces were "helpless" to quell the unrest in some parts of the east, saying the goal was now to prevent it from spreading.
He also said Ukraine was on "full combat alert", amid fears that Russian troops could invade.
On Thursday, his office said in a statement that conscription was being introduced "given the deteriorating situation in the east and the south... the rising force of armed pro-Russian units and the taking of public administration buildings... which threaten territorial integrity".
BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus says Kiev's decision is, in the short-term at least, a symbolic step as the Ukrainian military has been starved of cash for years and is no match for what Russia has on its borders.
The real battle for control of Ukrainian territory is already under way and Kiev is losing ground, he adds.
Analysts say Ukraine has 130,000 personnel in its armed forces that could be boosted to about one million with reservists.
Kiev scrapped compulsory military service for young men in late 2013 under a law introduced by then President Viktor Yanukovych.
At the time, Mr Yanukovych said Ukraine would introduce military reforms to create "a professional army".
In Donetsk on Thursday, pro-Russian militants attacked the prosecutor's office, accusing those inside of siding with the government in Kiev.
The crowd later forced its way into the building, stripping weapons and shields from police officers and raising the flag of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic.
Many attackers chanted "Fascists! Fascists!". There were reports of injuries on both sides.
One policeman running away from the prosecutor's office told the BBC's Steve Rosenberg: "How on earth can we deal with this kind of thing?"
Donetsk, an industrial hub, has seen a number of government offices seized in recent weeks.
Eastern Ukraine has a large Russian-speaking population and was a stronghold for Mr Yanukovych before he was overthrown by protesters in February.
Russia then annexed the Crimean peninsula - part of Ukraine but with a Russian-speaking majority - in a move that provoked international outrage.
The crisis has plunged East-West relations to their lowest point since the Cold War.
On Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel asked Russia in a phone call to President Vladimir Putin to help free foreign monitors held in eastern Ukraine.
The military observers were seized by pro-Russia separatists at a checkpoint in the flashpoint town of Sloviansk last Friday.
For his part, Mr Putin reiterated his call for Kiev to withdraw troops from the south-east to open the way for a national dialogue.
Mrs Merkel is due to meet US President Barack Obama in Washington on Friday to discuss the crisis in Ukraine. | pro-russia militants seize regional prosecutor's office in eastern city of donetsk. 40,000 Russian troops stationed near the Ukrainian border. ukraine says it is on "full combat alert" amid fears of russian troops. | 27247428 | Ukraine's acting President Olexander Turchynov has reinstated military conscription to deal with deteriorating security in the east of the country. |
Beck suffered a serious knee injury on the opening weekend of the 2015-16 season and played no further part in the campaign.
The 26-year-old was a second half replacement for Josh Matavesi.
Matavesi, Sam Parry, Dafydd Howells and Ben John crossed for the home side's tries. | the 26-year-old suffered a serious knee injury on the opening weekend of the 2015-16 season. he was a second half replacement for Josh matavesi. matavesi, Sam parry, dafydd howells and ben john crossed for the home side's tries. | 37066163 | Wales centre Ashley Beck made his comeback as Ospreys began their pre-season with victory over Leicester Tigers at the Liberty Stadium. |
The charge of aiding the enemy - one of 22 charges he faces - carries a life sentence in prison.
Col Denise Lind ruled against a defence argument that the government had not properly alleged that Pte Manning intended to help al-Qaeda.
Pte Manning's court martial is set to begin on 21 September in Maryland.
In arguing the case for keeping the charge in place, prosecutors said Pte Manning knew the information would be seen by al-Qaeda, regardless of whether that was his main intention.
Col Lind eventually ruled that the charge must be proven during the court martial.
If prosecutors fail to prove Pte Manning knew he was giving information to the enemy, Col Lind said she would consider further motions from the defence.
While the court martial date has been set, Pte Manning has not yet entered a plea, or decided whether he will be tried by a judge or a jury.
During pre-trial hearings, Col Lind also heard arguments about whether or not the leaked material actually harmed US interests - and whether this mattered.
Defence lawyer David Coombs said he believed the reports would show the leaks did little harm. If Wikileaks had created significant harm to the US, the prosecution would be eager to discuss them, Mr Coombs said.
Prosecutor Maj Ashden Fein called the reports "completely irrelevant", arguing the government did not have to prove if damages actually occurred, only that Pte Manning knew they could.
Pte Manning is alleged to have been the source of a series of high-profile security breaches that saw Wikileaks rise to global fame.
After a video showing US troops firing on Iraqis from a helicopter came caches of documents from both the Iraq and Afghan wars, and a huge haul of classified state department cables. | court martial for alleged leaker set to begin on 21 september in Maryland. defence argued prosecutors had not properly alleged he intended to help al-Qaeda. if prosecutors fail to prove he knew he was giving information to enemy, he will be tried. | 17864536 | A US military judge has refused to dismiss the most serious charge against Private Bradley Manning, the alleged source of Wikileaks revelations. |
Sobhia Tabasim Khan, 37, was found dead inside her home in Pear Tree Crescent, Normanton, at 21:50 BST on Saturday.
Ataul Mustafa, 35, of the same address, was arrested and is accused of her murder.
Mr Mustafa appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on Monday and is due at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday. | sobhia tabasim khan, 37, was found dead inside her home in Normanton. her murderer, 35-year-old ataul mustafa, was arrested and is due in court. | 40085834 | A man has been charged with murdering a woman whose body was found at a house in Derby. |
Photos, uniform and craftwork have been found showing how St Fagans Castle, near Cardiff, was used as a hospital for soldiers.
Staff at the National History Museum, which is now based there, say they show another side to the Great War.
But they are keen to find out more about the people in the pictures.
The team at St Fagans are going back through old archives and collections, looking for items that could shed light on what life would have been like in Wales during the World War I years from 1914 to 1918.
They will use the information they find for events planned to mark the centenary of the start of the war in 2014, along with a permanent exhibition for 2016 when the museum is renovated.
Because items at the museum have not been catalogued together under a specific war category, curators are having to painstakingly sort through all the collections and items in storage looking with "fresh eyes" to see if anything is relevant to the conflict.
Mary Ann Dodd, a house maid for the Plymouth family, gave details of her life at St Fagans to her carer when she was elderly.
"In 1914 came the war and the banqueting hall was given over for 40 soldiers.
"The war went on so a room was added on for 30 more men.
"I used to cook and clean and one day a week I did the washing.
"Those soldiers' socks were in a state, many had no heels in them at all.
"The soldiers only laughed and teased us and when they got better they tried to help us."
The museum has always known that St Fagans Castle - an Elizabethan manor house which was the summer residence of the wealthy Plymouth family - had been used as a convalescence hospital during World War I.
There had been about 40 beds in the banqueting hall - which has since burnt down - and staff from the estate would help nurses tend to the men.
But until now, very few details were known about what happened at the V.A.D. (Voluntary Aid Detachment) Hospital and who was there.
Sioned Hughes, the museum's curator of politics, trade and religion, said they had found items that had been forgotten about or wrongly categorized.
"We have uncovered lots of things that tell the human stories there," she said.
"For example, we have an intricate butterfly-shaped belt buckle made from beads. I initially didn't think it was linked to the world war but it was in fact made by a soldier - a Cpl W. Stinson - in the hospital.
"Lady Plymouth was quite active within the Red Cross and, like a lot of landed gentry in the war, they opened up their home to help.
"The butterfly - and an accompanying necklace - shows that the soldiers were doing very intricate and delicate art during their time at the hospital.
"It might have been a form of therapy. We think - but can't be sure - that they were there because they had post-traumatic stress disorder, or shellshock as it was known then.
"I think it shows another side to the war."
However, despite having photographs and a nurse's uniform from the time - along with the crafts - museum staff desperately want to find out more about the people behind them.
Elen Phillips, curator of costumes and textiles, said they hoped members of the public could help fill in gaps in their knowledge.
"The research is still in its infancy," she said.
"There are a number of personalities we know about but we don't know much about them or what happened to them after the war.
"You do become quite attached to these people because you spend so much time researching them."
Curators have also found a communion book and prayer books, along with a box of communion drinking glasses and silverware that appear to have been used on the battlefields of France.
"They were in our religious collections but we believe they are related to World War I," said Ms Hughes.
"I think they would have been used on the battlefield for the soldiers. They probably took communion and you can only imagine the circumstances of that."
The finds also show how the local community continued to support soldiers after the war, with photographs from the 1930s suggesting that the Plymouth family, who themselves lost a son in the conflict, hosted reunion dinners for veterans.
Ms Hughes has also uncovered a box full of lapel pins - similar to charity badges received today for donating money to good causes.
"Some of the charities are very revealing, such as Cardiff Wounded Soldiers Extra Comfort for Christmas, Prisoners of War Fund and the Welsh National Hospital," she added.
"They were quite a find. My heart beat quite fast when I saw them." | photos, uniform and craftwork have been found showing how St Fagans Castle was used as a hospital for soldiers during world war one. the National history museum is going back through old archives and collections, looking for items that could shed light on life in the war years. curators are having to painstakingly sort through all the collections and items in storage looking with "fresh eyes" to see if anything is relevant to the conflict. | 23271253 | Museum curators trawling through archives for an exhibition on World War I have uncovered hidden gems about Welsh life during the conflict. |
The 34-year-old former Nigeria international left Wanderers last month as they were unable to offer him a new deal due to their financial problems.
Former Newcastle man Ameobi spent time at Turkish side Gaziantep BB and Crystal Palace before he joined Bolton.
He is available for Fleetwood's game at Port Vale on Saturday at 15:00 GMT.
"In January we signed a number of younger players and it was vital to the group that we brought in a player with experience," boss Steven Pressley told the club website.
"We certainly couldn't get any more experience than Shola and we are absolutely delighted with that."
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | former Nigeria international left wolves last month. club were unable to offer him new deal due to financial problems. ameobi available for Fleetwood's game at portvale on saturday. | 35559747 | League One side Fleetwood Town have signed striker Shola Ameobi on a contract to the end of the season following his release by Bolton. |
It is the latest prison recording by Tanveer Ahmed, 32, who stabbed Asad Shah to death at his shop in the south of the city in March last year.
He claimed Mr Shah was a "false prophet" who had "disrespected Islam."
In the message, he urges listeners to attend a conference in Karachi.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) said it could not comment on individuals.
Ahmed, a taxi driver from Bradford, says in the recording: "I have great restrictions imposed on me in prison but I am not failing to extend this invitation to you."
He also suggests that he has been asked to end his religious connections with Pakistan and talks of being warned by what he calls "agents of infidels".
He adds: "They threatened me and asked me to sever all contacts with these people", before alleging that he has been asked to persuade preachers in Pakistan to stop making provocative speeches about his crime.
His previous prison recordings have contained statements of defiance at his life sentence for the murder and derogatory and sectarian references to the minority Ahmadi Muslim community, of which Mr Shah was a member.
In one he suggested he had no remorse over his killing of the 40-year-old, saying: "I stood guard on the honour of Prophet Muhammad and I shall do it again if I shall get a chance."
In another he says: "The penalty for those who insult the prophet: cut their heads from their bodies."
Youtube removed one recording after it violated the video sharing site's policy on hate speech.
Ahmed killed Mr Shah after seeing videos the shopkeeper posted online discussing his faith, believing he was falsely claiming to be a prophet.
He pleaded guilty to the murder last year and is currently appealing to reduce his minimum 27-year jail term.
His messages from prison have been posted on social media platforms and websites based in Pakistan, where many people have expressed support for his killing of Mr Shah, whom they believed to be a blasphemer.
The new audio emerged after an unnamed prison source told the Daily Record that the religious murderer had "turned over a new leaf" and converted to a more peaceful brand of Islam.
The same source said that any new messages from Ahmed were likely to be old.
But the latest recording is an invitation to a rally attended by thousands of people at the weekend, where large crowds were addressed by the hardline preacher Khadim Hussain Rizvi.
Rizvi paid glowing tribute to Tanveer Ahmed, saying he "has surprised the whole of Europe."
He went on to say: "They are still at loss to understand why he did it. They were worried to see him totally unmoved about life imprisonment."
Ahmed's new audio message - posted on 27 January 2017 as a video on a Facebook page for Khadim Hussain Rizvi, whom he describes as his "mentor" - has been viewed 53,000 times and shared more than 4,000.
Video of the weekend's rally in Karachi shows large crowds chanting "Labaik Ya Rasool Ullah" or "Here I am present, O Prophet".
The same words were shouted by Ahmed and his supporters at the High Court in Glasgow as he was sentenced to life for the murder of Mr Shah.
And they have become a slogan for the extremist anti-blasphemy movement in Pakistan, where being judged to have insulted the majority religion of Islam or the Prophet Muhammad can receive the death penalty.
Also addressing the rally in Karachi were family members of Mumtaz Qadri, an Islamist extremist who was hanged last year for the 2011 murder of Punjab governor Salman Taseer.
Qadri shot Taseer dead after judging his support for Christians and other minority religious groups in Pakistan to be blasphemous and against Islam.
Thousands attended Qadri's funeral, and many in Pakistan seek to draw parallels between his actions and Ahmed's killing of Mr Shah.
The SPS said it could not comment on individuals but the BBC understands it is collaborating with other agencies to establish exactly what Tanveer Ahmed has been saying from prison and to whom.
Ahmed Owusu Konadu, external affairs secretary of the Ahmadi Muslim Community, questioned why Ahmed was able to get his messages out of the prison.
"We wouldn't expect such a thing to be happening in the United Kingdom," he said.
"If it's been done a few times it's quite bizarre that the authorities haven't taken steps in stopping the messages from coming from the prison.
"Any hate preachers or provocations should be stopped. If it's definitely Tanveer Ahmed and it's definitely from the prison, the prison needs to do more." | new recording by convicted murderer reveals his views on the prophet. he urges listeners to attend a conference in Karachi. he has previously made derogatory and sectarian references to the minority community. | 38815366 | An extremist who murdered a Glasgow shopkeeper has released an audio message from jail publicising a controversial religious event in Pakistan. |
The mother-of-ten, a Protestant, was originally from east Belfast, and converted to Catholicism after marrying Arthur McConville.
After being intimidated out of east Belfast, the family moved to west Belfast and set up home in the Divis Flats on the Lower Falls Road.
Not long after the move, her husband died in 1971.
She was taken from her home by the IRA in December 1972.
There had been speculation that she was taken after being seen by neighbours helping an injured British soldier. Others claimed she was an informer, but this was dismissed after an official investigation by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman.
In a BBC documentary last year, one of Mrs McConville's daughters, Agnes, spoke for the first time about her mother's abduction.
She recalled hearing her mother squealing as she was taken away from her home by a number of men and women and thrown in the back of a van.
"That was the last time that we saw her," she said.
It is believed the mother-of-ten was held at a number of houses, before she was shot.
Her disappearance initially gained extensive media attention in the run-up to Christmas - her children were interviewed and begged for information about their mother.
Their pleas came to nothing.
Within the community, republicans put out the message that she was merely 'lying low', and her story gradually faded from the headlines.
In the intervening years, the IRA always denied any involvement in her disappearance.
It wasn't until the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains was established in 1999 that her name resurfaced in the headlines.
The body was set up by the British and Irish governments to obtain information in strictest confidence to help locate the remains of a number of people who had disappeared during the Troubles.
Those known as the Disappeared had been abducted, murdered and secretly buried by republicans.
The IRA admitted that year that it murdered and buried at secret locations nine of the Disappeared, including Jean McConville.
It was several years later that her body was finally found on Shelling Hill Beach in County Louth in the Republic of Ireland in 2003.
Irish police confirmed that she had died from a bullet wound to the head.
In the days that followed, the IRA issued a statement apologising for the grief it had caused the families of the Disappeared and that their suffering had continued for so long. | mother-of-ten, a Protestant, was converted to Catholicism after marrying in 1971. she was taken from her home by the IRA in 1972, and buried in the rogue state. her daughter, Agnes, spoke for the first time about her mother's abduction last year. | 27234413 | Jean McConville was not the only person to be murdered and secretly buried during Northern Ireland's Troubles, but her case has been one of the most high profile. |
They say numerous accounts critical of the Kremlin have been suspended following false reports of abuse filed from Russia.
Ukraine's president has urged Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to create a special administrative office to deal with the complaints.
Russia has not commented on the claims.
Addressing Mr Zuckerberg on Facebook, President Petro Poroshenko said: "We have to use all available channels to get reaction from global companies.
"Ukraine does need a Ukrainian Facebook office!"
Underneath, he shared Mark Zuckerberg's status inviting questions for his regular "Townhall Q&A" session on 14 May.
The top responses to Mr Zuckerberg's invitation were overwhelmingly pro-Ukrainian.
"Can you or your team please do something to resolve this problem?" asked the most popular comment, which had attracted more than 41,000 likes at the time of writing.
"Create a separate administration for the Ukrainian segment, block abuse reports from Russia, or maybe just monitor more carefully top Ukrainian bloggers, but somehow help us, please!" it said.
In recent weeks, several prominent Ukrainian users of Facebook have had their accounts suspended after posting updates critical of Russia or Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.
A Ukrainian poet, Andriy Bondar, fell foul of the social network's regulations by publishing a verse mocking the Russian media's fixation with Ukraine and referencing the popular hashtag, "What are Ukrainians up to?".
Henadiy Moskal, the plain-speaking governor of the restive Luhansk region, had his Facebook account blocked after sharing a photo of himself standing next to a poster with an obscenity aimed at the separatists.
Russians themselves are not immune from the apparent campaign to silence Kremlin critics on Facebook.
The account belonging to independent journalist Sergey Parkhomenko was suspended on 6 May after he voiced allegations of Russian involvement in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine.
Facebook later said this was done in error.
"Our team deals with thousands of reports and complaints on a daily basis, and we make mistakes in rare cases," Russian news agency RBK quoted a Facebook representative as saying.
Facebook users targeted by such abuse reports often say they are filed by paid "Kremlin bots" or the "troll army" supposedly run by the Russian government to promote its point of view on social media.
The Kremlin has not commented on these claims, while Facebook is yet to respond to the calls for a separate administrative office to deal with comments on Ukraine.
BBC Monitoring reports and analyses news from TV, radio, web and print media around the world. You can follow BBC Monitoring on Twitter and Facebook. | several prominent Ukrainian users of facebook have had their accounts suspended. accounts critical of the Kremlin have been suspended following false reports. president Petro poroshenko has urged facebook to create a special administrative office. | 32720965 | Campaigners are urging Facebook to act against what they describe as Russian attempts to silence pro-Ukrainian voices. |
The letter was written just six hours before her execution on 8 February 1587.
The 430-year-old handwritten letter has not been on display at the library in Edinburgh since 2009.
For preservation reasons, the letter will only be on show for six hours between 10:00 and 16:00. Entry is free.
Mary is one of the most fascinating figures in Scottish history.
She became queen of Scotland when she was six days old but spent most of her childhood in France.
On her return her brief reign resulted only in disastrous marriages, murder and war.
She gave up the throne at the age of 24 and was a prisoner in England for most of the next 20 years until she executed on the orders of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I.
Her son James became king of Scotland and England.
Mary's last letter was written at two o'clock in the morning on Wednesday 8 February 1587 as she prepared to meet her death at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire.
Writing in French to Henri III, King of France - the brother of her first husband - she said: "I am to be executed like a criminal at eight in the morning."
In the letter she said her "crime" was her loyalty to her Catholic faith which, together with her claim to the English throne, made her a considerable threat to her cousin, Elizabeth.
She also expressed concern for the servants she would leave behind who had served her so loyally during her 19-year imprisonment in England.
Towards the end of the letter, she beseeched King Henri to have "prayers offered to God for a queen who has borne the title Most Christian, and who dies a Catholic, stripped of all her possessions".
National Librarian Dr John Scally said: "The life of Mary Queen of Scots has fascinated people of all ages for generations.
"She is one of Scotland's most famous monarchs."
"The National Library is pleased to provide this opportunity to see the last letter she ever wrote only hours before her execution. This is a rare chance to see a remarkable piece of Scottish history." | the 430-year-old handwritten letter has not been on display at the library in Edinburgh since 2009. for preservation reasons, the letter will only be on show for six hours between 10:00 and 16:00. | 38826244 | The last letter of Mary, Queen of Scots is being put on public display by the National Library of Scotland next week to mark the anniversary of her death. |
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A night after American Justin Gatlin shocked Usain Bolt in the men's final, Bowie went one better than a year ago in Rio as her perfect dip on the line nicked the race from Ta Lou by one-hundredth of a second.
Am I really the world champion?
Jamaican favourite Thompson, who had looked peerless in winning her semi-final earlier in the evening, had a start even worse than Bolt's and appeared to lose her stride twice as she faded into fifth.
Ivory Coast's Ta Lou initially thought she had it won, but her personal best of 10.86 was good enough only for silver, the Netherlands' Schippers coming through for bronze in 10.96.
