Wikinews Shorts: January 20, 2012

A compilation of brief news reports for Friday, January 20, 2012 .

If you believe any of these stories deserves more in-depth coverage, feel free to write a full article on the issues raised.

Dissident Republicans bomb Londonderry

No injuries were suffered when two bombs were exploded in Londonderry, Northern Ireland by Republican dissidents. A coded message was received by the police half an hour before they were detonated in streets around the city's main shopping centre.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Superintendent Stephen Martin has described the attacks as "cowardly and callous", and said that the city centre will remain sealed off to allow for the search for other devices and forensic evidence.

• "Bombs detonate in suspected IRA attack in Londonderry" — The Telegraph, January 20, 2012
• "Security tight after two bombs explode in Londonderry" — BBC News Online, January 20, 2012

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Kodak files for bancruptcy

Eastman Kodak Co has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to complete its transformation from its traditional wet film business, with which it made its name, into a specialist digital printing company.

The move would allow the company to sell off assets to pay off pension liabilities and creditors.

• Beth Jinks and Mary Childs. "Kodak Bankruptcy May Shed Photography, Bet on Digital Printing" — Bloomberg, January 20, 2012
• "Eastman Kodak files for bankruptcy protection" — BBC News Online, January 20, 2012

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Republican contender Newt Gingrich refutes open marriage accusations

Newt Gingrich refutes claims by his second wife, Marianne Ginther, that he demanded that they have an open marriage so that he could continue an affair with Callista Bisek, who later became his third wife.

The accusations, aired on ABC News on Thursday, come just before the Republican party's South Carolina presidential primary. If true, the allegations would mean Gingrich was having an affair whilst pillorying President Bill Clinton over his involvement with Monica Lewinsky.

• Barney Henderson. "US Election 2012: Newt Gingrich's ex-wife Marianne gives 'explosive' interview" — The Telegraph, January 20, 2012
• Seema Mehta, John Hoeffel. "Gingrich rips into media, then his rivals, in GOP debate" — Los Angeles Times, January 20, 2012

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Dolce & Gabbana make apology over Hong Kong photography ban

Italian luxury goods brand Dolce & Gabbana has issued an apology over its ban on Hong Kong citizens taking photographs of its shopfront in Hong Kong, even when taken from a public sidewalk. The ban enforced by its security guards against locals but not mainland Chinese and foreigners infuriated locals, who have staged a number of protests against the retailer.

Photography from a public place of subjects normally visible from that place is legal in Hong Kong, and the local government has been condemned for not confronting Dolce & Gabbana, leaving things to protesters to bring about the apology.

• "Dolce & Gabbana Apologizes for Photo Spat" — The Wall Street Journal, January 19, 2012
• AP. "D&G gives in to HK protesters' demands for apology" — CBS News, January 18, 2012

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Magnitude 6.1 earthquake strikes New Zealand, no damage reported

An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck South Island, New Zealand yesterday. The epicenter was located off the coast about 204 kilometers west of Invercargill at a depth of 18 kilometers.

The earthquake struck late in the day local time. No damage or injuries were reported and no alerts were issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. An aftershock measuring 5.2 magnitude hit the area two hours later.

An earthquake measuring 6.3 magnitude hit Christchurch last year, killing over 180 people. There may be as many as 15,000 shocks per year in New Zealand, which is on the "Ring of Fire".

• AP. "Strong earthquake strikes off New Zealand" — The Times of India, January 19, 2012
• AFP. "6.1-magnitude quake strikes off N Zealand" — Hindustan Times, January 19, 2012

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