News Headlines - 28 July 2012

▽London 2012 Olympics: Empty seats on the opening day prompts investigation - Telegraph

Despite tickets for the events being sold out, television images revealed scores of empty seats at the swimming, dressage, volleyball and tennis. Commentators noted the unfilled seats and members of the public who were unable to purchase tickets took to social media websites like Twitter to express their anger.

▽David Beckham hugs Michelle Obama and carries Olympic Torch to Tower Bridge on speedboat - now

David Beckham bonded with Michelle Obama in east London yesterday before taking part in the Olympics opening ceremony. Becks gave Michelle a few soccer tips to launch the Let's Move Get Fit campaign and America's First Lady met US contestants who have been training in the capital.

▽Twitter crashes amid Olympic fever - Telegraph

Heavy traffic and an unidentified problem have taken Twitter offline on the eve of the Olympics.

▽US economic growth slows to 1.5% - FT.com

The world’s largest economy has suffered a worrying loss of momentum with US growth slowing to an annualised rate of 1.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2012.

▽Syrian Forces Strike Rebel Stronghold in Aleppo - NYTimes.com

With tanks and artillery, the Syrian Army pounded opposition strongholds in Aleppo on Saturday, stepping up its barrage on a city that for days has been steeling for an assault, residents and activists said.