Signalling its willingness to discuss improved relations with the US, Cuba granted three visiting members of the Congressional Black Caucus the first meeting with Fidel Castro by American officials since he fell ill in 2006.

ROD BLAGOJEVICH created a new distraction for his state by making an appointment to the US Senate even while he faces federal corruption charges for, in part, allegedly trying to sell the very seat he now is trying to fill.

Michael Jackson wants to stage a concert tour in Africa to help raise money to fight Aids – if a California court where he faces child molestation charges will let him.