The crisis at the Newcastle-based bank claims its first victim as Matt Ridley resigns three days after MPs accused him of 'clinging to office'. By Julia Finch.

  Nearly a quarter of shareholders at News Corp's annual meeting back a resolution which would loosen the billionaire's tight grip - but it has little chance of success. By Andrew Clark in New York.

  UK site closed for providing links to illegal versions of Hollywood hits and TV shows. By Katie Allen.

  Chancellor says Britain will block certain takeovers on national security grounds. By Larry Elliott in Washington.

  Dow Jones index loses more than 200 points as crude hits $90.02 a barrel. By Angela Balakrishnan.

  The popularity of social networking sites lis driving unusually strong growth in PR, says WPP head Sir Martin Sorrell. By Katie Allen.

  On America: Here consumers are becoming tetchy, with half of all Americans feeling as if the nation is in recession. By Andrew Clark.

  Even by the standards of America's poorest major city, Bagley St has seen better days.

  Money-making juggernaut rolled on as world's top internet search company produced a 46% leap in profits to $1.07bn during the third quarter of the year. By Andrew Clark in New York.

  Commercial finance director Keith Down quits to join JD Wetherspoon.

  Closing market report: The FTSE 100 index ended the day down 81.5 points at 6527.9, not helped by a poor performance on the other side of the Atlantic. By Marianne Barriaux.

  The Serious Fraud Office is preparing a possible investigation into the GMTV phone-in scandal and has asked Ofcom for more information. By Ben Dowell.

  Famed American jeweller announces it has sold its main London store in Old Bond Street for £73m ($149m) but will lease back the property.

  Shares in England kit manufacturer soar after it admits to receiving approach. By Julia Finch.