City News In 250 words: 30 June 2011

MANCHESTER International Festival has begun. Eighteen days of culture, fun and celebration happening throughout the city. From Damen Albarn's Dr Dee, to Snoop Dogg, the MIF has got some eye-popping extravaganzas. Events are taking place in Manchester Art Gallery, Albert Square and even the tunnel on Great Bridgewater Street. Confidential will be covering the event with articles and with reviews.

MOHAMMED Yousaf has been fined after being caught smoking in a public place. He was spotted by City Council officers on the 8 January smoking in his taxi. He was fined at the scene, £50, which would have been reduced to £30 if he paid within 15 days but the fine remained unpaid until he was taken to court to be charged a total of £546.88.

THE CITY is to get a Thailand partnership. The Thai Sport Authority and Manchester City Council have announced a partnership which will result in 50 Thai Olympians and Paralympians coming to Manchester to prepare for the 2012 Olympics. The Sport Authority selected Manchester because of the city’s top-class sporting facilities including the Athletics Arena at Eastlands.

NEW research on homes built across Salford over 30 years ago has revealed that an innovative construction design, developed by the University of Salford in the mid-1970s, could provide a blueprint for the 2016 carbon zero standard. Today the ordinary-looking terraced dwellings remain 40% more energy-efficient than those compliant with the 2010 building regulations, and will still be 25% more efficient when the proposed 2013 regulations take effect.

Fact of the day: In this week in 1882 Joseph Aloysius Hansom died. Architect of the Church of the Holy Name, Manchester, he also designed the Hansom cab.

For more Manchester daily facts check out @revealmcr