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Having won gold in both the 100m and 200m in Rio, Thompson came to London Stadium as the fastest woman in the world in 2017.
Her defeat is thus arguably even a bigger shock than Bolt's, capping a hugely disappointing two days for Jamaica, the dominant force in sprinting over the past nine years.
"I feel the hard work has finally paid off," Bowie told BBC Sport. "I couldn't be more happy. It hasn't even sunk in. Am I really the world champion?"
And on falling over after dipping at the line, she said: "I'm a bit bit sore but I'm pretty sure it is nothing major. Most championships I've won with dips so why not dip tonight."
Bolt's race had been lost with his reaction time from the blocks of 0.183 seconds, the slowest in the field.
And Thompson made exactly the same mistake, getting out in a horrible 0.2 seconds, and she would never recover.
Ta Lou, streaking away in lane four, left Michelle-Lee Ahye in three and Rosangela Santos on her right behind.
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Had she lent into the line the title would have been hers. But Bowie, coming through late on the outside just as Gatlin had 24 hours, threw herself into the final few metres, and while the effort sent her tumbling to the track it proved critical.
Thompson does not even have the consolation of the 200m to aim for, her bemusement afterwards shared by the thousands of Jamaican supporters in the stadium who had come expecting a measure of payback for Bolt's great disappointment.
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The night after the final individual race of Usain Bolt's career, Wayde van Niekerk - the man many hope will replace the retiring Jamaican as a superstar of the sport - eased into Monday night's 400m final.
The reigning world champion, Olympic champion and world record holder won his semi-final in 44.22 secs from Baboloki Thebe's 44.33, with Steven Gardiner of the Bahamas taking his in 43.89 to set a new national record and Botswana's Isaac Makwala - who earlier this summer became the first man in history to run a sub-44-second 400m and a sub-20-second 200m (19.77) on the same day - also impressing with 44.30.
While talented young American Fred Kerley made it through as a fastest loser, Britain's Matthew Hudson-Smith missed out despite a much improved run, his 44.74 only good enough for fourth behind Van Niekerk.
His compatriot Andy Pozzi, the third fastest man British sprint hurdler in history, missed out on a place in the 110m hurdles final as Olympic champion Omar McLeod confirmed his position as gold medal favourite in winning his semi-final, Aries Merritt, Balazs Baji and Garfield Darien also impressing.
Neither Guy Learmonth nor Elliot Giles could progress from an 800m semi won by Poland's Adam Kszczot from Nijel Amos.
But 21-year-old Kyle Langford stepped up in style as he judged the second semi perfectly to come past four rivals in the home straight and take automatic qualification with a fine second place.
And New Zealand's Tomas Walsh, bronze medallist at the Olympics a year ago, took shot put gold with 22.03m ahead of USA's Joe Kovacs and Croatia's Stipe Zunic.
Media playback is not supported on this device | bowie dips at the line to win women's 100m final. beats ivory coast's Ta Lou by one-hundredth of a second. a year ago bowie beat usain boltt in the men's final. a stuttering bowie had led until the last few metres. | 40845786 | USA's Tori Bowie stormed to World Championships 100m gold from Marie-Josee Ta Lou and Dafne Schippers as Olympic champion Elaine Thompson was left empty-handed. |
Scotland has built up a specialism in that, with Edinburgh one of Europe's main asset management centres.
It can seem removed from the retail market.
Jointly having £660bn of assets under management, the two firms heading towards merger are huge, but not all about the super-rich.
Much of the money put aside in small-scale investments, insurance and pensions is placed with such specialist firms.
But an increasing share of it is going to funds that are passive, investing across the market so as to track it.
Companies such as Standard Life and Aberdeen Asset are under pressure to cut the higher costs of actively managing funds.
Standard Life, aged 192, is strongly rooted in the Scottish capital, and has been transformed in 11 years from a mutual to a significant plc, as a fund manager and also as a pensions, savings and life assurance company.
It has ventures in the Indian and Chinese household savings and investment markets.
Aberdeen Asset Management is closer to a pure-play asset managing firm, which has focused its efforts on emerging markets.
That has made its performance more volatile than others, and in the past three years more funds have been withdrawn than placed with it.
It is a relative newcomer, founded in 1983, and its growth has been the personal mission of chief executive Martin Gilbert.
Much of that is through acquisition, including the investment arm of Scottish Widows, which it bought from Lloyds Banking Group in 2013.
Gilbert has a different style to Standard Life's old-schooler Keith Skeoch, and it will be interesting to watch how a chief executive job share works out between them.
The logic of putting the firms together is to build investment clout, in competition with US-based giants such as Blackrock.
They want to assert that active management of funds can work for clients.
With those passive funds growing, this offers "significant synergy potential", which is likely to mean duplicate roles being shed.
At present, the companies employ around 9,000 people.
That clout as a shareholder can also be applied to shaping the decisions of companies in which the asset managers have stakes.
Both Standard Life and Aberdeen have sought to be active and responsible shareholders - with a close interest, for instance, in the incentives behind other firms' boardroom pay. | the two firms heading towards merger have £660bn of assets under management. companies such as Standard Life and Aberdeen Asset are under pressure to cut costs. the logic of putting the firms together is to build investment clout, in competition with us-based giants such as blackrock. | 39170241 | The quiet but very powerful end of finance sees assets being managed across portfolios of equities, bonds and property. |
An armed ex-policeman hijacked the bus carrying Hong Kong tourists in August.
The five-person jury found that the victims were unlawfully killed and the authorities' botched handling of the crisis directly led to their deaths.
Police stormed the bus and shot dead gunman Rolando Mendoza, who seized the vehicle in a bid to get his job back.
The gunman had spent almost three decades with Manila's police force, but was sacked over claims of extortion.
The hostage drama lasted for 11 hours and eight of the 25 people on board were shot dead.
The botched rescue attempt by Philippine forces was broadcast live on television and radio, heightening questions about how it was managed.
The Hong Kong inquest jury said the Philippine authorities had not met the hostage-taker's demands quickly enough and that they had lied to him.
The jury said the bungled rescue had meant potentially life-saving treatment for two of the victims was delayed.
"Philippine officials left to dine at a restaurant even after Mendoza fired warning shots, meaning no one was on scene to take command when Mendoza started firing at the hostages," the jury said in its verdict.
The inquest heard minute-by-minute details of the crisis from 31 witnesses from Hong Kong and 10 from the Philippines.
The inquest's findings do not ascribe criminal or civil liability to anyone involved.
The incident has strained ties between Manila, Hong Kong and the Chinese government.
Following a Philippine inquest in October, Philippine President Benigno Aquino sought only minor charges, such as "neglect of duty" against four police officers.
The Mayor of Manila, Alfredo Lim, escaped criminal prosecution after President Aquino overturned a judge's recommendation; the mayor and a deputy ombudsman were recommended for administrative charges only.
The BBC's Hong Kong correspondent, Annemarie Evans, says President Aquino came in for much criticism in what constituted his first international crisis. | inquest jury finds that the victims were unlawfully killed and authorities' botched handling of the crisis directly led to their deaths. police stormed the bus and shot dead gunman Rolando mendoza, who seized the vehicle in a bid to get his job back. the hostage drama lasted for 11 hours and eight of the 25 people on board were shot dead. the incident has strained ties between Manila, Hong Kong and the Chinese government. | 12827835 | A Hong Kong inquest has criticised Philippine officials for their slow response to a Manila bus hijacking that left eight tourists from the city dead. |
The Gower Hotel in Bishopston, Swansea, which employed 23 people, closed without warning on New Year's Eve.
Insolvency specialist Begbies Traynor hosted a meeting of creditors to place the company in voluntary liquidation at its Cardiff office on Wednesday.
The venue had bookings for 32 events up until September 2018, including 28 weddings.
Speaking after the meeting, Claire Phillips, 38, and Simon Evans, 31, from Swansea said the loss of their money and wedding venue had left them "stressed and upset".
The couple, who are due to marry in April 2018, lost a £500 deposit they paid in November.
Ms Phillips said: "We've almost certainly lost all the money we've paid because we're an unsecured creditor.
"It does tarnish it and make you paranoid about planning anything."
Jazmine Parry, 30, from Swansea, was due to marry Kurt Tracey, 31, at the venue on 27 April.
She told the Jason Mohammad programme earlier this month she was "gutted" and they had paid £5,000 toward the cost.
Begbies Traynor said after losing staff and suffering from ill health, the owners were no longer able to run the venue and were "deeply sorry".
Consumer law expert Prof Margaret Griffiths said: "Unfortunately, of course, people like Jazmine and the other couples involved will be what's termed unsecured creditors, so they will actually be at the end of the line when it comes to paying out for the insolvency of the firm." | the gower hotel in bishopston, Swansea, closed without warning on new year's eve. the venue had bookings for 32 events up until September 2018, including 28 weddings. insolvency specialist Begbies Traynor hosted meeting of creditors on Wednesday. | 38734525 | A hotel that shut unexpectedly leaving plans for 28 weddings in tatters has gone into liquidation. |
The 37-year-old was due to board a flight for Turkey on Tuesday evening when he was held on suspicion of preparing for acts of terrorism.
His arrest is not connected to Monday night's suicide bomb attack at Manchester Arena, Scotland Yard said.
Two residential addresses in north London are being searched.
The UK's terror threat level has been raised in the wake of the arena attack, which killed 22 people and injured 59.
It stands at its highest level of "critical", indicating further attacks may be imminent. | the 37-year-old was due to board a flight for turkey on Tuesday evening when he was held on suspicion of preparing for acts of terrorism. his arrest is not connected to the suicide bomb attack at the manchester arena. the terror threat level in the uk has been raised in the wake of the arena attack. | 40024493 | A man has been arrested at Stansted Airport in Essex by counter-terror police who suspected he was planning to travel to Syria. |
It runs until Sunday on the Crichton Campus with more than 70 different acts expected to perform.
Local headliners are Zoe Bestel and Claire Hastings while musicians from around the world are also involved in the festival.
Organisers said ticket sales already achieved would guarantee even bigger audiences than at last year's inaugural event.
Festival director Linda Butterworth said: "We are proud to show that Dumfries can represent Scotland with this top quality international event.
"News of our success has spread around the world.
"We put the success down to lots of factors - brilliant venue, great programme, amazing volunteers, meticulous organisation and carefully selected international, national and local acts of the highest quality."
She said they hoped they had created "something special" this year.
"You don't have to play the ukulele to enjoy the festival but if you do come be prepared to be won over by the fantastic atmosphere and leave clutching a brand-new ukulele and a list of new friends," she added. | more than 70 different acts expected to perform at the festival. headliners include local headliners Zoe bestel and Claire hastings. festival director Linda butterworth said they had created "something special" | 40199598 | The second Ukulele Festival of Scotland is getting under way in Dumfries. |
Companies and websites are springing up to track and analyse the names, numbers and needs of the mega-wealthy, you can even get a daily update on who today's richest man (it's always a man) is.
So what can we tell from all of this analysis about the wealthy and the kind of world their rise is creating?
The number of billionaires is forecast to grow by 38% to 2,315 in the decade to 2023, according to Knight Frank's annual Wealth Report which is carried out by the research company Wealth Insight.
The crude number of billionaires may not be that high, but the report forecasts growth among those with $30m (£18m) or more, also known as "Ultra High Net Worth Individuals", to reach 215,000 by 2023, a rise of 28%.
While the numbers of the super-rich will swell in all regions of the world, the rate of growth in emerging economies is forecast to be much stronger in the coming decade.
Asia, according to the study, will have the most billionaires and the growth will be considerably greater than in North America and Europe. However it is also worth noting that this reflects a larger population in general. Another thing worth noting is that with inflation a billion today is not going to be worth the same as a billion in 10 years' time.
When you break it down country by country, the US is still expected to have the most billionaires in 2023 but China, Russia and India will be racing to catch up with far higher rates of growth.
One surprising result from the research is the number of self-made multi-millionaires far outstrips those who inherited their money or built a fortune on a substantial inheritance, by roughly two to one.
The dilemma for those who make their own fortune is whether to pass their wealth on to their children or to give the bulk of it away.
Multi-billionaire Edward Zhu, who moved to China from the United States two decades ago, says talented people should start from nothing and that is what he wants for his children.
When it comes to gender, almost nine out of 10 of all the individuals worth more than $30m are men.
And perhaps less surprisingly, the ultra-rich don't find it too hard to find a partner. Both men and women are almost guaranteed to already be hitched for life. | the number of billionaires is forecast to grow by 38% to 2,315 in the decade to 2023. the super-rich are more likely to be self-made and to have a partner. the super-rich are also more likely to have a'smart' lifestyle. | 27786338 | The extremely wealthy are growing in numbers and entire industries are being created to cater to their desires but where are the individuals who are amassing vast fortunes based and what do we know about them? |
Environmental activists disrupted the west London airport's M4 spur road as a number of groups demonstrated on Saturday over the government's recent decision to approve a third runway.
Fifteen arrests were made for obstructing the highway or public order offences.
Traffic was disrupted but there was no reported impact on flights.
Protesters from the environmental organisation Rising Up! also locked themselves together as they blocked the East Ramp road near the airport.
Other campaigners gathered on the flyover to chant "No ifs, no buts, no third runway" and "No more runways".
A Heathrow spokesman warned passengers to allow extra time to travel or to use public transport where possible.
A spokesman for Rising Up! said: "The government's decisions to expand Heathrow, despite mass opposition from local residents and the fact that doing so is incompatible with the UK's own laws on climate change, leaves us with no morally acceptable option but to resist."
Neil Keveren, a resident of nearby Harmondsworth, said: "Democracy has failed us.
"As a direct result, the quality of life and life expectancy of the population here will be shorter.
"This is against our human rights and must be defended. Who is left to correct this injustice when our politicians will not?
"The answer is us - you and me."
A spokeswoman for Heathrow said: "Independent analysis by the Airports Commission has found that building and operating an additional runway at Heathrow is compatible with the UK meeting its long-term climate change reduction targets.
"The Independent Committee on Climate Change has also shown that a 60% growth in passenger numbers in the United Kingdom can be achieved within the UK's Climate Change Targets."
The @MetPoliceEvents account confirmed the arrests on its Twitter feed. | protesters block west London airport's M4 spur road. 15 arrests made for obstructing the highway or public order offences. protesters chant "No ifs, no buts, no third runway" and "No more runways" heathrow warns passengers to allow extra time to travel. | 38038313 | Heathrow expansion protesters were arrested after they blocked a motorway near the airport. |
The cash was supposed to be collected by other gang members on the ground in eastern Santa Cruz province, said Interior Minister Carlos Romero.
But they missed the target and the bag was seized by Bolivian anti-drugs police, who later made several arrests.
Bolivia is one of the world's top three cocaine producers.
The authorities say the money - in US dollar bills of various denominations - was wrapped with a seal from a bank in neighbouring Paraguay.
They believe it was going to be used either to build a cocaine production centre or to set up a fake commercial enterprise in Bolivia.
"Three Bolivian citizens have been detained in the operation," said Mr Romero.
Guns and vehicles were also seized near the town of Rincon del Tigre.
Bolivian police had been monitoring the gang, which is believed to be well organised and with links to several countries.
Peru, Bolivia and Colombia are the world's biggest coca leaf and cocaine producers, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Coca leaf production is legal in small amounts in Bolivia, where it is used to alleviate the effects of the high altitude. But the production of cocaine is banned. | Bolivia is one of the world's top three cocaine producers. the money was wrapped in a seal from a bank in neighbouring paraguay. Bolivia is one of the world's biggest coca leaf and cocaine producers. | 24375609 | Suspected members of a drug trafficking gang in Bolivia have thrown a bag containing more than $1m (£615,000) from a low-flying plane. |
The EC said both passengers and freight services are paying over the odds for using the track through the tunnel, which is operated by Eurotunnel.
Eurotunnel is a private company owned by the investors who paid for and now run the Channel Tunnel.
Eurotunnel said its charges are "transparent and not excessive."
The EC has formally called on the British and French governments to look into the pricing structure and to comply with European Union rules against excessive track access charges.
The European Commission said the high prices Eurotunnel charges the train companies get passed onto passengers.
The EC also said that freight companies are put off using the Channel Tunnel because of the "excessive" charges, preferring to send their goods by road, which causes traffic congestion and pollution.
The Commission claims 43% of the Channel Tunnel's capacity is currently unused.
Vice-President of the European Commission Siim Kallas said: "'The Channel Tunnel is not being used to its full capacity because of these excessive charges.
"As a result, more freight is being carried on lorries instead of by rail, freight operators and their customers are being over-charged, and passengers are paying over the odds for their tickets. The current regime is also stifling growth in the rail sector," he added.
In a statement, Eurotunnel said that it has "always sought the development of cross-Channel traffic and concentrates significant resources on this goal".
The European Commission also said that the regulator which oversees the tunnel, the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) is weak and far from independent.
The Commission said the IGC "does not have the power to adopt decisions on its own initiative without a complaint".
The EC added that the IGC is not an independent body, because it is made up of representatives appointed by the UK and French governments.
In a statement, the European Commission said: "Lack of independence of a rail regulator can lead to failure by the regulator to address complaints by operators in an independent manner or to adopt decisions to force compliance with EU rules and thus can lead to distortions of competition".
Reacting to the assertions of the Commission, a UK Department for Transport spokesman said that "it is not accepted that the UK has failed to implement the relevant EU rules regarding the Channel Tunnel or that the IGC is not independent". | EC says passengers and freight services are paying over the odds for using the track. the EC has formally called on the British and french governments to look into the pricing structure. the EC claims 43% of the channel tunnel's capacity is currently unused. | 22979166 | Passengers travelling through the Channel Tunnel are being overcharged, according to the European Commission. |
The tournament was set to replace the Champions Trophy, a one-day competition that was last held in 2009.
"I am disappointed it is not going to take place sooner," said International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) described the announcement as "a setback for Test cricket".
The Test Championship, due to involve the top four teams in the ICC rankings, had been planned as a way of reviving international interest in the five-day format.
England currently lead the rankings, with South Africa second, India third and Australia in fourth.
Lorgat added that the proposed 2017 Championship, also scheduled to be held in England, would be "the first opportunity" to resurrect the tournament.
The delay comes because of a lack of "support and consent" from the ICC's broadcast partner.
England were originally awarded the 2013 Champions Trophy, which would have made way in the international cricket calendar for the Test Championship.
Lord's was set to be the venue for the final of Test Championship, but after missing out on welcoming the touring New Zealand team for a five-day game, the ground may only host one Test in 2013.
MCC head of cricket John Stephenson said: "The club's priority, given there will be a gap in the calendar in 2013, will be to secure the best possible major matches it can for Lord's to supplement the Australia Test and the New Zealand one-day international being played that year." | the ICC chief executive says the test championship is not going to take place sooner. the tournament was due to involve the top four teams in the ICC rankings. the announcement has been described as "a setback for test cricket" | 15728803 | The first Test Championship, expected to take place in England in 2013, will not now be played before 2017. |
The umpires called play off at 16:30 BST without a ball being bowled.
The match had been well poised after day three, with Lancashire 178-4 in their second innings, leading by 130.
Earlier in the contest, Warwickshire's Andy Umeed (113) had struck the slowest century in County Championship history, reaching his ton in 429 minutes. | warwickshire's Andy umeed hits slowest century in county championship history. warwickshire's sam roberts takes a wicket in 429 minutes. | 40438863 | Persistent rain on the fourth day at Edgbaston meant Warwickshire's day-night County Championship game against Lancashire ended in a draw. |
Paul Briggs, 43, remains in hospital more than a year after he was hit by Chelsea Rowe in Birkenhead, Merseyside.
Liverpool Crown Court heard the 26-year-old had been driving on the wrong side of the road.
Rowe, from Bidston, Wirral, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was jailed for a year.
The court was told she had been driving a Nissan Micra when she collided head-on with Merseyside Police officer Pc Briggs on the Birkenhead flyover.
He had been riding his motorcycle to work for a nightshift on 3 July, 2015.
The married father-of-one, who is also a Gulf War and North Ireland veteran, suffered serious multiple injuries.
Rowe was described as a "novice driver" in court.
During the sentencing hearing, Mr Briggs' wife Lindsey said her husband's injuries meant it was "much worse than if he had died at the scene".
Their ordeal was "beyond torture", she said. "No words can begin to describe the immense pain.
"While Paul remains in a horrific state it is beyond devastating and affects every aspect of all our lives for the worse.
"We have had to endure seeing him like this every day, for many long difficult months now."
She said her husband was in an "unresponsive state" and has been "kept alive purely by medical intervention for so long, it has shattered all of our lives".
"I never knew that states worse than death existed until this happened to Paul."
Speaking after the sentencing, Merseyside Police's acting Deputy Chief Constable Nikki Holland said Pc Briggs had joined the police to help others in need and "loved" his job.
