Ash from Chilean volcano turns Asian lunar eclipse blood red
SYDNEY (AP) — Asian and African night owls were treated to a lunar eclipse, and ash in the atmosphere from a Chilean volcano turned it blood red for some viewers.
Scientists said the specific phenomenon happening Thursday — known as a “deep lunar eclipse” — often exudes a coppery color. But the intensity of the color depends on the amount of ash and dust in the atmosphere.
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Iran launches homemade satellite into orbit, raises some concerns
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran launched a satellite into Earth’s orbit Wednesday, Iran’s state TV reported, in a feat that is likely to raise concerns among those who fear Iran’s intentions and nuclear development program.
The report said the locally produced satellite, called Rasad, or observation, was launched successfully by a Safir missile on Wednesday. There was no independent confirmation of the launch or of the satellite achieving orbit.
It’s the second satellite Iran has put into orbit. The first, named Omid, was launched in 2009.
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Somali pirates and hostages forced to abandon ship after reported fire
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — A Somali pirate says a fire is tearing through a hijacked ship that pirates are holding off the country’s coast.
The pirate, who gave his name as Hassan Abdi, said an undisclosed number of pirates and hostages were forced to abandon the bulk cargo carrier MV Orna.
Abdi said it is believed the fire was caused by an electrical problem in the ship’s kitchen. The MV Orna was seized in December northeast of Seychelles.
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Porn actress claims Weiner asked her to lie about talks, exchanges
NEW YORK (AP) — A former porn actress who exchanged emails and messages over Twitter with Rep. Anthony Weiner said Wednesday that he asked her to lie about their interactions, while a growing chorus of lawmakers pressed for his resignation as the scandal enveloping the congressman enters its third week.
Weiner has told friends he wanted to speak with his pregnant wife, Huma Abedin, before deciding whether to resign. She returned to Washington early Wednesday.
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Hamburg officials finish temporary levee to stop advancing flood waters
HAMBURG, Iowa (AP) — Construction crews put the final touches on a makeshift levee standing between a small Iowa town and the creeping advance of Missouri River floodwater, as communities downstream took advantage of a temporary dip in water levels to bolster their own strained defenses.
Water that breached the primary river levee just south of the Missouri-Iowa border on Monday had advanced to within 500 yards of the temporary floodwall guarding Hamburg.
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Saints wrapping up workouts, hoping for deal in labor negotiations
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Drew Brees says workouts he organized with Saints teammates at Tulane are ending this week and there’s hope that their next gathering will be at Saints headquarters with a new NFL labor agreement in place.
Brees says he’s encouraged by progress in labor negotiations between representatives of players and owners.
He says that if a deal is reached soon, the decision by Saints players to train together during the lockout will have paid off because they were able to work productively on formations and plays.
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Senate panel approves House drug testing bill despite controversy
(AP) — A Senate committee has approved a Metarie lawmaker’s proposal requiring drug testing of welfare recipients, despite concerns the bill may be unconstitutional.
Republican John LaBruzzo says the courts should decide whether it will be overturned, similar to a program in Florida. At issue is whether the proposal authorizes search and seizure without probable cause.
 
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