1. PM: ALLOW FRACKING, WE’LL MAKE IT PAY
David Cameron says the government is going “all out for shale”, promising councils that they will receive the full business rates from shale gas schemes, rather than the usual 50%. Greenpeace accused the government of “bribery”. French energy giant Total confirmed overnight that it will be entering the British market, investing in exploration in Lincolnshire.
Friends of the Earth rebuked for anti-fracking leaflet
2. OBESITY EPIDEMIC WORSE THAN FEARED
Predictions that half the UK population will be obese by 2050 “underestimate” the scale of the problem, with parents unable to see obesity in their own children, according to a new report. The National Obesity Forum said doctors must not shy away from discussing a patient’s weight, to prevent the “doomsday scenario”- or worse- becoming reality.
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Why is the UK so fat?
3. FRANCE'S TRIERWEILER 'READY TO FORGIVE'
France's First Lady, who remains in hospital in Paris, was bowled over by accusations that Francois Hollande had cheated on her - but did not attempt suicide, her friends have said. Valerie Trierweiler is now ready to forgive the French president for his alleged affair with 41-year-old actress Julie Gayet.
Trierweiler in hospital with 'the blues' over Hollande 'affair'
4. ARIEL SHARON BURIED AT RANCH
Former Israeli PM Ariel Sharon has been buried at his ranch. The burial followed a state memorial and military services conducted under tight security. The ex-military commander died on Saturday, eight years after a stroke left him in a coma. The memorial service, in Jerusalem, was attended by Joe Biden and Tony Blair.
Ariel Sharon: Israeli 'giant' is laid to rest amidst tight security
5. ‘AMERICAN HUSTLE’ TAKES A HATRICK
Steve McQueen’s ’12 Years a Slave’ won Best Drama at the Golden Globes overnight, but the first awards ceremony in the Hollywood calendar was otherwise a disappointing night for British talent. Best director went to Alfonso Cuarón for ‘Gravity’, while ‘American Hustle’ won three gongs, including plaudits for Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence.
Golden Globes winners: 12 Years a Slave stakes Oscar claim
6. DATE SET FOR IRAN’S NUCLEAR CLIMBDOWN
Iran will start diluting its stockpile of enriched uranium and allow regular inspections at its heavy water reactors from January 20, after reaching an interim agreement to curtail its nuclear programme. In return, there will be “modest relief” from some sanctions. US President Barack Obama welcomed the move, calling it “concrete progress”.
7. CHRIS CHRISTIE FACES SUPERSTORM SCANDAL
A study by the Open University has found that couples without children are more satisfied with their relationships, and more likely to feel valued by their partners than those with children. But the study, one of the biggest to look at Britain’s relationships, found mothers were happier with their lives in general, while childless women were least happy.
Chris Christie rocked by Superstorm Sandy relief scandal
8. APRIL JONES KILLER DROPS APPEAL
April Jones's murderer, Mark Bridger, has abandoned an attempt to appeal against his whole-life term 11 days before a hearing was due to take place. Bridger, 47, was convicted last May of murdering the five-year-old, who went missing from her home in Machynlleth, Powys in October 2012. Her body has never been found.
9. PARDEW APOLOGY AS MAN CITY GO TOP
Man City won 2-0 at St James’ Park, a result that takes them to the top of the premiership. The game was not without controversy: Newcastle Utd manager Alan Pardew had to apologise after he was caught swearing on camera. He called a decision to disallow a goal in the first-half, which would have brought the teams equal, a “huge injustice”.
Pardew apologises after Man City C-bomb rant at Pellegrini
10. HOT TICKET: DR LUIGI REVIVES DR MARIO
The new Dr Luigi puzzle game for Wii U consoles is released in the UK this week. It revives key elements of the classic puzzle game Dr Mario, where players line up pills to destroy viruses, with new gameplay and touchscreen options. "A fun twist on a classic," says IGN.
Dr Mario revival, Wii U puzzle game Dr Luigi - reviews
