The National Basketball Association and its players have reached a collective bargaining deal that may end a months-long lockout and pave the way for a new season starting on Christmas Day.
We meet the Mexican who fell foul of authorities for allegedly spreading rumours on Twitter about police operations in the country’s drugs war. Also, countries in Latin America will be looking to assert their growing economic influence at this week’s G20 summit in the south of France. Finally, basketball fans are disappointed as the start of the season comes and goes without a single slam dunk.
Guinea was rocked by deadly clashes this week. Fighting between protesters and security forces killed at least two on what was supposed to be a day of national reconciliation. Also, post-election violence in Ivory Coast forced hundreds of thousands to flee from their homes, but some are now making their way back. Finally, the NBA is on the lookout for new recruits - it says the basketball stars of tomorrow just might be in Africa.
Defending champions Spain handed France a crushing 98-85 defeat on Sunday at the European basketball championship at Lithuania's Zhalgiris Arena, finishing the 24-team tournament with an impressive 10-1 record.
France will face defending champions Spain in the European basketball championship final after beating Russia 79-71 on Friday. Both finalists are automatically qualified for the Olympics next year in London.
France reached the semifinals of the European basketball championship after beating Greece 64-56 on Thursday, with NBA star Tony Parker spearheading a dramatic French comeback in the game's last quarter.
MEDIA WATCH FRANCE, Tue. 6/9/11: a former news editor at the Libération newspaper reflects on 9/11 as a seminal moment for web journalists; plus what just might be the most controversial photo of the terror attacks; and why a French basketball reporter has put Lithuania's nose out of joint.
As the Murdoch scandal continues to spread in the UK, we look at the backlash the media tycoon is facing in his native Australia. Also, two ancient giant Buddhas stood guard over Afghanistan's Bamiyan region until their shocking destruction by the Taliban ten years ago - we visit the site as the area is returned to local control. Finally, Chinese basketball star Yao Ming officially announces the end of his career.
Basketball star Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets announced his retirement on Wednesday from his hometown of Shanghai, saying he would now focus on managing his Shanghai Sharks team and on promoting philanthropy in China.
The Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat 105-95 on Sunday to win their first-ever NBA championship, with Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki (pictured left) named the series' most valuable player.
