Come on, Irene
Almost 65 million Americans were on alert last weekend as Hurricane Irene hit the US Eastern seaboard. The category one system was eventually downgraded but caused mass evacuations and panic shopping as far north as New York.
Free schools
The British government are set to open 24 new ‘free’ schools in England after the summer holidays. The schools, a government and independent-sector project, comprise primary and secondary classes.
Brothel bother in Aus
Australia’s parliament is teetering on collapse with the ruling minority Labor Party struggling to ignore calls for the resignation of an MP caught using a union credit card at a brothel. Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s coalition with independents and The Greens has a majority of one.
Diamonds in demand
Surging demand in Asia has seen diamonds become a low-risk investment haven like gold and the Swiss franc. Prices for the rare gem have increased almost 50 per cent since the start of 2010.
Gaddafi finally ousted
Opposition forces – backed by NATO – have declared victory after rolling into the capital Tripoli, once a stronghold of fugitive leader Moammar Gaddafi. Colonel Gaddafi had ruled the oil-rich country for 42 years with an iron fist.
Militants win skirmish
At least 25 Pakistani security personnel, including military and police, were killed when up to 300 militants attacked border posts along the Afghanistan border. About 20 militants were killed.
Kan can’t do it
Former Japanese finance minister Yoshihiko Noda is set to replace Naoto Kan as Prime Ministership. Kan stood aside after months of heavy public disapproval and two pieces of legislation failed to pass parliament.
Libya’s loss, SA gain
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations football tournament will be hosted by South Africa. Libya, who was to host the championship, swapped their hosting rights to 2017.
DSK free again
Rape charges against former International Monetary Fund director-general Dominique Strauss-Kahn have been dropped. The case collapsed after three months as holes emerged in his alleged victim’s claims.
High-flying Harry
Britain’s Prince Harry will train with the United States Air Force as part of a military exercise for pilots of Apache attack helicopters. It is unclear when the prince, also a RAF helicopter pilot when conduct his training.
Casino fire windfall
Mexican authorities have issued a reward worth almost $2.5 million as police investigate the torching of a ritzy casino. The blaze in Monterrey, northern Mexico left at least 52 people dead.
‘Urgent’ need in Syria
A United Nations humanitarian mission to Syria has concluded there is "an urgent need to protect civilians from the excessive use of force". Protests against the reigning al-Assad regime have swept the country since March.
Post published in: World News