He was highly regarded by his colleagues due to his military experience, she said.
She added: "If ever there was a case that reminded us all of the importance of our responsibilities when we are behind the wheel of a car and of the importance of being aware of other road users it is this one." | Chelsea rowe, 26, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving. she collided head-on with 43-year-old father-of-one paul Briggs. he was riding his motorcycle to work for a nightshift on the Birkenhead flyover. rowe was jailed for a year at Liverpool crown court. | 36751188 | A "novice" driver who struck a police motorcyclist, leaving him with serious brain injuries and unable to communicate, has been jailed. |
Molly Evans and Rene Cardin, both 19, were arrested shortly after police issued a CCTV appeal about the raid in Kings Heath, Birmingham on 4 June.
They were stopped in a car in the city's Highgate Street and arrested.
The women, and Rene's brother Tyrone Cardin, 21, are charged with four robberies, burglary, assault and theft.
They have been remanded in custody after appearing at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The are accused of a robbery at Simply Local in Harlech Close, Bartley Green, on 31 May where cash, scratch cards and cigarettes were stolen.
They have also been charged with a burglary in Rebecca Drive, Selly Oak, on June 16, and three robberies the following day involving women waiting at bus stops in Church Road and Hob Moor Road, in Yardley, and Coventry Road in Small Heath.
Rene Cardin, of Cowles Croft; Tyrone Cardin, of William Booth Lane, Ms Evans, of Larch Walk, Yardley, are due to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on 19 July. | Molly Evans and Rene cardin, both 19, were arrested in a car in highgate street. they are charged with four robberies, burglary, assault and theft. the women and Rene's brother Tyrone cardin, 21, are due in court. | 40369127 | Two women have been charged with a series of violent robberies, including one in which Post Office staff were threatened with a meat cleaver. |
Jones officially starts at Twickenham on Tuesday, and has said he will meet the 29-year-old before deciding whether to keep him on as England captain.
But, after Quins' narrow 26-25 loss at Exeter, O'Shea singled the flanker out, saying: "Chris Robshaw was outstanding.
"I hope people take a long, hard look before they start writing him off."
Jones' predecessor Stuart Lancaster departed following a disappointing World Cup campaign which saw England make a pool-stage exit.
Robshaw, who has captained his country 42 times, has been criticised too for his performances in the defeats by Wales and Australia.
But O'Shea praised his performance as Quins secured two losing bonus points from a dramatic encounter in dreadful weather conditions in Devon, which could have gone either way right to the last kick, as the visitors missed a late penalty.
"He has been one of the outstanding back-row forwards in this country for many a year," said O'Shea. "I don't normally single out players but he made yards today when you didn't think he could make yards.
"He was turning the ball over, he was tackling, he was working. I am gutted for us as a team, but I am incredibly proud of the performance."
England's Six Nations campaign begins at Murrayfield against World Cup quarter-finalists Scotland on 6 February. | england captain chris robshaw outstanding in 26-25 loss at Exeter. england face scotland at Murrayfield on 6 february. england's last game of 2014 was against australia. | 34955274 | New England coach Eddie Jones must think carefully before "writing off" Chris Robshaw, says Harlequins boss Conor O'Shea. |
Adrian Galliers, 50, from Guernsey, was found guilty of 10 counts of fraud over a four-and-a-half year period.
Galliers carried out the deception through his company Guernsey Financial Consultants Limited.
The Royal Court heard he had taken money from his clients' pension funds after suffering financial difficulties.
The company was fined £42,000 last year by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission after concerns were raised about the way the business was being run.
The court heard how Galliers initially moved money with the intent of paying it back to his clients, but the situation spiralled out of control.
The prosecution said three of the people Galliers had defrauded were long term friends who "trusted him implicitly".
Will Giles told the court one individual had known the financial adviser for 20 years and they had a long and well established friendship.
Galliers had suffered from depression and the GFSC fine had impacted him greatly, it was said.
He was described as being too "proud" and "ignorant" to admit the extent of his problems.
Judge Russell Finch sentenced him to three years for each of the 10 counts of fraud, to run concurrently.
Mr Finch said Galliers was trusted and regarded as a friend by his victims, but in reality he stole from them.
The "wholly despicable" offences reflected badly on the local pensions and insurance sectors, he added. | Adrian galliers, 50, found guilty of 10 counts of fraud over four-and-a-half years. deception was carried out through his company, Guernsey Financial Consultants. company fined £42,000 last year by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. | 36131552 | A financial adviser who defrauded clients out of £157k has been jailed for three years. |
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Asha Philip, Ashleigh Nelson, Anyika Onuora and Desiree Henry won the race and beat the 42.24 the team ran to become European champions.
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James Dasaolu (10.06) was third behind Jamaica's Kemar Bailey-Cole (9.96) and Michael Rodgers (10.05) in the 100m.
Dasaolu's training partner and fellow Briton Adam Gemili (10.13) was fifth.
Former world record holder Asafa Powell and ex-world champion Tyson Gay, both of whom returned from drugs bans this summer, finished fourth and ninth respectively in a high-quality field.
Jamaica's 2013 world bronze medallist Nesta Carter was sixth and Britain's Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (10.31) eighth.
"In lane one you have to run your own race and today was about mixing it with the best sprinters in the world," European 100m champion Dasaolu told BBC Sport.
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"Coming off the back of two championships, it's hard, but it's nice to get among these guys and beat someone like Nesta Carter," said Gemili, who won 200m European gold and 100m Commonwealth silver behind Bailey-Cole.
Chijindu Ujah, who ran 9.96 early in the season only to miss out on 100m selection for the Commonwealths and the Europeans, claimed a morale-boosting victory in the B race in 10.16.
Nelson, the individual European bronze medallist, was sixth in 11.20 in a women's 100m won by Jamaica's Veronica Campbell-Brown in a photo finish from Ivorian Murielle Ahoure as both finished in 11.04.
World record holder and Olympic gold medallist David Rudisha could only finish third in the 800m, finishing behind Botswana's Nijel Amos and Ayanleh Souleiman of Djibouti.
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Amos, who beat Rudisha to Commonwealth gold last month, won in one minute 43.77 seconds.
Souleiman finished in 1:43.93, edging out Rudisha on the line by three hundredths of a second.
"It has been a tough season for me," Rudisha told BBC Sport. "My preparation wasn't perfect this year because I was carrying over an injury from last year. But I'm looking forward to next year."
World champion LaShawn Merritt comfortably won the 400m in 44.36, beating fellow American Gil Roberts (44.96). Britain's Martyn Rooney came fourth in 45.10.
Dawn Harper-Nelson of the United States beat Olympic champion Sally Pearson and Britain's European champion Tiffany Porter in the women's 100m hurdles. | world record holder and Olympic gold medallist David Rudisha finishes third in the 800m. british pair asafa Powell and tyson gay finish fourth and ninth respectively. ashleigh nelson, anyika onuora and desiree henry win the women's 100m. | 28957864 | Britain's women broke the national 4x100m relay record for the second time in 11 days with a time of 42.21 seconds at the Zurich Diamond League meeting. |
The fourth Cardiff Contemporary is set in traditional galleries but also in derelict buildings - and even on the roof of a car park.
Artists are working to the theme of communication.
The festival, subtitled Are You Ready?, is inspired by Guglielmo Marconi's radio experiments on Flat Holm Island.
Those were the words transmitted in Morse code across the Bristol Channel to Lavernock Point in May 1897.
The biennial festival has already grabbed the headlines after a sighting of a "meteorite" off Penarth seafront, which went viral on social media, turned out to be a deliberate hoax by artist Mark James.
It was part of his work 'A Response', inspired by "a response from whatever life lives out beyond the stars, who might be watching us and the state our world is in".
There are 45 artists involved in different projects across the city, some of them arts spaces but also in derelict buildings and pop-up venues.
Ruth Cayford, festival manager, said: "It's been incredible how the city has come together to make this work - from artists, businesses, the hotels, the council, the support from Arts Council Wales - it's quite a beautiful story how everyone has been working to make something cultural happen in the city."
Musician Richard James has been working with artists Angharad Van Rijswijk and Andy Fung, as well as comedian and writer Stewart Lee, on themes explored in Arthur Machen's book The Hill of Dreams.
"We're using stereo surround sound - trying to make it an immersive experience. I wanted a project which incorporated different types of visual art, sonic art and composition," said James, co-founder of the band Gorky's Zygotic Mynci.
"It was all about trying to capture the magic of childhood and childhood landscapes and how they inform us as we get older and mature into adults."
It is one of the installations in a former derelict motorcycle garage in the city centre.
"It's quite dilapidated - I quite like the idea of having it in this sort of place. It takes it out of conventional galleries and I like making use of buildings no longer in use."
The event is sitting alongside the start of the Artes Mundi exhibition at National Museum Wales and Chapter. | the fourth Cardiff contemporary festival is set in traditional galleries but also in derelict buildings. artists are working to the theme of communication. the festival has already grabbed the headlines after a sighting of a "meteorite" off penarth seafront turned out to be a deliberate hoax. | 37728461 | Some unusual sights in some unfamiliar places can be expected in Cardiff from this weekend as part of a month-long visual arts festival. |
The Queens Park Rangers loanee performed heroics to keep out efforts from Tony McMahon, Billy Clarke and Nathaniel Knight-Percival as the visitors pressed for a winner.
Rovers took a 15th-minute lead when Chris Lines picked up the ball just outside the right-hand corner of the box and curled an exquisite left-footed shot into the opposite corner of the net.
But the lead lasted only 11 minutes as Charlie Wyke's clever back-heel inside the box allowed Nicky Law to beat Lumley with a clinical finish from 10 yards.
Both sides attacked with purpose from the opening whistle, Rory McArdle heading just over for Bradford and Rovers winger Cristian Montano having a goal-bound shot blocked by McMahon in a competitive first half.
Bradford had the better chances after the break, but the hosts stood firm thanks largely to Lumley's bravery and agility.
Report supplied by the Press Association.
Match ends, Bristol Rovers 1, Bradford City 1.
Second Half ends, Bristol Rovers 1, Bradford City 1.
Attempt missed. Stuart Sinclair (Bristol Rovers) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
Attempt saved. Timothee Dieng (Bradford City) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
Corner, Bradford City. Conceded by Lee Brown.
Substitution, Bristol Rovers. Jamie Lucas replaces Luke James.
Corner, Bradford City. Conceded by Lee Brown.
Attempt missed. Ryan Sweeney (Bristol Rovers) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high.
Ryan Broom (Bristol Rovers) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Nathaniel Knight-Percival (Bradford City).
Attempt missed. Ryan Sweeney (Bristol Rovers) header from the centre of the box is too high.
Corner, Bristol Rovers. Conceded by Rory McArdle.
Substitution, Bradford City. Jordy Hiwula-Mayifuila replaces Billy Clarke.
Corner, Bradford City. Conceded by Chris Lines.
Foul by Ollie Clarke (Bristol Rovers).
Billy Clarke (Bradford City) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Foul by Rory Gaffney (Bristol Rovers).
Tony McMahon (Bradford City) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Attempt missed. Mark Marshall (Bradford City) left footed shot from the left side of the box is just a bit too high.
Attempt saved. Charlie Wyke (Bradford City) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
Foul by Lee Brown (Bristol Rovers).
Billy Clarke (Bradford City) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Corner, Bristol Rovers. Conceded by Romain Vincelot.
Substitution, Bristol Rovers. Rory Gaffney replaces Ellis Harrison.
Substitution, Bristol Rovers. Ryan Broom replaces Cristian Montaño.
Ollie Clarke (Bristol Rovers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Romain Vincelot (Bradford City).
Attempt saved. Charlie Wyke (Bradford City) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
Luke James (Bristol Rovers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Tony McMahon (Bradford City).
Ryan Sweeney (Bristol Rovers) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Foul by Ryan Sweeney (Bristol Rovers).
Billy Clarke (Bradford City) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Attempt missed. Charlie Wyke (Bradford City) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left.
Attempt saved. Nathaniel Knight-Percival (Bradford City) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
Corner, Bradford City. Conceded by Tom Lockyer.
Attempt missed. Ellis Harrison (Bristol Rovers) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right.
Foul by Ellis Harrison (Bristol Rovers).
Tony McMahon (Bradford City) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Attempt missed. James Meredith (Bradford City) left footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high. | qpr loanee Lumley saves three Bradford City efforts in 1-0 win. rory mccarthy's side take lead in 15th minute through chris lines. but lead lasted only 11 minutes as nicky law scored from close range. | 38864683 | Goalkeeper Joe Lumley produced a trio of fine second-half saves to earn Bristol Rovers a League One draw with Bradford at the Memorial Stadium. |
Ronaldo scored his 20th La Liga goal of the season as he curled home Real's opener after just two minutes.
Athletic levelled when Javier Eraso side-footed in but James Rodriguez made it 2-1 with a long-range strike.
Toni Kroos added a third just before half-time and after Raphael Varane had been sent off, Ronaldo scored again before Gorka Elustondo's late header.
Relive Madrid's win as it happened
The win lifted Real above Atletico Madrid into second place in the table, although Atletico and Barcelona both play on Sunday.
Real remain unbeaten under coach Zinedine Zidane after winning their seventh successive home league game.
But it wasn't as comfortable as the score suggested in the first half as Athletic created several chances against an uncertain home defence.
Top scorer Artiz Aduriz, 35, could have had a hat-trick before the break as he headed wide, flicked an effort against the bar and saw Keylor Navas save another heading opportunity.
Real made their superior finishing count though, with Ronaldo taking his total this season to 31 goals in all competitions with the opening goal.
Rodriguez made it two goals in three games, having not previously scored in La Liga since November, while Kroos scored his first goal of the season as he turned onto a Ronaldo pass to score with a deflected shot.
Real, who play at Roma in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday, then cruised through the second half before the late flurry of activity.
Varane, who had been at fault for Athletic's first-half equaliser, received a second caution for an innocuous looking aerial challenge on Aduriz with seven minutes to go.
Ten-man Real added a fourth when Ronaldo controlled a cross from Lucas Vazquez to drill the ball home before Elustondo nodded in an Oscar de Marcos cross in the last minute to pull one back for the visitors.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane: "The Press are here to opine on whether Ronaldo plays well or badly, if he is finished, but today he has showed he is brilliant.
"You will always have errors but I am not worried about that. I think we were good physically, on the ball and I am happy with what we did.
"We are ready for the match against Roma. We are in shape, playing well, and very pleased with how we played today against a very good rival. We are prepared for Wednesday." | Real madrid beat athletic bilbao 2-1 in la liga clash at the bernabeu. goals from james rodriguez and toni kroos seal victory for visitors. raphael varane sent off in second half for second bookable offence. barcelona beat valencia 3-2 in spain's la liga clash with a 2-0 win at home to ac milan. | 35521423 | Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao 4-2 to go a point behind league leaders Barcelona. |
Guled Omar, 22, was one of three Somali-American men sentenced on terror-related charges by the court in the state of Minnesota on Wednesday.
The other two, Abdirahman Daud and Mohamed Farah, also 22, were each jailed for 30 years.
Six other defendants have already been sentenced to terms of up to 15 years.
Omar, Daud and Farah were convicted by a jury in June of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation and conspiracy to commit murder outside the US.
As he awaited his sentence, Omar told the judge that he understood the gravity of his conviction.
"I always had energy for justice as a young man but I lost my way," he told the court.
But US District Judge Michael Davis described the group of nine as a "terrorist cell" and said he didn't believe Omar's words of contrition.
Prosecutor Andrew Winter said Omar's crying was crocodile tears.
"Only when backed into a corner, does he attempt to offer false contrition," he said.
"You can't fix manipulative. You can't fix deceitful. And you can't fix Guled Omar."
Prosecutors said the plot had involved a group of friends who planned to travel to Syria and fight alongside IS.
The Minneapolis area is home to the largest concentration of Somali immigrants in the US.
Since 2007, at least 22 Somali men have travelled oversees to support Islamic State or Al-Shabab, a separate militant group based in Somalia. | three men sentenced on terror-related charges in the state of Minnesota. they were convicted by a jury in June of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation. the other two, abdirahman daud and Mohamed farah, were each jailed for 30 years. | 38008492 | A man described by a US judge as a leader of a group who plotted to travel to Syria to fight for the Islamic State group has been jailed for 35 years. |
The head of the federal euthanasia commission said the teenager was "suffering unbearable physical pain".
Belgium is the only country that allows minors of any age to choose euthanasia.
They must have rational decision-making capacity and be in the final stages of a terminal illness.
The parents of the under-18 year olds must also give their consent.
Euthanasia commission head Wim Distelmans said the teenager was "nearly 18". He said doctors used "palliative sedation", which involves bringing patients into an induced coma, as part of the process,
Assisted dying around the world
Belgian Paralympian 'not ready' for euthanasia
"Fortunately there are very few children who are considered [for euthanasia] but that does not mean we should refuse them the right to a dignified death," he told the Het Nieuwsblad newspaper.
Mr Distelmans told Reuters news agency the case had been reported to his committee by a local doctor last week.
The case occurred in Flemish-speaking Belgium, reports RTBF (in French), the public broadcaster for Belgium's French-speaking community.
The Netherlands also allows euthanasia for minors, but they must be aged over 12 years old.
Belgium lifted the age restrictions in 2014. The law passed by parliament said the child would have to be terminally ill, face "unbearable physical suffering" and make repeated requests to die before euthanasia is considered.
Many people, including church leaders and some paediatricians, questioned whether children would be able to make such a difficult choice.
Senator Jean-Jacques De Gucht said he was proud the legislation had passed.
He said having the possibility to ask about euthanasia "makes a big difference to many people".
Only the Netherlands and Belgium permit euthanasia for patients under the age of 18.
In the Netherlands, a competent patient between the ages of 16 and 18 may request euthanasia or assisted suicide. The parent or guardian does not have a veto, but must be consulted. Competent patients aged between 12 and 16 may also qualify, but only if their parent or guardian consents.
In Belgium, a competent patient under the age of 18 may request euthanasia with parental consent. Additional scrutiny of the child's competence is required, and suffering based on a psychiatric disorder is excluded.
The rate of euthanasia in the Netherlands has remained fairly stable at 2.8% of all deaths (in 2010), according to Penney Lewis, Professor of Law at King's College London.
The most recent survey of doctors in the UK was in 2007-08. The rate of euthanasia was reported to be 0.21% of all deaths, and a similar rate has been reported in France (in 2009), even though euthanasia remains illegal in both countries.
In contrast, research carried out in Flanders, Belgium found the rate prior to legalisation was unclear, with separate surveys reporting rates of 0.3% of all deaths in the region (in 2001-02) and 1.1% (in 1998). The rate has risen steadily since legalisation in 2002 to 4.6% of all deaths in the most recent survey in 2013.
Euthanasia is an intervention undertaken with the intention of ending a life to relieve suffering, for example a lethal injection administered by a doctor
Assisted suicide is any act that intentionally helps another person kill themselves, for example by providing them with the means to do so, most commonly by prescribing a lethal medication
Assisted dying is usually used in the US and the UK to mean assisted suicide for the terminally ill only, as for example in the Assisted Dying Bills recently debated in the UK | Belgian euthanasia commission head says teenager was "nearly 18" doctors used "palliative sedation" to induce coma. only the Netherlands and Belgium permit euthanasia for patients under 18. | 37395286 | A terminally-ill 17-year-old has become the first minor to be helped to die in Belgium since age restrictions on euthanasia requests were removed two years ago, officials say. |
Tjaronn Chery's sublime 25-yard free-kick had given the hosts the lead just past the hour mark at Loftus Road.
But Gallagher met Corry Evans' cross and sent the ball over goalkeeper Alex Smithies reach to bring Rovers level.
QPR striker Idrissa Sylla was denied late on by Jason Steele as the visitors held on for a share of the points.
An injury to new signing Charlie Mulgrew forced the Blackburn striker off after only 34 minutes in an uneventful opening half.
The match sparked into life when Ben Marshall's foul allowed Chery the opportunity to curl the ball into the top right-hand corner.
Rovers looked to be heading to their fifth league defeat, but Mulgrew's replacement Evans scooped the ball into the box and Gallagher rose highest to net his second league goal of the season.
Despite their hard-earned draw, Rovers remain bottom of the Championship and are the only club yet to win a league match.
QPR manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink:
"I thought the performance was really good. We deserved more, but you have got to put the ball in the net.
"We created chances with good play, had three one-on-ones and their keeper made some good saves.
"Did we deserve more from this game? Yes, big time. But you have to go and earn it. If you think you can stroll through this division, you are wrong.
"But we knocked on the door and on a better day would have won 2-1 or 3-1. That is why I am happy with the performance and happy with the players."
Blackburn manager Owen Coyle:
"Our first two games of the season were very poor but from there we have progressively got better with each game.
