Four US college football players are being rewarded for their honesty. The members of the William Paterson University football team each received $50 gift cards after surveillance cameras captured them paying for batteries and sunglasses in a shop even though no employees were around.

The store was supposed to be closed but the lock malfunctioned and the lights were on, making it appear as though it were open.

Cameras showed the men calling out for an assistant.

Two can be seen depositing cash on the counter, one waving notes in the direction of a camera. (PA)

Baby boy for singer Fergie

Black Eyed Peas star Fergie has given birth to a baby boy.

A representative for the singer said she welcomed her 3.5kg son with husband Josh Duhamel on Thursday. They have named their first child Axl Jack Duhamel.

The 38-year-old singer married the 40-year-old actor in 2009. She officially changed her name from Stacy Ann Ferguson to Fergie Duhamel this month.

Fergie is one quarter of the Black Eyed Peas. She released her solo debut, The Dutchess, in 2006. The album launched five big hits, including Fergalicious and Big Girls Don’t Cry.

Josh has appeared on television shows including ABC’s All My Children and in films such as Transformers. (PA)

Stemming giant snail invasion

Florida officials trying to eradicate the giant African land snail, one of the world’s most destructive invasive species, plan to deploy a new weapon in the battle – labrador retrievers.

State agriculture authorities say they hope the dogs will add to their success in fighting an infestation of the slimy snails, which were first spotted by a homeowner nearly two years ago and quickly swept through the Miami area. (Reuters)

Judges in court punch-up

A Mexican judge punched two fellow justices during a court session, adding to a string of embarrassments for Mexico’s scandal-plagued judicial system.

The head of the Morelos state appeals court said Justice Miguel Angel Falcon had brought shame on the court and faces possible impeachment. Falcon called fellow judge Ruben Jasso “stupid”. He became enraged when Jasso said it was insulting, so he leaped from his chair and began pummelling Jassp, apparently knocking him to the floor. Another justice who got in his way was knocked back into his chair. (PA)

Many hurt in plane turbulence

About two dozen people on two flights were injured when their aircraft hit turbulence before landing at Hong Kong yesterday.

Thai Airways said 20 people were hurt when an Airbus A380-800 carrying 500 passengers, two pilots and 24 cabin crew from Bangkok encountered “unforeseen turbulence” as it was descending to Hong Kong’s airport. The airline said passengers and cabin crew suffered injuries but the plane landed safely.

Hong Kong has been experiencing unsettled weather as Tropical Storm Kong-rey passes nearby. (AP)