Argos flying in strikebreakers: Union

"Mandate, the trade union representing striking Argos workers, has claimed the company has flown in staff from the UK to staff stores during today's one day strike. A spokespeson for Argos has confirmed that some staff were brought over from the UK to support those working in...

Major Iraqi power plants idled due to lack of fuel

"Most of northern Iraq is without lights as two major power plants have been idled due to lack of fuel, a statement by the electricity ministry said. The source said the plants feeding the northern cities of Mosul and Kirkuk are out of...

First-Time Buyers Face Highest Mortgage Costs In 15 Years

"First-time buyers are facing a "double whammy" of spiralling mortgage costs and stamp duty charges, according to a report out today from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). Interest rate rises have pushed up mortgage payments for first-time buyers to the highest level in...

Neath Port Talbot school canteens told to clean up

"Two thirds of Neath Port Talbot schools have been told to clean up their kitchens to obide by legal requirements. The latest kitchen inspection of schools in the area meant 21 of the 37 canteens failed due to cleaning and hygiene, although education bosses insist that all...

Two-thirds of Japanese support new PM Abe: polls - Washington Post

" TOKYO (Reuters) - New Prime Minister Shinzo Abe enjoys the backing of around two-thirds of the Japanese public, making him one of the country's most popular leaders ever as he takes the reins of government, surveys showed on Thursday. But most of the polls, conducted by...

Gen.: Army Nat'l Guard not combat ready (AP)

" By LOLITA C. BALDOR, Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 58 minutes ago WASHINGTON - More than two-thirds of the Army National Guard's 34 brigades are not combat ready due largely to vast equipment shortfalls that will take as much as $21 billion to correct, the top National...