Snow Storm: Up To 35cm Falls In North America

Further heavy snowfall has blanketed parts of the United States after another weekend of wintry weather brought travel disruption to 17 states.

At least 10 inches (25cm) of snow fell across high ground in southern New York and northern Pennsylvania.

More than five inches were reported in New York City, but the weather did not stop crowds flocking to Times Square or hardy runners competing in a 15km (nine-mile) race.

Forecasters warned of near-blizzard conditions in coastal Maine, where up to 14 inches (36cm) of snow could fall, while snow showers were also possible in North Dakota, South Dakota and Michigan.

Some of heaviest snow fell around the Great Lakes and across the border in Ontario, Canada.

The winter storm caused more than 1,200 weekend flights to be cancelled, including at the internationally important Liberty and O'Hare airports in Newark and Chicago respectively.

It also created treacherous driving conditions as people headed out to complete their Christmas shopping.

A string of crashes blocked roads in Indiana, while snow and ice was reported on almost all routes between Missouri and Massachusetts.

Shopping malls were quieter than normal for mid-December, with empty parking spaces used to pile up snow swept from roads.

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Iran Claims 'MI6 Spy' On Trial After Capture

Iran says it has arrested a "spy" accused of working for the British secret intelligence service.

A court official said the man had confessed to his alleged crimes and was on trial.

He was detained in the town of Kerman in southeast Iran after authorities spent months tracking him down, the semi-official ISNA news agency said.

The suspect is accused of meeting four British intelligence operatives and giving them information.

Dadkhoda Salari, head of the Kerman revolutionary court, said: "Through the efforts of Iranian security forces, an MI6 spy has been arrested.

"He has met British intelligence officers in person 11 times, both inside the country and abroad, and provided them with intelligence."

It has not been suggested the alleged spy is a Briton, and Tehran has a history of announcing the arrest of people it claims are spying without releasing more details.

But the news is potentially embarrassing at a time when diplomatic relations between the UK and Iran had been improving after a two-year freeze.

On Friday, Iran's new envoy to Britain, Hassan Habibollah-Zadeh, held talks in London on his first visit since his appointment in November.

And a British diplomat, non-resident charge d'affaires Ajay Sharma, said he had "detailed and constructive discussions" about the UK's relationship with Iran during talks earlier this month.

He visited the site of the UK's embassy in the Iranian capital to assess the damage caused when it was ransacked by a mob in 2011, an incident which prompted the Government to pull its staff out of the country.

The thaw in relations between Tehran and the international community has also seen a deal reached over its nuclear programme.

Responding to the reported arrest a Foreign Office spokesman said: "We don't comment on intelligence matters."

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Arizona Wildfire: Hotshot's Call For Help

By Toby Sadler, Sky News Reporter

A crew of 19 firefighters killed in a catastrophic Arizona wildfire can be heard desperately radioing in for help before their deaths in newly released recordings.

A helmet cam on one fireman picked up the audio as well as footage which showed the blaze bearing down on the Granite Mountain Hotshots team as they faced a 100ft wall of flames.

"Breaking in on Arizona 16, Granite Mountain Hotshots, we are in front of the flaming front," one member said as they realised they were in trouble in Yarnell Hill last summer.

The recordings were released after an investigation revealed commanders made numerous mistakes managing the wildfire that also destroyed more than 100 homes.

Moments before the hotshots deployed their fire shelters, they called for water-dropping aircraft: "Air Attack, Granite Mountain 7!"

The response was: "Okay ... unit that's hollerin' in the radio, I need you to quit, and ... break, Operations Bravo 33."

But fire commanders did not even know where the hotshots were.

Only one of the Granite Mountain Hotshots crew survived

"So you're on the south side of the fire then? We've got several aircraft coming to you. We'll see if we can't take care of business for you."

Deborah Pfingston, the mother of firefighter Andrew Ashcraft, who died, said: "It shows confusion and that's heart-breaking."

The last dispatch from the Hotshots came from the group's leader Eric Marsh.

He said: "Yeah, I'm here with Granite Mountain Hotshots, our escape route has been cut off.

Audio and video recordings have been released

"We are preparing a deployment site and we are burned out around ourselves in the brush and I'll give you a call when we are under the shelters."

At 4.38pm that day - June 30 - there was a call from dispatch.

"Division Alpha, Bravo 33. Do you hear a helicopter?" But there was no reply.

"Little by little the truth is coming out," said Mr Ashcraft's wife Juliann.

However, to Ms Pfingston the recordings also provide some comfort.

"These guys were working to save each other to the very last moment, and that is commendable," she said.

