News by Dani

News Headlines

Arrests In US And UK After PayPal Is Hacked - A 16-year-old boy is being held on suspicion of cyber-crime in Britain as FBI agents made a string of arrests in the US over an attack on the PayPal website. (Read More Sky)

Worried you’ll get Alzheimer’s? Then follow these seven steps - Playing chess in old age and going jogging or swimming could be the best preventative measures against the development of the degenerative Alzheimer’s disease that affects one in 14 people aged 65 or over. (Read More independent)

‘Catalogue Of Failures’ By Cops On Hacking - Scotland Yard has been accused of “a catalogue of failures” over the phone-hacking investigation in a damning report by MPs. (Read More Sky)

Foreign investment begins to pour into Iraq - The amount of new foreign investment deals is on track to double this year, according to a report by Dunia Frontier Consultants, which specializes in emerging markets. (USAToday)

Fuel workers push on with strike - Cape Town – South Africa’s fuel workers are likely to reject a revised wage offer, the main union’s chief negotiator said on Tuesday as a week-long strike in the sector, which has left pumps at hundreds of service stations dry, looked set to intensify. (Read More Mercury)

Pakistan’s Military Plotted to Tilt U.S. Policy, F.B.I. Says - WASHINGTON — Pakistan’s military, including its powerful spy agency, has spent $4 million over two decades in a covert attempt to tilt American policy against India’s control of much of Kashmir — including funneling campaign donations to members of Congress and presidential candidates, the F.B.I. claimed in court papers unsealed Tuesday. (Read More nytimes)

Royal Staff ‘Astonished’ Over Coulson Hiring - Senior royal staff were “gobsmacked” over the appointment of the former News Of The World (NOTW) editor Andy Coulson by David Cameron, Sky sources have said. (Read More Sky)

Lashkar Gah: Nato to hand over volatile Afghan city - British troops in Afghanistan’s volatile Helmand province are preparing to hand control of the city of Lashkar Gah to Afghan security forces. (Read More BBC)

Great white shark jumps from sea into research boat - Marine researchers in South Africa had a narrow escape after a three-metre great white shark breached the surface of the sea and leapt into their boat, becoming trapped on deck for more than an hour. (Read More MG)

Taliban spokesman disputes claim that leader Mullah Omar is dead - A Taliban spokesman says the group’s phones and website were hacked, and text messages sent out saying their reclusive Afghan leader Mullah Mohammed Omar is dead — a claim the group has denied. (Read More CNN)

‘High suicide risk if Dewani sent to SA’ - London – Vinod Hindocha stood at the base of the stairwell leading to the courtrooms of the Belmarsh Magistrate’s Court in London and wiped the tears from his face. (Read More iol)

Apple smashes Street views, shares soar - Blockbuster sales of the iPhone and strong Asian business again helped Apple Inc crush Wall Street’s expectations, driving its shares up more than 7 percent to a record high and boosting Asian (Read More Reuters)

Malan’s ashes to Voortrekker Monument - Cape Town – Apartheid-era defence minister Magnus Malan’s funeral service will be held on Saturday and his ashes will be placed at the Voortrekker Monument at a later date, his family said on Tuesday. (Read More News24)

US-Pakistan relations worsen with arrest of two alleged spies - Washington claims men were intelligence agents while Kashmiri lobby group allegedly ‘channelled funding’ (Read More Guardian)

Support Growing for Bipartisan Gang Plan – Though Some Express Concern - With support growing for a $3.7 trillion bipartisan Senate “Gang of Six” deficit reduction plan, the original group met all together, by themselves, for the first time in months Tuesday afternoon to plot their next move given their newfound possibilities, including significant presidential praise. (Read More Fox)

Winnie star witness against Israeli ‘apartheid’ - Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is to testify at an “international peoples’ court” in Cape Town that will decide if Israel is imposing apartheid on Palestinians. (Read More TimesLive)

Probe into prison torture claims – correctional services department and police are investigating allegations of torture at Pretoria Central Prison. (Read More News24)

Sports Watch

Pistorius: See you in Daegu - Raleigh – With his final attempt, South African double amputee Oscar Pistorius qualified for next month’s world championships by smashing his 400 metres personal best in Lignano, Italy on Tuesday. (Read More Sport24)

With N.F.L. Deal in Sight, Each Side Can Claim Gains - N.F.L. owners and players closed in on an agreement in principle Tuesday night on an expected 10-year labor contract. It would ensure that the 16-game season starts on time, give owners a bigger portion of revenue and limit how much money rookies can make. (Read More nytimes)

Thobela query prompts relook at SA boxing policies - Administrators said on Tuesday that Boxing South Africa (BSA) would seek to form its own policies after the governing body failed in an attempt to apologise publicly to former world champion Dingaan Thobela.  (Read More MG)

Thor de force from Hushovd - World champion Thor Hushovd claimed his second individual stage win of the 2011 Tour de France when edging out fellow Norwegian Edvald Boasson Hagen to win a dramatic 16th stage in Gap – but just as significant was the eclipse of overall favourite Andy Schleck. (Read More SkySport)

Pienaar to give Boks the edge - Sydney – Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is excited about the positive energy in his camp ahead of Saturday’s Tri-Nations Test against the Wallabies. (Read More Sport24)

Basketball star Yao Ming retires - NBA star Yao Ming announced his retirement during a news conference in China on Wednesday. (Read More CNN)

‘Killer’ to undergo trials - Katlego Mphela will be jetting off to Scotland this weekend to attend trials with Glasgow Celtic after Mamelodi Sundowns’ president, Patrice Motsepe, gave him the go ahead. (Read More Citisport)

Williams team and designer sued by leading Nascar team - Williams and their new chief engineer Mike Coughlan are being sued by Nascar team Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR). (Read More BBCSport)

Improved Spurs manage draw - Nelspruit – Orlando Pirates managed a 1-1 draw against a much-improved Tottenham Hotspur side in the second Vodacom Challenge match at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Tuesday night. (Read More iol)

Kenya cricket appoint new coach - Nairobi – Kenya have named New Zealander Mike Hesson as their new national cricket coach, officials said on Tuesday. (Read More iol)

GB swimmer Keri-Anne Payne wins gold – and qualifies for 2012 Olympics - Just over a week short of the one-year countdown to the Olympics, the swimmer Keri-Anne Payne has become the first British athlete to guarantee her place at the Games after regaining her world 10km open-water title in Shanghai. (Read More Guardian)

News Headlines

Mystery As Hacking Whistleblower Found Dead – A former reporter for the News Of The World (NOTW) who blew the whistle on the extent of phone hacking at the paper has been found dead at his home. (Read More Sky)

Magnus Malan’s career - Cape Town – Former apartheid defence minister Magnus Malan died at the age of 81 on Monday morning, his family said. (Read More News24)

Sun website hacked by LulzSec - Hacking collective redirect Sun website to fake story claiming Rupert Murdoch had been found dead – before redirecting site to the LulzSec Twitter account (Read More Guardian)

Phone-hacking: MPs to quiz Murdochs and Rebekah Brooks - News Corporation chiefs Rupert and James Murdoch and former executive Rebekah Brooks will be quizzed by MPs later about the phone-hacking scandal. (Read More BBC)

Woman cop runs amok - Pietermaritzburg – A policewoman is expected to appear in court on Tuesday after she allegedly assaulted, swore at and threatened a Northdale family at gunpoint, apparently over an SMS carrying sexual undertones. (Read More News24)

London’s ‘Met,’ a renowned police force with a checkered past - When he became the Commissioner of London’s Metropolitan Police in 1972, Robert Mark told his new subordinates: “The basic test of a decent police force is that it catches more criminals than it employs.” (Read More CNN)

Dewani’s ‘active lifestyle’ exposed - London – Shrien Dewani exercises for hours on end even though his lawyers say he is too ill to stand trial over the murder of his wife on honeymoon, a court heard on Monday. (Read More iol)

In liberalized Greek workplace, dancers swirl freely - If you want to be a dancer in Greece, you can now swirl freely into your new career. But if your heart is set on opening a pharmacy, things are not that easy (Read More Reuters)

UK banks dragged into eurozone crisis as global markets take fright - Lloyds, RBS and Barclays take £5bn hit as stock and commodity prices plummet, while US urges Europe to be more decisive (Read More Guardian)

US Officials Hold Talks With Gaddafi’s Aides - US officials have met face-to-face with members of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime – but the two sides disagree about what they discussed. (Read More Sky)

New offer on table as pumps dry up - Johannesburg – Employers in South Africa’s petroleum industry have raised their wage offer for workers in the sector in a bid to end a week-long strike, trade union Solidarity said on Monday (Read More News24)

Al Qaeda Expected to Shift Focus to Western Targets Outside U.S. - WASHINGTON — Al Qaeda is expected to shift strategy under new leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, placing a higher priority on attacking the U.S. and Western targets overseas, where plots are easier to execute than on the U.S. homeland, U.S. (Read More Fox)

