The News Matrix: Friday 29 April 2011
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Aircraft carriers’ cost to rise by £2bn
The final cost of the Royal Navy’s two new aircraft carriers will not be known until the end of next year, official sources confirmed yesterday, amid reports that it could rise by up to £2bn. Defence Secretary Liam Fox insisted that the Ministry of Defence would take a “fairly stiff view” of any price increases in the massive contracts. MORE
Protest at Gaddafi forces’ incursion
Tunisia has protested strongly to Tripoli against an incursion into its territory and artillery salvos by Libyan forces pursuing anti-Gaddafi rebels during fighting at a border post. The Tunisian foreign ministry has demanded there be no repeat.
Tories plan secretly to block AV in House
Secret moves are planned by senior Conservatives to overturn the result of next week’s referendum if the country votes to scrap the first-past-the-post system. They would attempt to block a switch to the alternative vote if it is backed on a low turn-out. MORE
Search engine tycoon named richest man
Google’s much-publicised departure from the mainland Chinese market did its business no favours but it has helped make Robin Li, the man behind China’s top domestic search engine Baidu, the richest man on the mainland with a fortune of £5.64bn. MORE
Rooney may sue over alleged hacking
England footballer Wayne Rooney may join the stars suing the News of the World for alleged voicemail hacking. It was confirmed that Glenn Mulcaire had his numbers. MORE
Democracy activists sentenced to death
Four men have received death sentences for killing two police officers during the pro-democracy protests that were crushed by the authorities last month. It is likely to deepen divisions between the Shia majority and the Sunni monarchy. MORE
Buddhist service for tsunami dead
Buddhist priests burned incense and chanted for Japan’s tsunami victims, marking the 49th day since the disaster and closing the period when the dead are believed to be wandering restlessly through their home towns. About 1,200 mourners attended in the town of Soma. MORE
Fantasy saga returns too late for some fans
After six years, author George R R Martin is finally set to publish the latest instalment in his A Song of Ice and Fire series. A Dance with Dragons, the 1,600-page tale of warring aristocratic families in a medieval fantasy universe, has been rescheduled repeatedly, angering fans. MORE
Real-life mother of ‘The Fighter’ dies
Alice Ward, the chain-smoking mother of boxers Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund, whose story was told in the Oscar-winning film The Fighter, has died after a short illness. She was 79. Melissa Leo won an Oscar for her portrayal of the matriarchal figure. MORE
St Andrews eyes fair way to equality
An all-male club in the historic home of golf could be changing its rules to admit women. The 168-year-old St Andrews Golf Club is considering changing its rules to comply with the equality law, which not does not allow private clubs to discriminate.
Elvis honoured in Budapest 55 years on
A park will be named after Elvis Presley in commemoration of The King’s support for Hungary’s anti-Soviet revolution of 1956. A plot near the Margaret Bridge will be called Elvis Presley Park to honour the singer’s “sincere sympathy” towards the uprising.
‘American Idol’ rejects Daltrey
Roger Daltrey was rejected after applying for a job on the judging panel of American Idol. The former front man of The Who failed to impress in part because of his uninspiring wardrobe, according to the makers of the show.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments