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(CNN) -- Bollywood movie star Dev Anand, a fixture in the Indian film industry for decades, has died of an apparent heart attack, CNN IBN reported Sunday. He was 88. Anand died in a London hotel Saturday night, his family said. The legendary Indian actor was known for his roles in a series of movies, including "Johnny Mera Naam," "Des Pardes" and "Hare Rama Hare Krishna." Prime Minister Manmohan Singh offered his condolences Sunday. "Dev Anand was a great artist who entertained generations of cinema lovers over five decades," Singh said in a statement, according to CNN IBN. "He was an embodiment of a life long passion for acting and film making. I join millions of his fans in mourning his death." The star, who was known for his good looks and leading roles in romantic movies, released his book, "Romancing with Life" in 2007. | Bollywood star Dev Anand dies in London Saturday night . Legendary Indian actor is known for his roles in a series of movies . Prime Minister Manmohan Singh offered his condolences Sunday . |
(CNN) -- The comic Gallagher, known for smashing watermelons, is "slowly recovering" from a heart attack suffered just before he was to perform at a Texas club, his promotional manager said Thursday. "We will not know the outcome until sometime tomorrow," Christine Scherrer said. Gallagher, 65, is in stable condition at an undisclosed Dallas-area hospital, Scherrer said. He was about to go onstage Wednesday at Hat Tricks, a Lewisville, Texas, club, when he fell ill and was taken to a hospital by paramedics, she said. "His family is with him and Hat Tricks has been unbelievable with the help and support with everything," Scherrer said. His shows in Texas, Oklahoma and Oregon scheduled through next week have been postponed, she said. CNN's Jane Caffrey contributed to this report. | The 65-year-old comic is listed in stable condition in a Texas hospital, his manager says . Gallagher's shows are postponed through next week, she says . "His family is with him," the manager says . |
(CNN) -- Wildfires on Spain's Canary Islands have forced close to 5,000 people from their homes, the local government said Saturday. Weather conditions are complicating efforts to control the flames, which are burning on two of the islands -- La Gomera and Tenerife. "The crews ... are having trouble stopping the spread of the fires," said Javier Gonzalez Ortiz, an area economy, security and housing minister. He cited winds, high temperatures and low humidity. Helicopters are helping to work both fires and shelters have been set up to assist those forced from their homes, the government said. The blazes have also forced some road closures. Approximately 2,500 people were evacuated on La Gomera, while the number on Tenerife was reported as slightly more than 2,220. The Spanish Canary Islands are located off the northwest coast of Africa. | Blazes are burning on the islands of La Gomera and Tenerife . Close to 5,000 people have been evacuated . Weather conditions are complicating efforts to control the flames . |
(CNN) -- At least 24 passengers have died in a collision in central Punjab, a province in Pakistan. A passenger van collided with a truck on a main street near the city of Bahawalpur on Tuesday morning, Sohail Tajik a senior police official from the area, told CNN. So far, 24 people have died, including seven women and one child from the same family. Twelve other people were injured and have been moved to a local hospital, Tajik said. "We have received and shifted 24 dead bodies and 12 injured to the Victoria Hospital in Bahawalpur so far," rescue worker Majid Saleem told CNN. Journalist Amir Iqbal contributed to this report. | 12 people also were injured when a passenger van collided with a truck . Accident took place on a main street near the city of Bahawalpur in Punjab province . The dead include seven women and one child from the same family . |
Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN)The Afghan Taliban have claimed responsibility for a suicide attack that killed 3 American contractors at a military base attached to the Kabul airport. The attacker in the Thursday incident was a Taliban agent who "had penetrated into the security forces and was waiting for such a target for a long time," a spokesman for the group, Zabiullah Mujahid, said Friday. "Yesterday in the evening he managed to get to a crowd of invading and infidel American military forces where he turned his gun towards them and opened fire," he added. "During the gun battle, Ehsanullah was also killed by the enemy." A U.S. military official earlier told CNN the three American were contractors, not active duty forces. | The attacker is also killed . The Americans were contractors . |
(PEOPLE.com) -- The bride has spoken! Lisa Ann Russell and "Survivor" host Jeff Probst said, "I do," PEOPLE confirms exclusively. The pair married Monday in front of family and friends in an intimate ceremony at a private Los Angeles residence, says a spokesperson for the couple. This is the second marriage for both. Russell, 40, shares custody of two children with "Franklin & Bash" actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar, 38, who got engaged to advertising executive Catriona McGann this summer. Probst, 50, will preside over the finale of "Survivor: South Pacific" on CBS December 18. His self-titled talk show will debut in the fall of 2012. See the full article at PEOPLE.com. © 2011 People and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | This is the second marriage for both Jeff Probst and Lisa Ann Russell . Russell, 40, shares custody of two children with "Franklin & Bash" actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar . Probst, 50, will preside over the finale of "Survivor: South Pacific" on CBS . |
(CNN) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez told reporters Wednesday that his country's embassy in Libya's capital was "attacked and plundered." Chavez demanded respect and protection for his country's ambassador and embassy staff, and condemned the "imperial insanity" that he said was behind the "destruction" of the North African nation, Venezuela's state-run VTV reported. "The drama of Libya does not even end with the fall of (Moammar) Gadhafi's government," Chavez said. "It is only beginning." Chavez and Gadhafi are close allies. The Venezuelan president has spoken out numerous times since the unrest erupted in Libya, accusing the United States and other countries of blowing the situation out of proportion to justify an invasion. On Tuesday he said Venezuela would recognize only a Libyan government led by Gadhafi. "From here we confirm our solidarity with the Libyan people, our brother that is being assaulted and bombed," the state-run AVN news agency reported. | Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez condemns "imperial insanity" behind unrest in Libya . He calls for respect and protection for Venezuela's ambassador and embassy staff . "The drama of Libya ... is only beginning," Chavez says . Chavez and Moammar Gadhafi are close allies . |
(CNN) -- Miss Independent now has her own Little Miss on her hands. Pop music star Kelly Clarkson announced the birth of her daughter, River Rose Blackstock, Saturday on Twitter. "Thank you everyone for all of your well wishes!" she wrote. "Brandon and I are on cloud 9!! :)." River Rose is the first child for Clarkson, who first shot to fame in 2002 by winning the inaugural season of the hit music talent show "American Idol." Her mom has gone on to become one of the country's most recognizable and renowned singers, who has hits including "Stronger" and "Since U Been Gone." Clarkson married Blackstock, a talent manager and father of two, in October. Clarkson didn't divulge details about the couple's new child together, besides the fact that the baby was born on Thursday, June 12. | Kelly Clarkson rose to fame after winning the first season of "American Idol" She married talent manager Brandon Blackstock in October . Clarkson tweets that her daughter, River Rose, was born earlier this week . "Brandon and I are on cloud 9!!" she writes . |
(CNN) -- A powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Mexico's Baja Peninsula Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries as the area around the epicenter is sparsely populated, said a spokeswoman for the Baja California Sur's Civil Protection Office. She said many people there were nervous because earthquakes are rare in the area. The quake's epicenter was 47 miles (75 kilometers) north of La Paz, Mexico, USGS said. The quake was more than 6 miles (10 kilometers) deep, the agency said. | There are no immediate reports of damage . The epicenter is about 50 miles north of La Paz, Mexico . |
Washington (CNN) -- An underground transformer fire about two blocks from the White House prompted evacuations of two hotels and disrupted a wedding, officials said Saturday night. Flames shot up through a sidewalk after 8 p.m., said Pete Piringer, a spokesman for the District of Columbia Fire Department. The Willard Intercontinental and the W hotels were evacuated, and a couple of blocks were without power, Piringer said. As a precaution, a nearby wedding ceremony with hundreds of guests was relocated to the JW Marriott hotel as firefighters battled the blaze. The couple completed their ceremony at the hotel. The fire was extinguished by 9 p.m., and power was restored by 10 p.m. No injuries were reported. | Two hotels were evacuated in downtown Washington . The fire started roughly two blocks from the White House . An underground transformer apparently caught fire . Hundreds of wedding guests were relocated . |
(CNN) -- At least five people were reported killed and 30 injured Monday evening when a freak dust storm rolled through Iran's capital, Tehran. The storm brought winds that nearly reached 120 kilometers per hour, or some 75 mph, according to Iran's Press TV. It reported the storm plunged the city into darkness, and photographs from Tehran showed giant clouds of sand and dust clogging the air. Some flights were delayed at Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport, but operations returned to normal when the storm passed, Press TV said. It was not immediately clear how the victims were killed or injured. | The freak storm plunged the city into darkness . Another 30 people were reported injured . Some flights were delayed at Tehran's Mehrabad airport . |
(CNN) -- The sisters of an Iowa politician were found shot to death at their Pennsylvania home last week, according to Pittsburgh police. The bodies of Sarah and Susan Wolfe -- the sisters of Iowa state Rep. Mary Wolfe -- were found in their basement Friday after officers were sent to the home to check on the well-being of one sister when she didn't show up for work. Each died of a single gunshot wound to the head, and their deaths were ruled homicides, the Allegheny County medical examiner's office said Monday. On Facebook, Mary Wolfe thanked those who had extended their sympathies, saying the family was "heartbroken, but grateful." Mary Wolfe is the oldest of eight children, according to her website. Police haven't identified a motive for the shootings. A car belonging to the women was missing but was recovered early Saturday, police said. | NEW: Each died of a single gunshot wound to the head, medical examiner's office says . Two sisters of Iowa state Rep. Mary Wolfe were found shot to death Friday . Pittsburgh police haven't identified a motive for the shootings . |
(CNN) -- Oracle Team USA safely negotiated the choppy waters of sporting comebacks to pull off a memorable victory against New Zealand to defend the America's Cup. The crew, backed by billionaire Larry Ellison, had looked sunk as they trailed 8-1 in the best-of-17-races elite sailing series. Down but not out, Team USA continued to develop their boat with the help of their land crew and made another key decision when Britain's Olympic champion sailor Ben Ainslie replaced John Kostecki as key tactician at 4-1 down. But are technical updates and staff changes what true sporting comebacks are made of? In the gallery above, CNN World Sport examines the ingredients of some of sport's most tantalizing turnarounds -- from teamwork to the indomitable spirit of a single human soul. Let us know your favorite sporting comeback in the comments box below or join the conversation on World Sport's Facebook page. | Oracle Team USA fight back from an 8-1 deficit to defend sailing's America's Cup . The team modified its boat and juggling its 11-man crew on the way to victory . Team USA's win over New Zealand has been described as one of sport's greatest comebacks . But does it have all the ingredients of an all-time sporting comeback? |
(CNN) -- Three runners died Sunday during the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon in Detroit, Michigan, police told CNN. An EMT vehicle is at the scene Sunday in Detroit after three runners collapsed at a marathon. All three deaths occurred between 9 and 9:20 a.m. ET, Second Deputy Chief John Roach said. A man in his 60s fell and hit his head, Roach said. The cause of the fall was unknown. The man was transported to Detroit Receiving Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Two other men, ages 36 and 26, also collapsed during the race and were pronounced dead at the hospital, Roach said. All three collapsed near the end of the race, he said. Witnesses describe scene » . The weather at the time was overcast, Roach said, with temperatures in the low 40s. CNN's Chuck Johnston contributed to this report. | Second Deputy Chief John Roach: All three deaths occurred between 9 and 9:20 a.m. Man in his 60s fell hit his head; Two men others, ages 36 and 26, collapsed . Race was Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon in Detroit, Michigan . |
(CNN) -- The Colombian military says it has seized a submarine capable of transporting more than seven tons of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico. This is the most sophisticated tool ever found to traffic drugs from Colombia, local media reported. In a short news release, the Colombian military said that the submarine was ready to be loaded with drugs when found in Timbiqui, Cauca, a small town in the Pacific Coast. According to the local authorities, the submarine is 31 meters (102 feet) long and capable of submerging to a depth of 9 meters (about 30 feet) making it very difficult to locate. This is the first time such a vessel for this purpose has been found in the country. Mexican authorities seized a similar submarine in 2008. Then, experts said the technology used to build it was of Russian origin. | Military: Vessel was capable of transporting more than 7 tons of cocaine . 31-meter-long sub could submerge to a depth of 9 meters, authorities say . Similar vessel was seized in Mexico in 2008 . |
(CNN)To photographer Mihaela Noroc, beauty cannot be defined by one country, race or ethnicity. That's why the Romanian photographer travels the world for her Atlas of Beauty project, in search of images of beauty in different countries and cultures. "I love the variety of earth, the diversity of people and I try to go beyond their surface, to discover their sincere and authentic side, to photograph it," Noroc wrote on her website. Noroc has spent her savings traveling to 37 countries for her project, and she hopes to raise funding to continue the project. She's accepting donations through Paypal. "In my opinion, beauty means to keep alive your origins and your culture. To be natural, sincere, authentic, particular, not necessary fashion or skinny." An extensive collection of Noroc's #AtlasofBeauty photos can be found at her Instagram and Facebook accounts. | A Romanian photographer looks for beauty around the world . She's traveled to 37 countries for her Atlas of Beauty project . |
It's the land of Pope John Paul II, Frederic Chopin and really good cheese. To celebrate Poland's 25 years of independence, June 4, 2014, we asked readers to share their favorite things about the country. Don't pay attention to the outdated stereotypes. From gorgeous town squares to wise octogenarians to the uniquely Polish sense of humor, the list above is bound to make you start planning a trip to Poland this year. See all submissions for the best things about Poland in English and Polish via CNN iReport and Polish news network Kontakt24. | View readers' 25 favorite things about Poland above . Add to the list via CNN iReport . |
(PEOPLE.com) -- And baby makes three! "Bones" star Emily Deschanel and her husband, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"'s David Hornsby, welcomed their first child Wednesday, a baby boy named Henry Hornsby, Deschanel's rep confirms to PEOPLE exclusively. Deschanel, 34, and Hornsby were married in 2010. The actress maintained a vegan diet throughout her pregnancy. The new mom's "Bones" co-star TJ Thyne took to Twitter to share the happy news. "CONGRATULATIONS EMILY D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" he Tweeted Wednesday. "Yay yay yay!!! :o)" But he's surely not the only one celebrating Henry's arrival. In April, shortly after her sister Emily announced her pregnancy, Zooey Deschanel could hardly contain her excitement, Tweeting: "I am super excited to be an aunt!" See the full article at PEOPLE.com. © 2011 People and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | Emily Deschanel and David Hornsby, welcomed their first child Wednesday . It's a baby boy named Henry Hornsby, Deschanel's rep confirms . The actress maintained a vegan diet throughout her pregnancy . |
Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Pakistani and Afghan forces clashed Thursday near the border of the two countries in a gun battle that left at least one Afghan border policeman dead, an Afghan official said. Zia Durrani, a spokesman for the police chief of the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, said Pakistani forces attacked Afghan police checkpoints on the border early Thursday morning. He said that the gun battle between the two sides in Maroof district was still going on, but that the first hour was very intense. The Pakistanis were using light and heavy machine guns, Durrani said. The Pakistani military didn't immediately respond to calls from CNN seeking comment. Drone strike kills at least 10 militants near Afghan-Pakistani border . Rockets, gunfire herald start of Taliban's spring offensive in Afghanistan . | An Afghan border policeman was killed in a clash at a checkpoint . Pakistani forces attacked the checkpoint, an Afghan police official says . |
(CNN) -- Sir Elton John and David Furnish are now husband and husband. The two married Sunday in Britain, where same-sex marriage became legal earlier this year. They had a civil partnership ceremony in 2005, after 12 years together. They have two children -- Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John and Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John. The two men invited people all over the world to join them for the ceremony via Elton John's brand new Instagram feed. . | Elton John and David Furnish were married Sunday . Same-sex marriage became legal in Britain this year . The men previously had a civil partnership . They have two children . |
(CNN) -- An inmate serving time for assaulting a police officer escaped from an Oklahoma prison Monday, a corrections official said. Mark Dwayne Smith, 28, was last seen at the Jackie Brannon Correction Center in McAlester at 5:30 a.m. Monday, but was discovered missing an hour later during a routine inmate count, state Department of Corrections spokesman Jerry Massie told CNN. Smith had been at the prison since April 2009, serving sentences for assault and battery on a police officer and auto theft, according to Massie. CNN's Tracy Sabo contributed to this report. | Mark Dwayne Smith, 28, was last seen early Monday . He was serving time for assaulting a police officer . |
(CNN) -- Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, will be the next House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman, taking the gavel from California Republican Darrell Issa. "I have great respect for Chairman Darrell Issa and can't thank him enough for his many years of dedicated service leading the Oversight Committee," Chaffetz said in a statement. Chaffetz will serve as the House's main investigator for President Obama's last two years in office. Chaffetz said he is looking forward to working with ranking member Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, who Issa often bickered with. In one of the few contested leadership roles, Chaffetz beat out two other members for the seat: Ohio Reps. Mike Turner and Jim Jordan. Chaffetz was nominated by the House Steering Committee, led by House Speaker John Boehner. The committee tapped 17 chairs today to lead the House, joining four previously announced chairman. | Utah Republican Jason Chaffetz will replace Darrell Issa . Chaffetz will be the House's main investigator of President Obama last two years in office . |
(CNN) -- Two passenger rail cars jumped the tracks Wednesday near Ann Arbor, Michigan, but no life-threatening injuries were reported in the accident, officials said. The Amtrak train "made contact" with a vehicle at a public highway crossing, Amtrak said, causing the engine to turn on its side and the first two cars of the train to derail. The train involved in the incident was Amtrak Wolverine Service Train 351. There were 71 passengers and five crew members on board, Amtrak said. The train, made up of two locomotives and six rail cars, was heading westbound from Pontiac, Michigan, to Chicago. Amtrak suspended service in central Michigan for several hours and said it will offer refunds or re-bookings without fees for those affected. | An Amtrak train and a vehicle "made contact" at a highway crossing . Two rail cars came off the tracks . No life-threatening injuries were reported, officials say . |
(CNN) -- Laura Pollan, a founder of one of Cuba's leading dissident groups, died Friday, her daughter said. Pollan suffered a heart attack and died at Calixto Garcia Hospital in Havana, Laura Maria Pollan told CNN en Espanol. The founder of Cuba's Ladies in White had been hospitalized several days ago because of a respiratory complication. Yoani Sanchez, a Cuban blogger, told CNN that some of Pollan's relatives, friends and fellow dissidents had gathered outside of the hospital. The Ladies in White, an opposition group, formed after the Cuban government cracked down on dissidents in 2003. Among the activists arrested then was Hector Maseda Gutierrez, Pollan's husband. He was freed in February. Members of the Ladies in White dress in white, carry flowers and march to demand the release of political prisoners -- many of whom are relatives and friends of the women. CNN's Carloo Perez contributed to this report. | Laura Pollan suffered a heart attack, her daughter says . She died at the Calixto Garcia Hospital in Havana . The Ladies in White demand the release of political prisoners . |
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Navy has charged six guards accused of assaulting detainees in May at Camp Bucca in Iraq, naval officials said Thursday. U.S. guards patrol at Camp Bucca in Iraq in May. The Army Criminal Investigation Division investigated alleged incidents that left two detainees with minor bruises. The division also investigated an incident in which eight prisoners were confined overnight to a housing cell that had been sprayed with a riot control agent, the Navy said. The six guards will face courts-martial. Seven other cases have been resolved through nonjudicial punishment, according to a statement from the commander of U.S. Naval Forces-Central Command. The courts-martial are expected to start within 30 days at Camp Bucca, which is in southern Iraq near the Kuwaiti border. The guards accused in the case are assigned to Navy Provisional Detainee Battalion 4. | Navy guards accused of assaulting detainees at Camp Bucca . Eight prisoners were confined to cell sprayed with riot control agent, Navy says . Navy: Two detainees allegedly left with minor bruises . |