Atlantis shuttle undocks from space station - The US shuttle Atlantis has undocked from the space station and is heading home to Earth one last time. (Read More BBC)

‘Tame’ Bengal tiger turns on 5-year-old - Bela-Bela – The fearless actions of his mother and a passing tourist probably saved Finlay Holden, 5, from being mauled by a six-month-old Bengal tiger that got hold of him at the Zebula Golf Estate and Spa, about 50km outside Bela-Bela in Limpopo. (Read More News24)

Chinese authorities probe ‘terrorist’ attack that left 2 hostages dead - Assailants who held eight hostages and executed a deadly attack in China’s Xinjiang region on Monday carried a flag with “Holy War” written in Arabic on it, a regional spokeswoman said. (Read More CNN)

Star’s rhino exposé yields results - None of the animals from an embattled herd of white rhinos will be delivered to poaching accused Dawie Groenewald. Instead, all nine rhinos will now head for the farm of prominent rhino owner John Hume. (Read More iol)

Analysis: Google antitrust watchers: Place your bets, please - The antitrust probe into Google Inc (GOOG.O) could hem in its growth ambitions for years, even if regulators do not unleash their most formidable weapons (Read More Reuters)

Army device will gauge blast hits on soldiers - The Army will outfit a brigade of soldiers in Afghanistan in the next few weeks with gauges worn on their bodies that can alert medics to an explosion’s severity — proof of possible brain injury. (Read More USAToday)

6 arrested for ‘renaming’ Mandela Drive - Johannesburg – Six men have been arrested for allegedly using stickers to rename Nelson Mandela Drive to Clive Derby-Lewis Street on directional boards in Pretoria, police said on Monday. (Read More News24)

Sports Watch

Mark Webber in ‘positive’ Red Bull contract talks - Mark Webber has revealed that he is in “positive” talks over a contract extension at Red Bull, despite his grievances over team orders during Sunday’s British Grand Prix. (Read More BBC)

Naas Botha’s wife ill - Johannesburg – Former South African long jumper Karen Botha has been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, Beeld newspaper reported on Monday. (Read More Sport24)

Corinthians – No Tevez deal - Corinthians have denied claims from Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini that a deal has been agreed for Carlos Tevez. (Read More SkySport)

Brazil coach defends ‘historical incompetence’ after Copa América exit - The Brazilian daily paper O Globo may have branded it an act of “historical incompetence” but the Brazil squad and coaching staff have defended their exit from the Copa América. (Read More Guardian)

NFL sides hope to roll remaining issues into ‘global settlement’ - The NFL’s war-of-attrition labor fight appears to have a few more rounds remaining. (Read More USAToday)

Three to debut for Springboks - Sydney – South Africa, who travelled to Australia without 21 Test regulars, have included three uncapped players in their team for Saturday’s Tri-Nations opener against the Wallabies. (Read More Sport24)

USC RB Tyler suspended after comments to TMZ - Southern California tailback Marc Tyler has been suspended from all team activities and the Trojans’ season opener for comments he made to TMZ that implied he gets paid to play for USC. (Read More FoxSport)

Smith to miss Champions League T20 - Proteas Test captain Graeme Smith will miss the 2011 Champions League taking place in India from September 23 to October 9 2011. (Read More iol)

Doubts cast over All Black Stephen Donald’s Bath move - Stephen Donald’s proposed move to Bath is in doubt due to technicalities over his work permit. (Read More BBCSport)

Chubby: Clarke almost quit - Darren Clarke’s agent Andrew Chandler has claimed the Northern Irishman almost quit golf just months before his stunning success at The Open. (Read More Sky Sport)

News Headlines

Angelenos stay home, averting ‘Carmageddon’ - For a day and half, the fearsome traffic of Los Angeles all but disappeared as hundreds of thousands of drivers decided to stick close to home while highway crews closed the nation’s busiest freeway to demolish half of an outdated overpass. (Read More USAToday)

Elusive snow leopards discovered in remote corner of Afghanistan - A “surprisingly healthy” population of rare snow leopards has been discovered in the remote northeastern stretches of Afghanistan, one of the few areas largely unaffected by the near decade-long war in the country. (Read More CNN)

Crunch time as fuel crisis bites - Johannesburg – As fuel runs out in parts of SA due to a strike, wage talks in the fuel sector will resume on Monday for the first time in weeks (Read More News24)

Britain’s Top Cop Quits Amid Hacking Claims - Britain’s top police officer has become the latest casualty of the phone hacking scandal after quitting over criticism of his links to a former News Of The World deputy editor (Read More Sky)

Activists Expect Debate Over Defense of Marriage Act - Gay service members from Army soldiers to Air Force officers are planning to celebrate the official end of the military’s 17-year policy that forced them to hide their sexual orientation with another official act — marriage. (Read More Fox)

Numsa Strike ends with 10% wage hike - Johannesburg – The National Union of Metalworkers SA (Numsa) has agreed to a settlement offer by the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of SA (Seifsa) and other employers, the union said on Sunday. (Read More Fin24)

New airstrikes rattle Tripoli in Libya conflict - Fighting between Libyan rebels and government troops raged around the eastern Libyan oil town of Brega throughout the weekend as NATO warplanes launched a sustained pre-dawn raid on Tripoli’s eastern suburbs. (Read More CNN)

Painkillers ‘may ease agitation’ in dementia patients - Many dementia patients being prescribed “chemical cosh” antipsychotic drugs could be better treated with simple painkillers, research says. (Read More BBC)

Porn flick inspired by Kunene’s antics - A local film production company has taken inspiration from Joburg businessman and self-proclaimed sushi king Kenny Kunene for its very first porn flick. (Read More iol)

Japan plans to ban Fukushima beef - Japan’s government is set to suspend all cattle shipments from Fukushima as concerns over radiation-tainted beef escalate. (Read More BBC)

Gold hits record high on U.S., Europe debt worries - Spot gold touched a record high on Monday, on track for its longest winning run in at least four decades, reflecting persistent worries about the euro zone debt crisis and a growing threat of a U.S. government default. (Read More Reuters)

Corruption chips away at the ANC’s image - African National Congress secretary general Gwede Mantashe has written a document warning that the ruling party is too soft on corruption (Read More MG)

Democrats, Republicans still at odds on debt ceiling - With five days remaining before President Barack Obama’s deadline for a deal to raise the U.S. debt ceiling, Republicans and Democrats have yet to agree on a big plan to cut the nation’s deficit and raise its debt limit in time to avoid an unprecedented U.S. default. (Read More Reuters)

Mandela’s birthday has Qunu abuzz - Johannesburg – Qunu, about 35km from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, was abuzz with activity over the weekend. (Read More iol)

Champneys: the spa that helped secure Sir Paul Stephenson’s fate - Not just for footballers and pop singers, the Hertfordshire health farm regularly treated Rebekah Brooks ‘royally’ (Read More Guardian)

DA calls for tax probe into Malema - Johannesburg – The Democratic Alliance will on Monday ask the SA Revenue Service to investigate ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema’s finances, the party’s police spokesperson Dianne Kohler Barnard said. (Read More Fin24)

Poet jailed in protests claims she was beaten by Bahraini royal - Ayat al-Gormezi says she was tortured while in jail for reciting a poem at a pro-democracy protest. Patrick Cockburn reports (Read More Independent)

Chávez holds on to leadership reins as he flies to Cuba for treatment - Venezuela left without interim president as leader receives chemotherapy, sparking fears about future government (Read More Guardian)

Alleged poaching kingpin fails to collect new herd of rhino - It was the killing of three white rhino on his farm that influenced Dr Walt Ward’s decision to sell his animals to suspected poaching kingpin Dawie Groenewald and North West rhino owner John Hume. (Read More Star)

Sports Watch

Newman Edges Stewart to Win NASCAR Race in New Hampshire - Ryan Newman had his boss on his back and felt pressure to deliver a top performance. (Read More FoxSport)

Cavendish makes it four - Mark Cavendish sprinted to victory on stage 15 of the Tour de France to stamp his authority on the green jersey standings. (Read More SkySport)

Women’s World Cup final: Japan beat USA on penalties - Japan beat USA 3-1 on penalties to become the first Asian nation to win the Fifa Women’s World Cup. (read More BBCSport)

Joost to seek help in America - Johannesburg – Former Springbok rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen will fly to America on Sunday night where he will be treated for motor neuron disease (MNS). (Read More Sport24)

Arsène Wenger hopes Cesc Fábregas can play for Arsenal against Cologne - Arsène Wenger will return to his desk after Arsenal’s tour of Asia and make a swift resolution of the Cesc Fábregas saga a priority, with the manager hopeful that the captain could even return to the club colours in Saturday’s friendly at FC Cologne. (Read More Guardian)

Boxing: Warren defends Cook after freak injury ends fight - After just 93 seconds of bizarre action Nicky Cook was carried off to retirement with his neck in a brace, his legs strapped to a stretcher and a look of pain on his face on Saturday night at the Echo Arena, Liverpool. (Read More Independent)

