News

EMI and Warner submit Chrysalis bids

EMI, under its new owner Guy Hands, has tabled an indicative bid for music firm Chrysalis - one of many indicative offers submitted for the group, sources involved in the situation said on Friday.

Flood fears grow as heavy rain forecast

Residents in flood-prone areas were on high alert on Friday as more rain swept in and forecasters predicted downpours for the weekend.

Shanghai warns train protesters before Brown trip

Shanghai authorities warned residents on Friday not to conduct illegal protests against its high-speed "maglev" train project, a day before a visit to the city by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

British Gas hikes power and gas charges

British Gas on Friday raised charges for domestic gas and electricity by 15 percent with immediate effect, its owner Centrica said.

High stakes for Republican candidates in South Carolina

Republican candidates are racing against time to win over voters in South Carolina before its primary Saturday, where the result is predicted to either boost or break several campaigns.

Christian Aid events to challenge scandal of poverty in Ghana

A new series of events by Christian Aid aims to throw the spotlight on the poverty that continues to grip Ghana in spite of its wealth of natural resources.

£3m restoration appeal launched for Westminster Cathedral

Cardinal appeals for £3 million to carry out major repairs on Westminster Cathedral.

Mission to Seafarers to make waves with new triathlon

The Mission to Seafarers has announced a new annual triathlon as part of its fundraising campaign.

Excommunicated archbishop urges married priesthood

Excommunicated African Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo took his campaign for a married priesthood to the Pope's backyard on Thursday at a raucous book presentation where supporters cheered him and critics shouted him down.

Hope08 challenges secondary schools to work for community

Every secondary school in the UK is being challenged to bring hope to their local communities by carrying out good deeds as part of the nationwide initiative Hope08.

Kenya opposition says will stop protests

Opposition street protests over the disputed re-election of Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki will end after demonstrations planned for Friday, a spokesman said.

Sri Lanka says rebels kill 10 people in south

Suspected Tamil Tiger rebels shot dead at least 10 people in southern Sri Lanka, the military said on Friday, two days after 27 people were killed in a bus ambush in a nearby town.

Iran defiant after Israeli missile test

Israel tested a missile on Thursday, prompting Iran to vow retaliation if the Jewish state carried out recent veiled threats to launch strikes, possibly atomic, against Tehran's nuclear facilities.

Mexico gunmen target children in gruesome drug war

Hitmen from Mexico's drug gangs are breaking traditional codes of honour by killing children in a chilling new chapter of a narcotics war that President Felipe Calderon is struggling to control.

Brown seeks to take China relationship to new level

Prime Minister Gordon Brown told China on Friday he wanted Britain to be the number one choice for Chinese trade and investment as he sought to take the relationship to a "higher level".

Heathrow bids for normality after crash

Heathrow, the busiest international airport in the world, struggled to return to normal on Friday after a crash landing this week caused travel chaos but only minor injuries.