Rome (CNN) -- A cruise ship of the Costa Cruises line is adrift off the coast of the Seychelles after a fire in its engine room, the Italian coast guard said Monday. The ship, the Allegra, is a sister of the Costa Concordia, which wrecked off the coast of Italy on January 13, killing at least 21 people. The fire left the Allegra without propulsion, although its communications equipment is intact, the authorities said. The Allegra's fire has been put out, and the passengers are all in good health, the authorities said. The Seychelles is sending a tug, and merchant ships in the area are steaming toward the Allegra, the coast guard said. | An engine room fire leaves the Costa Allegra without propulsion, authorities say . Its sister ship, the Costa Concordia, shipwrecked last month, killing at least 21 . |
(CNN) -- A tanker plane crashed during takeoff at Point Mugu naval air base in Southern California Wednesday evening, but the three people aboard escaped with minor injuries, a U.S. Navy spokesman said. The plane crashed at 5:25 p.m. PT, base spokesman Vance Vasques said in a statement. The resulting fire was extinguished about three and a half hours later. The Boeing 707, operated by Omega Air Refueling, went down near the beach, spewing large plumes of black smoke, CNN affiliate KABC reported. The Ventura County Fire Department sent a full response team, including a helicopter and three fire engines, spokesman Ron Oatman said. The National Air Transportation Board is conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash. Omega Air Refueling is contracted by the Navy to provide fleet operations support at Point Mugu. CNN's Irving Last contributed to this report. | NEW: Fire is put out more than three hours after the crash . The three people aboard escaped with minor injuries, KABC reports . The Boeing 707 went down near the beach, spewing large plumes of black smoke . The plane is operated by Omega Air Refueling . |
(EW.com) -- TNT's "Dallas" has snagged itself a Six Million Dollar Man. EW has learned exclusively that Lee Majors has booked a two-episode guest spot on the second season of TNT's hit reboot drama. He will play Ken Richards, an old flame of Sue Ellen's who finds himself crossing paths with her once again for business matters. 'Idol': The Anthem of Zoanette Johnson . Majors, who is best known for playing Col. Steve Austin, recently had guest spots on "Raising Hope," "Grey's Anatomy" and "CSI: NY." "Dallas" kicked off its second season on Tuesday, with an episode that notched almost 3 million viewers. See the original article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | Lee Majors has booked a two-episode guest spot on the second season of "Dallas" He'll play Ken Richards, an old flame of Sue Ellen's . Majors recently had guest spots on "Raising Hope," "Grey's Anatomy" and "CSI: NY" |
(CNN) -- At least five people have been killed in the grenade attack on a minibus in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, the country's Interior Ministry said Saturday on its official Twitter account. An attacker was among those killed. Other people were injured in the strike, strongly condemned by the ministry. The blast occurred in the predominantly Somali neighborhood of Pangani. The grenade tore through the bus, blew out windows and sent debris flying into the busy street. Security forces were sifting through the wreckage for clues on who might be responsible. The attack is the deadliest in Nairobi since the September siege of an upscale mall by the Somali terror group Al-Shabaab, an affiliate of al Qaeda, where 67 people were killed. | A minibus was attacked . The incident occurred in the Pangani neighborhood . An attacker was among the five killed . |
New Delhi, India (CNN) -- Two bomb blasts killed at least 15 people and wounded 119 others on Thursday in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, the city's police commissioner, Anurag Sharma, said a day after the attack. Sharma didn't rule out the possibility of terror involvement in the city blasts. But he refused to identity any group as a suspect. The two bombs were planted on bicycles parked in a crowded spot, Sharma said. They were improvised explosive devices, he said, and they could have been triggered by a timer. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called the strike a "dastardly attack" and said "the guilty will not go unpunished." He directed government agencies to extend all possible relief to authorities in Andhra Pradesh state. He also approved money for the next of kin of those killed and for others seriously injured. | Two bomb blasts killed at least 15 people and wounded 119 others in Hyderabad . Hyderabad's police didn't rule out the possibility of terror involvement . PM Manmohan Singh said "the guilty will not go unpunished" |
(EW.com) -- Get ready for more bad hair, mustaches, funky leisure suits, and laughs. Paramount Pictures has set the theater release date for the sequel to 2004′s "Anchorman" for Dec. 20, 2013. Will Ferrell will be back as deep-voiced newsman Ron Burgundy, along with Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, and David Koechner in the comedy directed by script co-writer Adam McKay. McKay has hinted that the sequel will have whole song sequences, and we can only imagine Ferrell's thick Burgundy mustache fluttering in the breeze during a diva number backed by the Channel 4 News gang. See original story at EW.com . CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | Will Ferrell is coming back as newsman Ron Burgundy . The sequel to "Anchorman" will hit theaters Dec. 20, 2013 . Director has hinted that the sequel will have whole song sequences . |
(CNN) -- A raging fire Saturday at a hotel in the Saudi Arabian city of Medina killed 15 people and injured another 130, state news reported. According to the official Saudi Press Agency, the local government issued a statement saying it first learned about the fire shortly after 2:30 p.m. (6:30 a.m. ET) Saturday. It was under control by 5 p.m. By then, authorities were already sifting through the damage and trying to determine how the blaze began. The hotel had more than 700 guests from numerous nations when the fire erupted. As one of the holiest cities in the Islamic world, Medina is frequently visited by religious pilgrims. "Preliminary indications suggest that those killed died of suffocation," the government said, according to the SPA report. | The fire broke out in a hotel with about 700 guests in Medina, state news reports . Medina is one of the holiest cities in Islam and is frequently visited by pilgrims . In addition to those killed, 130 were injured in the fire . |
Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- A blast at a busy market in northwest Pakistan killed at least 35 people and wounded more than 60 Tuesday, an official said. The explosion occurred in the Jamrud Market in the Khyber Agency, one of seven districts in Pakistan's volatile tribal region, which borders Afghanistan. The bomb was placed in a vehicle belonging to a local militia group fighting against militants in the area, said Jameel Khan, a government official. The bomb was then remotely detonated, he said, citing the initial investigation. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad condemned the bombing. "By targeting innocent people going about their business, the extremists who plan and perpetrate these attacks show their contempt for the value of human life," an embassy statement said. Journalist Saboor Khattak contributed to this report . | The Khyber Agency is one of seven districts in Pakistan's volatile tribal region . The bomb was placed in a vehicle and remotely detonated, an official says . |
(CNN Student News) -- August 26, 2011 . Download PDF maps related to today's show: . • Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina & Virginia • Libya . Click here to access the transcript of today's CNN Student News program. Please note that there may be a delay between the time when the video is available and when the transcript is published. | The daily transcript is a written version of each day's CNN Student News program . Use this transcript to help students with reading comprehension and vocabulary . Use the weekly Newsquiz to test your knowledge of stories you saw on CNN Student News . |
(CNN)Scarlett Johansson has become the go-to woman for action movies. After major turns in movies such as "The Avengers" and "Lucy," Variety reports that the actress won the lead role in DreamWorks' live-action version of "Ghost in the Shell." Johansson's casting lit up social media on Monday because of the hardcore fan base from the original anime film from 1995, which was based on a manga series. The original film is considered a cyberpunk classic. It's about a future society where people have cyberbrains, allowing them to plug into computer networks. A police force is assigned specifically to track down hackers, including the movie's main character, Major Motoko Kusanagi. Part science fiction, part crime drama, it has been praised for what were then advanced animation techniques. DreamWorks' Steven Spielberg has been wanting to adapt the movie for many years, and Rupert Sanders is attached to direct. | Scarlett Johansson has been cast in adaptation of "Ghost in the Shell," Variety reports . The live-action movie is to be based on a classic anime film . It would be the latest action role for Johansson after "Avengers," "Lucy" |
(CNN) -- A fuel tanker rammed into a bridge and exploded into a ball of fire Thursday, killing 22 people and sending flames sweeping over the Saudi Arabia capital, state television reported. In addition to the fatalities, at least 111 others were wounded, according to the report. The accident occurred at a busy intersection in Riyadh. It affected an unknown number of cars and left buildings with gaping windows. Read more: Electrical fire kills 23 at Saudi wedding . | NEW: More than 100 hundred are wounded in the Riyadh accident . Explosion sends flames sweeping over the Saudi Arabia capital . |
(CNN) -- Actress Halle Berry and her fiance, French actor Olivier Martinez, are expecting a child, Berry's representative told CNN on Friday. Berry has a daughter, Nahla, from an earlier relationship with Gabriel Aubry. See more pregnant celebrities . Berry and Aubry have engaged in a long battle over custody of the child, culminating in a driveway brawl between Aubry and Martinez. The parents later reached a legal agreement, details of which are not known. Berry, 46, won the Academy Award for best actress for her performance in 2001 "Monster's Ball." | Berry is engaged to French actor Olivier Martinez . She has a child from an earlier relationship with Gabriel Aubry . Berry and Aubry had battled over custody of their daughter . |
(CNN) -- Fatma Nabil made history Sunday as she became the first veiled woman to read the news on Egyptian state television. She wore an off-white hijab, or headscarf. Veiled news anchors were not permitted to appear on state TV under the rule of Hosni Mubarak -- a longtime strongman forced from office last year. The ban was lifted by Salah Abdel-Maqsoud, Egypt's information minister and a member of the long-suppressed Muslim Brotherhood. "Finally! The revolution has reached Maspero," said Nabil, according to the information ministry. She was referring to the headquarters of the state TV and broadcast building, which was the site of massive demonstrations during the uprising that toppled Mubarak. Nabil was a former anchor on a Muslim Brotherhood channel. The ban on veiled anchors was issued in 2002 by the then-information minister, Safwat El-Sherif. He was arrested shortly after the Mubarak regime fell, and faces corruption charges. | Wearing an off-white headscarf, Fatma Nabil makes history . "Finally! The revolution has reached Maspero," she says . The ban was put in place under Hosni Mubarak, who was toppled last year . |