Oscar fails to qualify again - Padua – South Africa’s ‘Blade Runner’ Oscar Pistorius on Sunday failed in his latest attempt to register a qualifying time for the 400m at next month’s world championships. (Read More Sport24)

Red-hot Rangers win 11th consecutive 3-1 over Seattle - Matt Harrison wasn’t about to be the one to halt Texas’ wave of nearly perfect pitching, or the Rangers near-record win streak. (Read More USAToday)

Botha confirms Holyfield fight - South African boxer Francois Botha says he has agreed to face fellow veteran Evander Holyfield for the WBF heavyweight title. (Read More MG)

Clarke ends major wait - Darren Clarke finally became a major champion at the age of 42 as he clinched a three-shot victory in the Open at Royal St George’s. (Read More Sky)

Wallaby shocker bad for Boks - Cape Town – It seems the Springboks, perhaps understandably, are trying to paint a picture of sudden Australian self-doubt and insecurity ahead of the Tri-Nations opener in Sydney on Saturday. (Read More Sport24)

Manchester City agree Carlos Tevez sale to Corinthians - Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said that an agreement has been reached for the sale of Argentina striker Carlos Tevez to Corinthians. (Read More BBCSport)

Late goal for Chiefs sink Spurs - Substitute George Lebese led a late surge to score an injury-time winner as Kaizer Chiefs beat English outfit Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in the opener of the Vodacom Challenge at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday. (Read More MG)

Friday Morning Financial Indicators

News Headlines

Standard & Poor’s Warns It May Downgrade U.S. Credit Rating - Credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s said on Thursday that there is a 50 percent chance it will downgrade the U.S. government’s credit rating within three months because of the congressional impasse over approving an increase in the debt ceiling. (Read More Fox)

Indonesian maid escapes execution in Saudi Arabia - Just three weeks ago, Darsem binti Dawud Tawar was facing execution by beheading in Saudi Arabia for murder, which she claims was an act of self-defense. Now, finally back home in Indonesia, she is a free woman — after supporters paid more than $500,000 in “blood money.” (Read More CNN)

U.S. border cities prove havens from Mexico’s drug violence - The picture painted of America’s southwestern border with Mexico is a bloody one, in which the drug violence decimating northern Mexico has spilled onto U.S. soil and turned the region into a war zone. (Read More USAToday)

Arrested ex-News of the World executive Neil Wallis worked for Met - Wallis advised Yard on communications at time police decided there was no need to re-open phone-hacking case (Read More Guardian)

Feds Want ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Halt Stayed - The federal government asked the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday to reconsider its order last week demanding an immediate halt to the enforcement of the ban on openly gay troops in the military. (Read More Fox)

Is Casey Anthony in danger after her release Sunday? - Anthony was acquitted July 5 in the death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, a verdict that sparked outrage from those who thought she was guilty. Scores of angry Facebook pages sprang up, some with threatening messages. (Read More USAToday)

DAVE GILMOUR’S SON FACES PRISON OVER ATTACK ON CHARLES’S CAR IN RIOTS - THE son of Pink Floyd guitarist Dave Gilmour bowed his head in shame in court yesterday as full details emerged of how he was part of a mob that attacked Prince Charles’s car during student riots. (Read More Express)

CIA’s fake vaccination programme criticised by Médecins Sans Frontières - Cover used by US intelligence to spy on Bin Laden in Pakistan ‘threatened immunisation work around the world’ (Read More Guardian)

Panic at pumps as stations run dry - It was panic at the pumps across the Tshwane region, with filling stations starting to run dry as the fuel and metal industry strikes dragged on on Thursday. (Read More iol)

Taiwan – TSMC to make Apple chips on trial - Taiwan’s TSMC has started trial manufacturing of next generation A6 chips for Apple Inc, a source familiar with the matter said, in a sign that the iPad maker is shifting from its traditional chip supplier, Samsung Electronics. (Read More Reuters)

FBI Probe As Murdoch Hits Back At ‘Lies’ - The FBI has said it is investigating claims News Corp journalists tried to hack into the phone of 9/11 victims as Rupert Murdoch hits back at criticism of his media empire. (Read More Sky)

Indonesians flee volcano eruption on Sulawesi - Thousands of people on an Indonesian island have been forced to flee a fierce volcanic eruption. (Read More BBC)

Gold shines before euro zone meeting - Hong Kong – Gold slipped on Friday though it was on track to match its biggest winning streak in four decades, with debt crises in the euro zone and the United States leaving investors few alternatives but to keep piling into the metal (Read More Fin24)

Sudan air raids force women and children to run to the hills - Mountain caves offer only shelter for villagers who backed southern forces (Read More Independent)

Sports Watch

Judge Declares Mistrial in Roger Clemens Perjury Trial - The judge declared a mistrial Thursday in baseball star Roger Clemens’ perjury trial after prosecutors showed to jurors evidence that he had ruled would be out of bounds in the case. (Read More Fox)

Amateur dramatics from Lewis after veteran Bjorn again - The 40-year-old Bjorn and English amateur Lewis, a man half his age, both fired 65s to lead by one shot after round one at Royal St George’s. (Read More BBCSport)

Kentucky Speedway offers ticket exchange to fans - Kentucky Speedway on Monday offered a ticket exchange to fans who were stuck in traffic and missed the inaugural Sprint Cup Series race. (Read More NY Post)

Sánchez climbs to victory - Samuel Sánchez won an epic 12th stage of the Tour de France as reigning champion Alberto Contador’s yellow jersey hopes suffered another blow. (Read More SkySport)

Report: NFL owners, players agree to rookie wage scale - With time running out for the NFL to avoid having training camps open late and losing preseason games, one of the major impediments to a new collective bargaining agreement might have been removed on Thursday. (Read More USAToday)

Fan Who Caught Derek Jeter’s 3,000th Hit May Have to Pay Hefty Tax Bill - NEW YORK — The fan who gave Derek Jeter’s 3,000th hit ball back to the Yankees captain and received a treasure trove of gifts in return was bracing Tuesday for another present: a five-figure tax bill, The New York Times reported (Read More Fox)

Juventus make Tevez bid - Juventus have stepped into the race to sign Carlos Tevez and made a £45million bid for the Argentine, according to Corinthians, who have seen their own offer to buy him rejected. (Read More Sky Sport)

U.S. team grew through adversity, jells at World Cup - FRANKFURT, Germany — To hear some of the U.S. women’s soccer players tell it, this team that has captured the country’s attention was forged by adversity, by the loss to Mexico in November that endangered their World Cup qualification and by losses this year to Sweden and England. (Read More USAToday)

British media snubbed by Amir Khan’s opponent Zab Judah over pay split – Amir Khan’s fellow world champion Zab Judah is boycotting the British media ahead of their world light-welterweight unification contest in Las Vegas a week tomorrow, in protest at having been shut out of the revenue stream from pay-per-view channel Primetime, screening the fight in the UK. (Read More Telegraph)

Aussies in line for RWC bonus - The Wallabies squad will take home A$110 000 ($118 046) a man if they win the Rugby World Cup later this year but no bonus at all if they fail to reach the final in New Zealand. (Read More Sport24)

News Headlines

Women in court for human trafficking - Two Chinese women appeared in the Parow Regional Court on Wednesday on charges of human trafficking for sexual purposes. (Read More iol)

Five Die After Mystery Explosion In Lincs – Five men have been killed on an industrial estate in Lincolnshire after the unit they were in was hit by a mysterious explosion. (Read More Sky)

Fines, expulsion for absentee MPs - Cape Town – Parliament could soon introduce fines of R500 a day for missing work for MPs who go absent without leave for more than a fortnight, the office of the ANC chief whip said on Wednesday. (Read More News24)

Figures show thousands of security breaches at U.S. airports - The nation’s airports have suffered more than 25,000 security breaches since November 2001, according to a House committee, citing information it says it received from the Transportation Security Administration. (Read More CNN)

Top cop linked to shady trio - A top cop is under investigation after police equipment – including a blue light and and a bullet-proof vest – was found in the possession of a gang of suspected robbers. (Read More Mercury)

Dollar drops as Moody’s warning spurs shift to safe havens - The dollar fell on Thursday, sending gold to a record high and yields on Japanese government bonds to eight-month lows, after Moody’s warning that the United States may lose its top-notch credit rating spurred a rush toward safe-haven assets. (Read More Reuters)

The lifesaving technology lurking in the laundry basket - What do mosquitoes like more than clean, human skin? Stinky socks. Scientists think the musky odour of human feet can be used to attract and kill mosquitoes that carry deadly malaria. The Gates Foundation announced on Wednesday that it will help fund one such pungent project in Tanzania. (Read More MG)

Gold price hits record high as eurozone woes spread across Atlantic - Finance ministers set to call emergency meeting as Greece inches towards default – and US hints it may have to print more money (Read More Independent)

