Tuesday 31 May 2011

Spain and Germany’s deadly E. coli row

Spain has reacted angrily to claims from Germany that cucumbers from Spain have caused an E. coli outbreak in Germany, killing 16 so far and affecting over 1,400. 

The German authorities originally pointed to the Spanish produce, although Spain stated there was “no reliable data”, and that has since been admitted. As a result, the cause of the strain of the deadly infection remains unknown. 

Germany must so continue to seek the source, as the number of confirmed cases is growing rapidly and more fatalities are very likely.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=966709

Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13605910
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundosalud/2011/05/31/nutricion/1306843950.html

Footballer Paul Scholes retires

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes confirmed his retirement from football on Tuesday at the age of 36 after many successful years in the game. 

He has made 676 appearances since his debut in 1994, winning 10 league titles and 2 Champions Leagues. He also won 66 caps for England before early international retirement. Many of his colleagues and former opponents in football have been paying their respects to his ability and career. 

It had been speculated for a number of years that Scholes was ready to retire, and the confirmation today means that he will join the coaching team at United.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=966246

Source:

Monday 30 May 2011

Germany announces nuclear shut down

Germany’s coalition government has announced that all nuclear power will be stopped by 2022 after an investigation following the Fukushima disaster in Japan in March. 

There have been many protests against nuclear energy in Germany since the world witnessed the implications of the danger of the stricken plant in north-east Japan which was hit by the earthquake and tsunami. Many have pointed to it as evidence that countries must start to look to sustainable energy sources for the future. 

The announcement makes Germany the first major power to give up their nuclear energy after a surprising reversal of the plans initially set out by the coalition. It poses many interesting questions for other nations who still rely on nuclear power.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=963639

Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13592208

Mladic fights extradition

Ratko Mladic, the former Serb army chief who was finally arrested last week under suspicion of numerous war crimes, will appeal against his extradition to the Hague late on Monday. 

Mladic’s lawyer is attempting to delay proceedings on the basis of his client being too ill to stand trial. The charges include war crimes such as the 1995 Srebernica massacre, in which 7,500 Muslims were killed. 

Many are dubious about various elements of the story though, with claims that Gen Mladic is in fact in a very reasonable state of health, and many questioning the timing of Serbia’s finding of its long-sought was criminal, given that they are currently seeking approval to join the EU.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=956149

Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13592285

Sunday 29 May 2011

Own goals galore at FIFA

FIFA’s ability to relentlessly hit the back of its own net shows no sign of letting up as the run in to the presidential election has been struck by a series of scandals over allegations of corruptions and bribery. 

The recent events have caused candidate Mohammed bin Hammam to withdraw, which is very convenient for Sepp Blatter, as he will therefore be uncontested in the voting and free to continue in his current position for another four years. 

The allegations centre on the bidding process for the 2022 World Cup, which was won quite surprisingly by bin Hammam’s Qatari bid. Also under heavy investigation is Jack Warner, another member of FIFA’s executive committee. 

The timing of this, just days before Wednesday’s election, means that Blatter is almost certain to remain as president, and he will have to pretend to be making more effort to clean the organisation up.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=957170

Source:

Football world in awe of brilliant Barcelona

In the wake of the 2011 Champions League final, the only real point of debate is whether or not the current Barcelona team can be considered the greatest ever. After comprehensively outplaying Manchester United to win 3 – 1 at Wembley, even Sir Alex Ferguson himself admitted that the Catalans gave his team “a good hiding”. 

Rather bizarrely, a large proportion of the British media had predicted that United would emerge victorious based on the fact that they were underdogs, while others had claimed it was their “destiny”. Unsurprisingly, such “experts” were proved wrong as goals from Pedro, Messi and David Villa overpowered their opponents. 

Many tried to build up the possibility of United finding some miraculous formula in order to overcome the Spanish maestros, but in fairness there was little that could be done. Lionel Messi in particular enhanced his claim to be one of the greatest players ever with a majestic performance on the biggest stage. 

Barcelona have now proved their place as the best team in Europe, and possibly of all time. Most of the players still have many years ahead of them, so the future poses a real challenge to United and the rest of the world as to how to find a way to beat them.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=952378

Vettel king of Monaco

Sebastien Vettel once again started a 2011 grand prix from pole on Sunday afternoon in Monaco. His superiority in qualifying indicated that there was only one likely outcome in the race, although plenty of drivers behind him hoped otherwise.

