The News Matrix: Tuesday 22 May 2012

More couples to get free IVF treatment

Thousands more infertile couples could be permitted free IVF treatment on the NHS, thanks to the new draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Older women, cancer patients and same sex couples are among those set to benefit. MORE

Student's fine stands in music sharing case

The US Supreme Court will not reduce the $675,000 (£427,000) fine against a Boston University student who illegally downloaded 30 songs and shared them online. The court refused an appeal yesterday from Joel Tenenbaum, who was sued by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Investigation opens into DSK rape case

A French prosecutor yesterday opened a preliminary investigation into allegations of rape in a Washington hotel by former IMF chief Dom- inique Strauss-Kahn. The move by the prosecutor in Lille in northern France followed a request by investigating judges earlier this month. MORE

Baggage handlers to walk out at Stansted

Strikes by baggage-handlers at Stansted airport will cause frustration for thousands of passengers. Action is planned for tomorrow, next weekend and the four-day Jubilee holiday. Ryanair has told passengers that no bags can be checked in or collected at the airport on strike days. MORE

Hunt faces watchdog investigation

Jeremy Hunt faces a Parliamentary standards investigation over claims he did not register thousands of pounds worth of corporate hospitality from media companies at a series of "networking events".

JP Morgan trading losses set to soar

JP Morgan suffered another blow yesterday with news that its trading losses in London, from bets made by "London Whale" trader Bruno Iksil, could escalate from the previously declared $2bn to as much as $7bn (£4.5bn). The US bank also suspended a $15bn share buyback scheme, but insisted it was not linked to the losses. MORE

Suicide bomber kills 96 soldiers

A suicide bomber blew himself up at a military parade rehearsal yesterday in the capital, killing 96 soldiers in one of the deadliest attacks in the city in years. The bombing appeared to have targeted the Minister of Defence, Maj-Gen Mohammed Nasser Ahmed. MORE

Cab firm boss faces bus lane inquiry

The chairman of the UK's largest minicab firm could be hit with criminal charges after instructing drivers to use bus lanes illegally. The Metropolitan Police has passed questions about the lawfulness of John Griffin's letter to the Crown Prosecution Service, according to The Times.

Soldiers failed to act as Palestinians shot

An Israeli human-rights group has released a video that suggests soldiers stood by while Jewish settlers opened fire on Palestinians in the West Bank, wounding one. The B'tselem group says settlers from Yitzhar threw rocks at Palestinian homes in Asira al-Qibliya, near Nablus. MORE

Teachers strike in academy status row

Teachers at a London school are striking today over being forced to accept academy status. The Department for Education says that Downhills primary school, Haringey, is failing to reach standards but teaching staff argue the school is improving.

Man denies Twitter blasphemy charge

A man has denied charges that he insulted the Prophet Muhammad and the rulers of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in messages on Twitter. Hamad al-Naqi, 26, a Shia Muslim, said his account was hacked and he did not write the tweets. MORE

Mercury rising as warm spell moves in

Summer is finally set to arrive this week, with temperatures of up to 25C in some parts following the spring washout. The mercury is expected to peak at 21C in south-eastern England today and in the mid to high teens elsewhere. Tomorrow will probably be even hotter.

Photographer buys village for $665,000

An entire village will find a new life with a noted photographer from New York who has bought it – stables and all. Courbefy was sold to a South Korean photographer known as Ahea at auction yesterday for $665,000 (£425,000). The hamlet includes 19 buildings and a pool.

A-listers share ideas at Zeitgeist event

Hundreds of famous guests, from Annie Lennox to Bill Clinton, are holed up at a Hertfordshire hotel trying to change the world as part of the Google Zeitgeist conference. The event promotes the exchange of ideas among movers and shakers, though some question its motives. MORE

Tributes pour in for Bee Gee Gibb

There were tributes from across the worlds of music and politics yesterday for Bee Gees star Robin Gibb, following his death from cancer. Tony Blair called Gibb an "extraordinary songwriter", while singer Dionne Warwick called him "a jokester". MORE

Now that's what you call drink-driving

A drunk man was arrested after using the centre of the historic German city of Cologne as a golf driving range. The rogue golfer began hitting balls down streets in the city on Saturday, the DAPD news agency reported, and he was confronted after one of his shots hit a taxi.

Police arrest 'bomber' artist

An artist setting up an "I Love New York" display was arrested after someone called the bomb squad. The police found Takeshi Miyakawa standing on a ladder with a plastic box, wires, a plastic bag and a battery. His lawyer said the incident was a "gross misunderstanding".

A right royal storm in a teacup

Three customers were ejected from a royalty-themed tearoom for failing to stand for the national anthem. Anita Atkinson, 55, opened the Royalty Teas shop, in County Durham, to mark the Jubilee celebrations and did not take kindly to the middle-aged patrons spoiling the mood.

High-speed internet connections double

President Dilma Rousseff said her country has nearly doubled its high-speed internet connections in the past year. Ms Rouseff said there are 72 million such connections in Latin America's largest nation. Six million families signed up for low-cost access through the government's $6bn plan.