Strikers told to respect property order - A temporary court order preventing strikers from being within 60m of their workplaces was issued on Wednesday, two employer bodies said. (Read More iol)

Rupert Murdoch gives up BSkyB takeover bid - After the biggest single reverse of his career, the News Corp chief faces an appearance before a judicial inquiry and a fight for the right to broadcast in the UK (Read More Guardian)

Agony for father as inferno kills family - It was the smell of smoke and his wife’s screams that alerted Naeem Deedat to the tragedy that was about to befall his family. (Read More Citizen)

Moody’s Weighs Downgrading U.S. Credit Rating as Obama Says He ‘Won’t Yield’ in Debt Talks - President Obama walked out of high-level negotiations Wednesday, saying according to a Republican aide, “I’ve reached my limit. This may bring my presidency down, but I won’t yield on this.” (Read More Independent)

Hard to track the dumping of babies - NO PROPER research into why mothers abandoned their babies has been done yet – and no central body is keeping records on how many in total are being abandoned, child welfare organisations say. (Read More CapeTimes)

Mumbai blasts: Indian cities on high alert - Mumbai (Bombay) and other Indian cities have woken up to a state of high alert after three blasts shook the commercial capital, killing 18 and hurting dozens. (Read More BBC)

Sports Watch

U.S. Advances to Women’s World Cup Final - U.S. earned its first trip to the World Cup final since winning it in 1999 with a 3-1 victory over France on Wednesday (Read More Fox)

Sebastian Vettel urges Red Bull refocus after Ferrari win - Sebastian Vettel has urged Red Bull to respond after Fernando Alonso earned Ferrari’s first win of the season at the British Grand Prix. (Read More BBCSport)

Uefa to examine Abu Dhabi ties in City’s £400m sponsors deal - Manchester City may have to prove that their Abu Dhabi owner is not “influenced” by his half-brother, who chairs Etihad Airways, if their £400m sponsorship deal with the emirate’s national airline is to avoid failing one of the key tests of the Uefa Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. (Read More Independent)

De Villiers banks on new blood - South Africa will use their Tri-Nations Tests in Australia and New Zealand this month to give young players a chance to stake their claims for the world champions’ title defence later this year, scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar said on Wednesday (Read More iol)

Cav goes green at Tour - Mark Cavendish powered to victory on stage 11 of the Tour de France and moved into the sprinters’ green jersey in the process. (Read More Sky Sports)

Liverpool agree £20m fee to sign Stewart Downing from Aston Villa - Aston Villa have accepted a £20m bid from Liverpool for Stewart Downing after the England international submitted a written transfer request, effectively forcing through a move to Anfield. Villa had insisted that Downing was not for sale but felt they had little option but to sanction his departure when the 26-year-old made it clear that he was desperate to join Liverpool. (Read More Guardian)

News Headlines

CCTV footage ATM Bombing in Soweto South Africa

Malema spokesperson slated over F-word - Johannesburg – It is “unacceptable” for anyone speaking on behalf of the ANC to swear to get their point across, ANC chairperson Baleka Mbete said on Tuesday. (Read More News24)

Col Gaddafi ‘Runs Out Of Fuel And Cash’ - Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is facing dramatic fuel shortages, and is running out of cash to pay his forces and his government, according to the latest US intelligence reports. (Read More Sky)

Radioactive meat circulating on Japanese market - A Japanese health official downplayed the dangers Tuesday after cesium contaminated meat from six Fukushima cows was delivered to Japanese markets and probably ingested. (Read More CNN)

A-G’s 64% pay hike queried - Auditor-General Terence Nombembe will become one of the highest-earning public officials in the country if President Jacob Zuma approves a pay hike recommended by Parliament. (Read More iol)

IMF urges Italy to enforce tough spending cuts - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Italy to ensure “decisive implementation” of spending cuts to reduce the country’s public debt. (Read More Sky)

Connections to Murdoch Start to Chafe British Leader - LONDON — Prime Minister David Cameron is usually the nimblest of politicians, radiating self-assurance and blessed with an almost Reaganesque ability to deflect criticism. But as the phone hacking scandal spreads, Mr. Cameron has been placed in the unaccustomed position of appearing vulnerable and behind the curve. (Read More NYTimes)

Obama warns on debt, deal elusive after talks - President Barack Obama warned on Tuesday that elderly Americans could suffer first from a debt default, raising pressure on lawmakers as prospects for a deal to lift the debt ceiling appeared far from reach. (Read More Reuters)

Tenant rapes landlord’s daughter - Landlords were advised to keep copies of their tenants’ identity documents, after a girl was raped by her mother’s tenant in Ikageng in the North West, police said on Tuesday. (Read More News24)

Memorial For Former First Lady Betty Ford - Late president Gerald Ford’s wife, who helped found a rehabilitation clinic that bears her name, died on Friday aged 93. (Read More Sky)

Ahmed Wali Karzai killing sparks fears of turmoil in Kandahar - Brother of Afghan president Hamid Karzai shot dead by security guard was seen as keystone of security in the south (Read More Guardian)

Madonsela’s ‘malicious mix-up’ - “Oh my God!” This was the reaction of disbelief from Public Protector Thuli Madonsela on learning that a case of alleged fraud and corruption levelled against her was an “unfortunate mix-up”. (Read More iol)

House Turns Out the Lights on Bulb Ban - “To take off the market something that’s cheap, effective, and average use costs two or three cents a week to use seems to me to be overkill by the federal government,” (Read More Fox)

Banks will no longer sell Savings Bonds - Americans who want to buy a U.S. Savings Bond after Dec. 31 will need two things: at least $25, and an Internet connection. (Read More USAToday)

Sports Watch

Keegan Daniel to lead Sharks - Durban – The Sharks confirmed on Tuesday that Keegan Daniel will captain the team during the ABSA Currie Cup. (Read More Sport24)

Tour de France 2011: Greipel pips Cavendish in stage 10 - Andre Greipel denied Britain’s Mark Cavendish in a thrilling sprint finish to win stage 10 of the Tour de France, a 158km run from Aurillac to Carmaux. (Read More BBCSport)

De Villiers: My guys are wrecked - Johannesburg – South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has defended his decision to leave 21 front line players at home for the Tri-Nations away leg, saying they were physically wrecked after the expanded Super Rugby season. (Read More iol)

Manchester City reject Corinthians’ £35m bid for Carlos Tevez - Carlos Tevez’s hope of returning to South America with Corinthians is on hold after Manchester City rejected the Brazilian club’s €40m (£35m) offer for their influential captain. (Read More Guardian)

Muller relishing Aussie clash - Cape Town – The man who captained South Africa’s “B-team” alongside Bob Skinstad in 2007 has declared himself fit for the challenge of facing the Wallabies again under similar circumstances in Sydney. (Read More Sport24)

National League Wins All-Star Game in Phoenix - Pitching, speed and a little bit of power. The National League is back on top in the All-Star game, using the same formula that worked during its dominating run in the 1970s and ’80s. (Read More FoxSport)

Charl happy with underdog tag - Sandwich – Boasting a record in this year’s majors that’s the envy of most of his peers, Masters champion Charl Schwartzel should be regarded as one of the favourites for the British Open (Read More Sports24)

Sonnen-Stann confirmed for UFC 136 - Chael Sonnen might find it a bit harder to cook up a blistering promo for his next bout in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. (Read More USAToday)

SA youth team return five medals - The South African youth athletics team returned from the World Youth Championships in Lille, France on Tuesday as one of the most successful teams to compete in the last decade. (Read More iol)

Jury Set, Clemens Trial Can Proceed - WASHINGTON — Without even a twinge of the intensity he once showed on the mound, Roger Clemens sat in a federal courtroom Tuesday, calmly watching the jurors assigned to his perjury trial slowly and silently take their seats in the jury box. (Read More NYTimes)

Rose factor doesn’t worry WP - Cape Town – Western Province are not too worried that Griquas flyhalf Earl Rose will disclose any of their secrets ahead of Saturday’s Currie Cup match at Newlands. (Read More Sport24)

News Headlines

Unions gear up for mass marches - Johannesburg – Two unions involved in key sector strikes countrywide will step up their action on Tuesday, with mass marches planned for Durban and Johannesburg. (Read More Fin24)

Syria’s Assad Has ‘Lost Legitimacy’ For US - The US has said Syrian leader Bashar al Assad has lost legitimacy to rule after his supporters attack the US embassy in Damascus (Read More Sky)

Dewani banned sex with Anni – report - Honeymoon murder suspect Shrien Dewani did not sleep with his bride before they married – or on their wedding night, it is claimed. (Read More iol)

Obama, lawmakers fall short on debt deal - Obama, lawmakers fall short on debt deal (Read More Reuters)

MPs set to question police over phone-hacking inquiry - Two current and two former Metropolitan Police officers will be quizzed by MPs in public later about inquiries into phone-hacking at the News of the World. (Read BBC)

