1. Hillary Clinton to help with electoral recount
Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign said says it will assist with efforts to secure recounts in several states, as the White House defended the declared results as "the will of the American people". A Clinton spokesman said the campaign felt "an obligation to the more than 64 million Americans who cast ballots for Hillary Clinton". President-elect Donald Trump describes the recount as a "scam".
2. Theresa May says Brexit keeps her awake at night
The challenge of getting "the best deal possible" for Britain on Brexit keeps the Prime Minister awake at night, she has admitted. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Theresa May spoke about the "really complex issues" and her desire to "get on with the deal". She described the "moment of change" when she took charge as "a hugely challenging time".
3. Cuba starts nine days of mourning for Fidel Castro
Cuba is mourning its deceased revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, with flags flying at half mast as nine days of mourning are observed. Alcohol sales have been suspended, and shows and concerts have been cancelled. From tomorrow, mourners will be able to pay respects before the ashes of the 90-year-old are taken to Santiago de Cuba where he launched his bid for power.
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4. Abuse: Crewe Alexandra to hold independent inquiry
Crewe Alexandra say they will launch an independent review into how the football club dealt with historical child abuse allegations. Several former players have claimed they were abused as youngsters by Barry Bennell, a former youth coach. Meanwhile, the Sunday Telegraph says a Premier League club made secret payments to a former footballer, preventing him going public with allegations of rape by a youth team coach.
5. More than 50,000 tweets celebrated Jo Cox murder
In the aftermath of the murder of MP Jo Cox more than 50,000 tweets celebrated her death and congratulated her killer, Thomas Mair. Tweets describing Mair as a "hero" and a "patriot" were posted in the aftermath of her murder from 25,000 accounts, according to a new report. Nick Lowles of Hope Not Hate said: "Clearly there were those on social media… who sought to exploit and profit from [Mair’s actions].”
6. Swiss vote in referendum on nuclear power phase-out
Swiss voters are being polled on whether or not to phase out the country's nuclear power plants. If voters choose "yes" in today’s referendum, it would force three of the country's five reactors to close next year, and the remaining two by 2029. Between them, the five plants currently generate 40% of Switzerland's electricity. Opinion polls have shown the "yes" and "no" camps neck-and-neck.
7. Watchdog tells party leaders to tone down divisive rhetoric
The equalities watchdog has called on Westminster party leaders to tone down campaigning that has "polarised" the country and "legitimised hate". In a letter to all party leaders, the Equality and Human Rights Commission expresses concern about hate attacks that have taken place since the UK voted to leave the EU in June. It calls for "accurate information and respectful debate" from politicians.
8. GCSE students struggle to spell simple words
Students sitting English GCSE struggle to spell words such as "myself", "off", and "said", according to a study by exam group Cambridge Assessment. The research found that the spelling and punctuation of 16-year-olds is worse than it was 30 years ago. It also found that children’s writing styles in the 2014 GCSE English exam were influenced by their use of texting and social media.
9. MPs make fresh bid to censure Tony Blair on Iraq
MPs are to make a fresh effort to hold Tony Blair to account for allegedly misleading parliament and the public over the Iraq war. The move by a cross-party group could see the former PM stripped of membership of the privy council. It comes as Blair tries to re-enter the political arena in the wake of the Brexit vote.
10. Holy row as Odeon decides to show films on Xmas Day
The UK’s biggest cinema chain will show films on Christmas Day, sparking an outcry from Church leaders. The Odeon group has scheduled more than 120 screenings in 20 of its cinemas on Sunday, December 25. Church figures said the "commercial" decision could "ruin" Christmas. Cinemas were slammed last year for refusing to show a Church of England advertisement featuring the Lord’s Prayer.