"We've brought a number of players in and the more you work together, the more you see what type of team you're going to be.
"Regardless of how the game went, if we continue to perform consistently like that we will win games and will move up the table.
"It's not about a knee-jerk reaction after four or five games. It's about 46 games and there's work to be done."
Match ends, Queens Park Rangers 1, Blackburn Rovers 1.
Second Half ends, Queens Park Rangers 1, Blackburn Rovers 1.
James Perch (Queens Park Rangers) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Martin Samuelsen (Blackburn Rovers).
Attempt saved. Idrissa Sylla (Queens Park Rangers) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Conor Washington with a headed pass.
Jake Bidwell (Queens Park Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Corry Evans (Blackburn Rovers).
Karl Henry (Queens Park Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Gordon Greer (Blackburn Rovers).
Foul by Nedum Onuoha (Queens Park Rangers).
Marvin Emnes (Blackburn Rovers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Attempt blocked. Tjaronn Chery (Queens Park Rangers) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Olamide Shodipo (Queens Park Rangers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Jason Lowe (Blackburn Rovers).
Nedum Onuoha (Queens Park Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Marvin Emnes (Blackburn Rovers).
Substitution, Blackburn Rovers. Martin Samuelsen replaces Danny Graham.
Foul by Olamide Shodipo (Queens Park Rangers).
Corry Evans (Blackburn Rovers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution, Queens Park Rangers. Idrissa Sylla replaces Abdenasser El Khayati.
Attempt missed. Abdenasser El Khayati (Queens Park Rangers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Tjaronn Chery.
Substitution, Blackburn Rovers. Marvin Emnes replaces Sam Gallagher.
Attempt missed. Danny Graham (Blackburn Rovers) header from the right side of the six yard box misses to the left. Assisted by Craig Conway with a cross following a corner.
Corner, Blackburn Rovers. Conceded by Karl Henry.
Corner, Queens Park Rangers. Conceded by Jason Steele.
Attempt saved. Conor Washington (Queens Park Rangers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
Attempt blocked. Jordan Cousins (Queens Park Rangers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Olamide Shodipo.
Jason Lowe (Blackburn Rovers) is shown the yellow card.
Goal! Queens Park Rangers 1, Blackburn Rovers 1. Sam Gallagher (Blackburn Rovers) header from the centre of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Corry Evans following a corner.
Corner, Blackburn Rovers. Conceded by Grant Hall.
Foul by Tjaronn Chery (Queens Park Rangers).
Craig Conway (Blackburn Rovers) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Attempt missed. Tjaronn Chery (Queens Park Rangers) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Karl Henry.
Corner, Queens Park Rangers. Conceded by Jason Steele.
Attempt saved. Conor Washington (Queens Park Rangers) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Tjaronn Chery.
Attempt missed. Sam Gallagher (Blackburn Rovers) header from the left side of the six yard box misses to the right.
Goal! Queens Park Rangers 1, Blackburn Rovers 0. Tjaronn Chery (Queens Park Rangers) from a free kick with a left footed shot to the top right corner.
James Perch (Queens Park Rangers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Ben Marshall (Blackburn Rovers).
Corner, Blackburn Rovers. Conceded by Karl Henry. | QPR draw 1-1 with blackburn at loftus road. tjaronn Chery puts hosts ahead with 25-yard free-kick. ryan gallagher equalizes for the visitors. adam lallana scores late equalizer for blackburn. | 37263432 | Sam Gallagher's header earned Blackburn just their second Championship point of the season as they salvaged a draw against Queens Park Rangers. |
The show, a sequel to JK Rowling's books, opened in the West End this summer to five-star reviews.
Ralph Fiennes was named best actor for both The Master Builder and Richard III, while Billie Piper won best actress for Yerma at the Young Vic.
The ceremony, presented by Rob Brydon, was held at London's Old Vic theatre.
Accepting the best play award from Dame Maggie Smith, Cursed Child director John Tiffany said: "It's a show about the peril of isolation, about unity, about family and about love."
JK Rowling sent a message read by actress Noma Dumezweni - who plays Hermione - praising Tiffany and writer Jack Thorne for "crafting the bare bones of a story into something very special".
Among the celebrities handing out the awards were Orlando Bloom, Dame Joan Collins, Tom Hiddleston, Tom Hollander, James McAvoy, Mark Rylance, Sheridan Smith and Ruth Wilson.
Fiennes saw off competition from Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Kenneth Branagh, James McArdle and O-T Fagbenle in the best actor category.
Piper, who triumphed in the best actress category over Dumezweni, Helen McCrory and Sophie Melville, thanked Yerma director Simon Stone for "scaring" her with the role of a woman who is desperate for a child.
Glenn Close won the best musical performance prize for Sunset Boulevard at the London Coliseum, beating Sheridan Smith's performance in Funny Girl and Andy Karl in Groundhog Day.
Accepting the award from Sir Elton John, Close said that reprising the role of Norma Desmond after 22 years had been a "once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Evening Standard owner Evgeny Lebedev co-hosted Sunday evening's ceremony alongside Sir Elton.
The Duke of Cambridge presented the first award of the evening, the beyond theatre award, to Sir David Attenborough for his outstanding contribution to broadcasting.
John Malkovich took home the award for best director for his production of Good Canary at the Rose Theatre, Kingston, beating Tiffany for Harry Potter and Dominic Cooke for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom at the National Theatre.
Sean Mathias's production of Harold Pinter's No Man's Land at Wyndham's theatre, starring Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart, was named best revival.
Earlier, the theatrical knights had taken part in a comedy sketch in which Sir Ian appeared as a pantomime fairy godmother, complete with an illuminated wand.
Glee star Amber Riley entertained guests with a song from the musical Dreamgirls, which opens at the Savoy Theatre next month.
One of Riley's co-stars in the show, Tyrone Huntley, was presented with the emerging talent award for his earlier role in Jesus Christ Superstar.
The ceremony ended with Sir Kenneth Branagh receiving the special Lebedev award for his season of plays - which included Romeo and Juliet and The Entertainer - at the Garrick Theatre.
Follow us on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, on Instagram at bbcnewsents, or if you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk. | the awards were held at the old vic theatre in central london. Dame Maggie Smith accepted the best play award from director John Tiffany. Dame emma watson was named best actress in a play for the young vic. | 37953042 | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has woven its magic by winning best play at the London Evening Standard Theatre Awards. |
She was found after emergency services were called to a flat on Dixon Avenue at about 07:00 on Saturday.
Police said the woman was pronounced dead at the scene and that they were following a definite line of inquiry in the case.
A post-mortem examination is due to take place to establish the exact cause of the woman's death. | police were called to a flat on Dixon avenue at about 07:00 on saturday. the woman was pronounced dead at the scene and police are investigating. | 37461319 | The death of a 43-year-old woman in the Govanhill area of Glasgow is being treated as suspicious. |
The palace took the unusual step of confirming the "pre-scheduled" visit to London's King Edward VII's Hospital.
The BBC issued an apology after tweets were "mistakenly sent" from the Twitter account of a BBC journalist during a "technical rehearsal" for an obituary.
"The tweets were swiftly deleted and we apologise for any offence," it said.
"Tweets were mistakenly sent from the account of a BBC journalist saying that a member of the royal family had been taken ill," it added.
Screen grabs on social media showed that the same producer had later tweeted that the Queen had died.
The BBC said an investigation will take place as part of its disciplinary process. | tweets were "mistakenly sent" from the twitter account of a BBC journalist. tweets were sent during a "technical rehearsal" for an obituary. the BBC said an investigation will take place as part of its disciplinary process. | 32992330 | The Queen has attended hospital for her "routine" annual check-up, Buckingham Palace has said following social media speculation about her health. |
Bercot is the first female director to launch the event since Diane Kurys in 1987.
The prize jury is headed by the Coen brothers and includes Sienna Miller and Jake Gyllenhaal.
Nineteen movies will compete for the best film - the Palme d'Or - with stars like Michael Fassbender due to attend.
Here is a pick of some of the films which are being shown both in and out of competition.
Asif Kapadia's documentary about the late singer Amy Winehouse, simply titled Amy, has already found itself at the centre of some controversy.
Made with the assistance of the Winehouse family using old tapes and footage of the singer, who died in 2011 aged 27, Winehouse's father Mitch has now distanced himself from the film, suggesting its is misleading.
The film is showing at Cannes at a special midnight screening and, based on the teaser trailer which surfaced earlier this year, it will be a stark reminder of a stunning musical talent and vibrant personality taken far too soon.
Kapadia is known for his Bafta-winning documentary Senna, about the late F1 driving champion Ayrton Senna.
Based on the novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, Carol is set in 1950s New York, and tells the story of a young female department-store clerk who falls for an older, married woman.
It stars The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo's Rooney Mara and Oscar winner Cate Blanchett in the main roles.
The romantic novel was considered hugely controversial on its release in the 50s because of its lesbian storyline but is now regarded as a groundbreaking work.
Haynes has previously directed Blanchett when she played a version of Bob Dylan in the 2007 film I'm Not There.
Pixar's latest film is not in competition but gets its world premiere at this year's event.
The animation will be set in the mind of a young girl, where five emotions - Joy, Anger, Disgust, Fear and Sadness - try to lead her through her life.
Voices include Amy Poehler, Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling.
Docter has previously directed Monsters, Inc and the huge critical and financial success Up, which opened the 2009 Cannes Film Festival - the first animated feature to do so.
It will be preceded by a short, Lava - a musical love story directed by James Ford Murphy, inspired by tropical islands and ocean volcanoes.
Cannes loves an auteur and it loves Woody Allen.
His new film Irrational Man stars Joachim Phoenix and Emma Stone as a philosophy professor in an existential crisis and a student who gives him a new lease of life.
Stone clearly enjoys working with the veteran director, having also starred in his 2014 film Magic in the Moonlight. Allen's career has been a critical hit and miss in recent years with Blue Jasmine, starring Cate Blanchett in Oscar-winning form as a clear high.
To Rome with Love and Fading Gigolo did not enjoy the same success.
Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos has already tasted success with his dark drama Dogtooth which won the prize in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2009 festival.
His new film The Lobster is in competition for the main prize this year.
It is set in a dystopian near future where lonely people are obliged to find a matching mate within a 45-day period in a hotel. If they fail, they are transformed into animals and sent off into the woods. What is not to love about that?
Filmed on location in Ireland, its all-star cast includes Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Ben Whishaw, Olivia Colman and John C Reilly amongst others.
This is Michael Fassbender's take on Shakespeare's doomed Scottish King, co-starring Marion Cotillard, David Thewlis and Paddy Considine.
The film is directed by Australian director Justin Kurzel, best known for his 2011 film Snowtown - based on a series of real life murderers.
Rumours are that the cast will be speaking with Scots accents save for Cotillard, who will retain her French tongue - the reason being that it would be not unreasonable to suggest that she had spent some time in French court.
Filming took place through locations in Scotland and England last year.
It is being screened in competition for the Palme d'Or.
Mad Max: Fury Road is George Miller's own reboot of his original Mad Max trilogy, the film which helped make a global star out of Mel Gibson.
This film sees British actor Tom Hardy in the title role and sets him against a bloodthirsty gang of marauders in a post-apocalyptic landscape.
It co-stars Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult.
Expect fast cars, explosions and some truly astounding stunt work.
Gus Van Sant's elegiac The Sea of Trees sees Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey as an American who travels to the "Suicide Forest" at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan to kill himself. There, he encounters the equally suicidal Ken Watanabe.
Expect some powerhouse acting from both stars and Naomi Watts, who co-stars in the film.
Van Sant has some pedigree at Cannes, having won the Palme d'Or for his drama Elephant in 2003. His 2005 film Last Days, a fictionalised account of a Kurt Cobain-style rock star, was show at the 2005 festival.
Actress Natalie Portman is making her Cannes debut as a director with A Tale of Love and Darkness.
The drama is based on the memoir of Israeli writer and journalist Amos Oz. The book was translated into 28 languages and more than a million copies have been sold.
Since 1967, Oz has been an advocate of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Portman, who also plays Oz's mother, shot the movie in Jerusalem last year.
Italian director Matteo Garrone was feted for his gangster film Gomorrah in 2008. It was nominated for the Palme d'Or and won the Grand Prix - effectively the silver medal - at the festival.
In 2012, he again found himself in competition with the film Reality, which created some controversy as its lead actor Aniello Arena was a convicted former gangster, who has been serving life in prison for murder since 1991.
Garrone's visually sumptious new film The Tale of Tales, is an altogether starrier affair - a fairytale collection featuring Salma Hayek, John C Reilly, Vincent Cassel, Toby Jones and Shirley Henderson.
Many critics were left wanting by Miike's 2013 film Straw Shield, which was screened in competition in 2013. His latest film Yakuza Apocalypse is a tale of vengeance pitting a Japanese gangster against his vampire boss.
Miike became best known to western audiences with the hyper-violent films Audition and Ichi the Killer.
Martial arts film fans will recognise long-haired Yayan Ruhian from Gareth Evans' 2011 Indonesian film The Raid.
Sorrentino's heart-breakingly beautiful film The Grand Beauty, set in the modern decadence of Rome, was acclaimed when it premiered at Cannes in 2013. It went on to win the Oscar for best foreign language film.
His new film, Youth, his second in the English-language, sees Michael Caine as a retired orchestra conductor who is invited to perform for the Queen and Prince Philip.
The film co-stars Paul Dano, Rachel Weisz and Harvey Keitel. | the 19 films will compete for the best film - the Palme d'or. a number of stars including michael fassbender are due to attend. a selection of films which are not in competition are shown at the festival. | 32548084 | The 68th Cannes Film Festival is about begin, starting with Emmanuelle Bercot's French drama La Tete Haute (Standing Tall). |
Rosales Mendoza's body was found along with three other bodies by a motorway in western Mexico.
All four victims had been shot dead, forensic experts said.
Rosales Mendoza, 52, was one of the founders of La Familia Michoacana, a drug cartel with a reputation for extreme violence which claims to defend family and religious values.
He was on the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)'s most wanted list.
The four bodies were found in the car park of a tollbooth on a motorway in the western state of Michoacan.
Forensic experts said the four had been tortured and killed somewhere else before their bodies were dumped in the car park.
It is not clear who may be behind the killing.
Rosales Mendoza is believed to have got involved in drug trafficking in the 1980s in Michoacan.
He rose through the ranks of local drug gangs and forged key alliances with members of the Gulf and Zetas cartels.
In 2000, he founded his own organisation, which he named La Familia Michoacana (The Michoacan Family) after the state that was his power base.
La Familia became a powerful criminal force in Michoacan. Cartel members trafficked in drugs, but were urged not to use them themselves.
The cartel claimed to protect the poor and said it defended traditional family values.
Its hit-men said they had the "divine right" to kill and dismember their enemies, which included members of rival gangs.
Rosales Mendoza is believed to have trained some of the men who later became powerful drug lords in their own right, including Servando "La Tuta" Gomez, Enrique "El Kike" Plancarte, Nazario Moreno and Dionicio "El Tio" Loya Plancarte.
In 2004, he organised an armed assault on a maximum security prison to spring a jailed ally from the Gulf cartel.
His men managed to free 25 inmates, but Rosales Mendoza was arrested on suspicion of masterminding the jailbreak and spent the next decade in prison.
While Rosales Mendoza was in prison, the men he had trained founded their own cartel, which they called the Knights Templar.
The Knights Templar, which claimed to follow in the footsteps of the Christian military order of the Middle Ages of the same name, soon became one of the main targets for the Mexican government.
Police say the cartel has been dismantled after all four of its main leaders were arrested or killed in the past two tears.
The security forces feared that Rosales Mendoza was trying to re-organise his drug-trafficking empire after his release from prison in 2014. | Rosales mendoza was one of the founders of a drug cartel in western mexico. he was on the DEA's most wanted list. the four bodies were found in the car park of a tollbooth on a motorway. | 35192815 | Carlos Rosales Mendoza, the founder of one of Mexico's most violent drug cartels, has been killed. |
Alan Lloyd Paul Evans, 38, denied seven charges of starting fires early on 24 October. He previously admitted setting fire to another car.
Four cars were targeted but the fires affected other vehicles, Mold Crown Court heard.
The judge said Evans could not have been responsible for other car fires in the area as he had been in custody at the time.
After the hearing, Det Chief Insp Neil Harrison said: "In recent years the Wrexham area has been overwhelmed by the number of arsons taking place, particularly where vehicles have been set on fire.
"The sentence given to Evans today should serve as warning to others that arson is a serious offence and it will not be tolerated."
Henry Hills, defending, said his client was engaging with the mental health services while in prison.
He had been on a 12-week suspended sentence at the time after admitting setting fire to another car. That sentence will now run consecutively. | four cars were targeted but the fires affected other vehicles, court hears. judge says he could not have been responsible for other car fires in the area. he previously admitted setting fire to another car. | 35717339 | An arsonist has been jailed for four years for torching cars in Wrexham. |
Jack Morrisson was reported missing on Friday, leading to searches of the water in Sutton at Hone, near Dartford. His body was found on Saturday.
His death is not being treated as suspicious, a Kent Police spokesman said.
His family said: "Jack, you were like a beautiful angel that we were sent. We have been so lucky to have you."
Jack played football for Volenti Football Academy, but his one true love was fishing, his family said.
In a statement, Jack's family said: "You were like our little golden boy, your life was so charmed and everything you wanted seemed to come to you.
"You have brought so much joy to us and we feel so blessed to have had you." | Jack Morrisson was reported missing on friday, leading to searches of water. his body was found on saturday, not being treated as suspicious. family: "you were like a beautiful angel that we were sent. we have been so lucky to have you" | 38356841 | A 16-year-old boy whose body was found in a fishing lake has been described by his family as their "golden boy". |
They claim the gardai failed to properly investigate his killing in a remote cottage in County Donegal, and allege that PSNI officers may have contributed to his death.
Denis Donaldson was shot dead in April 2006, months after being exposed as an agent who had worked for the police and MI5 for 20 years.
The murder was claimed by the dissident republican Real IRA.
An inquest into his death was adjourned for the 17th time on Wednesday, after the gardai requested more time to pursue their enquiries.
The Donaldson family has alleged that his PSNI handlers may have been responsible for exposing his role as an informer.
They claim the gardai has breached Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which says there should be fully independent investigations of killings by the state.
The family also says repeated gardai requests for more time have denied them their legal right to have an inquest into the circumstances of the death.
The family solicitor told the BBC that legal action is now planned.
"The family will be consulting with their full legal team during the next few weeks with a view to lodging proceedings with the European Court, challenging the fact that they have not had an Article 2 compliant inquest or investigation into Denis Donaldson's death, as is their right," he said.
"This is the 17th time the gardai have made an adjournment application. They say it's because they have to follow lines of inquiry, but we don't know what those lines of inquiry are, we haven't been advised exactly what they may be.
"The family are simply at their wits end. In the absence of any satisfaction from the Coroner's Court, the director of public prosecutions or the gardai, they have been left with no alternative but to go to Strasbourg."
The solicitor and the Donaldson family boycotted Wednesday's inquest hearing in Donegal.
In a letter to the coroner, Mr Shiels said they opposed the request for additional time, but viewed attending the hearing as a "pointless exercise". | denis Donaldson was shot dead in a remote cottage in county donegal in 2006. gardai requested more time to pursue their enquiries into his death. family say the gardai failed to properly investigate his killing and claim PSNI officers may have contributed to his death. | 35053294 | The family of Sinn Féin official and republican informer Denis Donaldson is to take legal action against An Garda Síochána (Irish police) in the European Court in Strasbourg. |
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Gerrard said he could not guarantee Gunners target Suarez, 26, would still be at Anfield when the transfer window closed, but added he was sure he would not be going to another English club.
"I don't know what is going to happen over the next few weeks," said Gerrard.
"But I am really confident he won't be going to anyone else in England."
Suarez has excelled since joining Liverpool from Ajax for £22.7m, scoring 51 goals in 96 appearances.
However, has been training alone since trying to engineer a move this summer, with Arsenal having had a bid of just over £40m turned down.
Gerrard could not escape one of the transfer sagas of the summer, despite speaking on the eve of England's first match against Scotland in 14 years.
But he said he would do all he can to prevent Suarez from leaving the club.
"He is one of the best players in the world, so I can understand why clubs are showing an interest in him," he said. "If I can use my influence to try to make him stay, of course I will do that.
"I enjoy playing with him and I don't want him to go. For Liverpool to be successful and to keep moving forward, we need to keep our best players."
When Gerrard was asked how he saw the situation panning out, he said: "At the moment? I haven't got a clue."
Gerrard went on to add that, in his view, the Premier League transfer window should be closed before the season starts in order to prevent clubs being unsettled by long-running transfer sagas during the season.