Vettel had a fine start and started to build a substantial lead over Jensen Button. Lewis Hamilton began down the grid and struggled after an incident with Michael Schumacher on the first lap.

Things then panned out in favour of Button, as a poor pit stop for Vettel left him in the lead and able to drive free on fresh tires. However, a safety car incident reversed the fortunes when the timing allowed Vettel back to the front.

The race seemed to be coming down to a thrilling final fifteen laps as Vettel, Fernando Alonso and Button fought for the win. But, another sizeable crash saw the safety car come out again, and with only a few laps left the race was red-flagged early. Although they restarted again in order to finish, it was too short a period for any further drama.

That meant Vettel claimed yet another victory, giving him a huge lead in the drivers’ standing already – probably an insurmountable one.


Wednesday 25 May 2011

UK back flying

Flights in the UK resumed to normal service on Wednesday as the ash cloud which had travelled from Iceland began to leave the skies. However, many airports in northern Germany are currently closed due to safety fears. 

There were concerns that British travellers might face disruption similar to last year, when another cloud of volcanic ash caused days of cancellations and the loss of millions in revenue for travel companies. 

As worries mounted earlier in the week, President Obama hastened his journey from Ireland to London in order to avoid delays, and the Barcelona football team did the same to ensure they have enough time to prepare for the Champions League final at Wembley on Saturday. 

UK flights are clear for now, but there are uncertainties for the situation on Friday and beyond as forecasters try to predict where the cloud will go next.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=949476

Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13535054

Monday 23 May 2011

Death count rises in Joplin

Reports from the US on Monday night had the number of deaths climbing well above 100 in the aftermath of a devastating tornado which struck the town of Joplin, Missouri. 

The latest count was 116 as reporters from all over the country travelled to the stricken area. Photos and videos showed how the storm had completely flattened entire blocks, with many stuck under rubble. Some had been rescued but the effort had barely begun, as far more were suspected of being trapped or missing. 

This latest, deadly tornado is part of a series which have been taking their toll on America this year. Many people are questioning why they are occurring with such ferocity and when they will end, but immediate thoughts and actions must be with those currently in such grave danger in Joplin.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=947940

Source:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/joplin-missouri-tornado-causing-rise-deadly-storms/story?id=13665260

MP names Ryan Giggs as CTB

An MP named Ryan Giggs as the footballer at the centre of the super-injunction storm on Monday in the house of Commons, as the furore over the privacy case increasingly dominated the media and public. 

Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming used Giggs’ name in parliament despite the court order to have the ban lifted being denied earlier in the day. 

Mr Hemming is protected by parliamentary privilege and so will not face legal action, and he cited the 75,000 Twitter users who have been micro-blogging about the story as reason for not keeping the “secret” any longer.

Giggs, who could previously only be identified as CTB, took out the super-injunction to hide details of an alleged affair with Big Brother star Imogen Thomas.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=946751

Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13503847

Sunday 22 May 2011

Newspaper reveals super-injunction footballer

Scottish newspaper the “Sunday Herald” has revealed the identity of the Premier League footballer who is at the centre of the super-injunction story which is all over social networking website, Twitter. 

The paper ran its controversial front page showing a full-page picture of the star’s face with only a thin black bar saying “censored” running over the eyes, making the identification by readers inevitable. 

The paper has responded to the public reaction to its decision by arguing that it is not possible to keep such information out of the media when it is so accessible online. They point to the ease with which Twitter users can discover the identity of the footballer. 

This latest development has made this particular super-injunction fiasco all the more absurd.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=946751

Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13491086

Birmingham and Blackpool relegated on final day

The final day of this season’s Premier League was termed “D-day” and “survival Sunday” as teams at the bottom scrapped to stay up. Blackpool had the unenviable task of requiring a result at Old Trafford against new champions Manchester United. 

The visitors missed a glorious chance in the opening minute and then started to struggle, falling behind to a Ji-Sung Park strike. They attacked with familiar gusto though and equalised thanks to a typically fine free-kick from Charlie Adam to go in 1 – 1 at half-time. 

The Tangerines continued to come forward and took the lead with a Gary Taylor-Fletcher flick after a fine move, but were pegged back immediately when Anderson replied for United. The hosts regained the lead as Ian Evatt sent the ball into his own net. Michael Owen added another to make it 4 – 2. 

Elsewhere, Wigan won at Stoke. Wolves suffered at home to Blackburn but scored a couple of consolation goals, and Birmingham lost in the last minute at Tottenham. 

