London Mayor Rescues Woman From Tweens

(NEWSER) - After failing to reach an agreement with management, London Underground workers will go on a two-day strike starting tomorrow evening, Reuters reports. The dispute over worker safety could affect millions of commuters and tourists. London transportation authorities say they will add extra buses and ferries to accommodate the disruption. More»

We're 'intolerant of intolerance,' says Boris Johnson

(NEWSER) - London Mayor Boris Johnson has stepped in to stop the city's buses from carrying ads suggesting that homosexuality can be "cured." The ads—mimicking a "Some people are gay. Get over it!" campaign from the Stonewall gay rights group—read: "Not gay! Post-gay, ex-gay and proud. Get over it!" The bus ads, bought by a Christian group which funds "reparative therapy" for gay Christians, had been scheduled to start appearing on buses in the British capital on Monday, reports the BBC . More»

New York gangsters grab pistols kept in hiding spots

(NEWSER) - Radiators, bushes, and wheel wells are popular. Garbage pails, too. All are handy hiding spots for the so-called "community gun" that New York gang members are turning to in times of need. After shooting someone, the New York Times reports, they kindly put it back. Today's economy might explain the popularity of communal guns—plus “the gangs are younger, and their resources are less,” says a Bronx assistant DA. More»

Foreign buyers are pouring in money to escape volatility at home

(NEWSER) - The market for London's most luxurious homes is skyrocketing as foreign buyers, seeking safe investments, swoop in to purchase the city's priciest residences. Sales of properties worth more than $8 million spiked 31% to a record 262 in the past year, reports Businessweek . House-hunters hailing from the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe, and Russia are investing upward of $1,900 per square foot in posh London neighborhoods as a way to escape volatility in their home countries. More»

Unrest hits Manchester, Nottingham

(NEWSER) - Looting and arson spread to several cities in central and northern England today but calm prevailed in London, where thousands of extra police officers patrolled the streets. The most serious unrest was in Manchester, which had sent 100 officers to assist in London, the Guardian reports. Hundreds of young people went on the rampage in the city center, looting stores and hurling missiles at police. More»