Rebel soldiers attempted to storm the presidential compound, but were repelled by government guards. Eyewitnesses say heavy gunfire continued for several hours in the capital Bangui. Hospital officials say several people were killed and injured during the fighting, but the number of casualties is unknown. The attempted coup comes after several months of escalating unrest in the Central African Republic. Rebel army units have accused the Government of failing to pay the salaries of thousands of civil servants.
Asthma medications face tests.
The film La Spagnola is going against the odds to succeed in the Australian film market. When Coles Myer and Daimaru this week announced plans to axe the jobs of 2,000 workers, they were consigning the unfortunates to the same ranks as the 10,000 plus who will have lost their jobs with Ansett even after its return to the skies. A royal row has broken out in Britain over a film crew which has been discovered stalking Prince William during his first week at university.