Newslip Episode 5 08.02.09

Welcome to Newslip. I am Wesley Gerrard. Today is Sunday, 8th February, 2009. Here are the stories making this week's global news.

The record cold spell in Britain saw South Wales cut off from the rest of the country when both Severn Bridges were shut on Friday after ice fell from gantries, damaging at least five cars when their windscreens were smashed. When the Second Severn Crossing was built it was said that it would remain open constantly so it was a rare occurence when it was shut for one and a half days.

The trial of Italian Raffaele Sollecito and his American ex-girlfriend Amanda Knox has got underway in Peruggia, Italy. They are both accused of murdering British student Meredith Kercher, who allegedly refused to engage in their sex games. The trial has gained massive international publicity and Amanda Knox has become a cult media icon.

The greatest Olympic champion ever has been photographed smoking a cannabis pipe at a university party. American Michael Phelps became, in Beijing during the summer, the greatest Olympian of all time with a medal tally of eight golds, extending his total golds to 14 with two additional silvers. He was caught unawares by the News of the World which embarrassingly for the swimmer has tarnished his global reputation. It proves that after all, he is just a youngster who, despite his amazing achievements, is a mere mortal.

A 'weather event of a century' has hit southern Australia with the massive summer heatwave meaning temperatures have risen to a whopping 47 degrees Centigrade. Bush fires have become endemic and at least 25 people have perished. Authorities in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales have declared the events as the worst in their history.

A three and a half month old boy from South Wales has died after being mauled by the family dogs. Jaden Mack was staying with his grandmother in Ystrad Mynach at the time of the incident. The dogs responsible, a Jack Russell and Staffordshire bull terrier were both humanely put down. Neighbours were alerted after the grandmother entered the street, screaming, and the boy was taken to hospital where he was declared dead.

Undefeated Welsh boxing champion, Joe Calzaghe, has announced his retirement from an eleven year career which saw him fight in 24 world title bouts. He ends his illustrious professional life with a very impressive 46 and 0 record. It is said that his greatest victory came against superweight Danish champion, Mikkel Kessler in 2007 at the Millenium stadium. Calzaghe was widely recognised for his achievements when he was voted British sports personality of the year. He was also knighted by the Queen.

The world's first openly gay leader has been elected in Iceland. Johanna Sigurdardottir is an active lesbian and her election win last Sunday has caused more controversy abroad than it has amongst the liberally minded Icelandic voters. Her challenges as a leader will be to delve Iceland out of its massive financial crisis which has recently left it dependant on international bailouts.

Chancellor Allister Darling has launched a probe into how banks operate. People are angry at the excesses of bank executives with their massive pay and bonus schemes. One of the aspects believed to be under investigation is how risktaking is rewarded within the industry with massive financial incentives. The government has invested billions of pounds of taxpayers' money in banks recently and therefore has a vested interest in assessing any unacceptable behaviour.

Russian president Vladimir Putin has denied reports that he paid £20 000 for a private performance of 'Bjorn Again', the Abba tribute band. The event supposedly took place on 22nd January, on the anniversary of the death of Lenin, the founder of the Russian communist party. The band reported that although they played behind a net curtain, they could see Mr Putin dancing around as he enjoyed a rare chance to let his hair down.

And Newslip's top story this week...

Britain is experiencing its coldest snap in twenty years with many areas experiencing heavy snowfall throughout the week. Early in the week saw London and the southeast hit badly with London buses being suspended. Up to six million people were unable to travel to work. The weather spread nationwide and the southwest has been extremely hit with drivers being isolated on the M5 near Exeter and Gloucestershire county council having to order table salt in large quantities to compensate for their running out of gritting salt to put on the roads. The weather looks set to continue into next week with temperatures on Monday and Tuesday set to drop to minus 14 degrees Centigrade.

Thanks for tuning in. That's all for this week. See you all again soon. Goodbye.