France deploys 100,000 security personnel to foil terror attacks
PARIS, Dec 24: France's government is deploying nearly 100,000 police and soldiers for the holiday season as fears of extremist attacks remain high. The additional security will focus on Christmas markets, shopping centers, religious buildings, public transport and tourist sites. Citing "the context of a still-elevated terrorist threat," the Interior Ministry said in a statement that 97,000 security force personnel are mobilized for protection Sunday and Monday. — AP
Sonar search detects new contact for vanished Argentine submarine
BUENOS AIRES, Dec 24: A sonar search for the Argentine submarine that disappeared on November 15 with 44 crew members on board has made a new contact in the South Atlantic, according to the navy. It will be investigated by the remotely-operated Russian Panther Plus submarine, while the US oceanographic research vessel Atlantis continues exploring the search area, the navy announced Saturday. — AFP
Police discover 1944 love letter
GREENFIELD, Dec 24: Massachusetts police have a new mystery to solve: Who wrote a 1944 love letter discovered within the walls of a house being remodeled? The Greenfield Police Department took to Facebook on Saturday to ask for the public's help in figuring out the backstory behind the handwritten letter. Police say the letter was penned by a man who identified himself only as Walter. The letter was addressed to Miss Betty Miller, of Greenfield. In the letter, Walter wrote: "I have always thought more of you than any other girl, and I still do." Police say they only have one motive: reuniting the letter with Miller or her family. — AP
Three Miss America Organisation leaders resign over email scandal
NEW YORK, Dec 24: One day after 49 former Miss Americas called for the Miss America Organization (MAO) leadership to resign, three leaders of the U.S. national organization did so on Saturday, including a chief executive officer and a president. According to a MAO statement, the organization's CEO Sam Haskell, Board chair Lynn Weidner, and President and Chief Operating Officer Josh Randle all resigned. A relevant board member Tammy Haddad already resigned on Friday. — Xinhua
London Zoo reopens after fire
Bali volcano spews smoke, ashes
JAKARTA, Dec 24: Indonesia's Bali volcano of Mount Agung spewed thick smoke and ashes billowing 2.5 kilometer into the air on Sunday morning, following similar event that occurred on Saturday at almost the same time. The Sunday's eruption took place at 10:05 a.m. local time, emitting grayish thick smoke with wind detected heading for northeast, Indonesian National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said. "The eruption lasted for 10 minutes. White smoke was seen came out from the volcano summit after the blast," BNPB Spokesperson said. — AFP