Should airport security get tougher? - Security is stepped up at airports after an attempt to blow up a jet flying to the US. Are you affected? [Front Page News]

High Street giants join the sales - Two of Britain's biggest retail chains, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer, launch their in-store post-Christmas sales. [Business News]

US state's fury at Gaddafi 'stay' - Officials in the US state of New Jersey object to a possible stay by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi next month. [World News]

The great rip-off - Consultants have leading part in great pay rip-off|Nils Pratley | Business | guardian.co.uk .

What every American should be made to learn about the IG Torture Report - Glenn Greenwald - Salon.co -

Help Free Aung San Suu Kyi -
[Protect The Human]

Mali women's rights bill blocked - The president of Mali refuses to sign a new family law, criticised by Muslims because women do not have to obey their husbands. [Front Page News]

Parent debt 'damaging education' - Parents who do not settle school bills for care of their children out of hours are forcing some schools into cuts, head teachers warn. [Front Page News]

What does the UK decision on offshore banks mean? - I have been chased by journalists (all from outside the UK) today asking what the UK decision to force offshore banks to disclose details of account holders to HM Revenue & Customs might mean. The Swiss are particularly keen.
The honest answer is, of course, that we do not yet know.

Biggest US bank failure this year - Colonial BancGroup becomes the biggest US bank to collapse this year and its assets are sold to rival BB&T, the regulator says. [Business News]