US TV channel Fox News has made an on-air apology after a terrorism pundit described Birmingham as a no-go area for non-Muslims.
Steven Emerson, billed as an expert on terrorism-related issues, told viewers the city was “totally Muslim” and was not visited by people of other faiths although he later issued a string of apologies over his “terrible, inexcusable error” and donated £500 to the city’s children’s hospital. Fox News presenter Julie Banderas told viewers “regrettable errors” had been made and the channel apologised. (PA)
‘No nude marriage right now’
The cold weather probably meant it was not a particularly attractive prospect at the moment anyway but British ministers have dismissed suggestions that they are considering allowing people to get married nude.
It was reported last week that a rethink of wedding laws was under way that could have allowed for naturist ceremonies but, asked on the BBC’s Sunday Politics whether the idea was being studied, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Not as far as I’m aware and I’ve certainly no intention of doing so... No nude marriage right now as far as I’m concerned.” (PA)
Special delivery for pizza worker
A group of estate agents meeting in Ann Arbor, Michigan, surprised a fast food worker by giving him a $2,084 tip for delivering one pizza.
Agents from Keller Williams Realty all pitched in while attending the company’s regional conference. Stacey McVey said they wanted to show their appreciation to someone from the service industry.
As well as cash, the stunned man, identified only as Rob, received a Visa gift card, lottery tickets and letters of encouragement. He said: “All I did was deliver pizza.”
Brian LeFevre, delivery manager at Pizza House in Ann Arbor, said the lucky employee was “ecstatic”, adding: “That’s a pretty good day’s work.” (PA)
Police officer is lip-sync star
A video of a bald and burly Delaware police officer enthusiastically lip-syncing to Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off is getting global attention.
The video, posted to the Dover Police Department’s Facebook page, shows Master Corporal Jeff Davis in uniform and driving a patrol car while lip-syncing to the popular pop song – sassy head rolls and finger-pointing included. It has received 380,000 You Tube views so far.
Department spokesman Captain Mark Hoffman said he has had calls about the video from media outlets in Australia, England, Germany and throughout the US. He said Davis, a 19-year veteran of the department, is “the class clown” and loved making the video, adding that the 48-year-old father of four knows Shake It Off so well because of his 10-year-old daughter.
Minnie’s comeback after car stolen
Minnie the miniature pinscher turned up at her owner’s old home after going missing when his car was stolen.
Police said the 71-year-old dog lover left his Cadillac warming up outside his Idaho home early in the morning, then heard it speeding away with Minnie on board. The vehicle was later found abandoned five miles away but there was no sign of Minnie.
Officers in Boise said Minnie later turned up at her owner’s former home, where the current resident recognised her and called the owner for a happy reunion. (PA)
Israeli selfie causes stir in Lebanon
An Israeli beauty queen’s selfie has caused a stir in Lebanon, with some Lebanese saying their country’s contestant at the Miss Universe pageant should be stripped of her title for consorting with the enemy.
Miss Israel Doron Matalon posted a photo of herself and Miss Lebanon Saly Greige smiling together at pageant preparations in Miami, where the winner will be picked on January 25.
The two countries are technically at war, although the border has been largely quiet since their 2006 conflict. The Lebanese risk prison if they call or travel to Israel and all Israeli products are banned in Lebanon. (Reuters)