The News Matrix: Saturday 06 July 2013

Police officer admits Lawrence bug

A senior police officer has admitted authorising the bugging of a meeting involving Duwayne Brooks, a friend of the murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence. His lawyer said it was "untenable" for the Government not to secure an investigation into accusations of police misconduct. MORE

Three dead in army crackdown

At least three protesters were killed in clashes in Egypt yesterday. Supporters of ousted president Mohammed Morsi were fired upon by the army. It led to promises of retaliation. The Muslim Brotherhood has called for Mr Morsi to be reinstated following Wednesday's coup. MORE

'Corrie' stars plugged free gifts on-screen

Coronation Street stars have been plugging free gifts on-screen, i has found. Paula Lane, who plays Kylie Platt, was given jewellery by Leeds-based company Bling Rocks last November. She then tweeted the firm, saying the jewellery would appear in episodes in February. MORE

Gay marriage passed – by mistake

Costa Rica is set to become the latest country to allow same-sex unions after a mistake by conservative lawmakers. Conservatives failed to notice a clause extending civil unions for gay couples inserted into another Bill by liberals. They have demanded a presidential veto. MORE

Police called in over filming dispute

Eric Pickles has said that a town council "lost the plot", after police were reportedly called in to remove members of the public disputing their right to film a meeting. Six police officers peacefully cleared the public gallery at the Keighley town council meeting.

Hot or cold, it's all the jet stream's fault

This weekend's sun, record heat in California, Germany's floods in June and our cold spring could be connected. Scientists say the odd weather is down to changes in the jet stream – a high-altitude ribbon of fast-moving air. Britain is set to enjoy the sun for another week – or more. MORE

Woman charged over grandson's death

A woman is facing criminal charges over the death of her one-year-old grandson, after leaving the Ontario toddler in a sweltering car. Leslie McDonald, 51, was charged yesterday with criminal negligence. Police say Maximus Huyskens died after being exposed to high temperatures.

BBC suspends 3D programming

The BBC is set to shelve 3D programming due to a "lack of public appetite" for it. Half of the 1.5 million households with a 3D-enabled television watched the Olympics Opening Ceremony in 3D, but just five per cent of potential viewers used it to watch the Queen's Christmas message.

City heavily hit by government attack

Backed by Lebanese Hezbollah militants, Syrian troops unleashed some of the war's heaviest bombardments on the city of Homs yesterday, striking at the area for the sixth straight day. The UN's human rights agency said it is "extremely concerned" about the government offensive.

Harry gets his wings (well, blades... )

Prince Harry has qualified as an Apache Aircraft Commander, giving him overall control of the two-man helicopter during missions, Kensington Palace has said. His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Tom de la Rue said the prince passed "with flying colours".

King returns luxury yacht to donor

In a decision seen as a belt-tightening measure, a luxury yacht given to King Juan Carlos is to be returned to its business-group donor. Deputy PM Soraya Saenz de Santamaria said the government had agreed to return the 135ft "Fortuna", donated by Balearic Islands' Fundatur foundation in 2000.

Huhne points-swap judge to stand trial

Constance Briscoe, the judge accused of perverting the course of justice in connection with the Chris Huhne speeding points-swap case, will stand trial in January. She is accused of providing the police with inaccurate statements and producing an altered copy of her witness statement. She has denied the offences.

Two Britons among hurt in bus crash

Sixteen passengers, including two Britons, have been injured in a bus crash in Cuba. Most of the injured were Europeans, according to the newspaper Cinco de Septiembre. The government-operated vehicle ran off the road and turned over between Trinidad and Varadero on Thursday.

Beauty queen to pay £3m for defamation

A federal judge in New York has upheld an arbitrator's ruling that a beauty queen must pay the Miss USA pageant $5m (£3.2m) for defaming Donald Trump's organisation. Sheena Monnin resigned as Miss Pennsylvania last year, saying the contest was rigged.

Depp's 'Lone Ranger' struggles at box office

Jonny Depp's last two Pirates of the Caribbean films have taken more than $1bn (£670m) at the box office, but his latest collaboration with Disney is performing poorly. The Lone Ranger, with a budget of $250m, has only taken an estimated $19.5m on its first two days of release.

Missing parrot is caught on camera

A nocturnal Australian parrot that hops like a kangaroo and had not been seen alive for more than a century has not only been spotted but photographed, according to a naturalist. The alleged sighting of the critically endangered Night Parrot occurred in May in Queensland.

Blow to BBC: Jessie J loses her 'Voice'

Musician Jessie J has quit BBC One's The Voice after two seasons on the judging panel. The singer said she was leaving to go on a worldwide promotional tour for her new album. The Voice fared poorly in the ratings this year, losing to Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain's Got Talent in the battle for viewers. The BBC has nevertheless commissioned a third series.