Good morning, and Good Friday. Here are some of the stories we're following today:
1. Separatists ignore call to stand down in eastern Ukraine
Four-way talks on Thursday that included an agreement reached between the U.S. and Russia has so far done little to suppress the pro-Russian protesters in Ukraine. The separatists seized buildings in the country’s east, and are vowing to continue holding them unless the new Western-backed government in Kiev resigns. Read more in NEWS.
2. South Korea seeks arrest warrant for captain of sunken ferry
Prosecutors asked a court to issue an arrest warrant today for the captain of the South Korean ferry that sank on Wednesday, according to reports. Meanwhile, new details have emerged revealing that there was a half-hour delay in evacuation orders, which may have trapped the more than 260 now feared drowned. Read more in NEWS.
3. At least 13 killed in Everest avalanche
An avalanche that hit today is being blamed for killing at least 13 people, all Sherpa guides, in what is now the deadliest accident on the famed mountain range in Nepal. The area where the avalanche occurred is nicknamed the “popcorn field,” which is just below Camp 2 at 21,000 feet. Read more in NEWS.
4. Robot continues deep sea search for missing jet
The unmanned Bluefin-21 made its fifth attempt to dive down into a remote swath of the southern Indian Ocean and find any trace of the wreckage of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. So far, no evidence has turned up, but officials remain hopeful that something can be found. Read more in NEWS.
5. Suspect arrested in Kansas City highway shootings
Kansas City police say they’ve caught a suspect in connection to at least a dozen shootings on and around city highways since early March. No one was killed, but three people were hit while driving. The random shootings have spooked residents, and police set up patrols on the roadways to help ease their minds. Charges are expected, and a news conference will be held later today. Read more in NEWS.
6. ‘So thrilled’: Chelsea Clinton and husband expecting child
The daughter of former President Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton made the surprise announcement Thursday during a joint event with her mom. Chelsea Clinton wed husband Marc Mezvinsky, a hedge fund trader, in 2010. This would be their first child. Read more in NEWS.
Chelsea Clinton’s proud parents shared their joy on Twitter:
… What’s trending today?
We are not alone.
NASA scientists said Thursday that they’ve found another Earth in the Kepler-186 system, about 500 light-years from here.
The planet resides in the so-called “Goldilocks zone” in relation to its star, meaning that it can have liquid water and possibly life.
But don’t think of it as Earth’s identical twin. Its sun is a dwarf star and doesn’t give off quite as much energy, scientists say, making it a chillier version of our planet.