November 11 - Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva today demanded an explanation for the blackout which left large parts of the country, including Rio de Janeiro, the host city for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics, in darkness and chaos for more than five hours after the country's worst power outrage in a decade.

November 11 - The stingray-shaped roof of the 2012 Olympics Aquatics Centre was set into place today, a major landmark for the project as the sweeping 160 metre structure, designed by Iraqi-born architect Zaha Hadid, will form part of the entrance to London's Olympic Park.

November 11 - Carl Lewis (pictured), winner of a record nine Olympic gold medals, has been selected to lead the Lay Witnesses for Christ International's outreach programme for London 2012.

November 11 - A potential bid by Bari to host the 2020 Olympics has been blocked by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), who are growing increasingly frustrated at the number of cities in the country putting themselves forward as candidates.

By Duncan Mackay in London

November 10 - Istanbul today revealed that they plan to launch a bid for the 2020 Olympics, declaring that they believe the event will return to Europe after being held in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

By Duncan Mackay in London

November 10 - Paul Deighton (pictured), the chief executive of the London 2012 Olympics, has told badminton and rhythmic gymnastics that they could not justify spending £40 million on a temporary venue to host their sports in this current economic climate and that moving them to Wembley Arena is an acceptable solution.