GenQ

 In this news in 5, Nike pulls an ad for fears of anti-gay message, George Bush signs away a man's life, Amy Winehouse out of hospital and Mike Munro retires from the Nine Network. Read more..

GLBT

Nike pulls ads on anti-gay concerns
Nike Inc, the world's largest sportswear and shoe company Nike Inc (NKE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) has removed some advertisements that were feared to send out anti-gay messages, according to the online edition of The Oregonian newspaper. The controversy reportedly came about last week over advertisements for Nike's new “Hyperdunk” basketball shoes. The ads were dubbed homophobic by bloggers and critics.

The blog, under a post titled "Does Nike Hate Gays? Or Do Gays Hate Basketball?" said the ads showed a basketball player's face in the groin area of another player seemingly dunking a ball. The accompanying slogan was “This ain’t right”. Not only that, but the blog said the ads appeared offensive to African-Americans too, as the two players featured in the picture looked African-American.

"Nike should pull the ads. Or rework them to be friendlier to gay basketball fans, at least," the blog said in its post.
The Oregonian's report published on Saturday also featured a quote from Nike spokesman, Bob Applegate, saying three separate poster and billboard ads would be taken down in Portland, Oregon "as expeditiously as possible." The ads also appear in New York City streets and subway tunnels.

MAINSTREAM

WASHINGTON - Bush approves execution of U.S. Army private
On Monday President George W. Bush approved the death sentence of an Army private who was convicted of murder and rape in 1988, making him the first U.S. president since John F Kennedy in 1962 to approve a military execution. Bush signed a request by the military that Ronald Gray be put to death following his court-martial conviction 20 years ago on multiple charges of murder and rape.

"While approving a sentence of death for a member of our armed services is a serious and difficult decision for a commander in chief, the president believes the facts of this case leave no doubt that the sentence is just and warranted," stated White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.

Unlike the civilian court system, the U.S. military justice system dictates that a member of the armed forces cannot be executed until the president approves the death sentence.

FLORIDA - Mixed ruling on controversial Florida gun law
A U.S judge ruled on Monday that Florida businesses can stop customers from keeping firearms in cars while shopping, however employers cannot bar their employees from keeping guns locked in their cars at work. Both gun advocates and business groups claimed victory in a legal battle over guns and property rights following this ruling, a challenge to Florida's so-called "take-your-guns-to-work" law, which took effect on July 1.

IRAQ - Suicide bombers leave carnage in Iraq, 50 dead, nearly 250 wounded
Iraqi police have confirmed that on Monday three female suicide bombers killed 28 people and wounded 92 when they blew themselves up among Shi'ites walking through the streets of Baghdad on a religious pilgrimage. In addition, a suicide bomber killed 22 people and wounded 150 at a protest against a disputed local elections law, in the northern oil city of Kirkuk, Iraqi health and security officials said. One security official said the bomber may also have been a woman.

The attacks mark one of the bloodiest days in Iraq in months. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the Baghdad blasts but Sunni Islamist al Qaeda often targets Shi'ite pilgrims. It considers Shi'ism -- the majority Muslim denomination in Iraq -- heretical.

AUSTRALIA - Six teens charged over Brisbane school knife attack
ix teenagers have been charged after two boys were stabbed at a South Brisbane school on Monday. Police say a group of males entered the grounds of St Laurence's College and allegedly stabbed two 16-year-old students. The six males charged over the attack are between 13- and 18-years-old and were charged yesterday in court with grievous bodily harm and wounding. The two students are being treated in the Mater Hospital for face and back injuries.

ENTERTAINMENT

LONDON -Amy Winehouse out of hospital
Amy Winehouse was released from hospital yesterday after receiving treatment overnight for a reaction to her medication.

"Amy Winehouse was admitted to University College Hospital last night. Our doctors decided to keep her overnight for observation," a spokeswoman for the London hospital said, reading from a statement.

"She had a comfortable night and was discharged today."

For more, read about Amy Winehouse’s hospital admission and emphysema diagnosis.

AUSTRALIA - Mike Munro retires from television
The Nine network has lost another of its greatest television personalities, with current affairs reporter and This is your Life host Mike Munro announcing his retirement. The announcement comes amongst many retirements and axings at the network, including Jana Wendt, Ray Martin, Jim Waley and Hugh Riminton  and follows last Friday's axing of the current affairs program Sunday and the evening news bulletin, Nightline. Munro will finish at the end of October.

Overall ratings for Nine have improved markedly this year but the network's debt levels mean it is preoccupied with costs. In the half year just finished, its advertising revenue was nearly $100 million less than that of free-to-air leader Seven.

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