Malema forks out R78 000 in cash for 5-star break – Spokesperson tells Reorter to F**K Off - Julius Malema, the controversial ANC Youth League leader, paid R78 000 in cash for a three-day frolic with five friends at the “colonial” and ultra-luxurious five-star Royal Malewane next to the Kruger National Park (Read More News24)

French president in Afghanistan to meet with troops - French President Nicolas Sarkozy was in Afghanistan on Tuesday on a brief visit to meet with French troops, said Elysee spokeswoman Veronique Wache. (Read More CNN)

CIA organised fake vaccination drive to get Osama bin Laden’s family DNA - Senior Pakistani doctor who organised vaccine programme in Abbottabad arrested by ISI for working with US agents (Read More Guardian)

New allegations besiege Murdoch empire - Rupert Murdoch’s media empire was besieged Monday by accusations that two more of his British newspapers engaged in privacy violations that included accessing former Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s bank account information and stealing the medical records of his seriously ill baby son. (Read More USAToday) 

Sports Watch

Sharks to emulate Crusaders - Sharks assistant coach Hugh Reece-Edwards, told Sharks website editor, Michael Marnewick, they will look at the way in which the Crusaders’ scrum destroyed their opposition during the recent Super Rugby tournament, and aim to replicate them. (Read More Sport24)

Kolobnev fails doping test - Cycling’s world governing body announced on Monday night that Russian rider Alexandr Kolobnev has failed a doping test during the Tour de France. (Read More Sky Sport)

The Open 2011: Rory McIlroy to play with Els & Fowler - US Open winner Rory McIlroy will play alongside Ernie Els and rising American star Rickie Fowler in the opening round of the 140th Open on Thursday. (Read More BBC)

CJ, Mostert added to Bok squad - World Cup-winning prop CJ van der Linde and uncapped Sharks lock Gerhard Mostert were added as cover to the Springbok squad preparing in Johannesburg for the away leg of the Castle Tri-Nations Series. (Read More Sport 24)

World Cup corruption claims fuelled by prejudice, says Qatar bid chief - The head of Qatar’s winning bid to host the 2022 World Cup has hit back furiously at the allegations of corruption levelled against his bid, saying there is “not a shred of evidence” to support them. (Read More Guardian)

News Headlines

South Africa – Hawks, Sars net trafficking ‘kingpin’ - Johannesburg – An alleged kingpin in an international wildlife trafficking syndicate which has been linked to illegal trade in rhino horn and lion bones is expected to appear in court on Monday. (Read More News24)

US – New Dad Beckham Reveals Baby Girl’s Name - Victoria Beckham has given birth to a baby girl – the first daughter for the former Spice Girl and her husband David. (Read More Sky)

South Africa – Taking land without payment a possibility - Cape Town – The expropriation of land without compensation is a possibility in future if the current leadership fails to speed up land reform, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Gugile Nkwinti reportedly said. (Read More Fin24)

UK – Mounting Pressure On Govt Over BSkyB Bid - Pressure is mounting to freeze Rupert Murdoch’s planned takeover of BSkyB – as a phone-hacking scandal threatens to cause a major political storm. (Read More Sky)

South Africa – Strike fuels petrol worries - The impact of a full-blown strike in the petroleum and pharmaceuticals sector starting on Monday could see petrol stations running dry before the end of the week. (Read More BusRep)

Pakistan: US suspends $800m of military aid - White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley told ABC television that Pakistan had “taken some steps that have given us reason to pause on some of the aid”. (Read More BBC)

Italy – EU calls emergency meeting as crisis stalks Italy - European Council President Herman Van Rompuy has called an emergency meeting of top officials dealing with the euro zone debt crisis for Monday morning, reflecting concern that the crisis could spread to Italy, the region’s third largest economy. (Read More Reuters)

US – SA band ‘did not deserve credit’ - A row has erupted with a New York musician claiming that South African band Freshlyground are being falsely credited with the World Cup theme song Waka Waka. (Read More iol)

US – Political leaders plan another day of deficit-reduction talks - A day after a 75-minute session, talks will resume Monday to try to reach a deficit-reduction deal and pave the way for a hike in the nation’s $14.3 trillion debt ceiling. (Read More CNN)

Zimbabwe – MDC leadership held in Hwange - Several MDC leaders were held by police in Hwange, Zimbabwe, over the weekend for holding an unsanctioned meeting, Zimbabwe’s Herald Online reported on Monday. (Read More iol)

Libya shows tough face against rebel mountain push - GHARYAN, Libya — Moammar Gadhafi’s regime sought Sunday to show it remains in control of parts of the country’s western mountains and will defend the territory against further rebel advances there. (Read More nbc)

Thailand – Rights groups fear wave of deaths as Thailand faces new drugs crackdown - Pledge by PM-in-waiting as methamphetamine addiction rockets echoes brother’s 2003 war on gangs (Read More Guardian)

South Africa – Cop in trouble over sex with hooker - A police constable from the Edenvale police station is facing an internal disciplinary hearing – but no criminal charges – after he allegedly had sex with a prostitute and then refused to pay, claiming he was an officer from the Sunnyside police station. (Read More iol)

India train crash death toll climbs to 60 - Rescuers believe there are still more bodies in the wreckage of passenger train which derailed on Sunday afternoon (Read More Grdian)

Russia: Dozens of Kids Among 101 Ferry Missing - A half-century-old tourist boat with 188 people on board listed and sank quickly in one of the world’s largest reservoirs amid wind and rain Sunday, authorities and survivors said, and dozens of children were believed to be among the 101 people missing. Two bodies were recovered. (Read More Fox)

Sports Watch

UK – Ferrari fight back - Fernando Alonso scored a much-needed victory for Ferrari, their first of the season, at an absorbing British Grand Prix on Sunday. (Read More SkySport)

France – Tour de France 2011: Car thrown off race after crash - Tour de France organisers threw a television car off the race after it sent two riders flying across the road on a crash-marred ninth stage. (Read More BBCSport)

South Africa – Coetzee positive about changes - Cape Town – The decision by Johann Sadie and JJ Engelbrecht to move to Pretoria after this year’s Currie Cup will not be held against them when Western Province coach Allister Coetzee selects his teams. (Read More Sport24)

Germany – US Defeats Brazil in Dramatic Women’s World Cup Game - DRESDEN, Germany — An hour after the game, Abby Wambach was still at a loss for words. (Read More Fox)

China – Polo reins in China’s nouveau riche - The traditional “stomping of the divots” during a polo match brings the watching crowd with their colorful mix of hats, heels and outfits onto the field to repair the galloped-upon turf. (Read More CNN)

Qatar World Cup whistleblower retracts her claims of Fifa bribes - The “whistleblower” who alleged Qatar paid huge bribes to three African Fifa executive committee members during the gulf nation’s campaign to host the 2022 World Cup has retracted the story, saying she “fabricated” it all. (Read More Guardian)

US – Pacman on arrest: “It’s ridiculous . . . It don’t make no sense” and More news….  (Read More ProFootballTalk)

News Headlines

South Africa – Five arrested in police sting operation - PINETOWN Cluster detectives arrested five men for fraud after following leads of fraudulent activities allegedly carried out from an office in the Pinetown CBD office block. (Read More LookLocal)

UK – NOTW Closes: Ex Editor ‘To Be Arrested’ - Former News Of The World editor Andy Coulson will be arrested this morning, according to reports in the Guardian newspaper. (Read More Sky)

South Africa – Air tax hike to hit ticket prices - Johannesburg – Airport tariffs will increase 34.8% in the 2010/11 financial year, which was “unavoidable but necessary”, the Airports Company SA (Acsa) said on Thursday. (Read More Fin24)

US – Suspected Gunman in Deadly Mich. Shooting Spree Kills Self - A brazen midday shooting spree that left seven people dead and turned into an hours-long standoff with Michigan police finally ended late Thursday night when the suspected gunman shot and killed himself. (Read More Fox)

Pakistan – Adm Mullen: Pakistan ‘sanctioned Saleem Shahzad murder’ - Pakistan “sanctioned” the killing of journalist Saleem Shahzad, the highest-ranking officer in the US military, Admiral Mike Mullen, has said. (Read More BBC)

Sudan – South Sudan Becomes World’s Newest Nation - In a matter of hours now the world’s newest country will emerge onto the international landscape. (Read More Sky)

South Africa – Smash-and-grabber escapes - A suspect arrested this week after motorists were robbed at the notorious intersection of Proes and Andries streets has escaped. (Read More iol)

US – Bad weather threatens last shuttle launch - “Weather is not looking good for launch,” shuttle weather officer Kathy Winters said. There is a 70% chance that weather will prohibit the scheduled launch. (Read More USA Today)

Israel – Israeli authorities on high alert ahead of ‘aerial flotilla’ - Jerusalem (CNN) — Israeli authorities are on high alert ahead of the expected arrival of hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators at Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport this Friday. (Read More CNN)

