An American dies in Syria fighting for ISIS. Israel and Hamas agree to an open-ended ceasefire. And Burger King moves its buns north.
It's Wednesday, and here are the "5 things to know for your New Day."
1. AMERICANS FIGHTING FOR ISIS
Radicalized: American Douglas McAuthur McCain died over the weekend, fighting for the Islamist group ISIS in Syria. The news shocked many in the United States, but State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf says "Dozens of Americans, perhaps up to 100," are among those who have tried to join various militant groups there. The developments come as Washington is weighing its options and may expand its airstrikes against ISIS from Iraq to Syria.
2. MIDEAST CEASEFIRE
Truce and talks: After more than seven weeks of heavy fighting, Israel and Hamas have agreed to an open-ended ceasefire. The truce announced yesterday puts off dealing with core long-term issues on both sides of a bitter conflict that has killed around 2,200 people. But Israel agreed to ease the blockade on Gaza, open border crossings for more aid to pass through and extend the fishing limit off the coast to 6 miles, according to a senior Egyptian government official. Both sides agreed to return to Cairo for further Egyptian-mediated talks, the official said.
3. MICHAEL BROWN SHOOTING
Listening carefully: Could a newly released audio recording provide more clues on what led up to Michael Brown's shooting death? The FBI has questioned a man who says he recorded audio of gunfire at the time Brown was shot by Ferguson, Missouri, police on August 9, the man's attorney told CNN. In the recording, a quick series of shots can be heard, followed by a pause and then another quick succession of shots. It's difficult to prove from the audio why the pause took place or which narrative of events it supports. There are conflicting stories of what happened that day.
4. BURGER KING
Dollars to doughnuts: Burger King is heading north of the border. The chain has announced a deal to buy Canadian doughnut chain Tim Hortons and will base itself in Canada. It's a controversial move. Critics says Burger King is doing it to save on taxes. It's a charge the company denies. Burger King said Canada is where it will have 80% of its outlets once the deal is complete. Overall, it expects about two-thirds of its revenue to come from Canada, one-fifth from the United States and the rest from overseas locations.
5. TURNER BUYOUTS
Cutting its workforce: Turner Broadcasting, CNN's parent company, has announced a voluntary buyout program for about 6% of its U.S.-based employees. The corporation is trying to increase profitability across Turner's portfolio of cable channels, which include CNN, TNT, TBS, truTV, HLN, Turner Classic Movies and Cartoon Network. The effort could eventually involve layoffs and other cost-cutting measures, as well. They buyout is being offered to employees who have been with the company for more than 10 years and are at least 55 years old.
Those are your five biggies for the day. Here are a couple of others that are brewing and have the Internet buzzing.
- Pop, pop, pop: Diesel the pit bull loves to chase bubbles.
- Holy tricycle, Batman: The Dark Knight is getting around on a three-wheeler these days.
- Birdbrain: This young bald eagle can't quite figure out the sprinkler.
- Selfie obsession: This dad catches his daughter in the midst of a selfie photo shoot.
- Getting catty: Fluffy is surprised by his reflection, but only for a moment.
There you go. All you need to know to get an early start to your morning.
Be sure to tune in to "New Day," from 6 to 9 a.m. ET, join us at NewDayCNN.com and go and have a GREAT NEW DAY!
Regardless or race, color, or nationality if you support a terrorist group and you choose to fight with them then I am sorry but your death will not sadden me. You knew what you were doing and you made that decision, it's unfortunate, but he made the choice.
I sure hope the U.S. can wipe out most or all of ISIS from the air. Also I believe it's best Obama keep all his military plans private and out of the media. The enemy does not need to know our strategy.
Since Israel and Palestine have made a truce and their war guns are still "warmed up" maybe a good idea to send all their armies into Iraq & Siria to fight ISIS. Why not?
My beloved, beautiful German shepherd Caesar would had enjoyed chasing bubbles with Diesel. Caesar was a teddy bear too!!!!!!!!
Another dead jihadist, American or not, is a good thing and a good news
Reading the top 5 makes me want to go back to bed.