The News Matrix: Friday 14 June 2013

Final warning given to park protesters

The Prime Minister issued a “final warning” for protesters occupying Istanbul’s Gezi Park to leave. It has been the site of massive protests after police used tear gas to disperse a peaceful demonstration against a proposed commercial development in the square. MORE

Need for ‘good minister’ training

All new members of the Cabinet should be given “compulsory” training on how to be good ministers, according to the Commons Political and Constitutional Reform Committee. It also called for the end of regular reshuffles, which would be “inconceivable” in the business world. MORE

Iranians go to polls to elect president

Iranians go to the polls today to elect a new president, knowing that for the first time in eight years the country will be led by someone other than Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a leader who has pushed the country into isolation over its nuclear ambitions and close to economic ruin. MORE

Low-income families bear brunt of cuts

Children living in poverty are now twice as likely to come from working families struggling to live on low incomes and falling wages than those whose parents are unemployed. Another 300,000 children grew up in absolute poverty last year, which is an annual increase of 2 per cent. Campaigners said £1.5bn cuts targeted at low-income families were to blame. MORE

Ireland’s strict laws a major factor in death

Ireland’s strict abortion laws made a significant contribution to the death of an Indian woman who died in hospital, a report found. Medics missed an early opportunity to terminate the pregnancy of Savita Halappanavar, 31, who later died from septic shock when she suffered a miscarriage.

Police stop 4x4 driver aged 10

Police who stopped a 4x4 car being driven erratically on a motorway were shocked to find a boy of 10 behind the wheel. The diminutive motorist was chauffeuring his drunk grandmother and her friend in Kenner, Louisiana. Brenda Byrd, 54, and Sheila Joiner, 48, were charged with contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

Revellers asked to ‘drink much less’

Festival organiser Michael Eavis has advised those attending the event to “drink much less”. Music fans are accustomed to pushing wheelbarrows and trolleys full of booze on to the Worthy Farm site, but an email sent to ticket holders warned: “You must be able to carry your alcohol yourself, without using any wheeled devices.”

Tables turned on 999 time-waster

A man has been issued with a police warning after he dialled 999 to complain about a prostitute’s looks after meeting her outside a hotel. West Midlands Police said they were contacted on Tuesday evening by the caller, who said he “wished to report her for breaching the Sale of Goods Act”.

Jester a song and dance man wanted

It’s no joke. An Austrian hotel is advertising for a modern-day court fool, who is communicative, extroverted, musical, creative and imaginative. Applicants have been asked to bring – and play – their musical instrument during the job interview. The successful candidate will earn €1,400 – around £1,200 – a month.

Spielberg warns of ticket price rise

Steven Spielberg has warned of an imminent “implosion” in the film industry, saying it would take just several high-budget flops to alter Hollywood’s business model. He said audiences might have to pay more for movies that are expensive to produce. “You’re gonna have to pay $25 [£16] for the next Iron Man,” he said. MORE