Yates has complained to colleagues that he was harangued and shouted down by MPs on the Home Affairs Select Committee last week and that no-one is focussing on the facts - in particular, that his decision not to re-open the phone hacking investigation was backed by the Crown Prosecution Service and leading counsel.

BBC: Phone hacking scandal: Who is next in line?

Charles Schumer, D-New York, the leading proponent of appointing a special counsel in the matter, failed in an attempt Thursday to win Senate backing of a resolution endorsing the idea when the measure was ruled out of order and no vote was taken.

CNN: Ashcroft cites progress in CIA leak probe

"This measure is part of the city's multi-pronged effort to combat the growing obesity epidemic, which takes the lives of more than 5, 000 New Yorkers every year, and we believe the Board of Health has the legal authority and responsibility to tackle its leading causes, " said Michael A. Cardozo, the city's corporation counsel.

WSJ: Judge strikes down NYC sugary-drinks size rule