World News: Thousands set to join march against cuts in Brussels

Thousands of people from across the EU are expected to march in Brussels to protest against sweeping austerity measures by many national governments.

The European Trade Union Confederation says its protest could be one of the biggest in Belgium's capital for years.

The union says EU workers could become the biggest victims of a financial crisis set off by bankers and traders. A general strike has begun in Spain and protests are planned in Greece, Poland, Italy, Latvia, Ireland and Serbia.

Many governments across the 27-member bloc have been forced to impose punishing cuts in wages, pensions and employment to deal with debts.

In Greece and the Republic of Ireland, unemployment figures are at their highest level in 10 years, while Spain's unemployment has doubled in just three years.

In Britain, the government is planning to slash spending by up to 25 per cent, while France has seen angry protests against a planned increase in the minimum retirement age.

Labour unions in Spain have started a general strike by marching through Madrid, in an effort to shut down the city.

Ex-PM set for court over crisis

Iceland's parliament has narrowly voted to refer former prime minister Geir Haarde to a special court over his role in the country's financial crisis.

The Landsdomur will now decide whether the 59-year-old should face trial for negligence.

Legal victory for prostitutes

A JUDGE in Ontario has overturned key Canadian anti-prostitution laws, finding they force sex workers into the streets.

She ruled with three prostitutes who had challenged bans on brothels, pimps and solicitation.

The government is weighing an appeal.

Finding the laws unconstitutional, Justice Susan Himel called on the Canadian parliament to regulate the sex trade.

"These laws... force prostitutes to choose between their liberty, interest and their right to security of the person," she wrote in a 131-page ruling in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

Plaintiff Terri Bedford, described in court documents as a prostitute who had been beaten and raped while working in the streets of Windsor, Calgary and Vancouver, said: "It's like emancipation day for sex trade workers."

Ms Bedford said she hoped to work as a dominatrix.

Fresh hope for miners

Thirty-three miners trapped underground in Chile for nearly two months could be out sooner than thought.

Rescuers digging to reach the men say one of their drills has cut through 50m (164ft) of rock in 24 hours.

At that rate they could be ready to bring the men to the surface by the middle of October.

But they have warned that they could yet run into problems, and the government still says it could take until November.Jacko's manager seeks records

Michael Jackson's last business manager is seeking detailed financial records from the singer's estate, arguing that the sealing of the documents could prevent him and other creditors from being paid.

Tohme Tohme has claimed he is entitled to at least 1.5 million from the estate.

Key posts for son of North Korean leader

North Korea: The youngest son of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has been appointed to two key party posts, widely seen as part of a gradual transfer of power.

Kim Jong-un was named vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party and appointed to its central committee.

United States: More than 11,000 Los Angeles residents remain without electricity a day after 45C temperatures caused a record surge in demand.