The News Matrix: Thursday 10 October 2013

President seeks emergency powers

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is seeking emergency powers that he says are essential to tackle corruption and fix the economy but opponents worry the move is aimed at stifling dissent. The National Assembly is expected to vote through the measure next week. MORE

Passenger reveals how he landed plane

A passenger who had to take the controls of a light aircraft when the pilot collapsed "did not have a clue" how to get it down – but landed safely at Humberside Airport with the help of instruction from the ground. "I just didn't know what was going to happen," John Wildey said. MORE

New rules limit sex offender suspects

Under new rules announced by the Home Office, police are to be given the power to restrict the freedom of any individual they suspect of being a sex offender – even if they have never been convicted of a crime. This can include limiting internet use and stopping travel abroad. MORE

Islamic extremists' bomb factory raided

Troops raided a bomb factory yesterday where Islamic extremists were plotting attacks on the northern city of Kano as Muslims prepare to celebrate a religious holiday next week. The leader of the Boko Haram terrorist network threatened more assaults "soon".

Three police officers killed in gun battle

Three police officers and four suspected drug gang members were killed in a long battle in western Mexico, authorities said yesterday. Four officers are recovering from wounds suffered in the shoot-out in a town near the city of Guadalajara, capital of the central Jalisco state.

Marilyn's medical notes to be sold

A doctor's notes on Marilyn Monroe indicating the movie star had cosmetic surgery will be sold next month with a set of her X-rays. The set of six X-rays and a file of doctors' notes that offer a partial medical history of the actress from 1950 to 1962, are expected to fetch up to $30,000 at auction in Beverly Hills on 9-10 November.

Madrid to get tough on city lawbreakers

Madrid is drawing up a series of proposals to amend civic legislation that could include restrictions and fines on everything from soliciting the services of a prostitute to juggling, dog-feeding and carpet-beating in public. They form part of an overhaul of the Spanish capital's municipal laws. MORE

Leveson battles to stay out of debate

Lord Justice Leveson faces a battle to stay out of the heated political debate into press regulation today, after frustrating a House of Lords committee by refusing to reveal his thoughts on how his inquiry recommendations have been handled. MPs have vowed to subject the judge to more intense questioning during his second parliamentary appearance in two days. MORE

Lenny Henry gains home town freedom

Comedian and actor Lenny Henry has been officially given the freedom of his home town of Dudley. He was given the honour for his "outstanding contribution to charity" and services to entertainment, the council said. Henry said that his home town "has fuelled everything I've done for 36 or 37 years".

Just swinging by… Nasa craft gets boost

A Nasa spacecraft bound for Jupiter was due to swing by Earth yesterday to get the boost it needs to arrive at the giant gas planet in 2016. Using Earth as a gravitational slingshot is a common trick since there's no rocket that's powerful enough to catapult a spacecraft directly to the outer solar system.

Cigarette makers 'fuel black market'

Major UK cigarette firms have been accused of fuelling the black market in smuggled tobacco. Companies oversupplied some European markets with hand-rolling tobacco by 240 per cent and then turned a blind eye when it was smuggled back to Britain, according to MPs. MORE

'Driverless car' idea undergoing tests

A car that takes control of the wheel when it detects the risk of a collision is being tested in Germany. Ford said the Obstacle Avoidance system first warned the driver of danger and then took charge if they did not react. One analyst says that the equipment paves the way to "driverless cars".

Badgers lead to case of foot-in-mouth

Badger culls in Somerset and Gloucestershire have been condemned as too few animals are being killed. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson insisted: "The badgers have moved the goalposts." MORE