The News Matrix: Monday 10 November 2014

Hundreds of young people get obesity op

Hundreds of people under the age of 25 have undergone weight-loss surgery in the past three years, a major study has found. The National Bariatric Surgery Registry said 108 men and 462 women aged 24 or under had operations between 2011 and 2013, including 62 under-18s.

Bush: Jeb’s 50/50 to run for president

Former US President George W Bush is giving even odds over whether yet another Bush will make a bid for the White House. Brother Jeb Bush, a former Florida governor, is “wrestling with the decision”, George W says. “I think it’s 50-50,” he added.

Backing for bill on West Bank settlers

A ministerial committee approved a bill to apply Israeli law to Jewish settlers in the West Bank, a move sponsored by legislators who want Israel to annex part of the territory. But Justice Minister Tzipi Livni said she would appeal the decision, putting ratification on indefinite hold.

Miliband ally: party must pull together

The Labour Party has been damaged by the unrest over Ed Miliband’s leadership, one of the politician’s aides has admitted. Speaking on Radio Five Live, Lucy Powell urged Mr Miliband’s critics to “show us your colours and put names to quotes” or else move on.

A million vote in Catalonia ballot

More than a million people voted in a disputed referendum on Catalonian independence yesterday. The ballot was held despite opposition from the Spanish government, which said it could be considered illegal.

Extinctions ‘could start to spiral’

Humankind is sapping Earth of its rich biodiversity and the mass extinction of species could potentially become an irreversible spiral of decline, a leading ecologist has warned. Harvard Professor E.O. Wilson said the extinction rate was running up to 1,000 times higher than in pre-human times and that we could lose half of all animals and plant species this century.

Donetsk shelled after troop claims

The east Ukraine rebel stronghold of Donetsk came under the worst shelling in a month yesterday, leaving a two-month old ceasefire shakier than ever. The shelling followed an accusation from Ukraine that Russia had sent troops and 32 tanks into the country.

Belfast patient is tested for Ebola

A patient in Belfast is being tested for the Ebola virus, the Public Health Agency has confirmed. It is understood the patient, who has not been identified, recently returned from West Africa, has malaria, and is being kept in isolation at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Kissing cops could be a peck too far

Italians may be banned from kissing police officers after a student was charged with sexual assault when she was pictured kissing a policeman on the helmet during a protest. Under new rules, police will have to keep a minimum distance from protesters.

Pooh art work ‘to fetch £100,000’

One of the most famous images of Winnie the Pooh – as the bear playing “Poohsticks” – is expected to fetch more than £100,000 at auction. The illustration has been in a private collection for more than 40 years but will be sold by Sotheby’s next month.

Two tons of rejected food eaten in protest

More than 5,000 Greeks have eaten over two tons of fruit and vegetables rejected by food stores as part of an event called “Feeding 5,000” to highlight the waste of food in advanced societies.

Broken sculpture back after 12 years

A 15th-century statue that broke into pieces when it fell from its pedestal is going back on display after a 12-year repair job. Adam by sculptor Tullio Lombardo goes on view in New York on Tuesday.