This season's deadline is on Monday, 2 September - over two weeks after the opening round of fixtures. | arsenal target suarez is a target for premier league side arsenal. but liverpool boss gerrard says he is confident he will stay at anfield. the 26-year-old has been training alone since trying to engineer a move this summer. | 23690244 | Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says he is confident that Uruguay striker Luis Suarez will not be sold to Arsenal this summer. |
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and Rochford District Council will now formulate detailed plans.
Regeneration, environmental improvements and transport proposals are included in the Joint Area Action Plan (JAAP).
The aim is to start construction in 2016 after detailed plans are adopted.
The JAAP presented to the inspector provided evidence for the creation of 4,200 additional jobs excluding direct airport-related employment up to 2021 and up to 2,000 additional jobs later.
The aim is for an additional 1,180 jobs within the airport boundary.
Borough council leader Ron Woodley said: "This is a golden opportunity for Southend-on-Sea and we will also be working to ensure that our policies reflect the skills required and give our young people every opportunity to fill these new jobs that will be created." | joint area action plan (JAAP) outlines regeneration, environmental improvements and transport proposals. aim is to start construction in 2016 after detailed plans are adopted. JAAP provided evidence for the creation of 4,200 additional jobs excluding direct airport-related employment up to 2021. | 30295254 | A scheme to create more than 7,000 jobs on a business park next to London Southend Airport has been approved by a government inspector. |
The letter tells reservists which regiment or unit to join in the event of war, he told the BBC.
He insisted that the correspondence was not related to Russia's annexation of Crimea or recent fighting in Ukraine.
However, neutral Finland has increased co-operation with Nato this year.
In April the Finnish navy dropped depth charges in waters near Helsinki as a warning to a suspected submarine, which some media reports said was Russian.
The air force in recent months has also had to deal with some airspace violations by Russian warplanes.
Russia has repeatedly warned Finland not to join Nato and has criticised its co-operation with Nato members.
Finland's defence ministry said letters to conscripts were sent throughout May to inform them of changes to the structure of Finland's military.
"The letter reminds them of their responsibilities and what they will be expected to do in the event of a military crisis," the spokesman told the BBC. "The process was started before events in Crimea and Ukraine and is done in part to ensure that we have the right contact details."
But recipients say it is the first time such correspondence has been sent for many years and that the mass communication tactic reflects the concern of the authorities about Russia's intentions.
The Soviet Union invaded Finland in 1939, seizing more than 10% of the country's territory before a peace deal was signed in 1940.
Finland was part of the Russian empire for more than 100 years before it won independence in 1917.
During the Cold War, Finland was officially neutral, but remained under the influence of its neighbour. It forged close ties with the Soviet Union.
Finland shares a 1,340km (833-mile) border with Russia. It has a system of universal male conscription under which all men above 18 serve for 165, 255 or 347 days.
The regular army has about 12,000 soldiers and can rapidly expand to about 280,000 troops if reservists are called up, the defence ministry says. | the letter tells reservists which regiment or unit to join in the event of war. the recipient says it is the first time such correspondence has been sent for many years. the regular army has about 12,000 soldiers and can rapidly expand to 280,000 troops. | 32843558 | Finland has sent letters to nearly a million reservists to collect their contact details and remind them of their duties in case of combat, a defence ministry spokesman said. |
Willem-Alexander acceded to the throne in 2013 but his other role, in the cockpit, has continued.
"I find flying simply fantastic," he told De Telegraaf newspaper.
He intends to carry on as co-pilot but will spend the coming months learning how to fly Boeing 737s.
Until now Willem-Alexander has worked behind the joystick of a Fokker and it was already known that he had appeared as a "guest pilot" before being crowned king, in order to maintain his pilot's licence.
What was not clear was that he was co-piloting passenger flights incognito, twice a month as king, often with KLM Captain Maarten Putman.
The Dutch government said last month that he had flown Fokker 70 aircraft for both the government and KLM Cityhopper service, and that the plane was being replaced this year with a 737. Cityhopper flights are aimed mainly at business travellers in dozens of European destinations, particularly in the UK, Germany and Norway.
Willem-Alexander once said that if he had not been born in a palace, his dream would have been to fly a big passenger plane such as a Boeing 747, so it is no surprise that he intends to retrain for the updated plane.
He told De Telegraaf that he never used his name when addressing passengers and was rarely recognised in uniform and wearing his KLM cap. However, he admitted that some passengers had recognised his voice.
"The advantage is that I can always say that I warmly welcome passengers on behalf of the captain and crew," he said. "Then I don't have to give my name."
Passengers were more likely to realise they were being flown by royalty before the 11 September attacks on the US in 2001 as the cockpit door was unlocked. But there was now less contact with the cabin, he said.
The Dutch king's appetite for flying was apparently encouraged by his mother, Beatrix, who abdicated as queen in 2013. And he is on a long list of royal pilots:
In his interview, King Willem-Alexander appeared enthusiastic about his future prospects as a co-pilot.
"It also seemed nice to fly to other destinations one day, with more passengers and bigger distances. That was the real motive for training on the 737," he said.
The king explained that the most important thing for him was to have a hobby he could fully concentrate on and that flying was his biggest way of relaxing.
"You have a plane, passengers and crew and you are responsible for them. You can't take your problems with you off the ground. You can completely switch off for a while and focus on something else." | king willem-Alexander has continued to fly incognito on passenger flights. he has been a "guest pilot" before being crowned king in order to maintain licence. he will spend the coming months learning how to fly Boeing 737s. | 39946532 | For 21 years, the king of the Netherlands has flown twice a month as co-pilot while his passengers were in the dark, he has told a Dutch newspaper. |
The Ross County striker cut inside before rifling low into the net after six minutes and the hosts dominated the remainder of the first half.
New Zealand finally posed a threat after the break with substitute Kosta Barbarouses denied by the woodwork.
It was a deserved victory and a good workout for next week's crucial World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan.
Boyce jinked past his marker with a step-over and his left-foot strike whistled past a flat-footed Stefan Marinovic.
Northern Ireland should have added to their advantage but an improved All Whites side almost clinched a draw when Barbarouses curled his post onto the post.
The absence of Conor Washington and Jamie Ward gave Boyce and Josh Magennis a chance to shine in attack and they impressed in their 45 minutes together.
All eyes were on Boyce after top scoring in the Scottish Premiership last season and he linked up with Magennis for the only goal.
They complemented each other to form a promising partnership which gives boss Michael O'Neill a selection headache for the Baku qualifier.
Azerbaijan will provide a tougher test and O'Neill may pack the midfield with just one up top.
Tom Flanagan had a solid debut in defence although his mistake let in Barbarouses for New Zealand's best opportunity.
There was also a first appearance for forward Shay McCartan as he replaced Magennis with seven minutes left.
The big forward squandered a few openings but he was a constant menace to the visitors and showed he is much more than a physical force.
Two early efforts were saved while tireless running saw him dispossess Tommy Smith before his angled drive was blocked by Marinovic.
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His pinpoint cross was poked wide by substitute Kyle Lafferty early in the second half before he headed just wide.
Magennis has just one goal in 28 appearances but he offers so much to the team and is expected to lead the line against Azerbaijan.
O'Neill is taking the squad for warm-weather training in Turkey to acclimatise for possible stifling conditions in next Saturday's Group C game.
The eight-day gap between the matches also gives defensive duo Gareth McAuley and Craig Carthcart time to regain full fitness.
Northern Ireland lie second, five points behind Germany but on course for the play-off spot.
Match ends, Northern Ireland 1, New Zealand 0.
Second Half ends, Northern Ireland 1, New Zealand 0.
Foul by Tom Flanagan (Northern Ireland).
Monty Patterson (New Zealand) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Offside, New Zealand. Michael Boxall tries a through ball, but Chris Wood is caught offside.
Attempt saved. Oliver Norwood (Northern Ireland) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Shane Ferguson.
Attempt blocked. Shay McCartan (Northern Ireland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Andrew Durante (New Zealand) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Shay McCartan (Northern Ireland) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Andrew Durante (New Zealand).
Foul by Paul Paton (Northern Ireland).
Shane Smeltz (New Zealand) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution, Northern Ireland. Roy Carroll replaces Michael McGovern.
Substitution, Northern Ireland. Shay McCartan replaces Josh Magennis.
Offside, Northern Ireland. Paul Paton tries a through ball, but Aaron Hughes is caught offside.
Attempt missed. Paul Paton (Northern Ireland) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
Oliver Norwood (Northern Ireland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Michael Boxall (New Zealand).
Substitution, New Zealand. Shane Smeltz replaces Ryan Thomas.
Foul by Tom Flanagan (Northern Ireland).
Chris Wood (New Zealand) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Substitution, Northern Ireland. Paul Paton replaces Stuart Dallas.
Foul by Oliver Norwood (Northern Ireland).
Ryan Thomas (New Zealand) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Offside, New Zealand. Michael Boxall tries a through ball, but Chris Wood is caught offside.
Substitution, New Zealand. Deklan Wynne replaces Tom Doyle.
Aaron Hughes (Northern Ireland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Kosta Barbarouses (New Zealand).
Kosta Barbarouses (New Zealand) hits the right post with a right footed shot from the left side of the box.
Offside, New Zealand. Bill Poni Tuiloma tries a through ball, but Tom Doyle is caught offside.
Attempt missed. Josh Magennis (Northern Ireland) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Shane Ferguson with a cross.
Tom Flanagan (Northern Ireland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Kosta Barbarouses (New Zealand).
Shane Ferguson (Northern Ireland) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Foul by Michael Boxall (New Zealand).
Substitution, New Zealand. Kosta Barbarouses replaces Kip Colvey.
Substitution, New Zealand. Monty Patterson replaces Marco Rojas.
Offside, New Zealand. Bill Poni Tuiloma tries a through ball, but Chris Wood is caught offside.
Offside, Northern Ireland. Michael McGovern tries a through ball, but Josh Magennis is caught offside.
Offside, New Zealand. Andrew Durante tries a through ball, but Chris Wood is caught offside. | New Zealand beat northern ireland 1-0 in their world cup qualifier. a deserved win was a good workout for manager michael o'Neill. the All whites face a tough test in their next game in azerbaijan. | 40054832 | Liam Boyce scored his first Northern Ireland goal to secure a friendly win over New Zealand in Belfast. |
A limited service was in place for the second evening rush hour of the strike, which began on Tuesday at 21:00 GMT.
The RMT and TSSA unions said they would take part in talks with management on Friday aimed at resolving the dispute.
The first of two planned strikes has ended, but services will not be back to normal until Friday morning London Underground (LU) said.
LU said up to 190 of 270 stations were open, but a full service could not resume immediately because of shift patterns.
Further industrial action is planned for Friday between 09:30 and 11:30 and 18:30 to 20:30, when the unions are asking members to leave ticket barriers open.
They are also urging members not to issue penalty fares.
LU's chief operating officer Phil Hufton said the company was "not obliged to pay employees in full if they refuse to carry out their full range of contractual duties".
Earlier Transport for London (TfL) said nine of the 11 lines were running and nearly 75% of stations were open, more than on Wednesday.
For a second day millions of commuters were affected, many to relying on buses instead of the Underground.
Ahead of Friday's planned talks, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson told BBC London 94.9, there was "wiggle room".
He apologised to people who had experienced disruption and repeated that he thought passengers would be safer and better protected with members of staff on concourses, instead of "behind plate glass".
The mayor said the unions had shown a "failure to engage" in talks, adding: "Rather than hurting hard-working Londoners and hard-pressed small businesses they should have been talking to TfL this week."
RMT leader Bob Crow said it was the first he had heard of "wiggle room", adding: "My negotiators have been told for the last five weeks there is none."
TSSA leader Manuel Cortes said it was time for the mayor to "get serious", saying 70% of the network was at a standstill.
He said: "We want no more stunts or PR baloney from Boris. We want serious and detailed talks on our genuine fears for the safety and security of passengers and staff under these far-reaching plans."
James, from Harrow, who supervises a small station, told BBC London 94.9 he was worried about his job and the safety implications of the changes.
By Tom EdwardsTransport correspondent, London
These Tube strikes have been brewing for years.
Different mayoral administrations have toyed with the idea of closing ticket offices before but only now, with advances in electronic ticketing like Oyster and the dawn of bank card payments, has London Underground (LU) felt confident enough to try to get rid of them.
LU think about 950 fewer staff will be needed (they have been hit by a reduction in their government grant and need to make big savings) and they want to redeploy staff from behind ticket offices onto gate lines. There's a side issue that 200 jobs could be created if the Tube runs for 24 hours.
LU's documents show some bigger stations will have more visible staff but outlying stations will have more employees on their own working to a supervisor in charge of six stations.
The unions have concerns about safety and they also feel the process of voluntary redundancies was started without their blessing.
Add to that poor industrial relations, the roots of which go back to 2010 when LU steamrollered through a reduction in ticket office opening hours, even after multiple strikes.
Read more from Tom Edwards
He said he was currently a supervisor at one station and had one other staff member with him. Under the changes, he would have to oversee five stations.
He said: "I don't want to strike. It's the first time I've ever been on strike.
"But there are incidents every day - someone who is blind, or someone who wants guidance. Very rarely do you have one person at a station."
Philip, from Croydon, works in a ticket office and said workers still had to handle lots of Oyster-related problems, including visitors from overseas wanting refunds before they return home.
TfL has said its proposed changes, which will lead to 960 job losses - but none compulsory - will modernise systems and save £50m a year.
The industrial action came as the government said it was considering plans to declare London Underground an essential service, akin to the police, in order to curb the threat of future strikes.
Thousands of Metropolitan Police civilian staff are planning to strike for two days in a row over a 1% wage rise. The action will coincide with the next planned 48-hour Tube strike.
You can follow any disruption on the BBC London travel Twitter feed @BBC Travel Alert or on the BBC London Travel Page. You can also get regular travel updates from the BBC London 94.9 travel team. | second evening rush hour strike in place for second day running. 190 of 270 stations open, but full service cannot resume immediately. further industrial action planned for Friday between 09:30 and 11:30. mayor of London says there is "wiggle room" for talks with unions. | 26061749 | Londoners endured a second day of Tube disruption during a 48-hour strike over ticket office closures and job cuts. |
He is Ghassan Hitto, a Damascus-born IT expert who spent decades in the US. He was elected at a meeting of coalition leaders in Istanbul in Turkey.
Mr Hitto's first task will be to form a government to oversee services in areas captured from government forces.
Meanwhile, the US and France denounced a Syrian airstrike on the Lebanese border as a "violation of sovereignty".
Reports from Lebanon say Syrian aircraft fired four rockets at the border between the two countries, near the Lebanese town of Arsal on Monday.
There were no casualties from the raid. Lebanese officials had earlier said it was not clear whether the rockets had landed inside Lebanese territory.
The US described the attack as a "significant escalation" of the conflict. France said the raid constituted "a new and serious violation of Lebanon's sovereignty".
In Monday's vote in Istanbul, Mr Hitto won with 35 out of 48 votes, in what coalition leaders described as a "transparent, democratic" election.
Government forces
Rebel groups
But some senior coalition leaders are reported to have withdrawn from the vote in protest over Mr Hitto's lack of military experience.
Last November, the 50-year-old moved from Texas to Turkey to help co-ordinate aid to rebel-held areas.
Earlier, the commander of the rebel Free Syrian Army said his group would work "under the umbrella" of any new government.
"Any institutions not following this government would be considered to be acting illegitimately and would be prosecuted," Gen Selim Idriss Idriss told AFP news agency.
Large swathes of northern Syria have been seized by rebels in recent months.
They are currently administered by a patchwork of local councils and armed groups who have been running some institutions, such as courts and prisons.
But reports say basic supplies such as electricity and water are limited.
Also on Monday, the US said it would not stand in the way of other countries arming Syrian rebels.
Last week France and the UK said they supported lifting the EU arms embargo on Syria to allow weapons to reach anti-government forces, citing guarantees from rebels that arms would not fall into the wrong hands.
However, other EU countries have expressed scepticism over any such move. The embargo is expected to be discussed at a meeting of EU foreign ministers later this week and a vote is due in May.
US Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters on Monday: "The United States does not stand in the way of other countries that made a decision to provide arms, whether it's France, or Britain or others."
But top US military commander Gen Martin Dempsey warned against acting too quickly.
"I don't think at this point I can see a military option that would create an understandable outcome. And until I do, it would be my advice to proceed cautiously," he told the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank.
Last week saw the second anniversary of the Syrian uprising against the rule of President Bashar al-Assad, which initially began as a wave of peaceful protests but which is now often described as a civil war.
An estimated 70,000 people have been killed and more than one million people have fled Syria since the uprising began. | Ghassan hitto, a damascus-born IT expert, was elected in a vote of coalition leaders. he will form a government to oversee services in areas captured from government forces. the US and french denounced a Syrian airstrike on the lebanese border as a "violation of sovereignty" | 21834632 | Syria's opposition National Coalition has chosen a prime minister to head a government for rebel-held regions. |
A bust is being unveiled of Patrick O'Connell at the Seville club's Estadio Benito VillamarÃn before the home game with Real Sociedad.
Among those attending will be his grandson Michael O'Connell from Leigh.
Patrick O'Connell, who died in poverty in London in 1959, is also credited with saving Barcelona in the 1930s.
The Patrick O'Connell Memorial Fund raised more than £10,000 for the project which has been backed by some of football's biggest names.
The fund previously raised money for a memorial on his unmarked pauper's grave in north London.
Fergus Dowd, one of the appeal's organisers said: "Patrick O'Connell had an incredible career. He was like Brian Clough with Nottingham Forest.
"He took Real Betis from Spain's second division, beating Real Madrid to the club's only championship in La Liga."
O'Connell, who was the first Irish player to captain Manchester United, also skippered Ireland to their first British Home Championship.
The former Belfast Celtic, Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City player, nicknamed 'Don Patricio' in Spain, joined Barcelona after a four-year spell as coach of Real Betis where he masterminded its promotion from the second division before securing the title in 1935.
When Barcelona almost folded in the 1930s under pressure from General Franco's forces, O'Connell, their manager, helped organise a money-spinning tour to Mexico and the US which raised $12,000.
"He was in Ireland when the civil war broke out. He was told he didn't have to return but he came back," said Mr Dowd.
"One writer has said that in terms of Barcelona's history his name should be up there with Cruyff, Maradona and Messi."
O'Connell was inducted in the Catalan club's hall of fame in December 2015. | bust of former irish footballer to be unveiled at seville club's stadium. the bust will be unveiled before the home game with real Sociedad. Patrick O'Connell died in poverty in London in 1959. he was the first Irish player to captain manchester united. | 39144700 | The former Manchester United and Ireland skipper who steered Real Betis to their only La Liga title will be honoured in Spain later. |
Tear gas was fired and security forces were seen outside his house before he was detained, a BBC reporter says.
Mr Ravalomanana's previous attempts to return were blocked by Andry Rajoelina, who seized power in 2009.
Last year, the rivals agreed not to contest elections intended to end years of political unrest.
Former Finance Minister Hery Rajaonarimampianina - an ally of Mr Rajoelina - become president in January.
Before his arrest, Mr Ravalomanana told his supporters in the capital, Antananarivo: "I am here to support peace and democracy."
The BBC's Tim Healy in Antananarivo says security sources confirmed the arrest, which was reported on local news channels.
Mr Ravalomanana was ousted in 2009 following a military coup and two months of bloody protests that left more than 100 dead.
He fled to Swaziland before later moving to South Africa.
In 2010, he was sentenced in his absence to life imprisonment with hard labour over the deaths of 30 opposition protesters by his guards in February 2009.
Despite this, he made attempts to return home. In 2012, a plane taking him to Madagascar was turned back during the journey.
A spokesman for the South African department of international relations, Clayson Monyela, told news agency AFP he had no information on Mr Ravalomanana's return.
Madagascar has become more politically stable following the elections in late 2013 that saw Mr Rajaonarimampianina elected president.
The elections were a bid to end Madagascar's economic paralysis after the international community imposed sanctions following the coup.
The country was also allowed to rejoin the Southern African Development Community and African Union. | security sources confirm the arrest of former president andrew ravalomanana. he was ousted in 2009 following a military coup and two months of bloody protests. he fled to south africa and was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2010. | 29594895 | The former president of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanana, has been arrested on his return to the country after five years in exile in South Africa. |
Summer signing Ajose bundled home Athletic's opener just before half-time and netted the winner, also from close range, on 74 minutes, moments after Kieron Morris had fired Walsall level.
Walsall had the best of the opening half-hour but Charlton goalkeeper Declan Rudd made a superb double save on 29 minutes, foiling Simeon Jackson's point-blank strike and Morris' follow-up.
Back came Charlton as Ajose's classy 20-yard chip clipped the top of the bar.
The Addicks claimed a 42nd-minute lead as Ajose netted home from close range after Josh Magennis nodded down Ricky Holmes' inviting cross.
Walsall levelled on 72 minutes as Rudd allowed Morris' speculative 20-yard strike to find the bottom corner.