South Africa – Govt may pull SIM cards - Government will consider disconnecting subscribers who have purchased pre-Rica’d SIM cards in an attempt to clamp down on the sale of pre-registered cards. (Read More Citizen)

UK – No plans to drop Strauss-Kahn charges, no plea deal: source - New York prosecutors have no current plans to drop charges against former International Monetary Fund Chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn and they sought no plea deal at a meeting on Wednesday with his defense lawyers, a person close to the case said. (Read More Reuters)

South Africa – Protector did nothing wrong – Radebe - Pretoria – Public Protector Thuli Madonsela did not break any laws when her company offered services to the department of justice while she was the South African Law reform Commissioner. (Read More News24)

US – Humberto Leal Garcia executed in Texas despite White House appeal - State governor Rick Perry rejects call from Barack Obama to spare Mexican’s life to protect US interests abroad (Read More Guardian)

Sports Watch

South Africa – Grand Prix ‘in line with Cape Town goals’ - Cape Town – The possibility of Cape Town hosting a Formula One Grand Prix is in line with the administration’s goal to establish the city as the events capital of South Africa, Mayoral Committee member Grant Pascoe said on Thursday. (Read More Sport24)

UK – Felipe Massa warns Lewis Hamilton to ‘calm down’ - Lewis Hamilton’s desperation to catch Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel is causing accidents and the Briton needs to “calm down”, says Ferrari’s Felipe Massa. (Read More BBCSport)

South Africa – Oscar concentrating on Olympics - It would not be a disaster for South African double amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius if he did not qualify for the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea next month, his coach, Ampie Louw, said on Thursday. (Read More iol)

US – New York Attorney General Starts Antitrust Investigation Into NFL Lockout - ALBANY, N.Y. — New York’s attorney general has started an antitrust investigation into the NFL lockout, requesting information from both the league and the players’ association about the economic impact of pro football’s labor impasse. (Read More FoxSport)

US – Tyson Gay out for the rest of the year with hip injury - The sprinter, 28, who would have been one of Usain Bolt’s main rivals in South Korea, withdrew before his 100m semi-final at the US national trials. (Read More BBCSport)

US – Fan dies after falling from stands at Rangers game -  A man attending a Texas Rangers game with his young son died after falling out of the stands and about 20 feet to the ground while trying to catch a baseball tossed his way Thursday night, the Rangers and Arlington fire officials said. (Read More USAToday)

No Brüssow offer – agent - Bloemfontein – No formal offer has yet been received for the services of Heinrich Brüssow. (Read More Sport24)

UK – Tormented Ricky Hatton admits he should have quit boxing a year ago - Ricky Hatton has retired, with the two-weights world champion admitting he has known for at least 12 months that his career was over. (Read More Guardian)

News Headlines

South Africa – Malema: US, France ‘bloodthirsty powers’ - ANC Youth League president Julius Malema has again blasted South Africa’s decision to vote in favour of UN Resolution 1973 giving Nato a mandate to establish a no-fly zone in Libya. (Read More News24)

UK – Phone Hacking: Families Of War Dead ‘Targeted’ - Pressure is growing on News International’s chief executive Rebekah Brooks, following allegations that relatives of killed soldiers could be the latest phone hacking victims. (Read More Sky)

US – In debt talks, Obama offers Social Security Cuts - President Obama is pressing congressional leaders to consider a far-reaching debt-reduction plan that would force Democrats to accept major changes to Social Security and Medicare in exchange for Republican support for fresh tax revenue. (Read More Washington Post)

South Africa – Madonsela: Allegations are baseless - Johannesburg – Public Protector Thuli Madonsela on Wednesday afternoon broke her silence on reports that police plan to arrest her on fraud charges. (Read More News24)

US – Democrats challenge Obama’s Afghan withdrawal plan - Democratic lawmakers fed up with the lingering war in Afghanistan launched a new challenge to President Barack Obama’s plan for a measured U.S. troop withdrawal over the next year as they resumed debate on Wednesday on a $649 billion defense spending bill. (Read More Reuters)

South Africa – New probe into apartheid era plunder - Cape Town – The public protector (PP) will launch a preliminary investigation into alleged plundering of the Treasury during the closing years of apartheid. (Read More News24)

US – Yellowstone bear kills hiker in rare attack - YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — A man hiking with his wife on a Yellowstone National Park trail was mauled to death by a bear on Wednesday, the National Park Service said, noting it was the first such fatality in 25 years. (Read More nbc)

UK – Electric chair to kill wife - A SCORNED husband whose wife asked for a divorce plotted to kill her – using a home-made ELECTRIC CHAIR. (Read More Sun)

US – Strauss-Kahn prosecutor stands firm over ‘leaks’ - The chief prosecutor in the attempted rape trial of former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn has rejected calls to stand down. (Read More BBC)

Namibia – Major oil find off Namibian coast - Windhoek – An estimated 11 billion barrels in oil reserves have been found off Namibia’s coast, with the first production planned within four years, mines and energy minister Isak Katali announced Wednesday. (Read More News24)

UK – Misery lit: unhappy Julian Assange changes mind on memoirs - The million-pound book deal signed by Julian Assange to write his memoirs has collapsed, the Guardian has learned, after the WikiLeaks founder became unhappy with the process. (Read More Guardian)

US – Prosecutor Jeff Ashton: ‘I Can Only Assume…Jurors Didn’t See What I Saw’ - It took the jury 11 hours to find Anthony not guilty of first degree murder, aggravated child abuse and aggravated manslaughter. (Read More Fox)

US – Jay Leno jokes about Casey Anthony - Jay Leno was one of the few late-night hosts not in re-runs last night and he took a few shots at the Casey Anthony verdict. (Read More USA Today)

US – Hip hop mogul hit with new charges - Hip hop talent agent James “Jimmy Henchman” Rosemond was arraigned Wednesday on expanded allegations that he used his music business as cover for his bi-coastal cocaine trafficking ring. (Read More NY Post)

China – Red Cross China in credibility crisis - Red Cross Society of China (RCSC), China’s biggest charity organization, and its affiliates under attack for their corruption and misuse of public donations. (Read More CNN)

Orion: Is This The Future Of Space Travel? - Sky News has been given rare access to the vehicle Nasa believes could be the shuttle’s replacement, ahead of the space shuttle Atlantis’ final mission. (Read More Sky)

India: ’33 dead’ as bus hits train at level crossing - At least 33 people are reported dead in India after a bus carrying a wedding party was struck by a train at a level crossing in Uttar Pradesh state. (Read More BBC)

North Korea Bribed Top Pakistan Military Officials For Nuclear Secrets, Says Founder Of Pakistan’s Nuclear Bomb Program - WASHINGTON — The founder of Pakistan’s nuclear bomb program claims the North Korean government bribed top military officials in Pakistan to obtain access to sensitive nuclear technology in the late 1990s (Read More Huffington)

Sports Watch

WWE wrestlers robbed in SA - Cape Town – A number of WWE superstars, in South Africa for shows in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, have had goods stolen out of the luggage en route to the country. (Read More Sort24)

Smit back at prop for Boks? - Cape Town – Springbok captain John Smit may be cast into the role of part-time tighthead prop again when South Africa embark on their Tri-Nations tour. (Read More Sport24)

Pyeongchang will host the 2018 Winter Olympics - The South Korean candidate was selected by the International Olympic Committee in the first round of voting ahead of Munich in Germany and Annecy in France. (Read More BBCSport)

Cav powers to Tour triumph - Mark Cavendish sprinted to a stunning victory at the end of a crash-strewn fifth stage of the Tour de France. (Read More SkySport)

USA loses a game to Sweden, but not confidence - So, after a 2-1 loss to Sweden that forced the Americans into a tough quarterfinal matchup against Brazil on Sunday in Dresden, how did the U.S. players respond? (Read More USAToday)

Eagles revamp team for George clash - Johannesburg – A new-look South Western Districts Eagles rugby side will face the Sharks in a friendly rugby match at Outeniqua Park at George on Friday. (Read More iol)

Manchester United’s £20m offer for Samir Nasri is rejected by Arsenal - Arsenal have turned down Manchester United’s opening offer for Samir Nasri and told the champions they will not sell the Frenchman unless they receive a bid of at least £25m. (Read More Guardian)

Cowboys Receiver Asks for $80G Ring Back After Failed Mailed Marriage Proposal - Williams filed a lawsuit against former Miss Texas USA Brooke Daniels alleging that she kept a nearly $80,000 engagement ring despite declining his mailed marriage proposal (Read More FoxSport)

Div holds thumbs on injuries - Cape Town – Springbok coach Peter de Villiers hopes late fitness tests will clear some of the 21 squad members placed on the injury list for South Africa’s first two matches of the Tri-Nations Series later this month. (Read More Sport24)

Searching for Baseballs Next Big Name - So who are the potential Jeters-to-Be? (Read More nbcSport)

News Headlines

Mthethwa: No place for mob justice - Johannesburg – Eastern Cape residents have been taking the law into their own hands because they feel the justice system has failed them, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Tuesday (Read More iol)