All of that meant Blackpool and Birmingham joined West Ham in being relegated.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=942511

Vettel reigns in Spain

Red Bull once again looked unstoppable as they locked out the front row of the grid for Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix, and Mark Webber finally started ahead of team-mate and championship leader, Sebastien Vettel. 

The surprise came from home favourite and Ferrari driver, the Spaniard Fernando Alonso, who jumped the Red Bulls to take the lead off the start line. Vettel, crucially, went past Webber and chased down Alonso until he managed to undercut him using the second pit-stops. Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren also came into play when he came out of the pits ahead of Alonso too. 

When the stops were all completed it came down to a battle between Vettel and Hamilton over the final few laps, with the Brit looking for the vital overtake. However, despite the Red Bull not having use of the KERS system, it was too strong for the McLaren, and Vettel held on for his fourth victory of the season. Jensen Button earned an impressive third.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=942602

Saturday 21 May 2011

Action against Twitter over super-injuction

The married Premier League footballer who has a super-injunction to hide his identity after having an affair with Big Brother star Imogen Thomas, has now issued legal action against social networking site Twitter in an effort to uncover which users published information on the site recently. 

The confidential information was released after a number of accounts were opened and posted details. Other super-injunctions were disclosed too. 

Action is being taken against both Twitter and Imogen Thomas. However, it seems unlikely that it will be successful against the website because of the ambiguity of the laws surrounding the Internet and because Twitter is unlikely to co-operate anyway, having resisted similar efforts from the US government over Wikileaks data.


In response to the news of the legal challenge, hundreds of further users have posted the information again, thus complicating the situation and any possible action from the law.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=944026

Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13477811

Friday 20 May 2011

Queen’s Ireland visit ends

Friday was the closing day of the Queen’s historic trip to the Republic of Ireland, the first by a British monarch since its independence. It has been declared a success by many, although republican Gerry Adams has shown disappointment. 

During the visit, which started on Tuesday, the Queen expressed sympathy for the “troubled past”, and many commentators have claimed that her appearance has improved relations between the countries considerably. 

She was due to journey to Tipperary and Cork on Friday before her departure. The visit has passed without any major troubles, despite threats from dissidents and even a bomb warning for London earlier in the week.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=932438

Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13464994

Sunday 15 May 2011

N’Zogbia Hammers in final nail

West Ham United were regulated from the Premier League in spectacular fashion on Sunday afternoon when Wigan came from behind to win in the last minute of injury-time at the DW stadium. 

The Hammers went 2 – 0 up thanks to Demba Ba in the first-half, but capitulated after the break to allow Wigan to equalise before N’Zogbia’s last-gasp strike sent them down, while their opponents could still survive on the final day of the season. Fulham won 0 – 2 at Birmingham to leave the Blues in the relegation battle too. 

Following confirmation of their departure from the Premier League, the West Ham board announced they were parting company with manager Avram Grant after the match. 

There was a range of other unpredictable results elsewhere as Aston Villa won at Arsenal with two goals from Darren Bent, Tottenham took fifth place from Liverpool after they won 0 - 2 at Anfield, and Newcastle grabbed a 2 – 2 draw at Chelsea with a late goal.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=931952

Saturday 14 May 2011

Manchester City win FA cup

The FA cup final on Saturday afternoon was between Manchester City and Stoke City. The big-spending blues were hoping for their first trophy under Roberto Mancini, and Stoke were looking to win the competition for the first time.

The team selections showed the importance of the occasion as injury doubts Carlos Tevez for City, and Robert Huth and Matthew Etherington of Stoke all played.

The first talking point came when Robert Huth elbowed Mario Balotelli on the edge of the box. It was off the ball and so escaped unseen and unpunished. Manchester City had much the better of the first-half and David Silva volleyed over when he should have scored, meaning it was goalless at the break.

Stoke improved in the second period but it was Silva who missed another great chance, before Joe Hart saved brilliantly from Kenwyne Jones. The breakthrough came with fifteen minutes left when Yaya Toure slammed in for the blues when the ball fell for him in the box.

Despite their best efforts the Potters could not find a reply and so Manchester City held on comfortably to win 1 – 0, and with plenty of money to spend going forward, the fans will hope it is the first of many glorious days for the club.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=929610

United clinch number 19

Manchester United travelled to Blackburn’s Ewood Park at Saturday lunch-time needing only a draw to claim the English Premier League title and become the most successful English club in terms of leagues in the process, surpassing Liverpool’s total. 

