The News Matrix: Monday 3 September 2012

Liberal Democrats back leader Clegg

Senior Liberal Democrats rallied around Nick Clegg yesterday amid further calls for him to stand down as party leader before the next general election. Vince Cable, the Business Secretary said: "I don't give any time to these personal criticisms of Nick Clegg which are being made at the moment."  MORE

Man and son drown in rough waters

A British holidaymaker and his son drowned off the coast of Mallorca after the man dived into rough seas to save his seven-year-old boy despite being unable to swim himself. George Selby, 27, had been taking pictures of his son Louis as he paddled around rocks when the boy was swept out to sea by a large wave. MORE

Muslim cleric held in blasphemy case

Pakistani police have arrested a Muslim cleric on suspicion of planting the burnt pages of a Koran in the bag of a 14-year-old Christian girl accused of blasphemy. It's the latest twist in a saga that has exposed the tensions between conservative Muslims and minority groups in Pakistan.

Cardinal: Church is '200 years behind'

A prominent Catholic cardinal has made a final, withering attack from beyond the grave, lashing out at the Vatican in a posthumous interview for its insistence on living "200 years" behind the times. Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini's damning indictment also harangued church bureaucracy and its failures in pastoral care. MORE

Couple arrested after intruders are shot

A husband and wife disturbed by a break-in at their home have been arrested after the man, 35, shot two of the four intruders. He and his wife, 43, were arrested in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. It is understood the man legally owned the shotgun used. MORE

Romney firm to face tax probe

Mitt Romney's wealth is again in the spotlight after regulators began investigating the private equity firm he once headed over taxes. The news will delight the Obama camp ahead of this week's Democratic convention. MORE

Albarn group sets off on tour of UK

The musical collective Africa Express, founded by Blur's Damon Albarn, has set off on a British tour by train as part of the London 2012 festival. The 80-strong group, which aims to educate the public about African music and culture, tours until 8 September.

Rowing forfeit for Aussie minister

Australia's sports minister Kate Lundy rowed part of the Olympic course at Eton Dorney in a Team GB shirt after losing a wager with her British counterpart Hugh Robertson over which nation would win more medals at the London Olympics.

Humpback whale population triples

The number of humpback whales breeding along Brazil’s coast has tripled in the past 10 years to almost 10,000, says an institute that tracks the mammals.

Up to 10,000 at risk from deadly virus

Up to 10,000 people who visited Yosemite National Park might have been exposed to a deadly, mouseborne virus, officials confirmed on Friday.