Spain - Royal family revealed their salaries for the first time after corruption investigation into financial dealings of the kings´s son-in-law

Published on Dec 28, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ Spain's royals have revealed their salaries for the first time.

King Juan Carlos picked up a pay cheque and expenses of nearly 300,000 euros.

The moves comes amid a corruption investigation into the financial dealings of the king's son-in-law, former handball player Iñaki Urdangarín.

Iran - Threatens to stop ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz which would put the price of oil up

Published on Dec 28, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ The US Navy has said it will not allow one of the world's most important oil trade routes to be disrupted, following a threat by Iran to stop ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

A spokesperson for the Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, said the free flow of goods and services through the channel was vital to regional and global prosperity.

About 40 percent of the world's oil-tanker trade goes through the Strait of Hormuz, which links the numerous oil producing countries of the Gulf to the outside world.

Syria - Forces Firing teargas & reportedly live ammunition at protesters, Despite Observers

Published on Dec 28, 2011 by AssociatedPress

Syrian forces fired teargas and reportedly live ammunition at protesters in central Syrian cities despite the presence of an Arab League observer team on hand to monitor compliance with plans to stop the bloodshed. (Dec. 28)

USA - Rep. Michele Bachmann is touring across Iowa trying to build momentum for her campaign.

Published on Dec 28, 2011 by AssociatedPress

Rep. Michele Bachmann is touring across Iowa trying to build momentum for her campaign. The state is her birthplace and a poor showing at the Jan. 3 caucus could be embarrassing. (Dec. 28)