Tears As US Mum Acquitted Of Killing Toddler - A 25-year-old woman has been found not guilty of killing her two-year-old daughter in a case that has gripped America since the child went missing three years ago. (Read More Sky)

Euro struggles and China banks fall on Temasek - Chinese banking shares fell for a second day on Wednesday, while the euro clawed back losses but was still seen at risk after Moody’s slashed Portugal’s credit rating to junk status, reigniting fears that it may need a second rescue package. (Read More Reuters)

143 740 applications for 1 118 jobs - Pretoria – The home affairs department on Tuesday dismissed as untrue claims that it failed to renew workers’ contract without advance warning. (Read More News24)

News of the World hacking row escalates - New allegations have emerged of payments to the police as the row around the News of the World escalates. (Read More BBC)

Zuma entertains Monaco newlyweds - Durban – South African President Jacob Zuma will have lunch on Wednesday with newlyweds Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, the president’s office said on Tuesday. (Read More iol)

Oil and gas spills in North Sea every week, papers reveal - Serious spills of oil and gas from North Sea platforms are occurring at the rate of one a week, undermining oil companies’ claims to be doing everything possible to improve the safety of rigs. (Read More Guardian)

Diplomat: Russia, France spar over weapons drops in Libya - United Nations (CNN) — In a contentious closed-door U.N. Security Council meeting Tuesday, Russia criticized France’s decision to airlift weapons to rebel forces in Libya, according to a Western diplomat present during the discussions.(Read More CNN)

Soweto mob torches ANC councillors’ homes - A woman and at least four young children have narrowly escaped death after an enraged mob torched the Soweto home of an ANC councillor. (Read More TimesLive)

‘Like’ it or not, sharing tools spur privacy concerns - “Like” buttons and other social media apps — those ubiquitous little programs that allow you to do cool things with your computer and mobile devices — have taken the Internet by storm. But they’ve also introduced unprecedented security and privacy risks now being discussed as part of the push for stronger federal privacy laws. (Read More USAToday)

Member of terrorist group brought to US to stand trial - A member of the al Shababh terror group in Somalia was secretly brought to the U.S. early Tuesday to stand trial in federal court, after spending weeks revealing “valuable intelligence information” about al-Qaida’s operations in Somalia and Yemen, senior U.S. officials said Tuesday. (Read More nbc)

Obama to meet Congress leaders Thursday on debt - President Barack Obama rejected proposals on Tuesday for a short-term deal to raise the U.S. debt limit and pressured congressional leaders to reach a broad agreement within two weeks to avoid a government default by August 2. (Read More Reuters)

31% of Gauteng roads in a bad state - Johannesburg – Thirty one percent of Gauteng’s roads are in a poor or very poor condition, Transport MEC Ismail Vadi said on Tuesday. (Read More News24)

Suitcase Escape Bid Foiled At Mexican Prison - A Mexican woman has been arrested for trying to sneak her husband out of prison in a suitcase following a conjugal visit. (Read More Sky)

Japan to conduct nuclear plant ‘stress tests’ after epic earthquake - Japan will conduct “stress tests” on all its nuclear plants, officials said Wednesday (Read More CNN)

Numsa to protest Libya bombings - The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) will hold a demonstration outside the US embassy in protest against NATO and US bombings in Libya. (Read More TimesLive)

Sports Watch

Bok ‘seconds’ to play Tri-Nations - It is believed that Springbok coach Peter de Villiers will travel to Australasia with a second-choice team for the away leg of the Tri-Nations, while the World Cup stalwarts remain behind to complete a training camp under the guidance of Nienaber and technical advisor Rassie Erasmus (Read More iol)

Tour de France 2011: Cadel Evans pips Alberto Contador to stage four win - Evans triumphed in a photo finish at the end of the 172.5km rain-affected ride from Lorient to Mur-de-Bretagne. (Read More BBCSport)

Woods withdraws from Open - Tiger Woods has confirmed he will miss next week’s Open Championship at Sandwich through injury. (Read More SkySports)

Naas: Boks covered at flyhalf - “The only thing the South African flyhalves struggled with this year as far as I’m concerned was their tactical kicking (Read More Sport24)

Roger Clemens trial: Judge could limit Andy Pettitte’s testimony - WASHINGTON–On the eve of baseball pitching great Roger Clemens’ perjury trial, the federal judge overseeing the case signaled that he may limit testimony from at least three former teammates who are expected to say that Clemens’ former trainer injected them with performance enhancing drugs. (Read More USASports)

Sukazi leads Banyana past Tanzania - Banyana Banyana striker Zanele Sukazi scored her second goal in as many matches as the South Africans outplayed Tanzania 1-0 in their final Group B fixture at the Confederation of Southern African Football Associations (Cosafa) Championships played at the Gwanzura Stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe on Tuesday (Read More iol)

Luke new EP Kings captain - Port Elizabeth – Kings coach Alan Solomons announced on Tuesday that Luke Watson is the new captain of the Eastern Province rugby team, this was confirmed ahead of Friday’s Currie Cup friendly against Free State in Port Elizabeth. (Read More Sport24)

Edwards has no Reason to Leave Roush Fenway Racing - CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carl Edwards is no longer NASCAR’s points leader, his 10-week streak at the top snapped by an early accident at Daytona International Speedway (Read More nbc)

Analyst: Brett Favre might be interested in returning for 21st year - According to NFL.com analyst Gil Brandt, QB Brett Favre might be considering a(nother) comeback for a 21st NFL season. (Read More USAToday)

Pacers will officially name Vogel head coach - According to multiple sources, the Indiana Pacers will officially remove the “interim” tag from Frank Vogel’s head coaching title and announce a three-year extension with him at a press conference on Wednesday morning. (Pro BasketballTalk)

News Headlines

Tip-off foils farm attack -Pietermaritzburg – Farm owner Craig Marwick has told how he and his family were told to stay put in their houses as police and security guards lay in wait for a gang of robbers. (Read More News24)

Pilot Dies After Planes Collide In Mid-Air - A pilot has died after his light aircraft collided with another plane in mid-air above an airport in West Sussex. (Read More Sky)

U.S. Celebrates Fourth of July With Parades and Barbecues - The U.S. marked the 235th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with parades, fireworks, barbecues — plus presidential campaigning, a White House birthday and competitive eating. (Read More Fox)

Fraud jeopardises Rica - The Regulation of Interception of Communication and Provision of Communication Related Information (Rica), the deadline of which was last Thursday, has been compromised by unscrupulous traders who are selling pre-registered SIM cards to cellphone users. (Read More iol)

Petraeus: ‘Much work remains’ to be done in Afghanistan - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Outgoing U.S. commander Gen. David Petraeus saluted his troops for the last time as their military leader on the Fourth of July as three U.S. senators made a surprise visit and chastised the White House for its troop withdrawal plans. (Read More USAToday)

Ousted Tunisian leader sentenced to over 15 years in prison - Ousted Tunisian President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali was sentenced Monday to 15 and a half years in prison on charges related to the alleged discovery of weapons, archaeological artifacts and illegal drugs — including marijuana — in his country’s presidential palace. (Read More CNN)

Chavez health: Venezuela president makes Caracas speech - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has addressed thousands of supporters in the capital, Caracas, following his return from medical treatment in Cuba. (Read More BBC)

Zim ‘blood diamonds’ worth $160m for sale - Harare – Zimbabwean rough diamonds worth about $160m, which had been confiscated in the United Arab Emirates, have been released for sale, the minister for mines confirmed on Monday. (Read More News24)

Metal workers firm on wage demands - Johannesburg – Tens of thousands of workers in the South African metal industry seeking wage increases of almost treble the inflation rate launched a strike on Monday. (Read More Bus Rep)

Brent falls on economic concerns, stronger dollar - Brent crude was lower on Tuesday, weighed down by lingering concerns over the health of the global economy, the Greek debt crisis and a stronger dollar. (Read More Reuters)

Strauss-Kahn to face Tristane Banon rape allegation - French writer Tristane Banon is to file a complaint for attempted rape against former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, her lawyer says. (Read More BBC)

Rebel leader: Gadhafi can stay in Libya - Libya’s rebel leader says he does not have a problem with Moammar Gadhafi remaining in the country, once he resigns and as long as he remains under supervision, according to a television report. (Read More CNN)

The space shuttle’s Southland legacy - The space shuttle program helped carry Southern California’s aerospace industry for four decades, bequeathing new aeronautical technology — and jobs — to the local economy. (Read More LATimes)

Miss Brazil robbed at gunpoint in Sao Paolo - The Miss Brazil pageant press office says that Debora Lyra was held up at gunpoint as she approached the entrance of her gated condo in Sao Paulo on Sunday. (Read More CBS)

Sports Watch

Bok scrum ‘shouldn’t panic’ - Port Elizabeth and Kimberley – Former Springbok props Ollie le Roux and Willie Meyer do not believe there is any reason for the South African rugby team to panic about their scrummaging. (Read More Sport24)