But the Addicks were back in front within two minutes as Magennis raced past James O'Connor and crossed for Ajose to poke home from a couple of yards.
Walsall almost levelled deep into stoppage time but Rudd pulled off a spectacular save to tip Jackson's volley onto the bar.
Report supplied by the Press Association.
Match ends, Walsall 1, Charlton Athletic 2.
Second Half ends, Walsall 1, Charlton Athletic 2.
Corner, Walsall. Conceded by Chris Solly.
Simeon Jackson (Walsall) hits the bar with a right footed shot from the left side of the box.
Attempt missed. Florent Cuvelier (Walsall) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right.
Foul by Isaiah Osbourne (Walsall).
Ademola Lookman (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Amadou Bakayoko (Walsall) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Patrick Bauer (Charlton Athletic).
Substitution, Charlton Athletic. Patrick Bauer replaces Nicky Ajose.
Substitution, Walsall. Erhun Oztumer replaces George Dobson.
Substitution, Charlton Athletic. Tareiq Holmes-Dennis replaces Ricky Holmes.
Joe Edwards (Walsall) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Ricky Holmes (Charlton Athletic).
Nicky Ajose (Charlton Athletic) hits the bar with a right footed shot from the right side of the box.
Attempt saved. Florent Cuvelier (Walsall) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
Corner, Walsall. Conceded by Declan Rudd.
Attempt saved. Amadou Bakayoko (Walsall) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
Substitution, Walsall. Florent Cuvelier replaces Franck Moussa.
Goal! Walsall 1, Charlton Athletic 2. Nicky Ajose (Charlton Athletic) right footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Josh Magennis.
Goal! Walsall 1, Charlton Athletic 1. Kieron Morris (Walsall) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Franck Moussa.
Attempt missed. Josh Magennis (Charlton Athletic) header from the centre of the box misses to the right.
James O'Connor (Walsall) is shown the yellow card.
Chris Solly (Charlton Athletic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Corner, Charlton Athletic. Conceded by Franck Moussa.
Attempt missed. Matt Preston (Walsall) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high.
Corner, Walsall. Conceded by Chris Solly.
Substitution, Walsall. Amadou Bakayoko replaces Andreas Makris.
Simeon Jackson (Walsall) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Ezri Konsa Ngoyo (Charlton Athletic).
Substitution, Charlton Athletic. Ademola Lookman replaces Johnnie Jackson.
Corner, Walsall. Conceded by Jason Pearce.
Attempt missed. Andreas Makris (Walsall) header from the centre of the box misses to the left.
Corner, Walsall. Conceded by Johnnie Jackson.
Corner, Walsall. Conceded by Johnnie Jackson.
Attempt missed. Josh Magennis (Charlton Athletic) header from the right side of the six yard box is too high.
Attempt missed. Johnnie Jackson (Charlton Athletic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right.
Corner, Charlton Athletic. Conceded by Neil Etheridge.
Attempt saved. Chris Solly (Charlton Athletic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
Second Half begins Walsall 0, Charlton Athletic 1. | Kieron Morris fired the hosts in front after simon ajose nodded in a cross. the addicks equalised on 42 minutes through ajose and a speculative 20-yard strike from a rafael sakho cross. but ajose bundled home the winner moments after half-time, also from close range. | 37067522 | Nicky Ajose scored twice to open his Charlton account as the Addicks ran out 2-1 winners in an entertaining affair at Walsall. |
The man was taken to hospital with chest injuries after falling during a performance of the Windsor theme park's Pirates of Skeleton Bay show on Wednesday.
The Sun newspaper reported he had fallen several metres to the ground.
Legoland Windsor Resort said it was in touch with the man's family who said he was "recovering well".
South Central Ambulance Service confirmed it was called at 13:24 BST after a man in his 20s had fallen and suffered chest injuries.
Thames Valley air ambulance, an ambulance and an emergency response vehicle were sent to the attraction and the man was taken to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital.
An investigation is underway, a Legoland spokeswoman said. | man fell during performance of the theme park's pirates of skeleton bay show. he was taken to hospital with chest injuries and is now recovering well. Legoland Windsor resort said it was in touch with the man's family. | 40743648 | A stunt show at Legoland has been shut down after a performer was injured in front of watching crowds. |
Lyn has directed programmes including Doctor Who, Happy Valley and Broadchurch.
The award is presented to someone who has made a significant contribution to international feature films or network television.
The announcement was made on Thursday at a party to celebrate the nominees for this year's Bafta Cymru Awards.
Dylan Thomas biopic Set Fire to the Stars has received seven nominations.
Meanwhile, Doctor Who's Peter Capaldi is in the running for best actor - up against Hinterland's Richard Harrington and Rhys Ifans for his role in Dan y Wenallt - the Welsh language film of Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood.
The ceremony will take place at St David's Hall in Cardiff on 27 September, hosted by BBC Radio 1 and Radio Cymru presenter Huw Stephens. | the award is presented to someone who has made a significant contribution to international feature films or network television. the announcement was made on Thursday at a party to celebrate the nominees for this year's Bafta Cymru Awards. | 34285007 | The director Euros Lyn will receive the Siân Phillips Award at this year's Bafta Cymru Awards ceremony. |
The British number three converted two of his seven break points - one in each set - to set up a second-round tie with Russian world number 32 Alexandr Dolgopolov.
Edmund's compatriot James Ward, the world number 177, lost 6-1 3-6 6-4 to Tunisia's Malek Jaziri.
Canadian Frank Dancevic beat Briton Alexander Ward 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (3-7) 6-2.
Australia-born Briton Brydan Klein was beaten 7-5 6-4 by France's Stephane Robert.
On Sunday, British number four Dan Evans beat compatriot Liam Broady. He will play Lithuania's Ricardas Berankis in the second round. | the world number three will play 32-year-old Alexandr dolgopolov. compatriot james ward lost to malek jaziri 6-1 3-6 6-4. canada's Frank dancevic beats briton Alexander ward 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (3-7) 6-2. | 36582178 | Kyle Edmund reached the second round of the Nottingham Open with a 6-4 6-3 win over Czech Lukas Rosol. |
This relative fame, achieved off the back of one song uploaded to the internet, came far quicker than members of Pretty Vicious could have imagined.
So much so, they turned down a slot supporting rock heavyweights Muse because it would have been their fifth gig and they did not think they were ready.
A year on, there is a feeling this adulation came almost before they achieved anything and now they must earn it.
At an industrial unit on the outskirts of Merthyr Tydfil, the band are working on their first album - that is still more than six months away.
Yet, it was not long ago that singer and guitarist Brad Griffiths was running round his living room "singing Queen, 'Phonics and ACDC songs with a Hoover".
"I wanted to be a rock star and I knew I'd do it since I was 13 because if I'm not into it, I won't stick to it," said the 17-year-old.
It was in March 2014 that the band started to form around him at The Lido - a field where local teenagers go to "camp and drink flagons around a fire".
Brad discussed with Tom McCarthy, now 17 (guitar) and Elliot Jones, 16 (drums) about leaving the bands they were involved with and playing together.
"I wanted to be in involved too and they said if I got a bass by Friday, I was in," said Jarvis Morgan, 18.
"So I bought a guitar and amp off Gumtree for £65 and met a guy at the train station to buy it.
"I even got him to give me a lift home - which probably wasn't the wisest thing for a teenager to do."
While they gelled musically, they described their first performances - two at the Redhouse in Merthyr and one at an art exhibition above a Brynmawr paint shop in Blaenau Gwent - as dire.
At the time, they only had two songs - Cave Song and Black Sheep, about the pessimism that exists in their hometown and the desire to break free and achieve something.
It was when they uploaded the first to internet site Soundcloud that views kept rising; DJs such as Huw Stephens and Zane Lowe championed their cause and record labels began watching them rehearse.
"That was when we turned down the tour with Muse. It would have been our fifth gig - we didn't have enough songs and weren't ready," explained Tom.
"Instead, we did a gig at Blackwood Miners' Institute in front of 50 people."
This was the time "the world went crazy", according to Elliot's dad Bryn Phillips, who co-manages the band with Tom's father Mark McCarthy.
"Every record label was after the boys, including a Chinese one willing to pay double what everyone else offers," he said.
"In the end, we negotiated with Virgin, with a couple of precedents that nobody had had before."
The band members quit their jobs in a call centre and gym reception, while Jarvis dropped out of college and Elliot took a GCSE exam in the morning, before supporting Manic Street Preachers during their June 2015 Cardiff Castle gig.
During that summer, they played every major UK festival, including headlining the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury.
Supporting roles for The Vaccines, Noel Gallagher and Wolf Alice followed, while they were flown out to play at Club Quattro in Tokyo.
"It was crazy, Japanese people were waiting for us off the plane with picture collages and asking us to sign autographs," said Brad.
"They were singing our songs and there were Welsh flags at the gig."
In an eventful period, they were also caught up in the November 2015 Paris terrorist attacks, when they were performing at a venue close to the Bataclan Theatre where 89 people died.
The band is now working with Owen Morris, who helped produce Oasis' Definitely Maybe and What's the Story (Morning Glory), with their managers keeping a watchful eye.
Mr Phillips worked as a maths teacher, while Mr McCarthy was part of 1980s band Blue Rondo a La Turk, before he quit the industry to become an engineer.
After hearing their sons practicing and recognising their talent, they decided to become closely involved and now drive them to all their gigs.
They also ensure the boys keep to a daily routine - which includes practising for four hours each day.
"When they started gigging, they would come off the stage and say 'Where are we going out to now?'" said Mr McCarthy.
"We also had an incident in Glasgow, when we had a call at 3.30am to say they couldn't find Tom.
"But now they realise it's hard work and when they are on the road, travelling, they don't go out. If they have a day off, there are no issues."
The band are all still teenagers and with their first album not due out until December, their careers have yet to get going in some ways.
In others, they appear seasoned professionals, with the maturity and knowledge that comes with it.
"I've tried [going out partying before gigs] but I can't sing," said Brad.
"But we still go out when we are home. We don't want people to be different around us as I have known all the boys from school since I was five.
"I've got a bit of money now though, so I don't drink flagons any more - I think I'd be violently ill." | Pretty Vicious are a young band from Merthyr Tydfil. they have been praised for their first single. the band are now working on their first album. | 36091526 | They played every major UK festival in 2015, had fans greeting them off the plane in Japan and a string of record labels clamouring for their signature. |
Residents at Bryn Bras, Llanfairpwll, said the birds are noisy early in the morning, and that they pose a danger to small children as they swoop down.
The birds have been nesting at the estate for about two years.
Anglesey council said it had received complaints about the gulls - but its hands were tied as the birds are protected.
Some residents said they were afraid to take their dogs for a walk or eat in their gardens.
Janet Roberts said: "They're around the house about five o'clock in the morning waking everyone up.
"There is bird poo everywhere on the house walls and I have tried to get rid of it."
The council said it was a criminal offence to intentionally kill or harm any seagull, or to destroy a nest, and, therefore, the council was not able to provide any service to get rid of them. | residents at Bryn bras, Llanfairpwll, say birds are noisy early in the morning. they say they pose a danger to small children as they swoop down. council says it has received complaints about the gulls - but its hands are tied. | 36881186 | People living on Anglesey have said they are "at the end of their tether" due to seagulls. |
Mr Finucane's death was one of the most controversial killings during the Troubles - the decades of conflict in Northern Ireland that claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people.
Pat Finucane was a high-profile solicitor who lived and worked in Belfast. The 39-year-old Catholic was shot dead by loyalist paramilitaries in 1989.
In his role as a defence solicitor, he had represented clients who included convicted members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and families involved in shoot-to-kill allegations against the then police force, the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC).
There have been long-standing allegations that members of the UK security forces colluded in his murder.
Pat Finucane was shot in front of his wife and three children at their family home in north Belfast on 12 February 1989.
The family were eating a Sunday meal at their kitchen table when loyalist paramilitaries used a sledgehammer to break into their house.
They opened fire, shooting the solicitor 14 times. He died at the scene.
Mr Finucane's now adult son, Michael, later wrote that the image of the attack had been "seared" into his mind. "The thing I remember most vividly is the noise; the reports of each bullet reverberating in the kitchen, how my grip on my younger brother and sister tightened with every shot," he recalled.
The Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF), a loyalist paramilitary group with links to the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), later admitted carrying out the murder.
The UFF claimed they had killed "Pat Finucane, the IRA officer".
The solicitor's family have always vehemently rejected any claim that Mr Finucane had been a member of the IRA, and have been supported in this by the police.
In the course of his work, Pat Finucane had represented a number of high-profile IRA prisoners, some of whom had taken part in hunger strikes at the Maze Prison.
The year before he died he had defended former IRA hunger striker Pat McGeown, who had been charged with helping to organise the murder of two Army corporals who drove into an IRA funeral cortege in west Belfast.
The mourners dragged the corporals from their car and took them to waste ground where they were shot dead by IRA gunmen.
The abduction was captured on TV and remains among the most disturbing images of the Troubles.
Mr Finucane succeeded in getting the charges against his client dropped, but it is claimed a double agent passed a photograph of the solicitor, taken outside the court, to the UFF gunman who carried out his murder.
The double agent was Brian Nelson, who compiled information on potential targets for the UFF, while at the same time working for British Army intelligence.
In June 1999, a former UDA quartermaster and ex-RUC Special Branch agent, William Stobie, was charged with murdering Mr Finucane.
Stobie admitted supplying the guns used in the killing but denied murder.
Just over two years later, the case against him collapsed due to the refusal of a key witness to give evidence.
Stobie walked free from court but within weeks had been shot dead outside his own home by loyalist gunmen.
In May 2003, the loyalist Ken Barrett was arrested and charged with the murder of Mr Finucane.
Barrett later confessed in court to killing Mr Finucane and was sentenced to 22 years' imprisonment in September 2004.
The de Silva report of 2012 was not a new inquiry but rather a review of all the existing documentation on the Finucane murder.
The Finucane family have campaigned for a full public inquiry into the murder for many years and have repeatedly insisted that they will not accept anything less.
The Finucanes believe that a public inquiry, where the veracity of documents and witnesses can be tested under cross-examination, is the best way of getting to the truth about the extent of security force collusion and exactly who knew what. | pat finucane was shot dead by loyalist paramilitaries in 1989. the solicitor was a high-profile figure in the conflict in northern ireland. there have been allegations that members of the security forces colluded in his murder. | 20683378 | The family of the murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have lost a legal challenge against Prime Minister David Cameron over his refusal to hold a public inquiry into the case. |
Wednesday led against the run of play courtesy of Angus MacDonald's own goal towards the end of the first half.
Barnsley rallied after the break as chances for Tom Bradshaw and Stefan Payne were saved by Keiren Westwood.
But Sam Hutchinson's half-volley inside the area doubled the hosts' lead before Barnsley's Adam Hammill was sent off.
Confusion followed the Barnsley midfielder's dismissal, following a challenge on Hutchinson, when referee Peter Bankes initially appeared to show Hutchison the red card.
After the protests on the touchline, Tykes manager Paul Heckingbottom was sent to the stands while Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal was given a warning.
A second successive home win for Wednesday takes them to sixth and above Birmingham on goal difference, while Barnsley drop to 11th following their back-to-back victories.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal:
"I think we prepared very well. I'm happy my team understands the moments of the game very well.
"I saw my team try to press up, try to play fast attack, sometimes all the players back together, not taking one goal when we were winning 1-0 and try to get the second.
"And I saw my team after the second goal and when Barnsley had 10 players press high and moving the ball until the game finished. These kind of things I like in my team."
Barnsley head coach Paul Heckingbottom:
"You get what you deserve and Wednesday won 2-0, they deserved to win because they took their chances.
"My frustration is I saw the ref give Sam Hutchinson a red card, and then I knew Adam had been sent off, but it wasn't until I got upstairs that I realised Wednesday had 11 men. I know I saw him give him a red card.
"I think me and Bully will end up suffering for mismanagement. When you turn around after an incident and there's four or five of their staff in your technical area and the fourth official trying to get them out it's only going to end one way."
Match ends, Sheffield Wednesday 2, Barnsley 0.
Second Half ends, Sheffield Wednesday 2, Barnsley 0.
Foul by Atdhe Nuhiu (Sheffield Wednesday).
Josh Scowen (Barnsley) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Attempt missed. Conor Hourihane (Barnsley) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Stefan Payne.
Offside, Sheffield Wednesday. Kieran Lee tries a through ball, but Adam Reach is caught offside.
Attempt missed. Atdhe Nuhiu (Sheffield Wednesday) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Ross Wallace with a cross.
Attempt blocked. Atdhe Nuhiu (Sheffield Wednesday) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Daniel Pudil.
Ross Wallace (Sheffield Wednesday) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Andy Yiadom (Barnsley).
Foul by Atdhe Nuhiu (Sheffield Wednesday).
Sam Winnall (Barnsley) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Foul by Atdhe Nuhiu (Sheffield Wednesday).
Marc Roberts (Barnsley) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Adam Hammill (Barnsley) is shown the red card.
Sam Hutchinson (Sheffield Wednesday) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Adam Hammill (Barnsley).
Foul by Atdhe Nuhiu (Sheffield Wednesday).
Marc Roberts (Barnsley) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Goal! Sheffield Wednesday 2, Barnsley 0. Sam Hutchinson (Sheffield Wednesday) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner following a corner.
Corner, Sheffield Wednesday. Conceded by Angus MacDonald.
Atdhe Nuhiu (Sheffield Wednesday) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Marc Roberts (Barnsley).
Substitution, Barnsley. Saidy Janko replaces Ryan Kent.
Substitution, Sheffield Wednesday. Atdhe Nuhiu replaces Steven Fletcher.
Offside, Barnsley. Andy Yiadom tries a through ball, but Stefan Payne is caught offside.
Attempt missed. Adam Reach (Sheffield Wednesday) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Kieran Lee.
Kieran Lee (Sheffield Wednesday) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Josh Scowen (Barnsley).
Attempt saved. Stefan Payne (Barnsley) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Adam Hammill.
Attempt missed. Ryan Kent (Barnsley) right footed shot from the left side of the box is too high. Assisted by James Bree with a cross.
Sam Hutchinson (Sheffield Wednesday) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Stefan Payne (Barnsley).
Substitution, Barnsley. Stefan Payne replaces Tom Bradshaw.
Substitution, Barnsley. Adam Hammill replaces Sam Morsy.
Attempt missed. Tom Lees (Sheffield Wednesday) right footed shot from very close range is close, but misses the top left corner. Assisted by Ross Wallace with a cross following a corner.
Corner, Sheffield Wednesday. Conceded by Tom Bradshaw.
Substitution, Sheffield Wednesday. David Jones replaces Barry Bannan.
Steven Fletcher (Sheffield Wednesday) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Marc Roberts (Barnsley). | Angus macDonald own goal puts Wednesday 2-0 up at home to barnsley. sam hutchinson doubles the hosts' lead before Adam hammill is sent off. a second successive home win for Wednesday takes them to sixth and above Birmingham. | 38217657 | Sheffield Wednesday moved inside the play-off places as they beat Barnsley courtesy of goals in each half in the South Yorkshire derby at Hillsborough. |
The musicians were returning home after performing at a Cornish wedding when the M5 was brought to a standstill by a horse on the road near Tiverton, Devon.
Violinist Emma Waller, from Portishead, said it was an "impulse decision" to play Johann Pachelbel's Canon.
Helen Delingpole, from the Rhondda Valley, Wales, who captured the moment on her phone, said it was "fantastic".
Ms Delingpole was heading home on Saturday after spending a week in Devon and said the music had "really cheered everyone up".
"It was fantastic - I'm so glad I filmed it because I wanted the musicians to see it, they're stars," she said.
The quartet, comprising of violinists Emma Waller and Lu Jeffrey, from Portishead, cellist Alison Gillies, from Bristol, and viola player Craig Pecherek, from Gloucester, said they have been astounded by the reaction.
Ms Waller, who has performed for the Welsh National Opera orchestra, said: "It's a little bit crazy, we only did it as a bit of fun to entertain people and certainly not for publicity or self-promotion.
"We knew there hadn't been a serious accident because there was an animals on the road warning sign flashing and we could see the end of the traffic queue, so we thought, why not?
"Everyone looked bored so we joked 'shall we play something' - it was a bit of an impulse decision." | musicians were returning home when the M5 was brought to a standstill by a horse. the quartet played Johann pachelbel's Canon, which "really cheered everyone up" the musicians, from portishead, said it was an "impulse decision" | 34245204 | Drivers stuck in a motorway traffic jam were treated to an impromptu "concert" by a string quartet. |
The 55-year-old fell to the ground as he was attempting to flee the snowball attack near Stainton Way in Middlesbrough at 17:30 GMT on Sunday.
Cleveland Police said one of the group punched the man in the face as he tried to stand up.
