Malta and international press digest

The following are the top stories in the Maltese and overseas press:

The Times says that a new case of swine flu in Gozo may be the first where the virus was transmitted locally rather than imported.

The Malta Independent says the Budget will feature no new taxes if tourism reaches 2007 levels this summer, the Prime Minister said.

l-orizzont reports fears among airport officials because of bird flu. It also says the PL will hold a national conference on inflation

In-Nazzjon also leads with a preview of the forthcoming Mepa reform and also reports the new swine flu case found in Gozo.

The Press in Britain

Two stories on most of the nationals' front pages are the warning of possible industrial action by public sector workers over a pay freeze, and pictures of Roger Federer making Wimbledon history when he beat Andy Roddick in a marathon five-set thriller to win a record 15th Grand Slam title.

The Daily Telegraph claims police are spending more time filling out forms despite government efforts to cut red tape.

According to The Times, NHS patients will be able to transfer their medical notes to private companies like Google under a Tory government.

The Guardian says British former Guantanamo detainee Binyam Mohamed has begun legal moves to stop US courts destroying evidence which he claims proves he was tortured.

The Independent reports accountants are advising bankers on how to avoid the 50p tax rate.

The Daily Mirror leads with a claim by Michael Jackson's friend, Lou Ferrigno of the Incredible Hulk fame that the singer was killed by the overwhelming pressure of his $400 million debt.

The Daily Star claims riot police in LA are on alert as fans descend on the city for the Michael Jackson's memorial service - with only 17,000 tickets available to satisfy the 1.6 million applicants.

The Daily Mail reports the Home Secretary has been advised not to allow the extradition of computer hacker Gary McKinnon to the US.

According to research quoted in the Daily Express, two cups of coffee a day can reverse the effects of Alzheimer's.

As a church service remembered the victims of a tower block fire in London, Metro leads with a report on the harrowing details of their last moments.

And elsewhere...

Bulgarski Factor reports that Bulgaria' ruling Socialists have suffered a resounding defeat in parliamentary elections.

In an interview with Novaya Gazeta before his arrival in Moscow, President Barack Obama has said that strengthening human rights and the rule of law in Russia should be a part of the much-heralded "re-set" in US-Russian relations.

News agency reports say Honduran airport authorities have refused a plane carrying ousted President Manuel Zelaya permission to land in the capital as he attempted to return home a week after a coup. Soldiers blocked the runway with several military vehicles.

Meanwhile, La Tribuna reports that at least one demonstrator was shot dead and several others wounded as protesters and troops clashed in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. Riot police also fired teargas to try and disperse thousands of supporters who had gathered at the airport.

Le Parisien says plans for a crackdown on illegal cross-Channel immigration will be discussed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at an Anglo-French summit.

Meanwhile, New Europe quotes Action Aid urging G8 leaders to put their weight behind "a new global compact to end hunger" if millions of people in poorer countries are to be saved from malnutrition.

The People's Daily reports that China has no plans to raise its proposal for a new global currency to replace the dollar at the G8 meeting.

China Daily says at least 16 people died and more than 320,000 homes were evacuated in southern and central China after heavy rains toppled houses, flooded roads and damaged a dam. The government estimated damage at 210 million yuan (€22 million).

Iran's state television has reported that British-Greek journalist Iason Athanasiadis-Fowden of The Washington Times, held for more than two weeks, has been released. Britain's Foreign Office said it is trying to confirm the report.

The New York Post announces the death of controversial music manager Allen Klein, a rough and tumble power broker who wrangled his way into tumultuous deals with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. He was 77 and for years, had suffered from Alzheimer's disease.

The New Straits Times reports that Malaysian authorities have confiscated 900 boxes of coffee laced with Viagra. Viagra is legal in Malaysia, but requires a prescription. The drug helps cure erectile dysfunction but it can pose a heart hazard, especially when taken with certain medications.