Thursday 30 June 2011

Public sector strikes hit UK

Thursday saw the fulfilment of the threat of strikes by thousands of public-sector workers across the UK. 

The main professions participating include teachers, which has resulted in a number of schools closing across the country. 100,000 civil servants are estimated to have gone on strike. 

Protestors massed to march in Whitehall, with some conflicts with police occurring throughout the day. 

The key points of contention are the consequences of the Government spending cuts on public-sector pay and pensions.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=1025924

Sunday 26 June 2011

Vettel imperious in Valencia

Sebastian Vettel looked to continue his dominance in the F1 championship race as he started yet again from pole for the European Grand Prix on Sunday. 

After a decent start, he built a lead over his Red Bull team-mate, Mark Webber, and the Ferraris. The McLarens lacked pace and were never able to challenge for the podium. 

Webber and Fernando Alonso exchanged places during the pit-stops but it was all too easy for Vettel, who put in another superlative performance out at the front to cruise to victory. 

The German's extraordinary form shows no sign of going away with the superb win in Valencia consolidating his position as clear favourite to win another title.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=1024923

Tuesday 21 June 2011

Villas-Boas set for Chelsea

Andre Villas-Boas has resigned from his post of manager of Porto and seems likely to take over at Chelsea very soon. 

Roman Abramovic has been searching for a new boss since the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti after the final game of the season, which saw Chelsea finish second in the Premier League and without a trophy at all, on the back of some poor form from October. 

Villas-Boas will have his work cut out if he does finally join the Londoners, who will be expecting to regain the League title and to possibly win the Champions League as well.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=1012350

Jack Warner leaves FIFA

FIFA has confirmed that Jack Warner, its Vice-President and one of the men at the centre of a corruption and bribery investigation, has resigned. 

Warner's decision is very convenient for President Sepp Blatter and the rest of the organisation because it means that the enquiry into claims of bribery within the bidding process for the 2022 World Cup can now be dropped. 

The resignation saves both Warner and FIFA further embarrassment, although it does little to improve the image of all involved in the wake of the scandal and the farcical presidential election at the start of June.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=1012775

Monday 20 June 2011

Maiden Major for master McIlroy

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy started the final round of the US Open at Congressional eight shots in the lead on 14-under-par, needing only to hold himself together to earn his first Major. 

With the memory of his collapse at Augusta still fresh in the memory, he started the round in confident style, holing a couple of birdies to maintain his lead at the half-way stage. 

A birdie at the tricky tenth followed by a hold at the eleventh put the 22-year-old within touching distance, and his distant rivals proved unable to mount a challenge, making the final few holes relatively comfortable. 

McIlroy finished on 16-under-par, claiming the US Open in extraordinary fashion, with some speculating as to whether it was the greatest performance ever. Much is expected of the young golfer in the years to come.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=1006787

Friday 17 June 2011

Zawahiri dismissed by US

Following the death of Osama Bin Laden during the raid of 2 May, al-Qaeda has announced its new choice of leader - the 59-year-old Egyptian Ayman Al-Zawahiri. 

Despite the continued threat from the terrorist group, illustrated by the frequent bombings in Pakistan, US officials have made clear that they are not worried by the new leader, claiming him to be an "armchair general", and threatening to see that he meets a similar end to that of his predecessor. 

However, Defence Secretary Robert Gates did warn of the perpetual nature of al-Qaeda, advising mindfulness of their persistent threat.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=1003564

Source:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/al-qaeda/8581122/US-says-we-will-kill-Zawahiri-just-like-bin-Laden.html

Wednesday 15 June 2011

Mcleish to become chief Villain?

Alex Mcleish, who recently resigned as manager of relegated Birmingham City, is to hold talks with arch-rivals Aston Villa over their current vacancy, despite fury from the Blues fans and board. 

