City news in 250 words

BARACK OBAMA'S INAUGURATION takes place today. Millions of people are gathering in the US capital to see Obama sworn in as America's 44th president. Obama will take the oath of office at exactly 5pm (GMT). The Manchester branch of Democrats Abroad will be celebrating with a formal dinner at Brasserie Blanc in Manchester city centre tonight.

TWO SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS have been caught up in an armed robbery at McDonald's. Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thompson and Chief Superintendent Janette McCormick of Greater Manchester Police were in the restaurant in Eccles when two masked men with a knife and machete entered. The officers, who weren't in uniform, confronted the men and the offenders then quickly escaped in a car.

UNSYMPATHETIC SOUNDING LAWYERS are to be sent on a plain English course by The Crown Prosecution Service in Greater Manchester, following complaints. The course will help them find the `human touch' when dealing with witnesses and victims. Chief Crown Prosecutor John Holt believes too many professions use jargon which isn't user friendly.

HE'S MOVING, HE'S STAYING, he's moving, he's staying. The latest on the Kaka circus is that he's staying at AC Milan. Discussions have reportedly ended over the proposed transfer. Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi said: “Kaka is staying at Milan. He has turned down the money and he won't ask for an increase.” And in more bad news for City, Robinho has reportedly left the club's training camp. Speculation is that he has stormed out and returned to South America.