Despite starting brightly United went behind when Brett Emerton drove in a cross after twenty minutes. The visitors then struggled to find a way back and the teams went in at half-time with the score at 1 – 0. 

The match continued in a similar vein and Blackburn nearly doubled their lead when a header crashed off the post, but the turning point came as Javier Hernandez went down after coming into contact with Paul Robinson. After conversing with the linesman, the referee awarded a controversial penalty. 

Wayne Rooney converted emphatically which gave his side the point they needed at 1 – 1, giving them their nineteenth Premier League title. 

Other matches saw Blackpool win 4 – 3 against Bolton and Wolves secure a vital 1 – 3 victory at Sunderland in the battle against relegation. The FA cup final was scheduled to start just minutes after the full-time whistle blew in those matches.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=916060

Friday 13 May 2011

Shocking murder in Tenerife

Reports on Friday afternoon told the gruesome tale of a British woman apparently murdered while shopping in Tenerife. 

Witnesses said the victim was in a supermarket when a man entered, picked up a knife and then beheaded her. He walked out of the shop holding the head and tried to escape before he was stopped by a security guard. 

The suspect is a 28-year old unemployed Bulgarian man known in the town of Los Cristianos, where the assault took place. The victim was 60, although her name has not yet been released.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=928119

Source:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/13/woman-beheaded-tenerife-supermarket-spain

80 dead as “revenge for bin Laden”

The brutal double suicide bombing on a paramilitary academy in north-west Pakistan which left at least 80 people dead and many more injured was a revenge attack for the killing of Osama bin Laden, the Taliban have claimed. 

After President Obama announced that a special strike force had shot bin Laden dead in a raid earlier this month, debate has raged over the legality of the attack. Americans and many others celebrated the news but al-Qaeda was quick to voice its intention to avenge the death of its leader. 

The bombings of the Shabqadar base have left scores of people dead or wounded. Some thought bringing bin Laden to justice may end the war on terror, but this latest tragedy indicates that it could be far from the truth.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=901716

Source:

Wednesday 11 May 2011

Hearts fan attacks Lennon on pitch

The recent troubles in Scottish football surrounding Celtic manager Neil Lennon were brought to attention in extraordinary fashion on Wednesday night as he was assaulted when standing next to the pitch. 

His side were playing away at Hearts and had taken a two-goal lead in the forty-ninth minute when one of the home supporters ran through security and made contact before being hauled to the ground and arrested. 

Police recently intercepted parcel bombs in the post addressed to Lennon which had the potential to “maim or kill”. There is also disciplinary action facing his club’s great rivals, Rangers, over their fans’ sectarian chanting. 

Such events have cast a shadow over football in Scotland, and yet the audacity of this latest assault seems equally shocking. There is only one match left in the Scottish Premier League’s calendar, and perhaps that is a very good thing.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=923593


Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-13368945

Earthquakes cause deaths and damage in Spain

Two earthquakes with magnitudes of approximately 4.5 and 5.1 struck to the east of Lorca, Murcia in southern Spain on Wednesday evening. 

Reports and details are still emerging with the area in “chaos”, but so far ten people have been confirmed dead, and that figure could rise as many buildings have been damaged. Rescue teams are searching home-by-home for victims. A nearby hospital has been abandoned due to the damage to the structure. 

Aftershocks have hit other parts of the region, where there are concerns that the death toll may increase as the emergency teams arrive to help. About 10,000 people have been affected altogether and may spend the night outside for fears of further danger. 

Earthquakes are common in the area but are rarely significant. These seem to have been tragic exceptions.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=923391

Sources:
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/05/11/espana/1305130146.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13368599

FIFA caught offside?

Football’s world governing body, FIFA, is facing more allegations of corruption following the bidding and voting process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. 

The main focus is on the 2022 result, which was won – quite surprisingly – by Qatar. The English FA submitted files to FIFA on Wednesday which supposedly give evidence that a number of representatives took bribes as compensation for backing the winners. 

Claims that four members asked for bribes were first voiced by Lord Triesman, who stepped down as the head of England’s bid in the run-up to the vote. FIFA president Sepp Blatter demanded evidence to back up the claims, and it seems the FA has obliged. 