Officers said it was an unprovoked attack by a group of 12 people in their mid and late teens. | snowball attack happened in middlesbrough at 17:30 GMT on sunday. police said one of the group punched the man in the face as he tried to stand up. | 30905394 | A man was left with facial injuries after being attacked by 12 people throwing snowballs. |
The annual event, which takes place on the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd, has been running for 14 years.
But event director Stuart Galbraith said now was a "good time to take a year off and work on the festival's development for future years".
He added: "We have already started work on 2016 and look forward to coming back after our rest."
The event combines the sport of wakeboarding with the music festival, and has continued to grow in size since the first small event near Abersoch in 2000. | the annual wakeboarding festival has been running for 14 years. event director says it is now time to work on the festival's development. he added: "we have already started work on 2016" | 31555801 | North Wales music festival Wakestock will not take place in 2015, organisers have said. |
They might been further bolstered by comments after Prime Minister's Questions, if they had been watching the news this afternoon, when Number 10's spokesman suggested that although it was important still to balance the books, the government understands people are "weary" after years of the limit.
And, in line with Michael Fallon and Chris Grayling's comments, the government is ready to listen to the case to "scrap the cap" - bringing a potential end to the policy that was designed to save £5bn for the public purse by 2020.
By teatime however, after the Treasury had slightly less enthusiastically said they were "open to discussion", that nurse, social worker, teacher or doctor had slightly less cause for feeling optimistic about a bigger pay rise any time soon.
Number 10 had perhaps not changed, but certainly tweaked, their tune - saying when asked repeatedly that the policy has not changed, the independent pay review bodies will report in due course and the government will consider their proposals.
So far, so confusing. Neither Number 10 nor the Treasury, who it's suggested were not entirely thrilled with the suggestion, are ready by the end of this political day to be able to make such a big change, or to give Labour such a big victory.
The problem for them however is not just what appears to be a changing mood among some voters, but also very public hints by cabinet members that the cap, becoming painful for some as inflation starts to lift, could disappear along with Theresa May's majority. | a number of cabinet members have hinted that the cap could disappear. a number of them have said they are ready to scrap the cap. but the government is not ready to make such a big change, says sally kohn. | 40436972 | Nurse, social worker, teacher, doctor - pretty much any public sector worker in England, Wales and Northern Ireland would have been justified in feeling a bit more chipper this morning, had they had time to listen to comments from the defence secretary or the transport secretary, both hinting that the limit on their pay rises might be about to come to an end. |
The reality TV star and her half-sister Kendall Jenner will make cameo appearances in the film.
It will be the fourth movie in the Ocean's franchise in 17 years - confusingly coming after Ocean's Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen.
Kardashian and Jenner were photographed in New York on Monday after reportedly filming their cameos.
The pair will apparently appear in scenes set at a fictional gala being held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
One scene in the film features a jewel robbery at New York's annual Met Gala - an event packed with celebrities.
The news comes three months after Kardashian was held at gunpoint during a robbery in Paris.
She took a break from social media and public appearances as a result but has recently returned to Twitter and visited Dubai last week.
Rihanna, Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway are due to take some of the main roles in Ocean's Eight.
Vogue editor Anna Wintour and fashion designer Zac Posen have also recently been spotted near the set - could they be making cameos in the same scenes?
We'll find out when the film hits cinemas in June 2018.
The original Ocean's 11 was released in 1960 and starred Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin - and was remade as Ocean's Eleven in 2001 with Brad Pitt and George Clooney.
Unlike Ocean's Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen, the new film won't have major roles for Pitt and Clooney.
Matt Damon will reprise his role for a brief appearance, and James Corden and Damian Lewis will also have cameos.
Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk. | reality star and half-sister Kendall Jenner reportedly filming cameos. the pair will appear in scenes set at a fictional gala being held at the Met. news comes three months after Kardashian was held at gunpoint in paris. | 38662090 | The upcoming all-female Ocean's Eight film has just added a new cast member - Kim Kardashian. |
In a letter dated 17 June to both Fufa and the Ugandan government, Fifa warned of possible sanctions if the FA registers under the government's "Trustees Incorporation Act."
It comes after Uganda's government gave all Uganda's sporting Federations a deadline of June 30th to register.
But the Uganda FA has refused to abide by the order which came through Uganda's National Council of Sports (NCS), insisting that by doing so, it will go against Fifa rules.
Fifa have now responded with a warning to the government.
"Fifa points to the bold fact that any form of forced incorporation of Fufa under the Trustees Incorporation Act would be considered as interference in contravention to the Fifa Statutes" stated the letter which was signed by Fifa's Deputy Secretary General (Administration), Marco Villige.
The letter also highlighted the consequences of government interference in Fufa matters which it states "would consequently be brought to the attention of the relevant Fifa bodies to take appropriate measures against Fufa, including sanctions."
The Uganda FA President, Moses Magogo said although they remain a law abiding body in their country, they do not want to sign a document which will contravene with the statute of football's world body.
"Let the government accept to meet the Fifa people and discuss the way forward," Magogo told the BBC.
Any possible sanctions, which could involve a world ban, would hurt the Cranes who are on the brink of qualification for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. A victory over Comoros in September will take them to the finals in Gabon.
They are also the only nation in the Cecafa region still involved in the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers. | Uganda FA refuses to register under the government's "Trustees Incorporation Act" any sanctions could involve a world ban. any possible sanctions would hurt the Cranes. | 36567873 | Fifa warned the Ugandan government against forcing the country's Football Association (Fufa) to register as a trustee, which Fifa says would be "considered as interference." |
The letter, signed by 26 business figures, said they were "disappointed" Sir Howard Davies's report recommended that Heathrow was expanded.
In July, the commission said a third runway at the west London airport would make the most money for the economy.
Heathrow said more than 270 business figures publically supported its plans.
The business leaders who signed the letter sent to the prime minister included 15 chamber of commerce presidents, the chairman of the Gatwick Diamond Imitative and regional representative of the Federation of Small Businesses in East Sussex.
They claim "flaws" in the commission's report include an under estimation of the number of passengers that would use Gatwick by 2024 and a lack of acknowledgement of how many business travellers use the airport.
The letter also argues that a second runway at Gatwick can be delivered at "lower cost and risk" than expansion at Heathrow.
"We will continue to press for you and your government to ultimately choose Gatwick, as we believe it to be the right choice for the country and for the region," it states.
A spokesman for Heathrow said business leaders from across the UK were firmly behind their plans for a third runway and wrote to the prime minister in July urging him to implement the commission's recommendation.
"The Airports Commission undertook a £20m, two-and-a-half year, detailed study of where the next runway should be in the UK," he added.
"It unanimously and unambiguously chose Heathrow because it is the only option that will connect the whole UK to global growth."
The final decision on which airport will get the new runway will be made by the government by the end of the year. | letter to prime minister signed by 26 business figures. letter says report under estimates of number of passengers that would use Gatwick by 2024. spokesman for heathrow says business leaders back plans for third runway. | 33988967 | Business leaders in Sussex have written to David Cameron urging him to back a new runway at Gatwick, despite the recent Airports Commission's decision. |
Alexander Palmer, 23, is accused of repeatedly stabbing 83-year-old Peter Wrighton in the neck and head.
Mr Wrighton, from Banham, Norfolk, was found in woodland near the village of East Harling on 5 August.
Mr Palmer, of Dereham Road, Bawdeswell, was remanded by Norwich magistrates to appear before the city's crown court on Tuesday.
Mr Wrighton's body was found near the Fiveways Junction, three miles south of East Harling.
The retired BT engineer, from Banham, had been walking his dogs Gemma and Dylan when he was attacked. | Alexander Palmer, 23, accused of repeatedly stabbing 83-year-old Peter Wrighton. the retired BT engineer was found in woodland near the village of east Harling. he was remanded by magistrates to appear before city's crown court on Tuesday. | 40920037 | A man charged with the murder of a grandfather who was attacked as he walked his dogs has appeared in court. |
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The 30-year-old won heptathlon gold at London 2012 and added a silver medal at the Rio Olympics.
Ennis-Hill also won the World Championships in 2009 and again in 2015, just 13 months after the birth of her first child, Reggie.
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Cram told the BBC: "She fully deserves to be called an all-time great."
And former Olympic relay gold medallist Darren Campbell called her achievements "mind-blowing".
Ennis-Hill's heptathlon gold was one of the the iconic moments at London 2012 and occurred on 'Super Saturday', when British trio Ennis-Hill, Greg Rutherford and Mo Farah all won gold with 44 minutes.
The Sheffield athlete announced her retirement on social media on Thursday, writing: "Retiring now is right. I've always said I wanted to leave on a high and have no regrets and I can truly say that."
Former Olympic gold medallist Campbell told Radio 5 live: "It's a sad day but it's also a day where we should celebrate what a phenomenal athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill was. She gave so much to sport, achieved so much, had so many inspirational moments throughout her career.
"She is a normal girl, but she has achieved things that are exceptional and mind-blowing. It is only when you sit back and reflect that you realise how mind-blowing they are."
Media playback is not supported on this device
Media playback is not supported on this device | heptathlete announces her retirement on social media. Darren Campbell calls her achievements "mind-blowing" heptathlon gold was one of the iconic moments at London 2012. | 37651100 | The newly retired Jessica Ennis-Hill is one of Britain's greatest athletes, says former world 1500m champion Steve Cram. |
Neighbours told her trial they found Stephen Rayner, 25, collapsed in a pool of blood outside the flat the couple shared in Acton, west London, in September last year.
They described hearing "hysterical screams" moments earlier.
Jewellery designer Elizabeth "Lizzie" Hart-Browne, 27, denies murder.
David Winkworth told the Old Bailey he went outside to investigate after hearing the screams.
He told the jury he saw Mr Rayner's legs sticking out on the ground, then noticed Ms Hart-Browne sitting alone on her doorstep repeating "what have I done, what have I done".
Another neighbour, Katie Harrington, described trying to save Mr Rayner's life before paramedics arrived.
She said: "I heard some noise coming from the car park area. I couldn't hear exactly what was said, what was happening.
"A couple of moments later, I heard a female voice that was very distressed saying 'he's been stabbed, he's dead'.
"I put my shoes on and went outside. There was a man on the floor with a large pool of blood and there was a young lady who was leaning over looking and holding his neck.
"I ran inside and got some towels then I went back out there and tried to feel for a pulse."
Ms Harrington said she asked the "hysterical" woman to move away so she could roll him on his side as the ambulance operator gave instructions over the phone.
The court has heard that Ms Hart-Browne says she killed her boyfriend in self-defence during a violent attack by him.
The trial continues. | neighbours tell trial they found Stephen Rayner collapsed in a pool of blood. they described hearing "hysterical screams" moments earlier. "lizzie" hart-browne, 27, denies murder at the old Bailey. | 39206863 | A mother of two accused of murdering her boyfriend wailed "what have I done, what have I done" after stabbing him in the neck, a jury has heard. |
Stormont's Finance Committee wrote to Mr Ó Muilleoir this week asking him to step down during an investigation.
The move followed allegations its former Sinn Féin chairman coached a blogger who was set to give evidence.
Daithí McKay resigned as a Sinn Féin MLA over the scandal. Mr Ó Muilleoir denies knowledge of the communication.
Mrs Foster told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme: "It would be to the benefit of the institutions if he had stepped aside even temporarily."
Analysis: BBC News NI Political Editor Mark Devenport
Arlene Foster's first comments on the Daithí McKay affair were intended to send out a few different messages:
That said, she also acknowledged Máirtín Ó Muilleoir's future was a matter for Sinn Féin, and since the party was backing its minister, that's probably an end to the matter.
Although she made it clear she does not trust Sinn Féin, Mrs Foster clearly is not contemplating any wider action which would disrupt the stability of the DUP and Sinn Féin dominated coalition at Stormont.
But she added: "Sinn Fein have decided he is to remain in place and at the end of the day it is their call."
Last September, loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson used a meeting of the committee to name former First Minister Peter Robinson as "Person A" - whom he said had personally benefitted from the £1.2bn sale of Nama's Northern Ireland property portfolio.
The then first minister of Northern Ireland strongly denied he had sought to benefit in any way from the deal.
Mrs Foster said direct Twitter messages between Jamie Bryson, Daithí McKay and Sinn Fein member Thomas O'Hara were a "disgraceful attempt to impugn and discredit" her former colleague.
Nama is the Republic of Ireland's "bad bank", set up to deal with toxic loans after the 2008 property crash.
The finance committee started investigating the 2014 sale to a US investment firm following an allegation made in the Dáil (Irish parliament) that a politician or political party in Northern Ireland stood to profit from the loan sale. | former Sinn Féin chairman Muilleoir asked to step down during investigation. move follows allegations he coached blogger who was set to give evidence. former first minister Peter Robinson strongly denied he had sought to benefit from deal. | 37193602 | First Minister Arlene Foster has said Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir should have stepped aside while the Nama coaching scandal was investigated. |
This is the one Nigerian president who will assume office on Friday with unprecedented goodwill across the country - even from people who did not vote for him in the presidential election held two months ago.
His pre-election albatross of being a stern disciplinarian during his first time as as military head of state in 1983 has suddenly transformed to a quality which Nigerians are yearning for in the face of the excruciating pains of mass poverty and social insecurity pervading the land.
With his inauguration, he will have achieved his long-cherished dream of becoming a democratically elected leader - having made history as the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria.
But he will need prayers to have the courage and wisdom to confront the huge tasks he will inherit immediately after he is sworn in.
Muhammadu Buhari profile
President Buhari's to-do list is indeed a long one.
Earlier this month, his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo, said that 110 million out of Nigeria's population of 170 million were living in "extreme poverty" while the largest chunk of the nation's wealth was going into the pockets of a small percentage of the population.
This situation has been brought about by the mindless corruption of the past six years, mainly fuelled by a cabal in the oil and gas industry.
When I walk through the streets of the commercial capital, Lagos, in the morning I pass endless groups of young men and women idling in front of houses and shops, most of them without any idea of when or if breakfast will come and what to do with themselves for the day.
They easily snap and lurch at one another in senseless fights.
You dare not try to make peace if you are not of their neighbourhood. Otherwise, they transfer the aggression to you.
Teenage prostitution and pregnancy are commonplace because the young have nothing else to do and also because the girls easily fall prey to the lure of a decent meal and gifts by men old enough to be their grandfathers.
Sola Odunfa:
"Was he not the same man who 32 years ago corralled scores of corrupt politicians into prison and forced Nigerians to imbibe the queue culture in public places, Nigerians ask?"
Naturally, the crime rate is very high.
All these are the first born of, again, corruption in high places.
Of the 110 million Nigerians suffering extreme poverty, many are young college graduates of the past seven years but who have no hope of gaining employment.
Several thousands more will join them when new sets graduate in a few months' time.
In the mainly Muslim north, many of the unemployed end up in the ranks of militant Islamist group Boko Haram which has been behind the six-year insurgency in the north-east.
Factories and other businesses are closing down at a rate which the government Office of Statistics cannot publish.
Social services hardly exist anymore in my country.
Public hospitals are short of everything - beds, drugs, nurses and doctors.
I have not had electric power in my residence in the past 10 days, like everyone else in my lucky economic situation I rely on a power generator - and I pay through the nose to fuel it.
Talking of fuel, transportation has been crippled in this Opec-member country this month because of a recent row between the government and petroleum importers over fuel subsidies.
The fuel business in Nigeria is a huge scam in which importers demand payment for cargoes which the government is convinced are never delivered - and the amount they are talking about is millions of US dollars.
Where does Mr Buhari begin to tackle Nigeria's problems?
Unfortunately my country people believe that he has the magic wand to command instant solutions and give us a better life within a few months.
He has had to come out to appeal for patience and confess that he does not have such magical powers.
Was he not the same man who 32 years ago corralled scores of corrupt politicians into prison and forced Nigerians to imbibe the queue culture in public places, Nigerians ask?
They want him to do it again - but without the horse whip. | president Muhammadu Buhari will assume office on friday with unprecedented goodwill across the country. he will have achieved his long-cherished dream of becoming a democratically elected leader. but he will need prayers to have the courage and wisdom to confront huge tasks. | 32905067 | In our series of letters from African journalists, Sola Odunfa looks at the challenges ahead for Nigeria's incoming President Muhammadu Buhari. |
Darren Stephenson-Bennett, from Newton Aycliffe, crashed on a roundabout at the junction of the A68 and A1(M) near Darlington, County Durham.
The 28-year-old was last seen at a party on Saturday 27 August and was found dead by police seven days later after a phone call from the public.
He was confirmed dead at the scene but police say they are not sure when the crash happened.
It is thought Mr Stephenson-Bennett failed to negotiate the roundabout and went through a chevron board before hitting some trees, police said.
Insp Ed Turner said: "It's inevitable those questions will be asked of the police as to why we haven't found him before this time.
"There was a comprehensive missing from home investigation undertaken by Durham Constabulary. We didn't locate him.
"He went missing on the Saturday and wasn't reported missing until the Tuesday so we had a bit of catch up to play with."
In a statement, Mr Stephenson-Bennett's family said: "Darren was a much-loved husband, father, son and brother who was devoted to his family and his daughters.
"Darren was a popular person who would do anything for anybody.
"He was well-liked by all who knew him, extremely laid back and easy going, and no-one had a bad word to say about him." | Darren Stephenson-Bennett, 28, was last seen at a party on 27 august. he was found dead by police seven days later after a phone call from the public. police say they are not sure when the crash happened. | 37286731 | A driver found dead in a car in bushes had been missing for up to a week. |
Speaking to reporters in New Jersey, he said he wanted to thank the Russian leader for saving the US money.
Several US investigations are looking into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, which allegedly meddled in the 2016 election.
Mr Trump has rejected the inquiries as a "witch hunt".
At the end of July, President Putin said 755 staff would have to leave US diplomatic missions in Russia, in retaliation for new US sanctions against Moscow.
Many employees are believed to be "local hires", meaning it is likely far less than 755 people will actually have to leave the country.
He said they had to leave by 1 September, bringing staff levels to 455, the same as Russia's complement in Washington.
Staff in the embassy in Moscow as well as the consulates in Ekaterinburg, Vladivostok and St Petersburg were affected.
At the time, the US State Department said the move was a "regrettable and uncalled for act".
But Mr Trump thanked Mr Putin for reducing the US government's "payroll".
"I want to thank him because we're trying to cut down our payroll and as far as I'm concerned I'm very thankful that he let go of a large number of people," he said.
Also on Thursday, President Trump said he was "very surprised" by raids on the Virginia home of his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort by federal agents on 26 July.
Special counsel Robert Mueller, who is heading up the main investigation into Russian election interference, left Mr Manafort's Alexandria home with "various records", the Washington Post reported on Wednesday.
The president, who is on a working holiday at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, also told reporters he had not thought about the possibility of firing Mr Mueller, who was appointed as special counsel in May following Mr Trump's sacking of then FBI Director James Comey. | president putin said 755 staff would have to leave US diplomatic missions in Russia. retaliation for new sanctions against Moscow saw staff levels rise to 455, u.s. said. president Trump said he was "very surprised" by raids on home of former campaign chairman. | 40893536 | US President Donald Trump has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for ordering the departure of 755 staff from US diplomatic missions. |
He smiled as he held the red box aloft in Downing Street, knowing that inside his Budget speech painted a better picture of the public finances than had been previously predicted.
In the House of Commons, his first sentence from the despatch box described an economy that had "confounded commentators" with its "robust growth".
But despite the chancellor's confident demeanour through a speech littered with jokes and jibes at Labour, this was a Budget steeped in caution.
Borrowing figures were better than expected, but the UK still has a hefty deficit, so true to his nickname "spreadsheet Phil" wasn't prepared to splash the cash.
He brushed off the suggestion that lower borrowing made the case for more spending and spoke of the need for responsibility.
He might have relaxed the rules set by his predecessor around eliminating the deficit, but Mr Hammond made the case for balancing the books and placing the economy on a "strong and stable" platform ahead of Brexit.
The UK's impending departure from the EU was barely mentioned, but undoubtedly shaped this Budget.
With Brexit negotiations approaching, the chancellor was keen to keep any financial flexibility to one side in preparation for the uncertainty ahead.
Giveaways were followed by takeaways; measures to help businesses facing hefty rate rises preceded a rise in National Insurance contributions for the self-employed.
There were echoes of George Osborne when the chancellor spoke of the need for a strong economy in order to improve the lot of ordinary working people, as the prime minister has long promised.
But while his speech was heavy on rhetoric, it wasn't packed full of announcements compared to budgets of the past.
Mr Hammond's self-imposed economic restraint was designed to reassure, but Labour called it complacent, criticising the lack of investment in key public services or measures to raise living standards.
