Supervising News Editor Phil Gast -- 404-827-1401
UPCOMING
Gaza-Israel-Strike (will update)
Egypt's intelligence chief is spearheading talks with Hamas and Israel for a cease-fire, an urgent effort that would stop stop the three-days of rocket fire and warplane strikes in the region.
Iron Dome Israel Gaza Conflict
Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system is figuring prominently in the unfolding aerial conflict with Hamas' military wing in Gaza. The Iron Dome system is being credited with protecting Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities by blocking some rockets fired from Gaza. But what exactly is Iron Dome, what are its origins, how important is it, and is the United States involved with Iron Dome (yes, with millions of dollars financing its development)?
POL-Obama-Asia-Trip (will update)
President Obama is on his way to making history this weekend with a trip to Asia that includes a stop in Myanmar -- a first for any American president.
Turkey-Kurdish-Uprising (will update)
Smoke billowed over the ancient stone walls of Diyarbakir, as residents of this predominantly Kurdish city staged a citywide strike. Police armored vehicles patrolled streets strewn with garbage and burning tires left by Kurdish children, who threatened to hurl rocks at passing cars.
INTERNATIONAL
POL-Obama-Asia-Trip
President Obama is on his way to making history this weekend with a trip to Asia that includes a stop in Myanmar -- a first for any American president.
Gaza-Israel-Strike
Israel hammered the headquarters of the Hamas-run government in Gaza and rockets soared from Gaza toward Israel, including one that was blocked by a missile defense system as it headed straight to Tel Aviv.
Hamas-explainer
Four years after the last major conflict in the region, Israel and Hamas are once again on the brink of war in Gaza. So what is the group, and what does it hope to achieve by its rocket attacks on Israeli targets?
Pakistan-Taliban-Release
Pakistan has released nine members of the Taliban from prison in hopes they will help negotiate peace in Afghanistan, a senior Afghan peace negotiator said.
Iraq-US-Militant-Charges
A Lebanese militant wanted by the United States in connection with the killing of five American soldiers in Iraq was released because of lack of evidence, Iraq's prime minister said Saturday.
Turkey-Kurdish-Uprising
Smoke billowed over the ancient stone walls of Diyarbakir, as residents of this predominantly Kurdish city staged a citywide strike. Police armored vehicles patrolled streets strewn with garbage and burning tires left by Kurdish children, who threatened to hurl rocks at passing cars.
Syria-Civil-War
A new coalition of Syrian dissidents opposed to President Bashar al-Assad will have an ambassador in France, the French president said Saturday.
Egypt-Bus-Crash
A bus slammed through a barrier at a railroad crossing and crashed into a train leaving 47 school children dead in Egypt Saturday, the country's state-run Middle East News Agency reported.
India-Thackeray-Death
Bal Thackeray, a staunch advocate of Hindu nationalism in India and the leader of a political party that dominated the country's financial capital, died Saturday, his spokesman said.
SPORT-berdych-czech-spain-davis-cup-tennis
Tomas Berdych has hovered around the edge of the "big four" of men's tennis for the past three years, but on Sunday he will take center stage in what could be a historic moment for his country.
SPORT-campbell-jimenez-hong-kong-golf
Rory McIlroy may have already wrapped up the money list title, but two veteran golfers have much to play for on the final day of the European Tour's penultimate event in Hong Kong.
U.S.
US-Andy-Stanley
Andy Stanley walked into his pastor's office, filled with dread. The minister sat in a massive chair behind an enormous desk. He spread his arms across the desk as if he were bracing for battle. His secretary scurried out of the office when she saw Andy coming. The pastor had baptized Andy when he was 6, and groomed him to be his successor. But a private trauma had gone public. And Andy felt compelled to speak. The minister stared in silence as Andy gave him the news. The "unspoken dream" both men shared was over. After Andy finished, the pastor looked at him as tears welled up. "Andy," he said, "you have joined my enemies, and I'm your father."
Colorado-Aurora-Compensation
No amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one. But it does more for the survivors than just kind words, said the attorney handling compensation to victims after the Aurora, Colorado massacre.
Wisconsin-Marijuana
The U.S. Forest Service is urging hunters and fishermen to keep their eyes open for marijuana growing operations in Wisconsin's Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Since 2008, nine marijuana growing operations have been discovered on public land within the state. Most recently, in late August, a fisherman visiting the forest happened upon a marijuana field that netted more than 8,000 plants worth $8 million.
