The News Matrix: Saturday 18 October 2014

Police to investigate dowry violence

“Dowry violence” is to be investigated by police in Britain for the first time. It follows i’s discovery that hundreds of women a year are being harmed in their homes over financial disputes with their in-laws. Campaigners are calling on police to compile figures on the matter.

Elvis impersonator jailed for weapons

An Elvis impersonator has been jailed for five years for keeping a stash of illegal weapons at his home. Derrel Weaver, 60, sparked a 24-hour armed police hunt when officers were called to an incident at his farmhouse in the village of Widegates, Cornwall, on 26 June.

Iodine distributed near nuclear plant

A series of accidents at France’s Cattenom nuclear power station has prompted neighbouring Luxembourg to issue free iodine pills to its half a million citizens to help protect them in the event of a serious nuclear incident. Interior minister Dan Kersch said they were designed to “prevent panic”.

Men jailed for web dating site scam

Four men have been jailed for almost 14 years for their part in a “cruel” dating website scam. The victims responded to the false profile of an “attractive middle-aged man” on the match.com website, and fell for the conman’s story that he was due to receive a £100m inheritance.

Schoolgirls could be released after truce

Hopes that more than 200 girls kidnapped in April could be released were raised yesterday after Nigeria said it had agreed to a ceasefire with the Islamist group Boko Haram. A presidential spokesman said that Boko Haram had “assured us” it would release the girls.

Memorial service for David Haines

A memorial service will be held tomorrow for David Haines, the British aid worker beheaded by Islamic militants. Mr Haines’ brother Mike will address family, friends and colleagues of the father-of-two at a service in Perth, five weeks after his murder.

Russia and Ukraine agree on gas supply

The presidents of Ukraine and Russia said they had made progress during peace talks in Milan. Russian President Vladimir Putin said he and his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko had agreed on the terms of Russian natural gas supplies “at least for the winter period”.

Spin doctor implied critic was drunk

David Cameron’s communications chief Craig Oliver has become embroiled in a spat with Daily Telegraph journalist Peter Oborne. After Mr Oborne attacked a policy, Oliver sent him a text implying he was drunk, which was then printed in the Daily Mail.

Irish civil-rights leader remembered

Irish political giant Daniel O’Connell has been remembered in the newest of London’s blue plaques, which was unveiled yesterday above the high-end boutiques of Albemarle Street – at No 14. Known as The Liberator, he fought for the right of Catholics to sit in the British Parliament.

Prefabs may help solve housing crisis

Lewisham Council will discuss plans to build 24 temporary units to use as accommodation for homeless people next week. It is hoped the move will reduce the bill for bed and breakfasts where councils are obliged to put homeless people with children.

UN condemns delay in global response

The world’s slow response to the Ebola crisis has been criticised by the UN, which says the number of deaths will double every three to four weeks if the delay continues. Many countries are yet to make good on their pledges to contribute to a $1bn fund set up by the UN.

Blind woman told ‘no pets allowed’

A blind woman has told how she was asked to leave a branch of Tesco with her guide dog, as pets were not allowed in the store. Maya Makri visited the store in London with her guide dog Jemma, who was wearing a high-visibility jacket and a harness labelled “guide dog”.

Longest-reigning monarch in hospital

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, is recovering in hospital in Thailand after surgery to remove his gallbladder, his palace has revealed. The health of the 86-year-old, who is revered by Thais, is a subject of keen public concern. Reuters

Jumpers jump-start Christmas season

Meadowhall shopping centre is calling on its customers to join its world-record attempt for the largest gathering of people wearing Christmas jumpers. The event is taking place on 1 November to help raise funds and awareness for St Luke’s Hospice in Sheffield.

Army investigates bikini calendar film

US army chiefs are investigating how a UK calendar company made a promotional video of bikini-clad women shooting weapons and riding tanks. Utah authorities are trying to determine if facilities there were used in the video, which appears to feature two of its officers.

Mushroom thieves make £2,500 a day

Wild mushroom theft is on the rise, according to New Forest officials, fuelled by demand from high-end restaurants. Gangs are stripping the forest of mushrooms and reportedly making up to £2,500 a day. A bylaw prevents the collection of more than 1.5kg per visit.

Britain’s first Comics Laureate appointed

The illustrator and graphic novelist Dave Gibbons, whose artwork has featured in the best-selling series Watchmen, as well as 2000 AD, has been appointed the UK’s first Comics Laureate. The 65-year-old’s two-year stint will see him championing children’s literacy.