(CNN) -- Clipped wings no more, the Blue Angels are soaring again. The blue and gold jets are returning to the sky after being grounded much of last year because of forced spending cuts. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron kicked off the 2014 air show season with its first show Saturday, March 15, at Naval Air Facility El Centro in California. The nation's best military fliers halted their iconic aerobatic performances in April 2013. But aerospace and military fans are rejoicing as the Blue Angels return this year for more dynamic aerial demonstrations. The team is scheduled for 68 performances at 35 locations between now and November 8. | The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels are back after being grounded last year . Federal forced spending cuts led to cancellations . Their first performance was on March 15 in California . |
A Chinese court has sentenced four people to death for their roles in last year's deadly riots in the western city of Urumqi, state media said Tuesday. The sentences for the defendants were to be carried out immediately. They were charged with "extremely serious crimes," said state-run Xinjiang Daily. The newspaper said a fifth person, who was also sentenced to death, was granted a two-year reprieve. Several others were given varying jail sentences, including life imprisonment. They were on trial for incidents of "vandalism, burning and serious violence," the newspaper said. Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang region, was shaken last July when long-simmering resentment between minority Uyghurs and majority Han Chinese erupted into riots and left more than 200 people dead. The following month, a series of series of syringe stabbings added to the unrest. | July riots between minority Uyghurs and Han Chinese left more than 200 dead . Four sentenced to death were charged with "extremely serious crimes" Another person sentenced to death but given two-year reprieve . Others given varying jail sentences, including life imprisonment . |
(CNN) -- FACETIME: Iyad Malas, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim . As the CEO of real estate developer Majid Al Futtaim, Iyad Malas is at the forefront of retail and leisure in the Middle East and North Africa. Along with malls and hotels, the group he heads is best known for Ski Dubai -- a self contained, ice cold ski resort in the middle of the desert. Iyad Malas sits down with MME and explains how the Arab Spring has been impacting the company. IN FOCUS: From The UAE to the world...with falafels . From McDonalds to KFC, beloved American fast food chains are all over the Middle East. But one UAE food and beverage brand is hoping to export its famous fast food to the West. The chain "Just Falafel" is ready to take on the U.S. giants. | MME sits down with the CEO of a real estate developer to learn about the Arab Spring's impact on business . UAE food and beverage brand is preparing to enter Western Markets . MME explores whether "Just Falafel" is ready to take on the U.S. giants . |
New Delhi, India (CNN) -- Forty-five people are believed dead after a bridge collapsed in the north Indian industrial hub of Kota, officials said Saturday. Rescuers were struggling to retrieve all the bodies of victims who fell into the Chambal River on Thursday after the bridge collapsed, according to K. Ravikanth, the top administrative official of Kota district. So far, rescuers have pulled out 11 bodies, he said. The bridge, under construction since 2007, is a joint venture among Gammon India, South Korea's Hyundai Engineering and India's national highway authority, said Rajeev Dasot, Kota's inspector of police. Kota, about 250 miles southwest of New Delhi, is home to numerous industries -- from fertilizers and stone polishing to textiles and engineering. --CNN's Harmeet Shah Singh contributed to this report. | Rescuers struggling to retrieve all the bodies of victims of bridge collapse . Bridge has been under construction since 2007 . Engineering project is joint venture between Indian and South Korean firms . |
Baghdad (CNN) -- The head of a television station and a human rights activist were shot dead by gunmen who attacked their car with small arms fire Friday, Iraq's interior ministry said. Taha Hameed, the director of al-Massar TV, and Abed Farhan Thiyab, the director of Iraq's political prisoners association, were killed in southern Baghdad. Hameed was also a senior official with the governing Islamic Dawa Party - Iraq Organization. He was killed immediately when gunmen intercepted his car and fired on it, interior ministry officials said. Separately, two civilians were killed and four others were wounded when a roadside bomb exploded in a residential area in the northern outskirts of Baghdad on Thursday night. | Gunmen intercept a car and spray it with bullets, Interior Ministry officials say . One of the victims is Taha Hameed, the head of al-Massar TV and a political party official . The other is Abed Farhan Thiyab, the director of Iraq's political prisoners association . |
Gleneagles, Scotland (CNN) -- If you're a U.S. golf fan, or Tom Watson, look away now. After a heavy defeat to Europe in the Ryder Cup, it's time for soul searching and reflection. With the next competition taking place at Hazeltine in Minnesota in 2016, here are five lessons for all involved to ponder over the coming two years. 1. Fergie time . There aren't many better figures in the world of sport to impart a few words of wisdom, or the hairdryer treatment when necessary, than former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson. European captain Paul McGinley's decision to harness the mind of English soccer's most successful coach was a stroke of genius. | Europe retained the Ryder Cup after a resounding win over the U.S. in Scotland . It was Europe's third successive win in the biennial contest . Phil Mickelson appeared to question the methods of U.S. captain Tom Watson in press conference . Watson previously captained the U.S. team in 1993 . |
Tokyo (CNN) -- A Japanese volcano was erupting for a second day on Thursday, spewing smoke and ash up to 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) into the air, officials said. The smoke from the Mt. Shinmoe volcano, on the boundary between Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures, is rising and falling from the volcano crater, said the Kagoshima Meteorological Observatory. Some people in Miyazaki voluntarily evacuated Thursday morning, but all have returned home, and the government has issued no evacuation advice, according to the Miyazaki disaster prevention office. However, the alert level was raised Wednesday to 3. That prevents people from entering the mountain area. The eruption began Wednesday. Smoke was drifting southeast, the observatory said. Ash was seen in Miyakonojo city in Kagoshima prefecture. The last Mt. Shinmoe eruption was in July. A large-scale eruption such as this one, however, was last observed about 52 years ago, the meteorological observatory said. | Mt. Shinmoe's last eruption was in July . Some residents evacuated voluntarily, but have returned . |
(PEOPLE.com) -- Rosie O'Donnell was attracted to Michelle Rounds the moment she saw her in a Starbucks this summer. But she never thought it would be reciprocated. "I thought she was a 28-year-old heterosexual girl, because that's what she looked like to me. And she's a 40-year-old gay woman," O'Donnell, 49, tells ABC's "Nightline" in an interview airing Monday night. She adds with a laugh: "My gaydar was way off!" RELATED: Rosie O'Donnell: 'I've Stopped Being So Angry' But O'Donnell, who recently said she's in love, thinks maybe it's a good thing she thought Rounds was straight. "I think if I had known that she was gay, I wouldn't have been brave enough to talk to her," she says. O'Donnell's new nightly talk show, "The Rosie Show," debuts Monday on the OWN network. See full article at PEOPLE.com. © 2011 People and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | O'Donnell recently said she's in love . O'Donnell was attracted to Rounds the moment she saw her in a Starbucks . Her new nightly talk show, "The Rosie Show," debuts Monday on the OWN network . |
(CNN) -- The New York Police Department gave an "all clear" Monday after an unattended, suspicious vehicle prompted authorities to shut the Brooklyn Bridge. The vehicle was found in the right lane of the Manhattan-bound side of the bridge, mid-span, a police spokesman said. Traffic was diverted, as video from CNN affiliate WABC showed police vehicles blocking access. Video also showed someone in a protective body suit combing through the vehicle. Afterward, an officer wearing no protective gear walked right up to it with a dog. The SUV had no plates, nor did it have a vehicle identification number, according to Christopher Miller, a spokesman with the New York City Office of Emergency Management. CNN's Rob Frehse and Jason Kessler contributed to this report. | Person in protective suit and a dog investigated the unattended vehicle . Traffic was diverted away from the famed Manhattan-to-Brooklyn corridor . The vehicle had no plates, nor an identification number . |
(CNN) -- IN FOCUS: Ramadan Ratings . Across the Middle East, Muslims are observing the holy month of Ramadan. From the UAE to Turkey, MME takes a look at how Ramadan is affecting businesses. From the change in working hours to what's being watched on the small screen. FACETIME: Saad Al Barrak . Although businesses generally slow down during Ramadan, it's a peak period for advertising. Some ad agencies spend around 20% of their annual budget at this time of year. It's a profitable time for big name companies, and as MME found out especially for Middle Eastern brands aiming to go global. Saad Al Barrak, former CEO of Zain Telecom shares his experience. Marketplace Middle East airs weekly at the following times (all GMT): . Thursday: 1545, . Friday: 0845, . Saturday: 0615 . Sunday: 0515, 1545 . | Across the Middle East, Muslims are observing the holy month of Ramadan . MME takes a look at how Ramadan is affecting businesses . Saad Al Barrak, former CEO of Zain Telecom talks about advertising during the holly month . |
(CNN) -- Planning to dress as a plain old witch or scarecrow this Halloween? Sorry, that's not going to cut it anymore. In the age of Internet memes, creative and punny costumes are becoming the norm. Dressed as Mitt Romney? Boring. Dressed as "binders full of women?" Now that's more like it! At CNN iReport, we asked for your best photos of Internet-inspired costumes. From "The Most Interesting Man in the World" to "dog shaming," you didn't disappoint. Click through the gallery above to see the cleverest costumes we received. CNN's Jareen Imam and Rachel Rodriguez contributed to this story. | Internet memes are becoming increasingly popular as Halloween costumes . Among the most popular meme costumes this year was "binders full of women" Click through the gallery above to see clever and creative meme costumes . CNN iReport: Dressing as a meme this Halloween? Share a photo . |
(CNN) -- A man stabbed four people aboard an Amtrak passenger train from Chicago, including the conductor, authorities said. The train was on its way to Port Huron, Michigan, when Amtrak called 911 on Friday night to report a passenger who appeared agitated, CNN affiliate WBND reported. It stopped in Niles, Michigan, where police responded to the scene, authorities said. By the time they arrived, the man had stabbed several people. The three men and one woman were hospitalized, but their condition was unavailable. One of the men was the conductor, the affiliate reported. The suspect is a 44-year-old from Saginaw, Michigan, according to the affiliate. It's unclear what his motive was. CNN's Greg Morrison contributed to this report . | The train was on its way from Chicago . Report: Amtrak called 911 to report a man who appeared agitated . It's unclear what the motive was . |
