The News Matrix: Tuesday 11 March 2014

‘Dangerous drain’ of nursing experience

The NHS is experiencing a “dangerous drain of experience and skills” with nearly 4,000 senior nursing posts cut since the Coalition came to power, a new report by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) claims. The college says its figures – which were uncovered under Freedom of Information laws – reveal a “hidden workforce crisis”.

Ukip investigated over EU funds

Ukip is to be investigated by the European Parliament to see whether EU money has been misdirected into the party’s funds. The party is facing an allegation that grants given to the Europe of Freedom and Democracy group has been paying the salaries of Ukip employees.

Hostage nuns forgive their captors

Thirteen Greek Orthodox nuns who were freed at the weekend by an al-Qa’ida-linked group in Syria have spoken for the first time since being released. They were freed after a rare deal between the Syrian government and rebels of the Nusra Front. MORE

Dog’s ‘devastating’ attack on woman

The injuries inflicted upon a 22-year-old woman attacked by a dog in Lincoln have been described by police as “devastating” after the skin on the victim’s head was “ripped back exposing her skull”. The owner the dog, which is believed to be an American pit bull, has been arrested.

Pistorius sick in the dock during trial

Oscar Pistorius vomited in the dock during the latest stage of his murder trial yesterday, as he heard graphic details of the injuries sustained by his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, whom he shot last year. Her injuries included a head wound that was probably instantly fatal. MORE

Russia ‘invited’ to discuss Ukraine

The US has suggested that the foreign ministers of both America and Russia meet this week to discuss Ukraine but warned it needed to know Moscow would engage seriously on a diplomatic solution. MORE

UN investigates genocide claims

A UN team charged with investigating human rights abuses during the ongoing fighting in the Central African Republic said yesterday that it will probe allegations of genocide. Tens of thousands of Muslims are thought to have fled to neighbouring countries since the violence erupted last year. MORE

Soldier arrested after corporal found dead

A soldier has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a corporal was found dead at an Army barracks in Shropshire. West Mercia Police arrested a 23-year-old man after the body of Corporal Geoffrey McNeill, 32, of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment, was discovered at Clive Barracks. MORE

No change nets £300,00 a year

Cornwall Council makes more than £300,000 a year because its parking machines do not give change. Last year, £11.6m was paid in parking fees, of which an estimated £307,293 was due to “over-vend”, a Freedom of Information request shows. The authority said stocking 250 machines with change would be too costly.

Twins spend £150k to look identical

Twins Anna and Lucy DeCinque have spent about £150,000 on cosmetic surgery to ensure they look exactly alike. They also use the same Facebook account, car, bed… and boyfriend. The sisters, from Perth, Western Australia, said about their relationship: “It’s always double or nothing.”

Saunders wins Folio book award

An American writer has won the inaugural Folio Prize, dubbed the “Booker without the bow ties”, for his short story collection, Tenth of December. George Saunders picked up his award at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London. “These stories are both artful and profound,” said the chair of the judges, Lavinia Greenlaw.