Explosions hit two Jakarta hotels

Explosions tore through two luxury hotels Friday morning in south Jakarta, Indonesia. Antara News, a state-run agency, said at least six people were killed and a number of others were wounded. The victims were taken to nearby MMC Hospital and Jakarta Hospital, the agency reported

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Yemen: Search for hostages continues as reward increases

Reward money has climbed to $275,000 for information in the kidnapping of nine foreigners in Yemen — three of whom have been found dead — as troops search for the remaining six hostages, Yemeni officials said. The Ministry of Interior offered a $250,000 reward, in addition to the $25,000 reward offered by the governor of Saada City — both aimed at information leading to the arrest of the kidnappers — according to the Yemeni Embassy in Washington. Special forces and anti-terrorism teams with helicopters were sweeping the Saada area for the hostages, the embassy said Tuesday

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The Human Cost of Climate Change

Climate Change: The Anatomy of a Silent Crisis The Global Humanitarian Forum; 117 pages Download the PDF The Gist: Quick: What does global warming look like A forlorn polar bear stuck on a splintering glacier makes for a gripping visual, but a new report says there are millions of climate-change victims we don’t see — and many look just like us.

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Red Cross ‘gravely concerned’ about conditions in Swat Valley

No running water, no electricity, no fuel and little food. International Red Cross officials are “gravely concerned” about the stark situation in Pakistan’s Swat Valley, where a monthlong offensive against the Taliban has displaced more than 2 million civilians.

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Champions League video

Goals in either half from Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi capped a dazzling performance from the Catalan giants who dominated the showdown in the Stadio Olimpico between Europe’s top two sides. Barcelona, who are the first Spanish side to win the Primera Liga (domestic league), Copa del Rey (domestic cup) and Champions League in the same season, recovered from a shaky start to show off their own brand of flamboyant, attacking football with Andres Iniesta and Messi at the heart of their play. The victory completed a triumphant first season in charge for 38-year-old Barca coach Pep Guardiola.

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Spectre of Mass Suicide as Tamil Tigers Face Final Battle

Facing the crushing defeat of their 26-year insurgency as Sri Lankan military closes in on the last sliver of territory under their control, the embattled separatist fighters of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam are not expected to allow themselves to be taken alive.

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Man United recover to edge closer to title

Manchester United need just one point from their final two matches to retain the English Premier League title after fighting back from going a goal behind to win 2-1 at Wigan Athletic on Wednesday. United can now win the title if they draw at home to Arsenal on Saturday, although a defeat will see them needing at least a point at relegation-threatened Hull City in their final match.

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California fire possibly started by power tool

The wildfire that scorched thousands of acres and destroyed dozens of homes in Southern California this week apparently was started by a power tool clearing brush in the area, fire officials said Sunday. The fire started near a trail in the Santa Barbara, California, area and appears to have been “related to the use of power tool equipment involved in vegetation clearance,” according to the multi-agency group fighting the fires

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