The Scot resigned after Birmingham's relegation on the last day of the season, and such a quick move across the city would provoke furious reactions from his former club, who are already suspicious of Villa "tapping up" Mcleish, and could submit a complaint. 

Other Premier League clubs currently looking for a manager include Chelsea, who have stated their intention to resolve their situation quickly.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=1000030

Tuesday 14 June 2011

Miliband promises change

Ed Miliband, leader of the Labour party, has looked to reassure voters that the party is changing, stating that they will become a "party of grafters". 

After rumours of rows with his brother, David, and similar accusations about the handover between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown when Labour was in government, Ed Miliband has admitted they must be honest about previous mistakes, but that there is no feuding there now. 

He won the leadership after stating his intention to strengthen relations with unions, and now he is looking to convince the working classes that Labour is again the party for them. 

Miliband needs to work effectively, considering Labour's disappointing performance even since the election loss last year.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=995816

David denies plot against Ed

David Miliband, who narrowly lost to his brother Ed in the Labour leadership election last year, has had to deny claims that he is plotting against his brother. 

The Labour party is in a difficult period after leaks of documents which indicated some members had been involved in getting Tony Blair to retire to let Gordon Brown become Prime Minister. 

That is set against the background of the party struggling to gain voters, despite the unpopularity of the cuts from the Coalition government. 

The Milibands are going to have to show clear support for each other in order to revitalise their party, and their hopes of winning the next election.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=993633

Monday 13 June 2011

Photos of smiling Gabrielle Giffords

Gabrielle Giffords, the congresswoman shot during a public event in Arizona earlier in the year, has released some pictures of herself on Facebook. 

The photos show her outside and smiling. They were taken in the middle of May, before she underwent surgery on her skull. 

The images are very positive, and everyone will be hoping they are an indication of her healthy recovery after the shooting incident which left many others dead or injured.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=994484

Sunday 12 June 2011

Phenomenal Button wins in Canada

Championship leader Sebastian Vettel looked to continue his incredible run this season as he started from pole at the Canadian Grand Prix, having won all but one of the races before. 

Montreal was under threat from bad weather and it was to prove disruptive as the race was stopped for an extraordinary two-hour stop during bad weather with Vettel still in the lead, but Lewis Hamilton had already crashed out after connecting with Jensen Button. 

There were a series of safety cars and restarts after that, and Vettel continued to control the race at the front, although Button started to tear through the field towards the end. 

In an incredible finish, Button somehow managed to make it up to chase Vettel who, in the very last lap, lost control for a vital second to allow the McLaren through to take a most unbelievable victory. 

Despite that, the German remains the clear leader in the title race, even extending his lead.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=993060

1998 embassy bomber killed

Reports suggest that another leading figure in the al-Qaeda terror network has been killed. This time, it is claimed that Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, supposedly behind the 1998 embassy bombings in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, has been shot by police in Somalia. 

Somali police claim to have shot him during an exchange of fire near a border checkpoint. The US claims the country has been used as a refuge by many terrorists as it has been without a government since 1991. 

US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, expressed her belief in the significance of the killing, calling it another blow in the war against terror.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=993280

Source:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/african-us-embassy-bomber-killed-in-somalia-2296369.html

Friday 10 June 2011

Syrian army lauches attack

The latest violence during the civil unrest in Syria on Friday saw 22 people killed across the country, according to activists. Meanwhile, the army started on assault on the town of Jisr Al-Shughour after 120 members of security forces died there earlier in the week. 

Refugees have been accepted into bordering Turkey, where the government has provided them accommodation and food, which is much more than what they say their own President was willing to offer. 

Reports are unclear because foreign journalists are being forbidden to enter the country, and pressure is continuing to grow on the authorities, with many organisations worldwide demanding an end to the violence.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=910995

Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13741106

Donny the Doncaster dog returns

Tracey Chandler, 40, who was sacked from her unpaid role as Doncaster Rovers' mascot Donny the dog after appearing in a photo shoot for the Sunday Sport in lingerie and also with the costume, has been given her job back. 