(CNN) -- The recent incident involving Chelsea and England captain John Terry and Queens Park Rangers' Anton Ferdinand has seen the issue of racism in football dominate the headlines. The decision by London's Metropolitan Police to launch an investigation into what occurred during the October 23 match follows allegations made by Manchester United's Patrice Evra of racial abuse from Liverpool striker Luis Suarez during an English Premier League clash. These two incidents are just the latest in a year which has seen the issue of race and football at the forefront of coverage of both club and international soccer. | London's Metropolitan Police are to investigate incident between Terry and Ferdinand . Man Utd's Patrice Evra has also accused Liverpool's Luis Suarez a using a racial slur . 2011 has seen numerous incidents a racism in football . |
(CNN) -- Actress Mariska Hargitay went to a hospital for tests Wednesday after she "experienced some discomfort" related to the collapsed lung she suffered in January, her publicist said. Mariska Hargitay plays Olivia Benson on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." "She is undergoing routine tests and expects to be feeling better soon," Leslie Sloane said in an e-mailed statement. Hargitay stars as Detective Olivia Benson in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." "Production will not be affected," Sloane said. | Mariska Hargitay in hospital for tests related to collapsed lung . Actress suffered collapsed lung in January . Hargitay is star of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" |
(CNN Student News) -- May 4, 2012 . Download PDF maps related to today's show: . Philippines . New York City . Click here to access the transcript of today's CNN Student News program. Please note that there may be a delay between the time when the video is available and when the transcript is published. | The daily transcript is a written version of each day's CNN Student News program . Use this transcript to help students with reading comprehension and vocabulary . Use the weekly Newsquiz to test your knowledge of stories you saw on CNN Student News . |
(EW.com) -- Talk about touchdown casting! After closing out his guest spot on "Parenthood" in the fall, Michael B. Jordan is headed back to the small screen for a guest spot in "House's" 14th episode, playing a blind patient, the studio confirms to EW. Jordan spilled the news earlier today via Twitter, but it appears he may have done so prematurely. The tweet has since disappeared from his feed, and later, he tweeted, "My bad @foxbroadcasting." and "Now I know never to tweet before the studio approves. hahha #socialnetworkisinsane." Jordan previously starred on "Friday Night Lights" as quarterback Vince Howard. "House," currently in its 8th season, returns January 9, with a two hour episode. See the full article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | Michael B. Jordan is headed back to the small screen for a guest spot in "House" Jordan spilled the news earlier today via Twitter . He will be playing a blind patient, the studio says . |
(CNN) -- The House on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a $16 billion bill to overhaul the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is a bipartisan response to the scandal over delayed care at medical facilities and allegations of alarming management shortcomings at the sprawling federal agency that serves millions of veterans. The Senate is expected to vote on the plan as early as Thursday. The legislation would provide money for new medical facilities, more doctors and nurses, and a new program that will allow some veterans to seek health care outside the VA system. On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed Robert McDonald as the new VA secretary. He replaces Eric Shinseki who resigned in May over the scandal, key details of which were revealed by a CNN investigation. McDonald has promised to carry out reforms swiftly. More VA employees said they were told to falsify data . | The $16 billion measure would provide money for new medical facilities and doctors . It now goes to the Senate, which is expected to act by Thursday . It's a congressional response to the scandal involving delayed medical care for veterans . |
(CNN Student News) -- November 30, 2012 . Download PDF maps related to today's show: . Washington, D.C. New Zealand . Click here to access the transcript of today's CNN Student News program. Please note that there may be a delay between the time when the video is available and when the transcript is published. | The daily transcript is a written version of each day's CNN Student News program . Use this transcript to help students with reading comprehension and vocabulary . Use the weekly Newsquiz to test your knowledge of stories you saw on CNN Student News . |
(CNN) -- At least six people were killed and some 18 were wounded by an explosion in what appears to be a "deliberate attack" in Nairobi, Kenya, a senior Red Cross official tells CNN. Nine of the injured were listed in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital, the Kenya National Disaster Operation said on its Twitter account. The other wounded people were treated "locally," the agency said. "Our resolve & will to defend ourselves from those who intend to harm us will never be discouraged," the governor of Nairobi City County, Evans Kidero, said in a tweet. "Our strength lies in our national unity." The explosion occurred in Eastleigh, a largely Somali neighborhood, east of the Nairobi city center. Authorities have not said what caused the blast. CNN's Joseph Netto contributed to this report. | The explosion occurred in a largely Somali neighborhood . A senior Red Cross official says it appears to be a "deliberate attack" |
(EW.com) -- Hayden Panettiere picks up the mic dropped by Anne Hathaway, the original voice of Little Red Riding Hood in 2005's "Hoodwinked". And time has not been kind to the thin charms of this "Shrek" wannabe. Now Red teams up with her Granny (Glenn Close) to look into the abduction of Hansel and Gretel. Even with SNL's infinitely inventive Bill Hader and Amy Poehler in the H&G vocal roles, the movie can't be saved from its own vices of manic pacing and tediously pro forma pop culture jokes. EW.com rating: C . See full article at EW.com . CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2010 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | Red teams up with her Granny to look into the abduction of Hansel and Gretel . SNL's infinitely inventive Bill Hader and Amy Poehler voice H&G . The movie can't be saved from its own vices of manic pacing . |
(CNN) -- Four people were killed and one seriously injured in an explosion at a Chevron Corp. refinery in western Wales, the refinery's general manager said early Friday. The blast at the refinery in Pembroke occurred at a storage tank that was undergoing maintenance Thursday evening, police and fire officials said. It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion, said Police Chief Superintendent Gwyn Thomas. The incident was under investigation. "This news is utterly devastating," the refinery's general manager, Greg Hanggi, said in a statement released Friday by Chevron. Hanggi described those killed and injured as contractors at the refinery. It was not immediately clear from the statement what the five contractors were doing at the time of the explosion. One contractor who was injured in the explosion was being treated for "serious injuries," Hanggi said in the statement. CNN's Matt Smith contributed to this report. | An explosion occurrs at a storage tank that was undergoing maintenance, officials say . Chevron's refinery manager identifies the dead and wounded as contractors . Authorities say it is not immediately clear what caused the explosion . |
(CNN) -- As 2011 comes to an end, it is time to look back and reflect on another remarkable sporting year. From the highs of winning trophies and titles to the lows of losing some of sport's much-loved figures, 2011 will be remembered with mixed emotions. With a new year on the horizon and the prospect of major sporting events like the London Olympics and football's Euro 2012 finals looming large, CNN looks back at the year just ending and picks out a story from each of the 12 months. Do you agree with our choice? Write in to let us know. | CNN takes a look back at the sporting year of 2011 . It proved a year when sporting triumph and tragedy went hand in hand . The new year could be a vintage one with the Olympics and Euro 2012 . |
The nighttime curfew imposed in Thailand after last month's military coup has been lifted, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha said during his weekly address Friday. The announcement was read out and televised throughout Thailand. The Thai military instated the curfew when it seized power after months of unrest that had destabilized the elected government and caused outbursts of deadly violence in Bangkok. The curfew had already been lifted in more than 30 provinces and districts, including Thailand's tourist hotspots such as Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi and Koh Samui. But not Bangkok. The curfew posed a problem for Thailand's soccer fans who wanted to watch the World Cup games with friends -- many of the matches start between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. local time. | The Thai military instated the curfew when it seized power after months of unrest . It had been lifted in more than 30 provinces and districts, including tourist hotspots . |
Seoul, South Korea (CNN) -- Members of the South Korean military protested on the streets of the nation's capital Saturday, stating that they were angry that their country's government had not done enough to respond to recent shelling by North Korea. One group of protesters gathered near the defense ministry building Saturday. The crowd clashed with police officers, some charging and kicking officers. The protests come as tensions between the Koreas are growing. The United States is sending the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to join South Korea's forces near the coasts of China and North Korea in a four-day drill military drill that starts Sunday. The drill is set to begin five days after North Korea shelled a South Korean island, killing four South Koreans and wounding 15 others. | Protests come as tensions between the Koreas are growing . Demonstrators are seen charging and kicking police . |
(CNN)Five drones were reportedly seen flying over sensitive and well-known areas of Paris overnight -- sightings that authorities are investigating, the city prosecutor's office said Tuesday. The unmanned aerial vehicles were spotted over the Eiffel Tower, the Bastille, Place de la Concorde, Les Invalides and the U.S. Embassy, according to Agnes Thibault-Lecuivre, a spokeswoman for the Paris prosecutor's office. The drones were seen between midnight and 6 a.m. The French aviation police are searching for the operators of the drones. | Drones are seen overnight in Paris . They hovered over Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Bastille and the U.S. Embassy . |
(CNN) -- A plane carrying former President George W. Bush was diverted to Louisville on Saturday night after the pilot reported the smell of smoke. The Gulfstream IV aircraft was traveling from Philadelphia International to Dallas Love Field airports when the pilot reported the smell of smoke in the cockpit, said Holly Baker, spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration. She said the plane landed safely in Louisville, Kentucky. By early Sunday morning, Bush arrived safely home in Dallas, his spokesman Freddy Ford said. Bush's legacy is on the mend . Poll: You're starting to remember Bush fondly . | The 43rd president was on a plane from Philadelphia to Dallas . The plane landed in Kentucky after the pilot reported smelling smoke . Bush arrived safely home in Dallas later in the night, his spokesman says . |
