1. HISTORIC IRAN NUKE DEAL 'IMMINENT'
Iran and six major world powers are close to signing a historic interim deal to rein in Tehran's nuclear programme, says the Financial Times. Foreign ministers from the US, Britain, Germany and France gathered in Geneva to sign a preliminary deal with Iran. However, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he “utterly rejects” the agreement.
2. AT LEAST 120 ARE KILLED BY TYPHOON
At least 120 people have been killed by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The storm, described by many as the worst in history, destroyed buildings and sparked landslides as it passed through the country yesterday. Officials say 100 bodies are lying in the streets of the city of Tacloban and another 20 are in a church in a nearby town.
3. CONVICTED MARINE 'HUNG OUT TO DRY'
The conviction of a Royal Marine for murdering an injured Afghan insurgent has sent shockwaves through the armed forces. Major-general Julian Thompson, who led British forces to victory in the Falklands, called for clemency for the commando. Troops have told the Daily Mail they believe the convicted marine was “hung out to dry”.
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4. SOUTH 'SHOULD PREPARE FOR FRACKING'
Households “right across the South” should prepare for fracking to begin in their areas, a minister has told the Daily Telegraph. Michael Fallon says areas including Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Sussex will help Britain emulate US states such as Texas in exploiting shale gas. Fears about the “exciting home-grown source of energy” are “myths”, he said.
5. BUSH TO SPEAK AT MESSIANIC EVENT
George W Bush is to appear at a fundraising event for an organisation which tries to convert Jews to Christianity. The former president will appear at the event arranged by the Messianic Jewish Bible Institute, which hopes conversions can bring about the second coming of Jesus Christ. Bush will speak at the event in Texas. Tickets cost between $100 and $100,000.
6. NEW ASBOS 'ASSAULT ON FREEDOM'
Plans to replace Asbos with civil injunctions that clamp down on anything likely to cause “annoyance” will lead to “gross state interference”, says a former director of public prosecutions. Lord Macdonald QC fears that buskers, Christian preachers and peaceful protestors could be driven off the streets under the draconian new powers.
7. HUNT 'TO BECOME RICHEST MINISTER'
Secretary for health Jeremy Hunt is poised to become the richest member of the cabinet as he awaits a £17m windfall from the imminent sale of his company. Education listings service Hotcourses, which Hunt co-founded before becoming an MP, is believed to be on the brink of a £35m bid from a private equity firm. Hunt is understood to hold a 49% stake in the company.
8. STAR WARS AUDITIONS IN BRISTOL
Thousands of hopefuls are expected to arrive in Bristol for the first open audition for the next Star Wars film. Producers are seeking two actors for lead roles in the forthcoming Star Wars: Episode VII. The parts are a “street smart girl” in her late teens and a “smart capable man” in his late teens or early twenties. Mark Hamill was an unknown when he won the role of Luke Skywalker.
9. 'ARMED MEN' WERE AUTOGRAPH HUNTERS
Four men arrested on suspicion of brandishing a gun in front of Andy Murray were actually autograph hunters carrying tennis racquets. A passer-by noticed the group acting suspiciously near the tennis champion's car and, mistaking the racquets for firearms, called the police. Officers took the men into custody but found no trace of a firearm in their car.
10. ARSENE WENGER: LET'S SHOW HUNGER
Arsene Wenger has urged his Arsenal players to show the “hunger” required to sustain their title push. The Gunners could move 11 points clear of Manchester United if they beat them at Old Trafford on Sunday. Wenger called for them to show “resilience” ahead of the landmark clash. Chelsea host West Brom today while Liverpool are at home to Fulham.
