11.   An investigating judge has decided against launching a formal probe against French Prime Minister Alain Juppe in a housing scandal, a newspaper reported Wednesday.

12.   He added a formal probe should be conducted by an independent counsel with subpoena power.

13.   Officials decided on the formal probe after five hours of questioning in Grenoble on Wednesday and in Paris earlier in the week.

14.   Prosecutors on Wednesday decided against a formal probe of the prime minister.

15.   The European Commission said Wednesday it has launched a formal antitrust probe into Formula One auto racing, particularly concerning the sale of broadcasting rights.

16.   He resigned right after military prosecutors said they would open a formal probe into the allegations.

17.   Instead Byers announced a formal probe by the health and safety executive, which is due to release an interim report later this week.

18.   Authorities announced Monday the opening of formal probes into alleged corruption involving former industry minister Gerard Longuet, bringing him a step closer to indictment.

19.   The association for Paris taxpayers had demanded a formal legal probe into the revelations, made in the satirical weekly Le Canard Enchaine.