Many are urging an independent enquiry and a reform of the bidding process, although it remains to be seen if FIFA will take any action after considering the evidence.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=920209

Monday 9 May 2011

Injunctions not so super on Twitter

The rumours over celebrity super-injunctions reached another level on Monday after an account on Twitter opened which apparently revealed some of the stars and secrets which are subject to gagging orders. 

Discussion raged after BBC journalist Andrew Marr lifted an injunction he had taken out to hide an affair he had, despite him asking politicians private questions in the meantime. That revelation started debate on who else might have them in place, and why. 

The media is under laws set by UK judges not to reveal any details about the personalities involved, yet it seems unlikely that the rulings are going to work as the stories appear to be emerging from the account on Twitter, although the accuracy of the tweets cannot be guaranteed. 

It poses many problems and embarrassment for UK law-makers and those using the super-injunctions, unless they can find a way to stop the truth spreading further.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=916983

Sunday 8 May 2011

United on brink of nineteenth title

Possibly the biggest match in this season’s English Premier League took place on Sunday afternoon as leaders Manchester United hosted second-placed Chelsea at Old Trafford, with the title potentially hanging on the result. 

Less than a minute had gone by when Ji-Sung Park played in Javier Hernandez to give the hosts the lead in front of their delirious crowd. Chelsea seemed shell-shocked and United pressed for a bigger advantage which arrived when Nemanja Vidic headed in Ryan Giggs’ cross. 

The visitors were very poor and substitutions had little effect. United created many chances but also defended deeply, which allowed Frank Lampard to prod home after a cross. Chelsea pressed more towards the end but lacked the inspiration to equalise, so United won 2 – 1. 

That means they need only one more point to claim what will be a record nineteenth title, thus overcoming fierce rivals Liverpool.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=916060

Incredible Vettel wins in Turkey

Reigning world champion Sebastien Vettel is already clear in this season’s drivers’ championship and looked set to build on that when he set an incredible time in qualifying to start on pole position for the Turkish Grand Prix. 

The race began on Sunday afternoon and Vettel managed a clean start which enabled him to create an advantage as his rivals scrapped behind in an action-packed race. 

Once the pit-stops came into play the drivers changed positions regularly as many differed between using three-stop and four-stop strategies. 

While Vettel was always in control at the front, Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber battled for second, with the Australian overtaking the Spaniard with a few laps to go to claim a Red Bull one-two finish. 

Vettel’s third win from four races leaves him far ahead in the drivers’ standings, with the rest of the field struggling to find any way to catch him.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=913577

Saturday 7 May 2011

Seve Ballesteros loses battle against brain tumour

Spanish golfing great Severiano (Seve) Ballesteros died in the early hours of Saturday morning at his family home in northern Spain. He was 54. 

After an incredibly successful and popular career which included victory in five Masters and four Ryder Cups, he retired in 2007 and was then diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2008. Despite undergoing numerous operations to try to cure the condition the surgeons were unable to help, and his health deteriorated this week before he passed away. 

Tributes are being sent from all over the world as golf fans remember his extraordinary talent and personality. 

His family have acknowledged the support of so many well-wishers, but now are asking for privacy as they try to come to terms with their loss.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=913488

Friday 6 May 2011

UK voters make Lib Dems suffer

With voting results coming in for the UK local elections 2011, it is becoming clear that, as expected, the Liberal Democrats are suffering more than most as the public give a first indication of their feelings since the coalition government came into power. 

Their main losses were in the north of England, as they lost a large amount of seats to Labour in some of the major cities such as Sheffield. 

The SNP ran riot in Scotland, where Labour’s lead in the polls was not reflected in the voting, and Alex Salmond’s party could yet gain a majority in Holyrood. 

Labour did record great success in Wales though, with the possibility of claiming a majority in Cardiff as the Lib Dems struggled again. 

The “Yes to AV” campaign, backed mainly by the Lib Dems, also seems to have taken a heavy defeat, and calls are already growing for the party’s leader, Nick Clegg, to consider his position.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=910349

Thursday 5 May 2011

Obama visits Ground Zero

President Obama visits the site of Ground Zero on Thursday as Americans seek closure for 9/11 after the death of Osama bin Laden. 

He was killed on Sunday during a raid by US soldiers on his house in Pakistan. The attack was commanded by Obama after months of research and preparation. 

Further details and reaction have continued since the news was first announced. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, expressed his unease over reports that bin Laden was unarmed at the time. However, the American public seems in support of the action, with poll ratings for the President surging. 

