News roundup
--> Election 2012: At last night's Tea Party/GOP debate, it was everyone vs. Rick Perry.
--> World news: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told NBC News today that two Americans given eight-year prison sentences for spying and entering the country illegally will be released “in a couple of days” in what he called a “humanitarian gesture.”
Ahmadinejad made the remark about Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal in a one-on-one interview with Ann Curry that was broadcast on the Today show this morning. [Ed. note: There will be no containing Ann Curry's ego after this one.]
Citing defense lawyer Masoud Shafiei, the Associated Press later reported that Iran had set bail of $500,000 for the two men. He said the court would free Bauer and Fattal after the money was paid.
--> World news: Staff at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul took cover today as militants fired on the city center from a building they took over a few blocks away, U.S. and Afghan officials said.
The Afghan National Directorate of Security said rocket-propelled grenades have been fired at the embassy.
The area has been cordoned off by police as they battle the insurgents, according to Gen. Mohammed Zahir, the head of criminal investigation for the police.
The Taliban claimed responsibility, a spokesman said. More at CNN.
--> Celebrity news: Leila Lopes from Angola was crowned Miss Universe 2011 last night during a pageant held in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Lopes hopes her victory will allow her to assist her native Angola further escape its history of war and impoverishment and said she plans to focus on combatting HIV around the globe.
For the first time ever, fans were able to vote on their favorite contestant to help put them into the semifinals of the competition. (Via CNN)
--> Sports: Producing a nearly perfect performance to match his nearly perfect season, the No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic whipped winners from all angles and beat No. 2 Nadal 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-1 in a match chock-full of lengthy, mesmerizing points to earn the first U.S. Open championship of his career and third Grand Slam trophy of 2011.
"In big matches, the winner is decided by small margins, a couple points. I guess the winner is the one who believes in victory more," said Djokovic, who is 64-2 with 10 tournament titles. More at NBC Sports.
--> In related Sports news: Serena Williams was slapped with a $2,000 fine from the United States Tennis Association for her outburst at the U.S. Open
On Sunday, Williams lashed out at umpire Eva Asderaki at the start of the second set of her defeat by Australia's Samantha Stosur.
The 29-year-old Williams was penalized for "intentional hindrance" after celebrating winning a point before it was over, and then remonstrated with the Greek official. Tournament officials ruled that Williams' comments did not constitute a major offense. (Via CNN)
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--> World news: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told NBC News today that two Americans given eight-year prison sentences for spying and entering the country illegally will be released “in a couple of days” in what he called a “humanitarian gesture.” Ahmadinejad made the remark about Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal in a one-on-one interview with Ann Curry that was broadcast on the Today show this morning. [Ed. note: There will be no containing Ann Curry's ego after this one.]
Citing defense lawyer Masoud Shafiei, the Associated Press later reported that Iran had set bail of $500,000 for the two men. He said the court would free Bauer and Fattal after the money was paid.
--> World news: Staff at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul took cover today as militants fired on the city center from a building they took over a few blocks away, U.S. and Afghan officials said.The Afghan National Directorate of Security said rocket-propelled grenades have been fired at the embassy.
The area has been cordoned off by police as they battle the insurgents, according to Gen. Mohammed Zahir, the head of criminal investigation for the police.
The Taliban claimed responsibility, a spokesman said. More at CNN.
--> Celebrity news: Leila Lopes from Angola was crowned Miss Universe 2011 last night during a pageant held in Sao Paulo, Brazil.Lopes hopes her victory will allow her to assist her native Angola further escape its history of war and impoverishment and said she plans to focus on combatting HIV around the globe.
For the first time ever, fans were able to vote on their favorite contestant to help put them into the semifinals of the competition. (Via CNN)
--> Sports: Producing a nearly perfect performance to match his nearly perfect season, the No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic whipped winners from all angles and beat No. 2 Nadal 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-1 in a match chock-full of lengthy, mesmerizing points to earn the first U.S. Open championship of his career and third Grand Slam trophy of 2011. "In big matches, the winner is decided by small margins, a couple points. I guess the winner is the one who believes in victory more," said Djokovic, who is 64-2 with 10 tournament titles. More at NBC Sports.
--> In related Sports news: Serena Williams was slapped with a $2,000 fine from the United States Tennis Association for her outburst at the U.S. Open On Sunday, Williams lashed out at umpire Eva Asderaki at the start of the second set of her defeat by Australia's Samantha Stosur.
The 29-year-old Williams was penalized for "intentional hindrance" after celebrating winning a point before it was over, and then remonstrated with the Greek official. Tournament officials ruled that Williams' comments did not constitute a major offense. (Via CNN)
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