One of America’s largest airlines has warned that the ongoing delay sanctioning low-cost Cork-US flights could threaten its, and other US airlines’ growth plans.

The United States’ top general discussed an Egyptian crackdown on Western-funded pro-democracy groups with the head of the country’s ruling military council, as another two foreigners were arrested on charges of fomenting discontent on the first anniversary of Hosni Mubarak’s ousting.

Toyota has agreed to pay a record $16.4m (€12.17) fine for failing to properly notify federal authorities about a dangerous pedal defect, the US government said today.

US Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has slammed Britney Spears for driving with her infant son on her lap.

The war of words has continued to rage as two contaminated ships from the US were given permission to dock in Britain.