(CNN) -- New fall comedy "Selfie" isn't done yet. The ABC series was canceled in early November, but Hulu has stepped in to air the show's remaining episodes. "Selfie" creator Emily Kapnek tweeted the news on November 20, telling fans, "Unofficially? All remaining episodes of #SelfieABC will soon be on Hulu, Hulu Plus & http://ABC.com Hugs to Peter Roth @warnerbrostv." ABC initially ordered 13 episodes of Kapnek's updated take on "My Fair Lady" and pulled the plug around episode 7. The remaining six episodes will now roll out one by one each week on Hulu and ABC's websites. The series, which starred John Cho as a marketing executive who helps a social media star (Karen Gillan) rebrand her image, never took off in ratings, but it did eventually find a devoted audience. | ABC canceled "Selfie" with six episodes still unaired . Hulu will now run one unaired episode a week . "Selfie" was a comedy with a social media spin . |
(CNN) -- Actresss Nicole Kidman and country music star Keith Urban revealed Monday that they added a daughter to their family last month. Faith Margaret Kidman Urban is their biological child but she was "born through a gestational carrier" at The Women's Hospital at Centennial in Nashville on December 28, 2010, according to a statement from the couple's publicists. "No words can adequately convey the incredible gratitude that we feel for everyone who was so supportive throughout this process, in particular our gestational carrier," Urban and Kidman said in the statement. Kidman and Urban, both 43, already share a 2-year-old daughter, Sunday Rose. CNN's Denise Quan contributed to this report. | Faith Margaret Kidman Urban was born through a surrogate . Urban and Kidman already have a 2-year-old daughter . |
Syrian airstrikes on a rebel-held neighborhood in Aleppo on Sunday killed at least 22 people, including 14 children, the Syrian Observatory For Human Rights said in a statement. The SOHR said it expects the death toll to rise, because other people wounded in the attack are in critical condition. The opposition organization says it's not the first time the Syrian regime has dropped barrels filled with explosives on Aleppo neighborhoods. The United Nations estimates that more than 100,000 people overall have died since the Syrian conflict began in March 2011. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have also been injured. In addition, more than 2.3 million people have fled Syria, and another 4.25 million Syrians have become refugees within their country since the civil war began, according to an Amnesty International report released on Friday. | Syrian planes attacked Aleppo neighborhood, says Syrian Observatory For Human Rights . At least 22 killed, including 14 children, says SOHR . |
(CNN) -- FACETIME: Samer Khoury, President, Engineering & Construction, CCC . One person keeping a close eye on regional developments is Samer Khoury. As president of engineering and construction of Consolidated Contractors Company, CCC, he has helped turn the almost 60-year-old family business into a multi-billion dollar powerhouse. MME sat down with the mogul and asked him what impact the Arab Spring has had on his business. IN FOCUS: Dubai Property Upturn . The building boom in Dubai has taken a hit during the global financial crisis, but the market may be picking up again. As regional uncertainty lingers, many view Dubai as a possible safe haven. MME takes a closer look at Dubai's property market as buyers slowly come back in. Marketplace Middle East airs weekly at the following times (all GMT): . Thursdays: 1645, . Fridays: 0945, . Saturdays: 0715,2145, . Sundays: 0615, 1645 . | Founded almost 60 years ago, CCC is now a multi-billion-dollar construction business . MME talks to Samer Khoury on what impact the Arab Spring has had on CCC's business . Plus, MME takes a closer look at Dubai's property market as buyers slowly come back in . |
(CNN) -- The bodies of four children swept away in a creek swollen by storm waters in western Kentucky were recovered Friday morning, local authorities said. The first body was recovered shortly after midnight; two others were located about 30 minutes later, said Graves County Sheriff Dewayne Redmon. Missouri officials assisting in the search later found the fourth body. The children were traveling with their Amish family in a horse-drawn carriage on a flooded street in Graves County when the carriage flipped over Thursday evening, said Jerry Beasley, a Kentucky State Police spokesman. In all, there were six children and their mother in the carriage, Beasley said . The mother and two children were able to get to a safe area. But the other four children were swept away with the carriage into a nearby creek. | NEW: Authorities have recovered the bodies of four children in Kentucky . Two children and their mother are able to get to a safe area . The family was traveling in a horse-drawn carriage on a flooded street . |
New Delhi (CNN) -- A series of small bombs went off in and around a world-famous Buddhist temple in eastern India Sunday, injuring two people, authorities said. Four of the eight explosions occurred at the Mahabodhi temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bihar state that houses a tree where Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. The temple itself was not damaged. The other four blasts hit other sacred locations around Mahabodhi, said Bihar police official S.K. Bhardwaj. A 50-year-old Tibetan and a 30-year-old Myanmar national were injured in the attack, Bhardwaj said. While no one took responsibility for the attack, suspicion fell on the home-grown Islamist group Indian Mujahideen, Bhardwaj said. The group, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department, is blamed for dozens of deadly bomb explosions throughout India since 2005. | Four of the eight explosions take place at the Mahabodi complex . The temple houses a tree where Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment . Suspicion falls on the Islamist group Indian Mujahideen . |
For the first time, Britain has convicted someone of a terrorism offense related to the Syrian civil war. Mashudur Choudhury, 31, was convicted of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist attacks, the Crown Prosecution Service said. A father of two, Choudhury traveled to Syria in October with the intention of joining a terrorist training camp, the UK's Press Association reported. "At times in his discussions with others the defendant described his intention to become a martyr," prosecutor Alison Morgan told the jury during the two-week trial, the association reported. In one text message, his wife wrote him, "Go die in battlefield. Go die, I really mean it just go. I'll be relieved. At last. At last," the Press Association said. Choudhury pleaded not guilty. He will be sentenced June 13. | Britain convicts Mashudur Choudhury of a terrorism offense in Syria . He was found guilty of conduct in preparation of terrorist attacks . Choudhury pleaded not guilty . He has not yet been sentenced . |
(CNN)"Doctor Strange" is adding to the mix. The Marvel movie, slated for release in 2016, finally landed Benedict Cumberbatch as the mysterious title character. Now it appears that Oscar-nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor may be joining the cast, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Tinseltown trade paper says that Ejiofor is in negotiations for an "unspecified role." "Strange" fans are already chattering about what that role could be. If Ejiofor does join the cast, he'll be reunited with Cumberbatch, who was one of his co-stars in "12 Years a Slave." Ejiofor was nominated for a best actor Oscar for his performance as Solomon Northup, the protagonist of last year's best picture. Of course, there's still a long time between now and November 4, 2016, "Strange's" proposed release date, and negotiations with Cumberbatch were rumored for months before being confirmed. Magical casting? We'll see. | Hollywood Reporter says Chiwetel Ejiofor is in talks for "Doctor Strange" The Oscar-nominated actor is being thought of for an "unspecified role" |
(CNN) -- The roof of a shopping mall collapsed in Latvia's capital on Thursday evening, killing four people and trapping dozens of others, officials in the Baltic country said Thursday. The country's national news agency LETA, citing a government official, reported there were four deaths. A toddler was among the injured at the Maxima shopping mall, located on Priedaines Street in western Riga's Zolitude neighborhood, according to LETA. Riga Mayor Nils Usakovs told CNN that authorities think as many as 30 people may be trapped in the building. He said it appeared building materials stored on the roof caused the roof to collapse. At least 13 fire brigades, a large number of ambulances and the city's mayor arrived at the scene, LETA reported. Deadly South Africa building collapse investigated . | Roof of mall in western Riga collapses, Latvian news agency says . Deaths are reported . Mayor says perhaps 30 people are trapped . |
(CNN) -- A gas main explosion in Philadelphia Tuesday evening killed one utilities worker and injured five other people, a fire department official said. Philadelphia Gas Works employees were responding to a gas main break in the city's Tacony neighborhood when the explosion occurred, fire department spokesman Jim Smith said. "They were trying to control it and found a source of ignition," according to Smith, who said four PGW employees and a firefighter were among the injured. He said some of the gas workers' injuries were serious. CNN's Jason Kessler contributed to this story. | The explosion occurred in Philadelphia's Tacony neighborhood . The blast killed one utilities worker and injured five other people . Some of the injuries are serious . |
Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- A British soldier who was reported missing from a checkpoint in Afghanistan early Monday was found dead later in the day, the British Ministry of Defense announced. "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of a soldier from The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland," said Lt. Col. Tim Purbrick, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, in a statement. After an "extensive search," fellow members of NATO's International Security Assistance Force found his body in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province, Purbrick said. The soldier had suffered gunshot wounds. His identity was not immediately released. A spokeswoman for David Cameron said the British prime minister is "deeply saddened by this news." CNN's Nick Paton Walsh contributed to this report. | British soldier was found dead after going missing from a checkpoint . ISAF members found his body after an "extensive search" He was found in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand province . |
It's the thought that counts, right? Tell that to the residents of 32 homes in the Dutch town of Ijsselstein, who were evacuated after a planned marriage proposal fell through. A Dutchman rented a crane intending to reach his girlfriend's window Saturday morning and pop the question, Dutch affiliate RTL News said. Instead, the crane tipped over, crashing through the roof of a neighboring home. Hours later, during an attempt to right the crane, it fell through the roof again, making the hole bigger. As a result, residents of 32 homes were evacuated as a recovery company made another attempt to stabilize the crane. The good news? No one was injured, and she said yes. The couple went directly to Paris to celebrate. 9 of China's craziest, most creative marriage proposals . | Dutchman uses crane intending to reach girlfriend's window and pop question . Instead, crane topples over, crashing through neighbor's roof . As a result, residents of 32 homes were evacuated . |