Brendan McDonough was the sole survivor of the crew

Only one of the elite crew, 21-year-old Brendan McDonough, survived the blaze.

He was on a hilltop as a lookout and warned his crew the weather was changing rapidly.

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Astronaut Hadfield Hopes For Human Moon Base

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield has told Sky News the next logical step in space exploration would be a permanent base on the Moon.

He was speaking to Sky News following China's successful mission to soft land a rover probe on the Moon's surface.

Commander Hadfield found fame after posting videos of himself singing and tweeting about his experiences on the International Space Station.

And he has now claimed astronauts could be living on the Moon in 20 years or more if space nations work together.

The former head of the ISS said: "I hope we're seeing the start of a new space co-operation. India has spent a probe to Mars. Other nations have sent probes to other planets.

Commander Hadfield's hopes remain some way off

"The logical way is together. I hope it's not just a race that will cross some finish line and stop."

Commander Hadfield praised China's mission as a "great step forward", adding it was "extremely complex and demanding to land something on the Moon".

The 'Jade Rabbit' rover leaves its landing vehicle

On Saturday, China carried out the first successful soft landing there for nearly 40 years and is only the third nation to do so after the US and former Soviet Union. The last one was by the USSR in 1976.

The 140kg (300lb) "Jade Rabbit" rover separated from its much larger landing vehicle early on Sunday, around seven hours after the unmanned Chang'e 3 space probe touched down.

The six-wheeled rover will survey the Moon's geological structure and surface and look for natural resources for three months, while the lander will carry out scientific explorations at the landing site for a year.

"It's a demonstration of the increased capability of China" and if Beijing can team up with other countries then the "next logical step" would be a permanent base on the Moon, he went on.

"As to when we could start moving there, my guess is it would be after the ISS has finished its natural life - maybe a dozen or 15 years from now.

"Personally I hope the Moon is where we go. Twenty years hence I suspect we will have people not just visiting but living permanently on another planet."

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Pope Francis' Skullcap Snatched Off

Pope Francis got a surprise when his skullcap was yanked off during a visit to a children's centre.

The Pontiff picked up a small boy and lifted him above his head during a visit to the Santa Marta Institute, a paediatric facility in the Vatican.

But the youngster spotted the Pope's white Zuchetto (skullcap) and deftly snatched it with his right hand.

A grinning Pope Francis managed to grab the skullcap and replace it on his head, but not before the youngster had a good feel of his head and white hair.

Earlier, he had been presented with a cake with candles by the children at the centre, three days before his 77th birthday.

He blew out the candles and told the children: "I'll tell you later if it's good or not."

The Pope kissed children in the medical centre and was given a cake

Last week, the Pope was named as Time Magazine's person of the year for 2013, narrowly beating National Security Agency whistle-blower Edward Snowden into second place.

Nancy Gibbs, the magazine's editor, said: "So much of what he has done in the brief nine months in this office changed the tone of what's coming out of the Vatican."

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Ireland Exits Bailout As Economy Turns Around

Ireland has become the first country in the eurozone to exit a bailout programme it was forced to take when it fell on hard times.

The country's economy, previously dubbed the Celtic Tiger because of it incredible growth, needed the emergency measure because its revenues fell and expenses increased in the wake of the financial crisis.

The bailout programme allowed the country access to £72bn (85bn euros) in cash to help pay its bills.

But the ready supply of money, from the International Monetary Fund, European Central Bank and EU, came at a price.

Experts from the IMF, ECB and EU were able to take partial control of Ireland's economy.

It led to a period of austerity, with taxes being raised and government spending cut, resulting in thousands of public jobs being lost.

It was also viewed as a national humiliation, with the public appalled that its leaders had been forced to go 'cap in hand' to outside bodies.

The government claims that the measures have helped Ireland's economy and jobs are now being created at a faster rate than for years.

The amount of interest Ireland was paying on its government debt began to increase as uncertainty over the country's future intensified and this is widely seen as the main reason for the problems.

The rate at which it borrows money has now fallen, which has allowed it to bring public expenditure under control.

Ireland is some distance ahead of other countries that suffered a similar fate.

Portugal is predicted to complete its programme next year, but Greece could be many years away yet. Other EU countries that are not members of the euro also face controls on their economies for some time.

Despite the bailout exit, Ireland's finance minister has warned the country is not out of danger yet.

He said the signs of sustained improvement were good, but it depended on the country's economy continuing to grow.

Michael Noonan said on Friday: "This isn't the end of the road. This is a very significant milestone on the road. But we must continue with the same types of policies.