And while the government wants to portray confidence about the Brexit process, the chancellor's caution shows he's not entirely convinced there won't be some bumps in the road. | chancellor's speech was littered with jokes and jibes at labour. but this was a Budget steeped in caution, with borrowing figures better than expected. the chancellor made the case for balancing the books ahead of Brexit negotiations. | 39208798 | For his first and last spring Budget, Philip Hammond did seem to have a spring in his step. |
The teenager was grabbed from behind by a man on a footpath between Mainway East and Wince Close in Middleton at about 16:45 GMT on 10 or 17 December.
Greater Manchester Police said the girl did not initially report the attack but told officers about it on Sunday.
She described the man as white, in his 20s or 30s, and with "teeth behind his teeth, as if it was a second row".
The "medium build" attacker was also said to have a local accent and lips that looked like they had a rash around them.
He was wearing a black polo shirt, black jeans or tracksuit bottoms and black trainers, a force spokesman said.
Det Insp Damian Simpson said it had taken the girl "some time to speak out but thankfully now she has come forward, we can give her specialist support for what is clearly a very disturbing incident.
"These offences are very rare and we will have extra officers patrolling the area over the coming days, especially around the time this offence occurred to reassure and safeguard the community," he said. | girl was grabbed from behind by a man on a footpath in middleton. she did not initially report the attack but told officers about it on Sunday. the man was wearing a black polo shirt, black jeans or tracksuit bottoms. | 35235705 | A 13-year-old girl has been raped while walking home from a bus stop in Greater Manchester, police have said. |
McGhee was sacked a fortnight ago, with Robinson taking temporary charge.
"I spoke to Mark in depth on Tuesday morning when he offered me his advice and best wishes hoping I got the job," Robinson explained.
"So it's with Mark's blessing we do this and I'll give it my best shot to turn the football club around again."
Robinson, 42, was sacked as Oldham manager in January and rejoined McGhee's coaching team in February, having previously been assistant to the former manager and his predecessor Ian Baraclough.
"I'm delighted and honoured to be working for this club," he said.
"It's got a great history and tradition and as I've said numerous times there are a lot of good people around the football club that we owe performances to."
Robinson, who has signed a contract until May 2018, says having been interim boss following McGhee's departure will work in his favour.
"It gives me a head start," he added. "I know the vast majority of the players really well and I now what's needed.
"Both previous managers let me take a lot of the training - I'm used to that I don't think loads will change from what I've done in the last two weeks. We tried to put at structure in place where we're hard to beat and stop conceding goals and we'll continue to do that to stay in this division.
"The be all and end all is to keep the club in the Premiership, we'll worry about things after that and we'll make plans for going forward after that because at this time we can't sign any other players, we have to deal with what we've got.
"We've got to deal with the injury situation which we have and rectify that and make sure we get through to the end of the season."
Robinson confirmed James McFadden will remain in position as assistant manager.
"James is contracted to the end of the season and we'll work together until then," he said. "I'm conscious there's an identity at the football club. There are a lot of boys that have been here a long time so we need to retain that as well." | Robinson was sacked as oldham manager in January. he has signed a contract until may 2018. Robinson was previously assistant to former manager mark McGhee. | 39289726 | Stephen Robinson says former Motherwell boss Mark McGhee gave him his backing to become the permanent manager at Fir Park. |
Ithaca said it had secured the equity from DKL Investments, a wholly-owned subsidiary of energy firm Delek Group.
The investment was made via a private placement of common shares.
The move gives Delek a 19.9% stake in AIM-listed Ithaca.
Aberdeen-based Ithaca is the operator of the Greater Stella Area development in the central North Sea. It includes the Stella and Harrier fields, which are currently in the process of being developed, as well as the Hurricane discovery and the "Twister" prospect.
First production from the Stella field is expected at the end of the second quarter next year.
The investment from Delek will be used to pursue "satellite" opportunities in the area, as well as strengthen Ithaca's balance sheet and cut its bank debt.
Ithaca chief executive Les Thomas said: "The investment provides a solid vote of confidence in the long term value of Ithaca by a successful oil and gas investor and provides additional flexibility to execute the financial and strategic priorities of the business." | ithaca has secured equity from a wholly-owned subsidiary of energy firm delek. the move gives delek a 19.9% stake in the aim-listed company. ithaca is the operator of the greater Stella area development in the north sea. | 34489078 | Plans by oil and gas explorer Ithaca Energy to pursue opportunities in the Greater Stella Area of the North Sea have been boosted by a $66m (£43m) investment from an Israeli conglomerate. |
Voges, 37, was struck as he turned away from a Cameron Stevenson bouncer in the Sheffield Shield match with Tasmania.
He dropped to his knees and received medical attention before being helped from the pitch and retiring hurt on 16.
Australia's Phillip Hughes died aged 25 in 2014, two days after being hit on the top of the neck in a Shield game.
Voges will play no further part in the four-day match at the Waca, which started on Thursday.
While playing for Middlesex in May, he was taken to hospital and diagnosed with concussion after being struck on the head by a throw from the boundary from team-mate Ollie Rayner.
Voges is among several Australia players featuring in the current round of state matches between the second and third Test of the series against South Africa.
He scored only 30 runs in four innings as Australia lost the first two Tests.
The final Test in Adelaide starts on 24 November. | Voges was struck as he turned away from a bouncer in the Sheffield Shield match with Tasmania. he was helped off the pitch and retired hurt on 16. australia's Phillip Hughes died aged 25 in 2014, two days after being hit on the top of the neck in a Shield game. | 38009280 | Australia batsman Adam Voges was concussed after being hit on the back of the helmet by the ball while playing for Western Australia in Perth. |
Peacock worked as Derby's academy director for four years from 1998, but has spent 21 years at the Football Association either side of that spell.
"The chance to work once again at this fantastic club was an opportunity I couldn't decline," Peacock said.
The Rams have also named ex-Switzerland international Pascal Zuberbuhler, 44, as their goalkeeping coach.
Peacock and Zuberbuhler have joined manager Paul Clement's new-look coaching set-up and he said their experience would be crucial for his first season in charge.
Clement said: "John is an excellent coach and has a wealth of experience, having worked at the Football Association for a considerable amount of time.
"He is a key signing for me and I am really pleased that we have been able to attract such a highly-skilled coach to my backroom team."
Peacock worked in various roles at the FA and led the England U-17s side to two European Championship wins, in 2010 and 2014.
Zuberbuhler gained 51 international caps and won six league titles in his homeland, a well as playing for West Brom and Fulham in England.
Clement said: "He is an individual who has played at the pinnacle at not only club level, but for his country as well and has been part of sides that have gone on to be very successful.
"That sort of experience will be really important for us and it is something we can call upon to benefit the goalkeepers that we have at the club." | former england under 17 coach John peacock joins the coaching staff at derby. peacock worked as academy director for four years from 1998. ex-swiss international Pascal zuberbuhler named goalkeeping coach. | 33309050 | Derby County have appointed England Under-17 boss John Peacock to replace Paul Simpson as first-team coach. |
German papers approve of the vote, saying it went ahead despite strong criticism from the Turkish government.
In a commentary ahead of the vote, news magazine Der Spiegel said it would be "the right thing" to pass the resolution.
But it also understood the decision of leading politicians, including Chancellor Angela Merkel, not to attend the vote for fear of endangering the controversial EU-Turkey migrant deal.
Die Welt's Turkey correspondent Deniz Yucel is less sympathetic to the political leaders' predicament, dubbing their absence from the vote "embarrassing".
He describes the Turkish nationalist attitude to the Armenian massacres as "we didn't kill them, but we would do it again", and says only outside pressure like the Bundestag vote can bring "what has been repressed to the surface".
Volker Kauder, the parliamentary leader of Chancellor Merkel's Christian Democrats, urges MPs not to "be silent", despite warnings from Turkey.
"At a time of growing intolerance, naming historic crimes can help prevent them in future," he writes in the Frankfurter Allgmeine Zeitung.
He says the resolution seeks Armenian-Turkish reconciliation, and is not an "accusation" against the people of Turkey.
Sueddeutsche Zeitung says the vote has caused unease in Germany's large Turkish community.
"I feel that 'murderer' is being stamped on the foreheads of us German Turks," Frankfurt law student Elmaci Hilal tells the paper.
"I'm afraid the atmosphere between ethnic Turks and other Germans will change - it's been good so far."
Left-wing Tageszeitung backs the resolution, but says Germany must also come to terms with its own past and recognise the 1904-8 killing of Herero and Nama people in Namibia - a German colony at the time - as genocide.
Turkey's pro-government Sabah dubs the vote a "scandalous decision", registers official Turkish "warnings" about the bill, and notes the absence of Chancellor Markel and other top ministers from the debate.
Opposition Cumhuriyet is less combative, saying that "all eyes are now on Ankara" to see how the Turkish government will respond. The paper dismisses fears of a collapse of the EU migrant deal, as it is a "separate matter".
The Armenian Turkish newspaper Agos compares Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim's reaction unfavourably with the Bundestag's expression of "sorrow" at the failure of the German military mission to the Ottoman Empire to stop the killings in 1915, when the two countries were First World War allies.
Prime Minister Yildirim said the killings were "the sort of ordinary thing that happens in times of war, and could have happened in any country".
The media in Armenia followed the vote avidly. It was aired live with a simultaneous translation on pro-government Ararat TV, as well as on some major news agencies, including official Armenpress and 1in.am.
Lragir newspaper is typical of media reaction in seeing this as "Armenia's turn" to capitalise on the German resolution and press for similar votes in other countries, including Russia.
BBC Monitoring reports and analyses news from TV, radio, web and print media around the world. You can follow BBC Monitoring on Twitter and Facebook. | German papers approve of the vote, saying it went ahead despite strong criticism from the Turkish government. Chancellor angela Merkel and other politicians have not attended the vote for fear of endangering the controversial EU-Turkey migrant deal. the paper says the vote has caused unease in germany's large Turkish community. | 36436434 | The German Bundestag vote recognising the mass killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turkey in World War One as an act of "genocide" is the top story for the online editions of German newspapers, and attracts considerable attention in the Turkish and Armenian media too. |
There were reports of about five bombers at the camp's western gates. So-called Islamic State (IS) said it carried out the attack.
Most of the dead were police recruits.
The attack comes as IS continue to counterattack on the edges of the city of Ramadi, a week after it was recaptured by Iraqi troops.
The BBC's Thomas Fessy, who has just returned from Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, says there has been heavy fighting in the centre and north-eastern districts of the city, and the Iraqi forces have been taking casualties.
The Iraqi government said a week ago that it had "liberated" Ramadi from IS. The jihadist group had held the city since May.
Is Ramadi the model for defeating IS in Iraq?
Did tactical switch help advance?
Islamic State conflict
Life under IS
Viewpoint: How to defeat IS
The attack on Camp Speicher took place in early hours of Sunday morning. At least 20 police were also injured.
They are reported to be police from Nineveh province, training to take it back from IS.
IS said in a statement that it had carried out the attack, adding that it had targeted "trainers from the rejectionist army", referring to Shia Muslims, Reuters news agency reported.
Camp Speicher was the scene of a massacre by IS of up to 1,700 Iraqi Shia troops during their advance across the region in June 2014, some of which has been reversed.
Iraq's Defence Ministry says IS has stepped up suicide attacks since it lost control of Ramadi. | IS says it carried out the attack on camp speicher in western syria. the attack comes as IS continue to counterattack on the edges of the city of Ramadi. the Iraqi government said a week ago that it had "liberated" Ramadi from IS. | 35217319 | At least 12 members of the Iraqi security forces have been killed in a suicide bomb attack on the former US base of Camp Speicher, outside Tikrit. |
The 27-year-old was set upon by his attackers while walking in Dumbarton's Queen Mary Avenue at 04:55 on Sunday.
He was released after treatment at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Police have appealed for help in tracing the men who are described as white, in their early 20s and of average height. They were wearing light-coloured hooded tops.
Det Sgt Stuart Gillies said: "This was a random and unprovoked attack which left the victim with serious injuries.
"Officers are conducting inquiries in the area including examining CCTV and speaking to local residents.
"I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious to contact police." | 27-year-old was set upon while walking in dumbarton's queen Mary avenue. attackers are described as white, in their early 20s and of average height. | 34109024 | A man has been seriously injured after being attacked in the street by three other men in West Dunbartonshire. |
The Irish foursome had played the city several times during the early 1980s with their albums Boy and War - and 1984's The Unforgettable Fire had achieved critical and commercial success.
However the Joshua Tree album, inspired in part by the band's journey into the soul of America, elevated them to a different music stratosphere, with the album going on to sell over 25 million copies worldwide.
Thirty years on, a Radio Ulster programme narrated by Belfast church minister and U2 devotee, the Reverend Steve Stockman, reunites some fans who were at one of Belfast's most famous concerts.
On a cold Saturday morning in February, I persuade Geoff Caves, Brendan Mulgrew and Martin McCarney to meet me at the King's Hall.
No sooner are we standing outside what was, back then, Belfast's biggest concert venue, when memories of the U2 gig come flooding back.
"It was a bright summer's day. I'd just finished doing my A levels, actually my last A level was on that day," Brendan says.
"There were crowds of people milling around (at the King's Hall) waiting to get the best spot inside. It was the sort of feeling you don't get that often in your life and it was there that day in spades."
The concert was completely sold out but that didn't stop some fans without tickets trying to get in.
"A friend of mine didn't have a ticket. So whenever the gates at the King's Hall opened, he ran towards the main door and quickly handed a fiver to the doorman," Martin McCarney says.
Martin laughs as he recalls his mate sprinting into the venue and not being stopped, a lucky escape for one U2 fan.
It was a concert that attracted a lot of media interest and it was Ulster Television that got a real coup, just hours before the gig, when reporter Ivan Little interviewed Bono just minutes after the band's plane had touched down at Belfast International Airport.
"He told me that Belfast had a reputation, outside of Ireland, for being the best audience in the world and then he added 'that's sort of true," Ivan recalls.
"I asked him if they had any surprises in store for the King's Hall concert and he jokingly replied that the only surprise would be if they stayed in tune."
Of course they stayed in tune and there was another big surprise, even before U2 came on stage that night.
The band had persuaded none other than singing legend and former Velvet Underground front-man, Lou Reed, to be their support act.
After entertaining the crowds with several of his hit songs, including Walk on the Wild Side, Lou Reed made way for Bono, Larry, Adam and the Edge.
Christoph Ebbinghaus remembers the moment like it was yesterday. Now a church minister, back then as a 15-year-old this was his first concert and he was about to witness his favourite band live.
"You couldn't always make out what Bono was saying in between songs but I remember in his introduction to the concert, he described them as four friends from Dublin.
"Then he said this is the best audience in the world and we're going to give you the finest rock and roll concert this city has ever seen."
A big question being asked ahead of the King's Hall concert was whether Sunday Bloody Sunday would make it onto the set list.
One of U2's most political songs about the Troubles, the band had first played it at Belfast's Maysfield Leisure Centre in 1982.
Five years on they did play it again and, as Geoff Caves recalls, it made for one of the more memorable moments of the concert.
"There was an (Irish) tricolour and a union jack that had been pulled out during that song. Everyone who was there remembers the flag incident, Bono saying you can take down your flags, we're sick of flags," he said.
"It was quite an iconic moment. A lot of young people coming together in one place in Belfast, who wouldn't normally mix, and there was this call from Bono to take down the flags and it was obeyed."
The Rev Steve Stockman from Fitzroy Presbyterian Church in Belfast was also at the King's Hall gig.
Another memorable moment for him was in the months leading up to the concert - when U2 came to Belfast in March 1987 to launch the Joshua Tree album.
He recalls the band making a surprise midnight appearance at Makin' Tracks, a record store in the city centre.
Steve and the well known artist Colin Davidson queued to meet U2 that night and both remember the band members being "warm, friendly and interested" in meeting the fans.
With U2 set to tour again this year to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Joshua Tree album, some of those songs that filled the King's Hall three decades ago will do so again in venues around the world.
But for many fans, including Paul Duffy, who were there on 24 June 1987 there will only ever be one unforgettable gig.
"I can't drive past the King's Hall now without thinking about that day, that fantastic evening," he said.
"I've seen loads of bands there over the years but to me, U2 and the King's Hall are synonymous with Belfast. It was just such a magical time."
The Unforgettable Gig: When U2 rocked the King's Hall airs on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle at 12:30 BST on Sunday. | U2's Joshua tree album sold over 25 million copies worldwide. the band played the city several times during the early 1980s. a radio show narrated by a church minister reunites some fans. | 39393271 | 24 June 1987 was no ordinary day, especially if you were a U2 fan in Northern Ireland, because it's when the band brought their Joshua Tree tour to the King's Hall in Belfast. |
The failure to fortify flour has caused serious disabilities, including spina bifida, and resulted in terminations and stillbirths, their study said.
The US and 77 other countries already have a policy in place.
The Department of Health said it was currently considering the matter.
This follows the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition recently saying it was in favour of folic add being added to flour for bread in the UK.
Folic acid is found naturally in some foods, such as green vegetables, nuts and granary bread.
It is added to some breakfast cereals, but it is very difficult for pregnant women to get enough from diet alone.
That is why in 1992, the Department of Health in England recommended that women take folic acid supplements before pregnancy to reduce their risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect (NTD) - which involve defects of the brain, spine or spinal cord.
But recent research shows that only 28% of pregnant women take them at the correct time.
However the government has so far been reluctant to force manufacturers to add folic acid to all bread.
This study, published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, said the current policy was not working and the UK should be following the example of the US in fortifying flour with folic acid.
The US has seen a 23% fall in pregnancies with neural tube defects since the policy was introduced in 1998.
The researchers estimated that a similar policy in the UK would have prevented 1,798 pregnancies with NTD in England and Wales, 152 in Scotland and 64 in Northern Ireland over a 14-year period up to 2012.
This equates to a fall of 21% in pregnancies with neural tube defects over that period.
While most of the NTD pregnancies are terminated, around 75 babies a year are born with serious disabilities.
The research team, led by Prof Joan Morris from the Wolfson Institute of Preventative Medicine at Queen Mary University of London, said putting folic acid in flour was safe and could only be a good thing.
"Europe is the only region not to have a policy of fortifying flour with folic acid, despite evidence that it can cut the risk of neural tube defects by around 70%."
Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, said too many women had folic acid levels below the new World Health Organization recommendation for women entering pregnancy.
"This highlights the importance for pregnant women, and those trying or likely to get pregnant, of taking a daily folic acid supplement of 400 micrograms - before and up to the 12th week of pregnancy."
Prof Alan Cameron, vice president of clinical quality for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: "Food fortification will reach women most at risk due to poor dietary habits or socio-economic status as well as those women who may not have planned their pregnancy." | the failure to fortify flour has caused serious disabilities, including spina bifida. the study says putting folic acid in flour would be a good thing. the department of health is currently considering the matter. | 35122699 | UK experts are backing the call for flour to be fortified with folic acid - a move which they say would have prevented around 2,000 cases of serious birth defects since 1998. |
About 200 people attended the service in Douglas which included a montage of childhood photographs set to his favourite Backstreet Boys song.
All those who attended the service at St Ninian's Church followed his family's wishes to wear blue.
The entrepreneur, from Plymouth, died following an asthma attack last month.
His mother Rosemary Baggs said: "We didn't want people to wear black - Stuart wouldn't have wanted that.
"His favourite colour was blue so it seemed fitting."
Baggs launched his company Bluewave Communications in 2007 and, days before his death at the age of 27, held a press conference to launch his latest product.
When he was aged 21 in 2010, he became the youngest ever candidate to appear on the BBC One show The Apprentice.
Baggs, who was fired in the semi-final, became famous for his one-liners, which included "Everything I touch turns to sold" and "I'm Stuart Baggs the brand".
Following his death, Lord Sugar was one of the first to pay tribute to the charismatic contestant, tweeting that Baggs was "one of the stand out characters".
Mrs Baggs told Manx Radio: "The Stuart we knew was so different to the Stuart in the public eye.
"He was a very loyal, caring and funny person, who was the life and soul of any party.
"Stuart was always the person someone would want as their plus one because you would be guaranteed a good night."
Friend Shelly Rourke said he never judged anyone because he felt so acutely aware that everyone judged him. "He didn't want anyone else to feel like that," she said.
"Stuart would do anything for you. Seeing everyone wearing blue today will be a testament to how much people loved him."
Another friend Jo Cutsforth said: "The guy was exceptionally hard-working and very, very passionate.
"He was a boy with a dream and for almost 10 years he made that dream come true."
Paul Moulton, who spoke at the funeral, said: "Everyone wore blue as it was his favourite colour and his company name.
"Anyone who knew Stuart would know that he would have laughed his socks off at the idea." | about 200 people attended the service in Douglas. entrepreneur died following an asthma attack last month. his mother said: "we didn't want people to wear black - Stuart wouldn't have wanted that." | 33958450 | The mother of The Apprentice star Stuart Baggs said his funeral was a celebration of her son's life and achievements. |