(CNN) -- Armed forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo beat back dozens of gunmen who stormed three key locations in the capital Monday. Armed men attacked the country's airport, state TV headquarters and army headquarters in Kinshasa. At least 34 assailants were killed, according to an Interior Ministry statement. The statement called on "victims of this terrorist attack ... to know that the assailants had no other purpose than to create panic and terror on the eve of celebrations so important to our culture." In response, it said that security had been beefed up in the capital. African Union Commission Chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma condemned the attacks, stressing the AU's commitment to support Congolese efforts to consolidate peace, security and stability. | Gunmen storm the airport, state TV headquarters and army headquarters . At least 34 attackers are killed, the Interior Ministry says . Security is beefed up in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo . |
Berlin (CNN) -- Police arrested three Chinese nationals after authorities uncovered about 100 snakes, 70 tortoises and 20 neon-colored frogs in their hotel room in western Germany, according to a police spokesman. The discovery was made Friday after a hotel employee found a snake on a stairway and alerted authorities, said Cologne police spokesman Stefan Kirchner. The guests were arrested on suspicion of illegally importing the animals, he said. "After paying several thousand euro for deposit, they were released on Friday evening," added Kirchner. The creatures have since been relocated to Cologne city zoo. | Three Chinese nationals arrested after 100 snakes were found in their hotel room . Authorities also found 70 tortoises and 20 neon-colored frogs . The guests were arrested on suspicion of illegally importing animals . |
(CNN) -- A small overcrowded boat sank off the coast of Malaysia early Thursday, a maritime official said. It's the second boat to go down in two days. Eighteen passengers have been rescued, and the search continues for nine others who are missing. The boat was carrying 27 Indonesian migrants, who were heading back home to Sumatra for the Ramadan holidays, Capt. Hamid Mohd Amin with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency said. Another boat carrying 97 Indonesians sank in waters off Malaysia's west coast Wednesday, Indonesian authorities said. More than 30 people were missing. The vessel, reportedly carrying undocumented migrant workers heading for Aceh in Indonesia, capsized after leaving Carey Island in Malaysia's Selangor state on Wednesday morning, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told CNN. Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency said 60 people have been rescued, and five bodies have been recovered. | Two boats sink in two days off the Malaysian coast . Both were carrying Indonesian migrants . Rescue operations are underway . |
(CNN)A grand jury has indicted the man accused of killing three Muslim students in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Craig Hicks, 46, was indicted on three counts of first-degree murder, according to the Durham County Clerk's office. He was also charged with discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling. Police said "an ongoing neighbor dispute over parking" might have been a factor in last week's shootings but also said they weren't dismissing the possibility of a hate crime. On what is believed to be Hicks' Facebook page, numerous posts rail against religion. The victims' family members have called on authorities to investigate the slayings as a hate crime. The FBI is looking into that possibility. Hicks is expected to make his first appearance after the grand jury indictment in Superior Court the first week of March. When is a crime a 'hate crime'? | Clerk's office: Craig Hicks has been indicted on three counts of first-degree murder . He also is charged with discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling . |
Berlin (CNN) -- Insurers in Germany are not obligated to pay for Viagra or other sexual performance enhancing drugs, the country's federal social court has ruled. The decision Tuesday stemmed from the case of a man with multiple sclerosis who insisted his insurance company reimburse him for the cost of treating his erectile dysfunction, a potential side effect of the neurological disease. But the court ruled that insurers have no responsibility to pay for any "quality of life" drugs and that an insurer's refusal to do so was in no way discriminatory, even if the person in question suffered from an incurable disease. During the proceedings, defendants cited reforms to the country's health care system that were pushed through in 2004, under which insurance companies were exempt from paying for medication that primarily treated "quality of life" conditions. The list included medicines for treating impotence. | A court has ruled that insurers don't have to pay for sexual performance enhancement drugs . A man suffering from multiple sclerosis wanted erectile dysfunction drugs . German health reforms in 2004 said insurers don't have to pay for "quality of life" medications . |
(CNN) -- A gas explosion Saturday killed at least 20 workers at a coal mine in central China, state media reported. Xinhua news agency earlier reported that 30 miners were trapped after the explosion in Henan province. The explosion comes after China announced this week that it had closed 1,355 small coal mines this year, according to Xinhua . The effort was part of a larger plan to restructure the mining industry to prevent deadly accidents and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Xinhua reported, citing the National Energy Administration (NEA). China has one of the world's deadliest records for miners, with poor safety standards accounting for thousands of deaths each year. According to the China Mining Association, the goal is to eventually boost the industry. Small coal mines, which use outdated technology, will be replaced with larger coal mines, increasing capacity. | Dozens more still trapped, state media says . Blast comes after China moves to close many coal mines as part of a safety plan . |
(CNN) -- It wasn't a trick. But for space geeks, it sure was a treat. An image, taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on October 8, captured the sun getting into the Halloween spirit. "Active regions on the sun combined to look something like a solar jack-o'-lantern's face," said Joe Witte of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. There's no cause for alarm -- it's just the center of our solar system's spooky Halloween costume. Big solar storm hits earth . "The active regions in this image appear brighter because those are areas that emit more light and energy," explained Witte. "This image blends together two sets of extreme ultraviolet wavelengths." And that's what gives the sun that freaky feel. Blood moon has millions gazing at the skies . | NASA snaps photo of sun looking a lot like a Halloween jack-o-lantern . October 8 image "blends together two sets of extreme ultraviolet wavelengths" |
(CNN) -- Dr. Kent Brantly had stared death in the face many times, doing all he could against frightful odds to save Ebola victims in West Africa. Until death stared back. In his first extensive on-camera interview since contracting the virus, Brantly recalled to NBC News on Tuesday how close he had come to being one more of the over 1,500 people the World Health Organization says have lost their lives to Ebola in the current outbreak. Doctors never told him outright he might not survive as he lay in a bed in Liberia, an ocean away from his family. They didn't have to. "I felt like I was about to die," Brantly told NBC's Matt Lauer. "And I said to the nurse taking care of me, 'I'm sick. I have no reserve, and I don't know how long I can keep this up.'" | Dr. Kent Brantly went to West Africa to work for a Christian relief organization . He recalls feeling "a little off" on July 23, then testing positive for Ebola virus . Brantly says he had "no reserve," didn't know if he could continue breathing . He did and -- after time at an Atlanta hospital -- was declared symptom-free . |
(CNN) -- Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o has received a three-match ban for head-butting Chievo's Bostjan Cesar in the chest at last Sunday's Serie A game. Eto'o, who scored as Inter went down 2-1 to Chievo, escaped punishment during the game as the incident, which happened in the 38th minute, was not seen by match officials. The Italian Football Federation decided to issue Eto'o with a ban after reviewing video evidence. In issuing the ban, they described the head-butt as "premeditated" and constituted "violent conduct." The Cameroon international was also fined €30,000 ($40,000), but is available for Inter's Champions League fixture with FC Twente on Wednesday. Inter say they intend to appeal the ban. | Samuel Eto'o banned for three games for head-butt on Chievo's Bostjan Cesar . Cameroon international also fined €30,000 ($40,000) Striker is available for Wednesday's Champions League tie with FC Twente . |
(CNN) -- Police in New York have arrested a man in connection with a weekend shooting at a Brooklyn house party that left nine people hospitalized. Tyrone Brown, 24, was charged with attempted murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment, police said Tuesday. The shooting started early Sunday in the East Flatbush neighborhood, police said. A neighbor told CNN affiliate WCBS that she heard gunshots. Four men and five women, all younger than 45, were injured and taken to four hospitals. The injuries were not life-threatening, New York Police Department Officer Sophia Tassy-Mason said. The neighborhood at East 52nd Street is a mix of residential and commercial buildings, she said. According to NYPD statistics, there have been 21 shooting incidents reported in the area this year. CNN's Julie Cannold contributed to this report. | Police arrest a man in connection with the shooting . Tyrone Brown is charged with attempted murder . Four men and five women were injured in the Brooklyn shooting early Sunday . |
(CNN) -- Ruth Robinson Duccini, who played one of the Munchkins in the 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz," has died. She was 95 and died Thursday in Las Vegas. Her death was confirmed by Ted Bulthaup, a representative for Duccini. "She went into hospice about a week ago and I have been awaiting this news," said Bulthaup. Duccini was the last female Munchkin. Her death leaves just one more Munchkin member of the "Oz" cast, Jerry Maren, now 93. Flowers were placed on the Munchkins' star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday in remembrance of Duccini. | Ruth Robinson Duccini, last female Munchkin, dead at 95 . Duccini was one of the diminutive members of "Wizard of Oz" cast . Only one Munchkin is still living . |
BANGKOK, Thailand (CNN) -- A Bangkok Airways plane crashed at an airport at a resort island in Thailand, killing the pilot and injuring 37 people Tuesday, aviation officials said. Rescue workers inspect the Bangkok Airways plane at Samui airport on Thailand's Ko Samui. The plane carrying 68 people and four crew members skidded and then crashed after landing at Koh Samui airport, officials with the civil aviation department said. The ATR-72 turboprop had taken off from the town of Krabi on the west coast Thailand for its trip to the resort island of Koh Samui. Air traffic control warned the pilot of volatile winds before the plane landed, aviation officials said. Seven people were seriously injured and emergency officials were working to free the plane's co-pilot who was trapped in the plane, officials said. CNN's Dan Rivers contributed to this report. | Officials: Plane skidded and then crashed after landing at Koh Samui airport . Bangkok Airways ATR-72 turboprop carrying 68 people, four crew members . Air traffic control warned the pilot of volatile winds before the plane landed . |
