UK Lt Colonel dies in Afghanistan The highest ranking Army officer to be killed since the Falklands War is one of the two latest casualties in Afghanistan. School place 'fraud' case dropped A London council withdraws its action against a mother it accused of lying to gain a school place. Minister in Tory homophobia claim Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw angers Tories by saying "a deep strain of homophobia still exists on the Conservative benches". Patient safety 'still threatened' Changes recommended after a fatal drug slip-up eight years ago have not been implemented, MPs say in a review of patient safety. Darling issues warning to bankers Chancellor Alistair Darling warns bankers it would be "disastrous" if they return to their old ways and repeat past mistakes. Child witnesses 'wait too long' Young witnesses in sex abuse or violence cases are being forced to wait more than a year to give evidence in crown courts in England and Wales, a report says. Probe into RAF jet fighter crash Investigators and engineers begin the second day of a recovery operation after a jet fighter crash which killed two air crew. Pardon appeal for Shields refused Justice Secretary Jack Straw provisionally refuses an appeal for a pardon for jailed Liverpool football fan Michael Shields. Brain tumours 'forgotten cancer' More funding needs to be ploughed into research into the "forgotten cancer" of brain tumours, campaigners say. Wool on the hot wash? Climate change is shrinking sheep Climate change is causing a breed of wild sheep in Scotland to shrink, according to research. Phone-in leads to shock PM visit to fishmongers The owners of a family-run fishmongers in Leeds market get a surprise visit from the Prime Minister. Owen linked to shock Man Utd move Manchester United refuse to be drawn on growing speculation that they are in talks with striker Michael Owen. Murray stands on verge of history Andy Murray will become the first British player for 71 years to reach the Wimbledon men's final if he can overcome Andy Roddick in Friday's semi-finals. Lions Test debuts for English duo Riki Flutey and Joe Worsley will start against South Africa on Saturday as the injury-hit British and Irish Lions make a host of changes for the third Test. 'Equal partners' Police officers can develop a strong bond with their dog Pardon refused How a family has battled to free Michael Shields No pain no gain What is Andy Murray's weird press-up for? Man's world? Encouraging more women to work on building sites Help thyself Could this man help solve your love life dilemmas? Forced marriage A woman tells how her family made her marry a violent man Wildfires from heatwave warning Councils are warning of an increased risk of wildfires following the recent spell of warm weather. Swine flu 'cannot be contained' The rising numbers of swine flu cases mean trying to contain the virus is no longer an option, ministers say. PM condemns 'personal attacks' Gordon Brown criticises personal attacks in politics as the spending row between Labour and the Tories continues to rage. Osborne facing expenses inquiry Shadow Chancellor George Osborne's expenses are to be investigated by the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner. Police 'devastated' by dog deaths Lessons will be learnt from the deaths of two German Shepherd dogs left in a hot car, a Nottinghamshire police officer says. Pension view 'not radical enough' The author of an influential report into the future of pensions in the UK tells the BBC his proposals were not radical enough. Heatwave eases as rain moves in The heatwave in parts of the UK is starting to ease, with severe weather warnings of heavy rain in some areas. Go Figure Can a stats website really be exciting? Yes, it can Better or worse Remember when folk used to blame their 'nerves'? Sole survivor Are children more likely to survive a plane crash? Papers focus on rail firm failure Gang rapists' sentences increased Two young men involved in the gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl who was doused in caustic soda have their sentences increased. Biggs's health is 'deteriorating' The son of the Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs says there is a risk his father could die if he does not respond to treatment. Ex-policeman jailed over images A former police officer is jailed for three years after pleading guilty to downloading images of child abuse. Four new cases of NI swine flu Four new cases of swine flu are confirmed in Northern Ireland, bringing the total number of cases to 38. Scots take 'sun-fry' cancer risk Scots have an unhealthy approach to sunbathing and the highest risk of contracting skin cancer in the UK, research warns. Police warn Orange march 'bigots' Strathclyde Police say they will not tolerate "sectarian behaviour" at the annual Orange Order parade in Glasgow this weekend. Conman is guilty of hotel murder A convicted conman faces life in jail after a jury finds him guilty of killing his partner in a Travelodge hotel room. Teen dies on post exams holiday A family pays tribute to a student who dies in her sleep on holiday with friends after completing her A-level exams. BBC News