"The real heroes and heroines of this are the Irish people. People are beginning to spend. Property prices are improving... it's fragile.

"But in my view things are building well and I would hope that next year would be better for a lot of people who have made a lot of sacrifices."

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Paul Walker: Funeral For Fast And Furious Star

A small and intimate funeral has been held for Fast and Furious star Paul Walker who died two weeks ago in a car crash.

Only his loved ones were invited to the 45-minute service which his family wanted to be extremely private.

The Porsche the 45-year-old actor was a passenger in hit a pole and burst into flames in Valencia, north of Los Angeles, shortly after leaving a charity event.

The Daily Mirror reported that the ceremony was held under a green awning to avoid the glare of the sun on those attending.

A picture of the actor was put on display at the event which is understood to have been attended by his 15-year-old daughter Meadow.

His ashes were interred after the ceremony at Hollywood's Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Tyrese Gibson has paid tribute to Walker

His Fast and Furious co-stars joined extended relatives at another memorial service afterwards, according to E! Online.

Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris and Michelle Rodriguez were among about 200 who gathered to hear the actor's father Paul Walker Snr and his manager Matt Luber say a few words in tribute.

American singer-songwriter Ben Harper sang a song in the star's memory.

Afterwards, some of his co-stars posted tributes on social media.

Tyrese said on Instagram: "Today In a room full of your loved ones I wish today was your wedding instead.... God has a better plan even beyond ALL of our own understandings."

Ludacris said: "Always in our hearts…"

Ms Rodriguez added: "I said goodbye to a great man today, a man I never got to show just how much I love his spirit and his golden heart, 'stay golden pony boy'... I hope you get my tweet in heaven, ps your right; 'stop talking just do it already';) Love you Paul, your departure is fuel to my fire, well meet again, enjoy that light."

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Nelson Mandela Funeral Blog: As It Happened

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3:12pm UK, Sunday 15 December 2013

Nelson Mandela guided South Africa from the shackles of apartheid

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Mandela Funeral: End Of 'Extraordinary Journey'

Nelson Mandela, hailed as "Africa's greatest son" at an emotional state funeral, has been laid to rest near his childhood home.

The burial of the anti-apartheid icon followed a service attended by 4,000 mourners from across the world, at which South African President Jacob Zuma declared Mr Mandela's "extraordinary journey" was now over.

"It is the end of 95 glorious years of this freedom fighter, a dedicated and humble servant of the people of South Africa," he said during a poignant speech.

Mr Mandela's coffin is carried along a hilltop overlooking Qunu village

"He was a fountain of wisdom, a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope for all those fighting for a just world order."

In contrast to the funeral, held in a huge tent at Mr Mandela's ancestral home of Qunu, in South Africa's Eastern Cape, the burial service was a smaller affair.

Several hundred of Mr Mandela's family and closest friends gathered at the grave site, as military jets and helicopters performed a fly past.

Television cameras cut away as officials lowered his body into the ground.

Earlier, Mr Mandela's coffin was carried to the funeral on a military carriage and covered with the South African flag, as a 21-gun salute echoed around his childhood home.

It was placed in front of a stage, on which 95 candles - one for each year of his life - were lit and a huge portrait of the smiling former president was displayed.

Mourners heard from political leaders, Mr Mandela's family and some of his closest friends during an emotional service that brought both tears and laughter.

Mr Mandela's family and South Africa's president sit beside his coffin

Ahmed Kathrada, who was imprisoned on Robben Island for 26 years with Mr Mandela, gave a memorable speech, recalling a man he described as his "elder brother".

Speaking directly to his friend, he said: "What can we say ... in these, our last, final moments together?

"Your abundant reserves of love, simplicity, honesty, service, humility, care, courage, foresight, patience, tolerance, equality and justice continually serve as a source of enormous strength to millions."

Mr Kathrada said his close friend was an "enormous" source of strength

Holding back tears, he added: "My life is in a void and I don't know who to turn to."

Hailemariam Desalegn, the Ethiopian Prime Minister and chairman of the African Union, said: "His was a life of struggle in the face of unparalleled odds. A life of suffering in the hands of malicious perpetrators of injustice. A life of perseverance in the face of challenge.

"But we are not mourning. We are celebrating humanity at its finest. We should find consolation that his legacy will live on for eternity."

Mr Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Mandela (left) and widow Graca Machel (centre)

Jakaya Kikwete, the President of Tanzania, described Mr Mandela as "our leader, our hero, our icon and our father", while Kenneth Kanda, the former president of Zambia, added: "As we go on without Madiba ... let us remember the love he had for us all. Without that, we cannot succeed."

