Hotel heiress Paris Hilton, who commanded as much attention behind bars as on the Hollywood party scene, regained her freedom on Tuesday after serving three weeks in jail for violating probation in a drunken-driving case. The incarceration of the 26-year-old multimillionaire ignited a worldwide media frenzy and debate about celebrity justice.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s government ordered the prices of basic goods to be slashed by about 50%, reports said on Tuesday. Bus fares, bread, fertiliser, milk and many other commodities have shot up in price in the past days. Industry Minister Obert Mpofu said the price increases were unjustifiable.
Australia and New Zealand may consider scrapping their remaining Tri-Nations matches against South Africa if the Springboks insist on leaving their best players at home to keep them fresh for the World Cup. Australian and New Zealand officials are furious that the South Africans have picked a weakened squad for their two away matches.
Roger Federer, bidding for a fifth successive Wimbledon title, returned to a much-changed Centre Court left exposed to torrential rain and biting cold to ease into the second round on Monday. But while the top seed was making short work of Russian debutant Teimuraz Gabashvili, his Swiss compatriot, Martina Hingis, was given a huge scare.
South Africa under-23 coach Steve Komphela is still not clear as to who will start for his team when they kick off their Sasol eight-nation tournament against China on Wednesday at the Johannesburg Stadium. Komphela has to choose 11 players from a squad of 26 players, who are also fighting for a place in the team to compete at the All Africa Games next month.
The South African Rugby Union (Saru) said it had no choice but to back Springbok coach Jake White’s decision to send a second-string squad for Tri-Nations matches in Australia and New Zealand. Saru said in a statement on Monday that it had ”to intervene in such a drastic manner based on medical, conditioning and scientific reports”.
One man was killed and 14 others injured as rival soccer fans swinging metal pipes and throwing rocks clashed on Monday after a promotional play-off match between two Argentine clubs that spilled out on to a busy rush-hour freeway, authorities said.
Kenyan police on Tuesday killed two suspected members of a banned sect blamed for a string of recent murders and beheadings in a mounting crackdown across the East African nation. Police Commander Tito Kilonzo said officers trailed suspected Mungiki gang members from the outskirts of the capital, Nairobi.
The Roman Catholic Church in Manila has laid down a dress code after parishioners complained they were being distracted by women wearing skimpy shorts, plunging necklines and men wearing sports jerseys during Mass. The Manila archdiocese in this predominantly Roman Catholic country issued guidelines recently to all churches in Manila.
Tony Blair has landed a major diplomatic job as the international Middle East peace envoy, responsible for preparing the Palestinians for negotiations with Israel. His role, to be announced on Tuesday, will be largely to work with the Palestinians over security, economy and governance.