UK Lt Colonel dies in Afghanistan The highest ranking Army officer to be killed since the Falklands War is one of the two latest casualties in Afghanistan. School place 'fraud' case dropped A London council withdraws its action against a mother it accused of lying to gain a school place. Minister in Tory homophobia claim Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw angers Tories by saying "a deep strain of homophobia still exists on the Conservative benches". Patient safety 'still threatened' Changes recommended after a fatal drug slip-up eight years ago have not been implemented, MPs say in a review of patient safety. Darling issues warning to bankers Chancellor Alistair Darling warns bankers it would be "disastrous" if they return to their old ways and repeat past mistakes. Child witnesses 'wait too long' Young witnesses in sex abuse or violence cases are being forced to wait more than a year to give evidence in crown courts in England and Wales, a report says. Probe into RAF jet fighter crash Investigators and engineers begin the second day of a recovery operation after a jet fighter crash which killed two air crew. Pardon appeal for Shields refused Justice Secretary Jack Straw provisionally refuses an appeal for a pardon for jailed Liverpool football fan Michael Shields. Brain tumours 'forgotten cancer' More funding needs to be ploughed into research into the "forgotten cancer" of brain tumours, campaigners say. Wool on the hot wash? Climate change is shrinking sheep Climate change is causing a breed of wild sheep in Scotland to shrink, according to research. Phone-in leads to shock PM visit to fishmongers The owners of a family-run fishmongers in Leeds market get a surprise visit from the Prime Minister. Owen linked to shock Man Utd move Manchester United refuse to be drawn on growing speculation that they are in talks with striker Michael Owen. Murray stands on verge of history Andy Murray will become the first British player for 71 years to reach the Wimbledon men's final if he can overcome Andy Roddick in Friday's semi-finals. Lions Test debuts for English duo Riki Flutey and Joe Worsley will start against South Africa on Saturday as the injury-hit British and Irish Lions make a host of changes for the third Test. 'Equal partners' Police officers can develop a strong bond with their dog Pardon refused How a family has battled to free Michael Shields No pain no gain What is Andy Murray's weird press-up for? Man's world? Encouraging more women to work on building sites Help thyself Could this man help solve your love life dilemmas? Forced marriage A woman tells how her family made her marry a violent man Wildfires from heatwave warning Councils are warning of an increased risk of wildfires following the recent spell of warm weather. Swine flu 'cannot be contained' The rising numbers of swine flu cases mean trying to contain the virus is no longer an option, ministers say. PM condemns 'personal attacks' Gordon Brown criticises personal attacks in politics as the spending row between Labour and the Tories continues to rage. Osborne facing expenses inquiry Shadow Chancellor George Osborne's expenses are to be investigated by the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner. Police 'devastated' by dog deaths Lessons will be learnt from the deaths of two German Shepherd dogs left in a hot car, a Nottinghamshire police officer says. Pension view 'not radical enough' The author of an influential report into the future of pensions in the UK tells the BBC his proposals were not radical enough. Heatwave eases as rain moves in The heatwave in parts of the UK is starting to ease, with severe weather warnings of heavy rain in some areas. Go Figure Can a stats website really be exciting? Yes, it can Better or worse Remember when folk used to blame their 'nerves'? Sole survivor Are children more likely to survive a plane crash? Papers focus on rail firm failure Gang rapists' sentences increased Two young men involved in the gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl who was doused in caustic soda have their sentences increased. Biggs's health is 'deteriorating' The son of the Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs says there is a risk his father could die if he does not respond to treatment. Ex-policeman jailed over images A former police officer is jailed for three years after pleading guilty to downloading images of child abuse. Four new cases of NI swine flu Four new cases of swine flu are confirmed in Northern Ireland, bringing the total number of cases to 38. Scots take 'sun-fry' cancer risk Scots have an unhealthy approach to sunbathing and the highest risk of contracting skin cancer in the UK, research warns. Police warn Orange march 'bigots' Strathclyde Police say they will not tolerate "sectarian behaviour" at the annual Orange Order parade in Glasgow this weekend. Conman is guilty of hotel murder A convicted conman faces life in jail after a jury finds him guilty of killing his partner in a Travelodge hotel room. Teen dies on post exams holiday A family pays tribute to a student who dies in her sleep on holiday with friends after completing her A-level exams.