American Farrar wins Tour de France 3rd stage - REDON, France — Two months ago, Tyler Farrar was demoralized, sleeping 20 hours a day. He had even stopped riding, overcome by sorrow after his best friend died in a crash at the Giro d’Italia. (Read More CBS)

Hamilton envious of Red Bull - Former world champion Lewis Hamilton is challenging McLaren to give him “what Red Bull have”. (Read More SkySport)

Earnhardt fans unhappy with Johnson’s last-minute pit stop - After Jimmie Johnson won at Talladega Superspeedway in April, crew chief Chad Knaus quickly singled out teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr., who had pushed Johnson to the victory. (Read More USAToday)

Striker Carlos Tevez wants to leave Manchester City - Carlos Tevez says he wants to leave Manchester City for family reasons. (Read More BBC Sport)

Lions could drop out of Super 15 - BUSINESSMAN Robert Gumede has warned supporters of the Lions their team may not be part of Super Rugby in 2013. (Read More iol)

No more Brits scenarios? - Cape Town – SANZAR will review its policy on the recruitment of overseas players at the end of the year. (Read More Sport24)

News Headlines

US – Insight: Goodbye gasoline? GM gives natural gas cars a boost - American automobiles have a limited diet, but gasoline’s monopoly at the pump may be ending. The giant of U.S. automakers is turning to something cheaper and cleaner: natural gas. (Read More Reuters)

South Africa – Monaco royal couple snub Zuma - President Jacob Zuma has not been invited to the lavish party being thrown by Prince Albert II of Monaco and South African swimming champion Charlene Wittstock in Umhlanga, north of Durban, to celebrate their marriage. (Read More TimesLive)

US – After Late Snow Hits West, Skiers Hit Slopes in Shorts, Bikinis - Ski resorts from California to Colorado opened for the weekend to take advantage of an unusual combination of dense lingering snow from late-season storms in the Sierra Nevada and the Rockies and a high-pressure system ushering in warm air from the east. (Read More Fx)

South Africa – ANC MP apologises for ‘xenophobic’ comment - Johannesburg – ANC MP Maggie Maunye, who chairs the portfolio committee on home affairs, apologised on Sunday for comments she made which “may have been construed to be xenophobic”, the ANC said (Read More News24)

US – Strauss-Kahn leaves NYC house, returns hours later - Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, whose house arrest was lifted following concerns about the credibility of a hotel maid who accused him of sexual assault, left his rented townhouse for a few hours on Saturday before returning and darting back inside. (Read More USA Today)

South Africa – Private hospitals fire back - A war of words has erupted in the health sector, with private hospitals calling Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s accusation that they “milk” medical aids an “unwarranted attack”. (Read More Times)

US – Obama, Republicans May Have to Settle on Debt Ceiling Mini-Deal to Avoid Government Loan Default - President Bill Clinton offered up the suggestion during an interview Saturday night, and in the absence of any other agreement, at least one GOP lawmaker didn’t outright dismiss it. (Read More Fox)

Thailand – Thaksin’s sister vows to do her best as Thailand’s PM - The sister of Thailand’s exiled former prime minister has promised to do her best in government after leading his supporters to a landslide election win. (Read More BBC)

UK – Accused ‘Really Sorry’ For Killing Lindsay - A Japanese man has admitted raping and strangling British teacher Lindsay Hawker at the start of his trial. (Read More Sky)

Egypt – Egypt gas pipeline to Israel explodes; sabotage suspected  – A pipeline that supplies gas from Egypt to Israel exploded Monday in the northern Sinai Peninsula near Bir el-Adb, an Egyptian security official said. (Read More CNN)

UK – High doses of IVF drugs may cause harm to eggs - High doses of drugs used to stimulate the ovaries of older women undergoing fertility treatment may be causing chromosomal abnormalities in their eggs, leading to failed pregnancies and even, potentially, babies with conditions such as Down’s syndrome. (Read More Guardian)

Israel – Israelis, Palestinians Brace for Potential Outbreak of Violence After U.N. Vote - JERUSALEM — Israeli and Palestinian security forces are already taking precautions to avoid an outbreak of violence after an expected U.N. vote for Palestinian independence in September (Read More Fox)

UK – Racism Still An Issue In English Schools - Racism is still an issue in England’s schools, with pupils and teachers showing racist behaviour, research has suggested. (Read More Sky)

Sports Watch

South Africa – High drama at Durban July - Durban – The Vodacom Durban July produced a mixture of emotions at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday. (Read More Sport24)

UK – Djokovic reigns supreme - Novak Djokovic won his first Wimbledon title with a four-set victory over defending champion Rafael Nadal. (Read More SkySport)

UK – David Haye to make decision on future ‘in next few weeks’ - David Haye has told the BBC he will make a decision on his boxing future “in the next few weeks” (Read More BBCSport)

South Africa – Minister slams Lions break-up -  The unsavoury break-up between the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) and potential BEE partners GumaTac is a major blow to rugby transformation, Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula said in Singapore yesterday. (Read More Sport24)

UK – Hamilton wants Brit one-two - Lewis Hamilton is dreaming of a McLaren one-two as the Formula One season gets set to motor into Silverstone. (Read More SkySport)

France – Tour de France 2011: Thor Hushovd claims yellow jersey after stage two - Emotionally and physically, David Millar has been through the mill in his chequered 14-year cycling career and this team time trial was no exception. On his bike, he “suffered like a pig”. (Read More Guardian)

US – All-Star rosters announced; Red Sox, Yankees lead the way - Albert Pujols and Ichiro Suzuki are out and Jose Bautista, Prince Fielder and Ryan Vogelsong are in after All-Star Game rosters were announced Sunday. (Read More USA Today)

South Africa – Banyana’s winning streak continues - Harare – Banyana Banyana recorded their eighth win in nine matches this year with a convincing 4-0 win over Botswana in their Cosafa Women’s Championships Group B fixture in Harare on Sunday. (Read More iol)

News Headlines

Clarke: Homeowners ‘Can Stab Burglars’ - The Justice Secretary has said householders will be able to stab burglars without fear of prosecution under new legislation guaranteeing their right to defend themselves. (Read More Sky)

Mother, sons held after slain husband found - A mother and her two sons appeared in the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday after the remains of her husband were dug up from the family’s backyard this week (Read More iol)

Turtles on JFK runway cause flight delays -Sex-crazed turtles shut down a runway at Kennedy Airport this morning as they crawled across the tarmac heading for their seasonal breeding grounds. (Read More NYPost)

Venezuela suspends summit over Hugo Chavez’s illness - Venezuela has suspended a regional summit scheduled for 5 July amid continuing speculation over the health of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. (Read More BBC)

Weak economy shadows Obama even in bright areas - A bright spot for President Barack Obama in the bleak U.S. economic picture should be that many of the “swing” states crucial to his 2012 re-election bid are weathering the recession relatively well (Read More Reuters)

Cape Town, Tshwane top municipalities - Pretoria – Cape Town and Tshwane are the country’s two metropolitan municipalities to show improvements in financial management over the previous financial year, Auditor General Terence Nombembe’s report on municipalities reveals. (Read More News24)

Yemeni VP admits to lost control- Sanaa, Yemen (CNN) — The Yemeni government has lost control over five provinces, and security in the country is deteriorating, the nation’s acting president told CNN in an exclusive interview Wednesday. (Read More CNN)

Hack Attack Reportedly Downs Al Qaeda Network - A popular jihadist Internet forum has been knocked off the Internet, and counterterrorism experts say it appears it was hacked. (Read More Fox)

Bok’s RWC jersey unveiled - Canterbury and the South African Rugby Union have launched their revolutionary new jersey that will be worn by Peter de Villiers’s men at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand later this year. (Read More Sport24)

Tsonga comeback stuns Federer - Jo-Wilfried Tsonga came from two sets down to send Roger Federer packing from Centre Court in their Wimbledon quarter-final. (Read More SkySport)

Tough start for SA basketball in Oz - Canberra, Australia – Team South Africa got off to a tough start on Tuesday, going down 87-44 to world champions Australia in their first game of the Tri-Series wheelchair basketball tournament at the Australian Institute of Sport. (Read More iol)

David Haye has winner’s mindset, says Klitschko trainer - Wladimir Klitschko’s trainer Emanuel Steward has conceded his charge has not met anyone with David Haye’s confidence and belief for almost six years. (Read More BBCSport)

Hawies slams Sarel’s omission - There is still a cold shoulder for the Cheetahs’ fleet-footed scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius in the Springboks’ World Cup squad, but two of his Super Rugby team-mates should know by next week whether they will be ready for the Tri-Nations tournament (Read More Sport24)

Birmingham City owner Carson Yeung arrested by Hong Kong police - Birmingham City have been plunged into crisis after Carson Yeung, the club’s president and largest single shareholder, was arrested by Hong Kong police over allegations in relation to money-laundering. (Read More Guardian)