Newslip Episode 2 18.01.09

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Welcome to the second episode of Newslip. Today is Sunday, 18th January 2009. I am Wesley Gerrard and I'm here to present a brief outline of stories making the news this week.

Welsh TV presenter and singer, Charlotte Church has named her new baby boy. Her second child to rugby star, Gavin Henson, born on Sunday, 11th January, will be called Dexter Lloyd. At birth the new baby weighed 7lb 5oz, and was delivered with Henson present at the Welsh couple's Vale of Glamorgan farmhouse. The baby is a brother for the couple's 15-month-old daughter Ruby Megan. Charlotte and Henson have been together for four years but have said that they do not plan to marry "any time soon".

Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has received the United States' highest civil award - the Medal of Freedom. In his final week of office, President George W Bush gave the medal to Mr Blair in the company of fellow recipients, Colombian President, Alvaro Uribe, and former Australian PM, John Howard. Bush praised Blair and thanked him for his "staunch" support for the US after the attacks of 9/11. Mr Blair's spokesman said the medal was a "great honour".

After the race row instigated by Prince Harry last week, his royal father followed in his footsteps as it emerged that he had been calling an Asian polo player by the nickname, 'Sooty'. Kolin Dillon responded to the media uproar by saying it was a "term of affection with no offence meant or felt." Republicans have seized the opportunity to criticise the royal family but in contrast with Harry's more controversial remarks last week, Prince Charles' actions appear frivolous.

Tourism officials in Australia are inviting applicants to apply for "the best job in the world". They want someone to work on a tropical island off the Queensland coast. In return for six months work, the successful applicant will receive a salary of £70 000 and get to live rent-free in a three-bedroom villa, complete with pool. The new recruit will work for just 12 hours a month. Duties include feeding some of the hundreds of species of fish and collecting Hamilton Island's mail. The job is being advertised around the world. Candidates have until 22 February to submit an online video application.

Outgoing US president, George Bush has spent the week delivering final farewells. He spoke to the press for the last time and then went on to deliver a final television address to the American people. In his speech he reflected on eight years of office, defending the decisions he made, in particular those concerning the wars in which he has been involved. He warned of the future terrorist threat and wished president elect, Obama, a happy future term.

Transport minister, Geoff Hoon, has announced government approval for a third runway to be built at London's Heathrow airport. The increased capacity would mean that the annual takeoffs and landings could rise from 480 000 a year today to 720 000 by 2030. Building the new runway would mean the loss of around 700 homes. Environmental activists have expressed their deep concerns and Conservative and Liberal Democrats are opposed to the scheme. Labour also faces a potential backbench revolt in parliament.

Manchester City have tabled a bid in the region of £107 million for Brazil and AC Milan football star, Kaka. The bid, if accepted will more than double the present world record fee of £46 million, paid for Zinedine Zidane. Whereas Mark Hughes, the Manchester City manager has stated that the deal is far from certain, AC Milan owner, Silvio Berlusconi has said that the sheer scale of the bid makes it very difficult for Milan to retain the services of the talented midfielder. It is believed that Kaka's potential wages will be £500 000 a week.

A US Airways plane has crashed into the Hudson river in New York City harbour. Pilot, Chesley Sullenberger, said that the plane hit birds, causing both engines to fail. After the emergency landing, all 155 passengers survived with about half of them being treated for minor injuries. The pilot is unable to speak publicly while an investigation into the crash continues but has the keys of the city waiting to be presented to him for his heroic actions.

Eighties pop star and DJ, Boy George, has been jailed for 15 months following a conviction for imprisoning a rent boy at his London flat. The Norwegian, Audun Carlsen, was beaten with a chain and escaped in only his boxer shorts and trainers while still handcuffed. Boy George claimed that he was trying to recover some stolen items from the victim but the judge said that the pop star was guilty of 'gratuitous violence.'

And this week's top story:

Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, has declared a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. The three week campaign came to an end at midnight today. the conflict has taken the lives of nearly 1200 Palestinians, many of them women and chttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhildren. It is understood that Israeli forces will stay in the region and not pull out immediately, something which Hamas has branded as unacceptable. The threat to return to force should rocket attacks continue has been promised. Israel claims that their objectives in destroying the Hamas military infrastructure have been achieved.

That's all for this week. Thanks a lot for tuning in and I hope to see you all soon.

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