Her employers were concerned about the mixture of sexualisation with the appeal of the mascot for children, but chairman John Ryan has declared it a "storm in a tea cup" and wants Ms Chandler to get on with her job again. 

Ms Chandler said the news was "better than winning the lottery"


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=988729

Tuesday 7 June 2011

Li Na wins first Grand Slam for China

The Chinese, Li Na, made history on Saturday by beating defending champion Francesca Schiavone in the final of the French open at Roland Garros. 

Despite the occasion, Na put on a great performance, outplaying her opponent in straight sets, 6-4 7-6. 

She becomes the first Chinese player to win a Grand Slam in over one hundred years of tennis history. Those back home who had stayed up late into the night to watch the match celebrated their heroine's remarkable feat.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=976809

Attorney General warns public over super-injunctions

Attorney General Dominic Grieve spoke on Radio 4 to warn Internet users, especially those on Twitter, that they could be punished for publishing information about celebrity super-injunctions. 

75,000 discussed the story on Ryan Giggs before it was legally allowed. Grieve suggested that individuals could be vulnerable to criminal prosecution. 

He did also acknowledge the difficulties for enforcement represented by the sheer volume of those breaking gagging orders, and the confusion about online publication.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=982465

Rooney shows off hair transplant

England football star Wayne Rooney has revealed his new hair transplant after £10,000 surgery at a clinic in Harley Street, London. 

"Wazza" posted a picture and message on social networking website Twitter, apparently pleased with his new look. 

The Manchester United striker, 25, is married with children, but admitted he felt the need for the treatment given that he would otherwise be facing a considerable way to go in his playing career without hair, let alone life in general.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=976653

Monday 6 June 2011

Ryan Giggs to receive special recognition award for services to tabloid media

Ryan Giggs, idolised by football fans for generations, looks set to receive special recognition for his extraordinary contribution to British tabloid journalism this year.
The previously-unnamed married footballer has been in sensational scoring form with the headlines during the last few months, and many feel the time has come for him to be rewarded for his incredible efforts towards giving people something to write about.
Laura Percy, showbiz reporter for the Sun, expressed her gratitude, saying “Ryan’s really proven what an amazing player he is this year.”
“Just when we all thought he was getting too old and would have to give it up soon, he gives us something else to remind us that he hasn’t forgotten where the tabloids’ goal is.”
“My boss is even considering arranging a free super-injunction for him, as a thank you.”
United supporter Dean Simmonds had similar sentiments, “Many of us have been campaigning for years to see Giggsy to get the recognition those of us ‘in the know’ believed he deserved.”
“His consistent, show-stealing appearances in the headlines of the social media this season could be the final notch on his bedpost he always wanted, so to speak.”

Playa of the year

The Welshman has drawn great acclaim from the media for the success he has achieved throughout his career, although it seems that, despite all the hype in recent seasons, current revelations indicate that his playing ability has been underrated.
Presenter and legendary goal-scorer Gary Lineker joined in praising his colleague, “I always thought I was the ultimate ‘fox in the box’ from the British Isles, but Ryan’s current form and longevity surpasses anything I ever thought possible.”
“Not a week goes by at the moment without him providing yet another spectacular talking-point to distract us from berating England under Capello. He deserves everything he gets.”
But the final word must come from Giggs’ most devoted admirers – the United fans. They have long trumpeted the undeniable talent of their hero with the unforgettable banner, “Giggs: tearing you apart since 1991.”
It now seems unlikely that anyone will have the heart to argue with that.

http://newsthump.com/2011/06/06/ryan-giggs-to-receive-special-recognition-award-for-services-to-tabloid-media/

Sunday 5 June 2011

Nadal earns sixth French Open

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal renewed their rivalry in the men's final at Roland Garros on Sunday afternoon. Federer was rejuvenated after beating Novak Djokovic, while the Spaniard was seeking his sixth title at the championship. 