Tension surrounding the relationship with Pakistan has increased as questions have been asked of their government given the surprising location of the Al-Qaeda’s hiding place, but for now the main focus is on Ground Zero, as Obama and the entire USA look to find comfort for the thousands they lost in the terror attacks on the World Trade Centre.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=901716

Wednesday 4 May 2011

Obama withholds bin Laden photos

On Wednesday, President Obama confirmed that he would not release photos of the dead body of Osama bin Laden. They reportedly show the open head wound from the gunfire of the US soldiers who shot him on Sunday, despite him being unarmed and protected by his young wife at the time. 

The debate after the initial announcement of the death of the al-Qaeda leader has fuelled much discussion which includes conspiracy theories and concerns over retaliatory attacks, resulting in many embassies across the world being subject to extra security measures. 

That proved a vital factor in Obama’s decision to withhold the photos from the public domain, over fears of them seeming too gloating and being used as propaganda.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=901716

Tuesday 3 May 2011

Barcelona finish off Madrid

The final meeting between the Spanish giants took place on Tuesday evening in the second-leg of the Champions League semi-final. Barca were strong favourites to progress after Lionel Messi’s masterclass gave them a 0 – 2 win in the Bernabeu, although most talk focused on the ridiculous antics of the players and Jose Mourinho during and after the match. 

The first half was largely-dominated by the hosts as they kept Madrid at bay with their slick passing, although no goals were forthcoming. 

That changed early in the second period when Andres Iniesta played in Pedro Rodriguez to fire Barcelona ahead. Madrid responded quickly through Marcelo, but it ended quite comfortably for the Catalans, 1 – 1 on the night and 3 – 1 on aggregate. 

It is highly likely that they will play Manchester United in the final at Wembley on 28 May. United must defend a two-goal advantage at home to Schalke on Wednesday.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=902234

Monday 2 May 2011

Osama bin Laden killed by US troops

President Obama has confirmed that US forces have killed the world’s most-wanted man, the Al-Qa’ida leader Osama bin Laden. He died in a gunfire battle when US troops swooped early on Monday morning in Pakistan. 

Bin Laden has been hunted endlessly since the 9/11 terror attacks and before. Despite it being suspected he was hiding in Afghanistan for many years, he was located close to a Pakistani school in the city of Abbottabad. 

Global leaders have expressed their acknowledgement and acceptance on learning of the news, with scenes of celebration among crowds outside the White House. 

However, with this long-awaited revelation comes another threat, as many people around the world are now on-alert against reprisal attacks by Al-Qa’ida.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=900625

Sunday 1 May 2011

Reds cruise past Toon

A busy Sunday in the Premier League saw Liverpool host Newcastle at lunchtime and Manchester City welcome West Ham late on. Andy Carroll was the focus of much attention at Anfield as he was in the squad to face his former club for the first time since his big-money move in January. 

Things started very well for the home side as Maxi Rodriguez put them ahead early on. Newcastle competed until the hour mark when Dirk Kuyt coverted a penalty, and then Luis Suarez wrapped up a 3 – 0 win, with Carroll coming on for the final twenty minutes. 

City started well at Eastlands with confident passing and Nigel De Jong gave them the lead with a decent strike. They doubled it rapidly through Pablo Zabaleta. Demba Ba pulled a goal back before half-time but Mancini’s men were able to hold on for a 2 – 1 victory. 

Those results mean that City are on the brink of qualifying for Champions League football next season as they are seven points clear of both Liverpool and Tottenham. The Reds now appear favourites for fifth place.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=884259

Gunners fire up title race

Premier League leaders Manchester United visited Arsenal on Sunday afternoon with the season approaching its conclusion. A win for Arsenal would see Chelsea retain hope of seizing the title, but a win for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men would all but end their challengers’ hopes. 

United are currently in the middle of a two-legged Champions League semi-final, and maybe it proved a distraction as they performed surprisingly poorly. The first-half was goalless, although Arsenal had the better of the play and were unfortunate not to have a penalty on two occasions, Nemanja Vidic escaping unpunished. 

Their luck did not last however, as early in the second-half Robin Van Persie cut in to set up Aaron Ramsey to score a classy opener for the Gunners. United pressed for the equaliser as time went on but were unable to find a way through, and had a penalty shout of their own dismissed in the dying minutes. The final score was 1 – 0. 

United stay three points clear of Chelsea, with the two clubs now looking ahead to when they meet at Old Trafford next Sunday – a match which could prove decisive in the title race.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=899425