The News Matrix: Thursday 24 May 2012

Stores accused over 'misleading' offers

Shoppers who think they save cash buying in bulk may actually be paying more, according to an investigation of "misleading" supermarket offers. Many items featured in "multibuy" promotions are actually cheaper if bought singly, analysis of thousands of prices has found. MORE

World powers closer to nuclear deal

World powers meeting in Baghdad yesterday produced new proposals aimed at limiting the levels of uranium enrichment in Iran's nuclear programme and edging towards a deal that they hope could lift the threat of a Middle East war. But they resisted immediately easing sanctions. MORE

Doctor who helped CIA jailed for 33 years

A Pakistani doctor who was recruited by the CIA to help locate Osama bin Laden has been sentenced to 33 years in jail. Shakil Afridi was convicted in absentia for conspiring against the state. MORE

No police photos in Michaela murder

Police failed to take crime scene photos that may have helped in the investigation of murdered Michaela McAreavey, a trial heard. Defence lawyer Ravi Rutnah challenged a Mauritian police photographer why certain supposedly relevant items and areas had not been assessed or captured.

Blitz on on public sector tax avoidance

The Government is to launch a crackdown on high-earning public sector workers who can avoid tax by being paid through private companies. The Treasury said it had identified more than 2,400 people employed by Government departments "off-payroll". MORE

Millions turn out for long-awaited vote

Egyptians made history yesterday as millions of people queued up outside polling stations for an election which many are hoping will end more than five decades of successive dictatorships. Long lines of voters began snaking out of schools and colleges early yesterday morning, as voters turned out to cast their ballot in what is still very much an open race. MORE

Secret Service has its closet thrown open

A US Senate panel investigating how members of the Secret Service came to be accused of consorting with prostitutes during a mission to Colombia heard yesterday of a history of allegations of sexual misdeeds inside the elite agency. MORE

Racism on the rise in Britain's schools

More than 87,000 racist incidents have been recorded in schools over a period of five years. Cases including verbal and physical attacks were recorded by 90 local authorities between 2007 and 2011.

Hospital confirms patient has rabies

A patient is in hospital with rabies, becoming only the fourth confirmed case of the potentially fatal illness in the UK since 2000. The London resident contracted the infection after being bitten by a dog in South Asia. The Health Protection Agency stressed that there was little risk to the public.

Dark sky plans for Northumberland

Plans are afoot to turn 400sq miles of Northumberland countryside into one of the world's biggest dark sky reserves. The Northumberland National Park Authority is consulting the public on its proposals, which would protect views of the starry night sky from being destroyed by poor lighting.

Iran in withdrawal of its ambassador

Iran has withdrawn its ambassador from Azerbaijan due to the Eurovision Song Contest. A senior cleric urged Muslims to protest what he described as anti-Islamic behaviour by Azerbaijan's secular government. Some clerics have also referred to a "gay parade" – even though no such event is planned. MORE

'Top of the Pops' to return as a live show

Pan's People are to return – as Top of the Pops is resurrected as a live stage show featuring a new dance troupe. A "nostalgic interactive jukebox" is promised when Top of the Pops LIVE begins a nationwide tour in Eastbourne. Veteran presenters will mingle with the audience and introduce hits of the 70s, 80s and 90s.

No sun or surf for big cat shot near LA

A mountain lion that ventured into the centre of a Southern California city has been shot and killed. It was not immediately clear how the three-year-old, 75-pound cat ended up in the middle of the beachside city of Santa Monica, just west of Los Angeles. Police received a call from a janitor who spotted the animal around dawn.