For now, some links I did manage to catch amidst the chaos.
The anti-e-cigarette conspiracy
The bores declaring war on Aussie boozing

China’s gambling capital battles to shed bad boy image
Italian woman is told her 50k euros worth of lire are worthless
KFC Canada takes on the Big Mac with the Big Boss (pic)
New Zealand philanthropist offers beer to students for catching rats
Kate and Wills should think of themselves as a couple first, parents second
US town bans beach tents
Video game playing chimps