Jackson's former wife 'undecided' The late Michael Jackson's ex-wife is undecided over whether to fight for custody of their two children, her lawyer says. Actress Mollie Sugden dies at 86 Mollie Sugden, best known for playing Mrs Slocombe in Are You Being Served?, has died after a long illness, her agent has said. Carradine's death 'not suicide' Actor David Carradine died of asphyxiation, according to a pathologist who oversaw an autopsy on behalf his family. Lil Wayne delays European shows The US rapper has postponed his forthcoming European shows, expected to kick off in Paris on Thursday. Blackpool to stage Variety gala Blackpool is picked to host this year's Royal Variety Performance, featuring Britain's Got Talent Winners Diversity. La Roux labels R&B 'empty' The star, currently number one in the UK singles chart, labels R&B "empty", "hollow" and "really bad". Hollywood actor Karl Malden dies US actor Karl Malden, best known for his roles in films such as A Streetcar Named Desire and On the Waterfront, dies at 97. Kevin Jonas engaged to girlfriend Kevin Jonas, the eldest of the musical trio, is getting married to his girlfriend. Private funeral held for Fawcett Friends and relatives of Farrah Fawcett hold a private funeral for the US actress, who died of cancer. Seth writing Suitable Boy sequel Author Vikram Seth is to pen a sequel to his highly-praised 1,350-page epic A Suitable Boy. Housewife first on Fourth Plinth A housewife from the East Midlands is to be the first person to stand on Trafalgar Square's Fourth Plinth. City's culture festival kicks off Manchester International Festival, featuring world famous artists from art, culture and music, begins later. Choreographer Bausch dies aged 68 German choreographer Pina Bausch, credited with revolutionising the language of modern dance, dies aged 68. Hoskins films own stunts when fall-guy turns out to be a tall-guy Actor Bob Hoskins had to do his own stunts after BBC programme-makers mistakenly organised a stuntman who was a foot taller than the star. Sir Cliff falls foul of planners Sir Cliff Richard is ordered to demolish a new conservatory at his house because he didn't have planning permission from the council. Rap fans bombard family's phone Thousands of rap fans bombard an Oldham family with calls after their phone number featured on a track by Soulja Boy Slipknot top Kerrang! nominations Masked metal band Slipknot lead the nominations at this years Kerrang! rock awards. Ting Tings to make 'Berlin album' Manchester duo The Ting Tings say their next album will be recorded in an old Berlin jazz club that they've converted to a studio Depp 'avoids watching his films' Johnny Depp "almost religiously" avoids watching himself on screen, the actor reveals in an interview with BBC Radio 4. Transformers still rule UK cinema Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen remains top of the UK and Ireland box office, raking in £4.3m in its second week. Keaton 'fine' after film set fall Actress Diane Keaton is "in good health and spirits" after an accident on a film set, the makers of her latest movie say. Actor Kumar treated for malaria Veteran Indian actor Dilip Kumar is receiving treatment for malaria at a private hospital in Mumbai. Comic Lucas to make radio return Comedian Matt Lucas is to present a chat show on Radio 2 - his first radio comedy series since Little Britain. Sopranos star is new Housewife Sopranos star Drea De Matteo joins the cast of Desperate Housewives for its sixth series, it is announced. Tarrant returns to children's TV Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? host Chris Tarrant is to return to children's TV - 27 years after Tiswas. Strictly judges 'to take pay cut' Judges on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing will probably be asked to take a pay cut for the next series of the show, Len Goodman says. Art goes pop! A former Italian restaurant becomes the latest venue in the craze for "pop-up" art galleries In pictures The life and career of actress Mollie Sugden Multi-storey art Art in a Peckham car park: 'Why not?' asks Razia Iqbal Lost tunes Rare music sleuths make a monkey of the major labels Bowing out Ali G and nudity - Richard and Judy's best bits Got To Be There Thousands at Jackson memorial gig in New York BBC Entertainment News
