The News Matrix: Monday 16 June 2014

Sixth-form colleges could face closure

Government spending cuts will mean that some sixth-form colleges face closure next year, a report warns. A survey of England’s 93 sixth-form colleges found that 38 per cent have had to scrap language provision and 22 per cent have axed courses in the Stem subjects. The Sixth-Form Colleges’ Association said: “A further reduction in funding would prove calamitous.” MORE

Escaped convict caught out for a pint

A prisoner who absconded from an open prison more than two months ago has been arrested in a pub, Sussex Police said. Kevin Brown, 54, went missing from HMP Ford in West Sussex on 10 April. He was held by Avon and Somerset officers in the Clifton area of Bristol.

Cancer patients’ payments delayed

More than 4,500 cancer patients have had to wait six months or more to find out if they qualify for help, due to delayed assessments. Macmillan Cancer Support said a poll of patients had exposed the “shattering” impact of problems with personal independence payments.

Fifa asked to explain why seats are empty

Fifa bosses were facing calls last night to explain why most of the early World Cup matches have been played in stadiums with empty seats. Many seats were vacant yesterday afternoon for the match between Switzerland and Ecuador at the 72,500-seat Arena Brasilia. MORE

Teens kidnapped by Hamas, says PM

Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hamas militants of kidnapping three Israeli teenagers who disappeared over the weekend, as the military arrested dozens in a frantic search for them. The crisis has escalated tensions between Israel and the new Palestinian government. MORE

Army offensive in North Waziristan

The Pakistani army launched a long-awaited operation yesterday against foreign and local militants in North Waziristan, a tribal region near the Afghan border, hours after jets pounded insurgent hideouts in the north-west of the country. MORE

The Pope announces first European visit

Pope Francis has said his first trip to a European country will be to Albania in September to pay tribute to those who suffered under communism. It comes as the Pope looks to lessen use of his Popemobile. MORE

Rider killed at horse trials event

Tributes have been paid to a British-based rider who died in an accident at an annual horse trials event in Somerset. Jordan McDonald, a Canadian, was killed in a fall at Nunney International Horse Trials hours after a German rider died at an event near Hamburg.

Smile please, it’s a drill-free filling

A tooth-rebuilding treatment that does away with drills and fillings, encouraging teeth to repair themselves, could be available in three years. Professor Nigel Pitts, of King’s College London said: “Our device kinder to the patient.”

Anglers asked to put more fish back

Anglers in Wales are being asked to put more salmon and sea trout they catch back into the water in a bid to halt a fall in fish numbers. Natural Resources Wales says that the numbers of fish in Welsh rivers fell last year.

Potato crop ‘best in living memory’

Favourable weather conditions have led to the best Jersey potato crop in living memory, the Jersey Royal Company said, with double the number of spuds on the island.

We’re on our way, you dirty rats

An army of inspectors will descend on New York’s most rat-infested neighbourhoods next month, targeting the parks, sewers and dumps where rats congregate.