New Year honours: David Cameron's pals benefit as fatcat Tory party donor and family friend Helena Bonham Carter given awards

CONTROVERSIAL New Year honours have gone to David Cameron’s pals including a fatcat Tory donor who made millions betting on the collapse of Northern Rock and family friend Helena Bonham Carter.

Book: Petraeus urged to quit over Afghan drawdown (AP)

AP - Four-star general-turned-CIA director David Petraeus was urged to resign as Afghanistan war commander over President Barack Obama's decision to quickly draw down surge forces, according to a new insider's look at Petraeus' 37-year Army career.

Unlike NFL lockout, NBA's truly jeopardizes season (AP)

AP - Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Tolliver was watching back in March, when pro football players such as Tom Brady and Drew Brees announced they were disbanding their union and suing the NFL under antitrust law.

Unlike NFL lockout, NBA's truly jeopardizes season (AP)

AP - The NBA's lockout came swiftly on the heels of the NFL's, and there's one significant difference: Pro football lost one exhibition game. The NBA will have a shortened regular season — if one is played at all.

Cain, on Letterman, again denies harassment (AP)

AP - Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain says the women who have accused him of making unwanted sexual advances are all lying.