1. Boxing legend Muhammad Ali dies at 74
Muhammad Ali has died at the age of 74, a family spokesman has announced. The former world heavyweight champion passed away at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, after being admitted on Thursday. He was suffering from a respiratory condition, complicated by Parkinson's disease. The iconic boxer was crowned "Sportsman of the Century" by Sports Illustrated and "Sports Personality of the Century" by the BBC.
2. Tailored approach marks new era of cancer treatment
A new era of cancer treatment in which patients get drugs matched specifically to their tumour is imminent, according to scientists at the world’s biggest cancer conference. Known as precision or personalised medicine, the approach “is about targeting treatment so that it’s more powerful, while reducing the toxicity, so there are fewer side-effects”, said oncologist Roy Herbst.
3. Gove slams 'sneering condescension' of Remain
Leaving the EU would allow the government to spend an extra £100m a week on the NHS by 2020, according to leading Brexit campaigners. Justice secretary Michael Gove’s claim comes after he took part in a televised Q&A, urging voters to "take back control" from "Europe's elites". He also attacked the “sneering condescension” of the Remain camp.
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4. Fifa lawyers say Blatter awarded himself £55m
Lawyers claim that three high-ranking former Fifa officials – Sepp Blatter, Jérôme Valcke and Markus Kattner – secretly awarded themselves pay rises and massive World Cup bonuses totalling 79m Swiss francs (£55m). It is believed the payments violated Swiss law. Evidence will now be passed to the US justice department and to Swiss federal prosecutors who are investigating the world football body.
5. Donald Trump points out 'my African-American'
Donald Trump singled out a black audience member at a rally in California, saying: "Look at my African-American over here!" The Republican hopeful was seeking to demonstrate his support among black Americans when he pointed at the man. The entrepreneur has been accused of racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia for his contentious campaign rhetoric.
6. France to declare state of 'natural catastrophe'
French president Francois Hollande is to declare a state of "natural catastrophe" after the River Seine swelled to its highest levels for 30 years. The emergency measure, which is expected to be taken next week, will open the door to millions of euros in compensation payments to homes and businesses left severely damaged by flooding across Paris.
7. Washington says Iran is the leading sponsor of terror
Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, according to US authorities. The Islamic republic "remained the foremost state sponsor of terrorism in 2015, providing a range of support, including financial, training, and equipment, to groups around the world," says the state department's annual survey of worldwide terrorism. It highlights Tehran’s links with Hezbollah and Hamas.
8. Former BHS owner sends abusive text to retailer's boss
The former owner of BHS sent an abusive text message to the chief executive of the chain just hours after administrators announced that it would close all its shops. Dominic Chappell described Darren Topp as a “f***ing p***k” in the message and pointed the finger of blame at him and Michael Hitchcock, the retailer’s former finance consultant, for the collapse of the business.
9. Priest suspended after drunken night out
A priest was suspended after he assaulted a police officer and a paramedic on a drunken night out. The Reverend Gareth Jones swore at officers and claimed he had diplomatic immunity from the Vatican when he was arrested. Jones, who says he is “deeply ashamed" about what happened, had drunk three bottles of wine, several pints of beer, gin and tonics and vodka.
10. Did Top Gear producers used canned laughter?
There is more controversy over the new series of Top Gear as it is claimed producers inserted “canned laughter” to cover up “awkward silences”. Sound effects of hysterical laughter were allegedly used for jokes that fell flat. The episode was the first since Jeremy Clarkson left the fold. It drew just 4.3m viewers – the lowest figures for a series debut in more than a decade.