The first set was largely dominated by Federer, but crucially he let Nadal back in at the end, and the defending champion took it. The second set was quite the reverse, but Nadal prevailed in the tie-break. 

In the third, Federer came back from a break down to claim a foothold in the match, but the fourth set proved too much, Nadal breaking twice and easing to victory, 7-5 7-6 5-7 6-1. 

So the Spanish "King of clay" proved his superiority on the surface once again, winning his sixth title in Paris and his tenth Grand Slam overall.



http://thenewsportal.net/?p=979022

Yemeni President leaves country for treatment

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh suffered numerous injuries in the attack on his compound on Friday. It is reported he could have some shrapnel near his heart, and he is also being treated for burns. 

Authorities had confirmed that he remained in Sana'a, where the attack took place, after rumours he was being treated in Saudi Arabia. However, his departure from Yemen was announced on Sunday, resulting in celebrations from protestors on the streets. 

The latest incident shows how tensions are escalating over calls for his resignation. The campaign started in January, and at least 350 people have died so far.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=974802

US claims killing of Al-Qaeda chief

Only a month after killing Osama bin Laden in an early-morning raid in Pakistan, officials are claiming the likelihood of the death of another top Al-Qaeda leader in a drone strike. 

Ilyas Kashmiri was a militant and a strategist thought to be behind many attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan in recent years. Such was the demand from the US for his capture that he was in the top five of their most-wanted, and there was a £3 million reward offered for any information on his whereabouts. 

This is being described as another major blow struck in the war against terror, although the increase of attacks in Pakistan within the last month paints a very different picture.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=976784

Saturday 4 June 2011

34 protestors killed in Hama, Syria

The latest violence during the civil unrest in Syria saw 34 people killed in the city of Hama on Friday, according to activists. 

Government forces opened fire as a crowd of about 50,000 gathered after prayer to continue the protests against President Assad. 

Reports are unclear because foreign journalists are being forbidden to enter the country, and pressure is continuing to grow on the authorities, with Hillary Clinton indicating that the US is losing patience with the regime.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=910995

Rafa and Roger to tango in Paris again

Andy Murray’s impressive progress through the draw in the French Open at Roland Garros came up against a substantial obstacle in the shape of the “king of clay”, Rafael Nadal, in the semi-finals on Friday. 

Nadal had not shown his best so far in this year’s tournament, but his form returned as he broke in the third game of the match and quickly began to subdue the Scot with confident play. 

Despite both players struggling with their serve and conceding breaks regularly, Nadal was always on top, although Murray fought bravely. 

The Spaniard ended up as a comfortable winner in straight sets, 6 – 4 7 - 5 6 - 4. Still, Murray can be pleased with the achievement of reaching the semi-finals, it being the first time he has done so. 

Nadal will play Roger Federer in Sunday's final after the Swiss ended Novak Djokovic's long unbeaten run.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=970045

Friday 3 June 2011

Investigation into Pembroke refinery deaths

An investigation is under way after four people were killed in an explosion at a Chevron oil refinery in Pembroke, Wales. 

The fatal incident happened on Thursday evening, and Chevron has announced its intention to work with the Health and Safety Executive to determine the cause. It has been described as “utterly devastating”. 

The explosion occurred in a storage tank as maintenance work was in progress. Expressions of sympathy have been sent to the victims’ families.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=973072

Watford bomb was hoax

Tests carried out on the explosive device taken from a man who staged a stand-off in a branch of a bank have shown that it was a hoax, and "not viable". 

The event took place on Thursday, when police were called to the bank in Watford at about 10 a.m. where a man apparently had the bomb strapped to his leg. Many were evacuated from the surrounding area as the drama unfolded. 

