The trial begins today of two men accused of bludgeoning the 18-year-old Anthony Walker to death while he walked with his girlfriend and cousin in Merseyside in July. The Conservatives are mounting a last-ditch challenge to the relaxation of Britain's drinking laws - not with any expectation of actually stopping the legislation, but more to force Labour MPs to vote on the new licensing laws in order to be able to blame them if the widely touted epidemic of 24-hour binge-drinking ensues when the law comes into effect on Thursday week.
In the Middle East, the Israelis and Palestinians have reached a deal on opening border crossings in the Gaza Strip, a significant step towards normalising living conditions for the Palestinians, while prime minister Ariel Sharon's son has pleaded guilty in a campaign funding scandal that could pose a challenge to the Israeli leader ahead of expected early elections.
England's cricketers are chasing a total of 198 to win the first test in Multan after Pakistan were all out for 341 in their second innings. Guardian Unlimited Sport has full coverage.
And here on News blog Jane Perrone, who's lucky enough to have met the world's oldest living creature, will be wishing Harriet the tortoise a happy 175th birthday and delving into the controversy over her provenance and age..