High-profile guests included businessman Sir Richard Branson, TV chat show host Oprah Winfrey and actor Idris Elba, who plays Mr Mandela in a forthcoming film about his life, while prominent US civil rights activist Reverend Jessie Jackson and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams also made the journey.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was in the audience after earlier claiming he had not received an invitation, while the Prince of Wales attended on behalf of the Queen.

Oprah Winfrey and Sir Richard Branson attended the service

During his speech, Mr Zuma described his predecessor as a man "so great and yet so humble".

"We wish to express two simple words," he said. "Thank you. Thank you for being everything we wanted and needed in a leader during a critical period in our lives."

He added: "We'll cherish every moment we spent with you.

"You were an exceptional human being and you will remain our guiding light as we continue our journey to build the South Africa of your dreams."

Archbishop Desmond Tutu initially thought he had missed out on an invite

As the funeral was beamed to specially erected big screens on hillsides around Mr Mandela's home, warriors, dressed in their colourful tribal outfits, gathered to sing, dance and clap.

Sky News' Special Correspondent Alex Crawford, in Qunu, said: "The authorities and the Mandela family have always insisted this should be a coming together of a huge, important state funeral with all its pomp and ceremony, and the traditions of Mr Mandela's tribe.

"These past 10 days have been a chance not just for local people to grieve and to mourn, but also to remember how much of a colossus this man was, both in world politics and South African history."

Members of the armed forces marched alongside Mr Mandela's coffin

Mr Mandela's body arrived in South Africa's Eastern Cape on board a military plane, escorted by two fighter jets.

Tens of thousands of people lined the roads as the funeral procession made the short journey from Mthatha airport to Qunu, although some were angry the cortege did not stop to allow them time to pay their respects.

Preparations for service - the first ever state funeral in South Africa - were also marred by a public spat between the country's government and Mr Tutu, one of the most prominent survivors in the long struggle against apartheid.

A 21-gun salute heralded the arrival of Nelson Mandela's coffin

Mr Tutu, a Nobel laureate who has been critical of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, initially said he was not invited - an apparent snub denied by the government.

More than 100,000 people saw Mr Mandela's body lying in state in Pretoria over the last three days, but some had to be turned away.

The former leader, who was imprisoned for 27 years for opposing racist apartheid before emerging in 1990 to forge a new democratic South Africa, died on December 5.

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World Cup: Building Of England Stadium Halted

A judge has been asked to call an "immediate" halt to construction work at a World Cup stadium in Brazil where England is due to play, after two workers died.

England is due to face Italy at the Arena Amazonia, Manaus, on June 14.

The public prosecutor's office in Brazil's northern state of Amazonia says conditions at the stadium are "unacceptably dangerous".

The office made its request after a 22-year-old construction worker plunged to his death from the roof in the early hours of Saturday.

Marcleudo de Melo Ferreira was the fifth stadium worker at Brazil's World Cup stadiums to die after a similar tragedy at the same venue earlier this year.

There was also a double fatality in Sao Paulo last month and another death last year in the capital, Brasilia.

Two construction workers have died during the building of the arena

The latest tragedy barely six months from kick-off has heightened safety worries and risks further delaying completion of the required stadiums.

But, in a 13-page critical assessment, the Manaus public prosecutor's office reiterated its demand for an "urgent and immediate halt" to work on the venue, regardless of the looming World Cup start.

The company overseeing construction, Andrade Gutierrez, stopped work Saturday as a mark of respect after Mr Ferreira plunged 115ft (35 metres) while working on the roof of the £122m ($200m), 42,000-seat arena.

The prosecutor's office identified a litany of problems to resolve before work could recommence.

It noted that it had cited several violations of "health and safety worker protection norms" even before the March death of a 49-year-old worker at the venue.

The safety of those working high above the ground is of concern

There remained "serious problems" at the venue regarding safety for those working high above the ground, it said.

It pleaded for all "necessary measures to prevent serious and imminent risk" to worker safety, including ensuring scaffolding was properly fixed after identifying irregularities.  

"The public prosecutor's office cannot allow the urgency of finishing a construction for the 2014 World Cup to be taken care of at the cost of the life and well-being of those working on it," it said.

Andrade Gutierrez now faces a daily fine of 100,000 reais (£28,000) if it does not fully comply with judicial safety regulations.

Local construction union leader Cicero Custodio has said workers were ready to strike if conditions did not improve.

"Workers at the Amazonia Arena are being ill-treated," said Custodio. "We are being ignored by the authorities.

"It is disgraceful that lives are being put at risk through working night shifts at dangerous sites to make construction deadlines."

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