After around three and a half hours, the officers were able to arrest the man, who was twenty-three, and take him away.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=972088

Thursday 2 June 2011

Actual UK population is probably 400 million, screams Daily Mail

Following the release of figures of asylum seekers in the UK, the Daily Mail have warned that the population in the country will soon be overtaking that of Asian giants India and China.
They have claimed that approximately 300% of those looking for amnesty on British shores are allowed to remain here, taking our jobs and eating our caviar.
Seizing upon a critical report which says whatever it is they want it to, the Mail have printed the details which portray the scale of the problem that the UK is now facing.
Many commentators have voiced their concerns that the uncontrolled influx from Eastern Europe has failed to displace the native population of places like Coventry.
It also points to a very large number of immigrants who cannot be accounted for as they cannot be identified or located, with fears that they may have ended up somewhere out of the reach and jurisdiction of the authorities, such as Middlesbrough.

AMNESTY! AMNESTY! AMNESTY!

Mail Editor Paul Dacre expressed his horror, “This report proves the shocking lack of effectiveness of our immigration control.”
“Billions of people are being allowed to stay in the UK indefinitely, despite having funny coloured skin and being less welcome than the FA at a FIFA conference after-party.”
The Coalition government has been in the firing line immediately, especially after hopes that it was going to halt all cross-border movement within hours of its election last May.
One Tory MP moved to calm the panic, telling the house, “Let me assure you that those of use completely isolated from the effects of immigration here in parliament are suitably-horrified by this new information.”
“The last thing we want is yet more people on top of the lingering British working-class, who persist in getting in the way of us helping our friends in the city and getting every single one of our children into Eton.”

Wednesday 1 June 2011

Suspects released after six-year old’s death

Four people who were arrested when a six-year old boy fell to his death from a block of flats in Leeds on Tuesday evening have been released on bail. 

The victim has since been named as Liam Shackleton, and the details surrounding the tragedy remain unclear. 

Neighbours have expressed their horror at the incident and a number of tributes have been left at the scene. It seems possible that it could have been a terrible accident, given that the family lived high up in the nine-story building from where the child fell.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=968941


Source(s)

Allardyce looks to kick on

West Ham United’s new manager, Sam Allardyce, has admitted he has his work cut out in order to reverse the club’s fortunes and see them promoted back to the Premier League next season. 

The former boss of Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn in the top flight was appointed on Wednesday and admitted that he will probably lose many key players like Scott Parker. He also recognises he will have to work hard to overcome the doubts of fans unhappy with his selection. 

However, the board has at least given him the whole summer to settle and organise the squad before they begin their Championship campaign.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=968623

Blatter scores again

The FIFA presidency election went ahead on Wednesday despite the international furore over allegations of bribery, corruption and the lack of action from current president, Sepp Blatter. 

The FA had called for the election to be delayed in the wake of the withdrawal of Blatter’s only opponent, Mohammed bin Hammam, but nothing seemed capable of putting FIFA off. 

The FA’s call for a vote on whether it should take place on Wednesday morning suffered a resounding defeat, and so Blatter was left clear with what was effectively an open goal, him being the only man to run. 

The confirmation of his re-election was announced later in the day, and although the vast majority of FIFA delegates indicated their belief that he is the right man for the job, many outside the congress may think otherwise. 

Where FIFA (and world football) goes from here remains to be seen.


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

BBC Panorama reveals residential hospital abuse

Secret footage filmed during an investigation by the BBC Panorama programme shows shocking scenes of patients being mistreated by “carers” in a residential hospital. Police have since arrested four members of staff. 

The video displays disturbing scenes of physical and verbal abuse against patients with learning disabilities and autism. The owners, Castlebeck, have issued an unreserved apology and suspended thirteen staff. 

A clinical psychologist who viewed some of the evidence said: “Where’s the therapy in any of this? I would argue this is torture.” 

The hospital, staff and owners have provoked angry reactions and will now be the subject of a thorough investigation following this shocking discovery.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=968328



Source(s)