Washington (CNN) -- Violent crime dropped nationwide last year, continuing a downward trend of more than a decade, new FBI statistics show. But in towns with populations under 10,000, murders saw a big jump. Overall, violent crime was down 4%, according to the Preliminary Annual Uniform Crime Report for 2011. Numbers dropped in all categories nationwide. Murders fell by 1.9%, while rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults declined 4%. But the figures, provided by police agencies, show that murders jumped 18.3% in small towns of under 10,000. Property crime decreased slightly in 2011 -- down 0.8% overall. Burglaries stayed almost even across the country, rising just .03% from the previous year. But they were up 3.2% in the Northeast and 1.3% in the Midwest. The FBI report does not give reasons for the continuing decline. CNN's Terry Frieden, Melissa Abbey and Josh Levs contributed to this report. | 2011 Preliminary Annual Uniform Crime Report uses figures provided by police agencies . Violent crime dropped 4% last year, according to the FBI . Decrease is part of decade-long decline . Murders jumped more than 18% in towns with populations under 10,000 . |
(CNN) -- Two F-16 fighter jets briefly took to the sky over Washington on Monday after a small passenger aircraft violated the capital's airspace restrictions, according to military officials. A portion of the White House grounds was briefly evacuated during the incident. The passenger plane -- a Cessna 182 -- was intercepted by the F-16s at 2:19 p.m. EST, a statement from the North American Aerospace Defense Command noted. The plane was escorted to an airport in nearby Manassas, Virginia, where it landed at 2:32 p.m. EST. The Cessna pilot was a student pilot who initially took off from Warrenton, Virginia, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed. The Secret Service will interview the pilot, a spokesman for the agency told CNN. | Two F-16s were scrambled as a Cessna 182 briefly violated Washington's airspace . The plane was escorted to a Manassas, Virginia, airport . |
(CNN) -- At least 24 people have been killed and hundreds rendered homeless in the worst floods to hit land-locked Mongolia in 40 years, emergency officials said Tuesday. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said it was working with local authorities to distribute emergency goods to the flood-ravaged victims. Workers fear that without adequate food and shelter, the situation would worsen when winter arrives in three months, said Francis Markus of the Red Cross. The floods struck last week in the Asian nation's capital, Ulaanbaatar, and a province in the west. It was the worst to hit the country since 1966, Markus said. See images of flood victims » . The government issued televised broadcasts ahead of the rainstorms but many children and elderly could not be evacuated in time, Markus said. | Red Cross working with local authorities to distribute aid to flood victims . Relief workers say winter poses major threat unless food and shelter in place . Government warned of floods but many people could not be evacuated in time . |
(CNN)Magma and lava from a Japanese volcano is forming new geography in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean. An eruption on the tiny volcanic island of Nishinoshima in November 2013 formed a small islet right next to it when molten lava cooled. That islet has merged with its neighbor and continues to develop. The newly formed island has grown to 2.46 square kilometers (.94 square miles), according to the Japanese coast guard, which sent an observation plane to the area this week. The coast guard said it's 52 times bigger than the iconic Tokyo Dome. And it's expected to get larger. The volcano is erupting five to six times a minute, spewing out volcanic rock, the coast guard says. The evolving land mass is 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) south of Tokyo. CNN's Junko Ogura contributed to this report . | An eruption on the tiny volcanic island of Nishinoshima formed a small islet . That islet has merged with its neighbor and continues to develop . |
(CNN) -- In Focus: Turkey Syria Tensions . Booming growth figures between Syria and Turkey are a thing of the past. Trade has come to a virtual standstill. What's more, the Syrian crisis is forcing Turkish exporters to establish alternative routes to the Gulf. Ivan Watson looks at how Turkey is doing its best to bypass the violence in Syria. Water Security . The Middle East may sit on nearly half of the world's proven oil reserves but it is lacking in the world's most important resource -- water. Kim Kelita looks at water security in the region. Marketplace Middle East airs weekly at the following times (all GMT): . Thursday: 1545, . Friday: 0845, . Saturday: 0615 . Sunday: 0515, 1545 . | The Syrian crisis is forcing Turkish exporters to establish alternative routes to the gulf . CNN's Ivan Watson looks at how Turkey is doing its best to bypass the violence in Syria . MME looks at water security in a region that lacks the world's most important resource . |
(CNN) -- A bolt of lightning left 10 soldiers from the New Jersey National Guard with minor injuries during a training exercise Tuesday night, a military spokesman said. The soldiers were taking part in an exercise in a tent at Fort Drum, outside Watertown, New York, when the lightning strike occurred, 1st Sgt. David Moore told CNN. The injured were members of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and were among about 2,000 troops taking part in an annual training camp, he said. Six of the soldiers had already returned to training on Wednesday, Moore said. CNN's Karan Olson contributed to this report. | Soldiers received minor injuries during a training exercise Tuesday night . Six of the 10 had returned to training by Wednesday . The soldiers, from Lawrenceville, N.J., serve in the New Jersey National Guard . |
(CNN) -- Over the past few decades, there has been a shift toward more mountaintop removal coal mining in West Virginia. Mountaintop mining blasts apart mountains and deposits debris in nearby valleys to reach the rich coal seams buried inside. About 50% of U.S. power comes from burning coal, and about a third of West Virginia's coal is mined this way. But 57% of respondents to a CNN/ORC International Poll say they oppose mountaintop mining. Miners and coal companies say mountaintop removal projects provide much-needed jobs. Their opponents say the cost of those jobs -- to the environment and nearby communities -- is just too high. In CNN In America's documentary, "Battle for Blair Mountain: Working in America ," Soledad O'Brien reports on all sides. For many in West Virginia, it feels like a choice: steady jobs or a healthy environment. What would you choose? Share your comments below. | Mountaintop removal coal mining provides jobs in West Virginia. Environmentalists say it destroys nature and creates health problems. "Battle for Blair Mountain: Working in America" airs August 14 and August 20. |
(CNN) -- Two American tourists and their guide were kidnapped Friday in the Sinai region of Egypt, authorities said. Bedouin kidnappers want authorities to release a relative who is in detention in Alexandria on drug charges, said Gen. Ahmed Bakr, head of security in the North Sinai. Kidnappings and armed robberies have increased since a popular uprising ousted Egypt's long-ruling dictator, Hosni Mubarak, last year. In February, two American tourists were kidnapped and soon released in the Sinai region. The same thing happened in June, when two American tourists were released about a day after being abducted. In the most recent incident, Bedouins stopped a tour bus en route to Taba and kidnapped the two tourists -- a man and a woman -- and their guide, Bakr said. Authorities were trying to negotiate with the kidnappers, he said. | Guide is among three people taken hostage from a tour bus in the Sinai region . Security official says Bedouin kidnappers want release of a relative held on drug charges . Kidnappings, robberies are up since longtime dictator Hosni Mubarak was ousted last year . |
(CNN) -- The space shuttle Endeavour docked with the international space station early Wednesday, completing a three-day orbital chase. "Capture confirmed," the Johnson Space Center in Houston said at 12:06 a.m. ET. The delicate docking maneuver took place while both spacecraft were circling the globe at about 17,500 mph (28,165 km/h). Endeavour lifted off from Kennedy Space Center early Monday. During the two-week mission, the six-member crew will deliver an Italian-built Tranquility node and a seven-windowed cupola to the station, which will be used as a control room for robotics. The mission also will include three spacewalks. The space station will be about 90 percent complete once the node and cupola are added, NASA said. | Shuttle docked at 12:06 a.m. ET, according to the Johnson Space Center in Houston . Endeavour lifted off from Kennedy Space Center early Monday . The two-week mission will include three spacewalks . |
(CNN) -- Officials have uncovered a common grave in Paraguay that contained at least two bodies of victims believed tortured and killed under former strongman Alfredo Stroessner, authorities said. Human remains are discovered Thursday in an Asuncion, Paraguay, neighborhood. Speaking at the grave site Thursday, President Fernando Lugo called it the remnants of a "painful period" in Paraguay's history. Stroessner held power from 1954-89 and was known as a brutal dictator whose regime tortured and killed hundreds of government opponents. The bodies were found in Tacumbu, a neighborhood in Paraguay's capital city, Asuncion. | Grave found in Paraguay with bodies believed tortured under former regime . President Fernando Lugo calls site remnants of "painful period" in Paraguay's history . Former strongman Alfredo Stroessner known as brutal dictator from 1954-89 . |
(CNN) -- Face Time -- Mehdi Houas, Tunisian Minister of Tourism . The country that sparked the Arab Spring is on the road to recovery. Unlike its neighbors to the East and West however, Tunisia does not sit upon vast oil and gas reserves to aid in the post-revolutionary process. MME sits down with Mehdi Houas, Tunisia's Minister of Culture and Tourism, to discuss his country's plans to reposition itself as a regional hub for business. In Focus -- Tunisia tourism . Tunisia in the process of defining its post-revolution road map. Part of the plan aims to instigate domestic growth by repositioning the North African country in the global market. MME looks at Tunisia's attempts to reinvigorate its international business ties. Showtimes Marketplace Middle East airs weekly at the following times (all GMT): Fridays: 0845, 1645, Saturdays: 0615, Sundays: 0515, 1745, Mondays: 0045 . | MME talks to Tunisia's Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehdi Houas . Tunisia is in the process of outlining its post revolution roadmap . The North African Country hopes to reinvigorate international business ties . |
(CNN) -- Musician Peter Gabriel wants people to recreate scenes from "Sledgehammer," his popular 1986 stop-motion music video that MTV tells Mashable is one of the most-played clips ever on the TV network. An interactive tab on the former Genesis rocker's Facebook page allows his fans to pick a scene from the music video, record a re-creation or upload an existing YouTube clip and vote for the best submissions. SEE ALSO: Conor Maynard Crowdsources Concert Spots With 'MayniacMap' The "Grab Your Sledgehammer" contest is tied to the 25th anniversary of Gabriel's "So" album, which will be re-released Oct. 22 in three different versions (see video below). One winner will receive a TDKperformance Wireless Boombox and autographed artwork, while 30 runners-up will earn "Sledgehammer" posters. The "Sledgehammer" video won nine MTV Video Music Awards in 1987. © 2011 MASHABLE.com. All rights reserved. | "Grab Your Sledgehammer" lets fans recreate scenes from Peter Gabriel's iconic music video . Facebook contest is tied to the 25th anniversary of Gabriel's album, "So" |