The future of New Zealand’s national news agency was thrown into doubt today when major subscriber and shareholder Fairfax Media announced it was pulling out of the cooperative.

David Beckham and Hollywood star Jackie Chan will be the final guests as Jonathan Ross bows out from his BBC1 chat show, it was announced today.

The Haitian judge deciding whether 10 US missionaries should face trial on charges of trying to take a busload of children out of the country says he will recommend that they are released.

The British government is left today with just two options if it is to avoid nationalising the stricken Northern Rock bank after one of the main contenders pulled out hours before the bid deadline.

Shares in Northern Rock surged today as bidders finalised their proposals for the crisis-hit mortgage lender.

The UK government’s deadline for rescue bids for crisis-hit mortgage lender Northern Rock expires today with a trio of possible deals on the table.

The London market kept hold of gains from its previous session today as investors appeared determined to recoup recent falls.

UK financial services group Britannic today showed evidence of its improving financial position as it posted a 6% rise in operating profits and an interim dividend.

Waterford Institute of Technology will host a conference entitled ’New Manufacturing, New Competition’ on September 9. The conference aims to improve the institute’s partnership with industry and the local community.

Former West Brom chairman Paul Thompson has accused the club and manager Gary Megson of “wasting” £25m (€37m) they have already received from the Barclaycard Premiership.

Borders 27 Connacht 28

Borders 27 Connacht 28

West Brom players have accused the Baggies of behaving with ‘‘the attitude of a First Division club’’ in a row over bonuses.

West Bromich Albion manager Gary Megson has signed a new deal to keep him at the Hawthorns until 2005.

A RARE Michelangelo drawing worth more than $10m has been discovered in a back room of a New York City design museum.

A rare Michelangelo drawing worth more than £6 million was discovered in a back room of a New York City design museum, museum officials said today.

Celtic and Rangers were told today that a seismic shift in the balance of power in English football would be needed to revive their fading hopes of joining Division One.

West Brom chairman Paul Thompson claims manager Gary Megson wanted him out of the club.