Bernard Madoff’s auditor pleaded guilty to fraud charges today, admitting failing to verify the disgraced money manager’s financial records.

The first wrongful death lawsuit resulting from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks will go to trial April 12, a judge said yesterday.

Saying the US “does not surrender to blackmail,” a judge in New York ruled today that pictures of detainee abuse at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison must be released over government claims that they could damage America’s image.

A US judge has opened the door to scores of September 11 legal actions against the aviation industry by ruling that the hijacking and crashing of the planes was a ”foreseeable risk”.