Jackson's former wife 'undecided' The late Michael Jackson's ex-wife is undecided over whether to fight for custody of their two children, her lawyer says. Actress Mollie Sugden dies at 86 Mollie Sugden, best known for playing Mrs Slocombe in Are You Being Served?, has died after a long illness, her agent has said. Carradine's death 'not suicide' Actor David Carradine died of asphyxiation, according to a pathologist who oversaw an autopsy on behalf his family. Lil Wayne delays European shows The US rapper has postponed his forthcoming European shows, expected to kick off in Paris on Thursday. Blackpool to stage Variety gala Blackpool is picked to host this year's Royal Variety Performance, featuring Britain's Got Talent Winners Diversity. La Roux labels R&B 'empty' The star, currently number one in the UK singles chart, labels R&B "empty", "hollow" and "really bad". Hollywood actor Karl Malden dies US actor Karl Malden, best known for his roles in films such as A Streetcar Named Desire and On the Waterfront, dies at 97. Kevin Jonas engaged to girlfriend Kevin Jonas, the eldest of the musical trio, is getting married to his girlfriend. Private funeral held for Fawcett Friends and relatives of Farrah Fawcett hold a private funeral for the US actress, who died of cancer. Seth writing Suitable Boy sequel Author Vikram Seth is to pen a sequel to his highly-praised 1,350-page epic A Suitable Boy. Housewife first on Fourth Plinth A housewife from the East Midlands is to be the first person to stand on Trafalgar Square's Fourth Plinth. City's culture festival kicks off Manchester International Festival, featuring world famous artists from art, culture and music, begins later. Choreographer Bausch dies aged 68 German choreographer Pina Bausch, credited with revolutionising the language of modern dance, dies aged 68. Hoskins films own stunts when fall-guy turns out to be a tall-guy Actor Bob Hoskins had to do his own stunts after BBC programme-makers mistakenly organised a stuntman who was a foot taller than the star. Sir Cliff falls foul of planners Sir Cliff Richard is ordered to demolish a new conservatory at his house because he didn't have planning permission from the council. Rap fans bombard family's phone Thousands of rap fans bombard an Oldham family with calls after their phone number featured on a track by Soulja Boy Slipknot top Kerrang! nominations Masked metal band Slipknot lead the nominations at this years Kerrang! rock awards. Ting Tings to make 'Berlin album' Manchester duo The Ting Tings say their next album will be recorded in an old Berlin jazz club that they've converted to a studio Depp 'avoids watching his films' Johnny Depp "almost religiously" avoids watching himself on screen, the actor reveals in an interview with BBC Radio 4. Transformers still rule UK cinema Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen remains top of the UK and Ireland box office, raking in £4.3m in its second week. Keaton 'fine' after film set fall Actress Diane Keaton is "in good health and spirits" after an accident on a film set, the makers of her latest movie say. Actor Kumar treated for malaria Veteran Indian actor Dilip Kumar is receiving treatment for malaria at a private hospital in Mumbai. Comic Lucas to make radio return Comedian Matt Lucas is to present a chat show on Radio 2 - his first radio comedy series since Little Britain. Sopranos star is new Housewife Sopranos star Drea De Matteo joins the cast of Desperate Housewives for its sixth series, it is announced. Tarrant returns to children's TV Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? host Chris Tarrant is to return to children's TV - 27 years after Tiswas. Strictly judges 'to take pay cut' Judges on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing will probably be asked to take a pay cut for the next series of the show, Len Goodman says. Art goes pop! A former Italian restaurant becomes the latest venue in the craze for "pop-up" art galleries In pictures The life and career of actress Mollie Sugden Multi-storey art Art in a Peckham car park: 'Why not?' asks Razia Iqbal Lost tunes Rare music sleuths make a monkey of the major labels Bowing out Ali G and nudity - Richard and Judy's best bits Got To Be There Thousands at Jackson memorial gig in New York