Daily News Channel
Britain’s Jenson Button claimed pole position for Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne — leading a sweep of the front row for Formula One new boys Brawn GP. Button edged out teammate Rubens Barrichello of Brazil by three hundredths of a second to claim the fourth pole of his stop start career. But Saturday’s qualifying provided little cheer for reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton, who will start 15th on the grid as his McLaren again struggled for pace.
Public debate over fireworks is taking over China’s online chatter, ignited by Monday’s tragic blaze in central Beijing which left one of China’s most treasured modern buildings in cinders, killing one fireman and injuring several bystanders. Police on Thursday announced they had detained 12 people, including four employees of China’s state television station CCTV. They are being held as suspects for setting off large firecrackers next to the newly constructed Mandarin Oriental Hotel, a flagship property of the hotel chain.