CNN news 2007-07-05 加文本

cnn 2007-07-05



【电信1】 Realvideo / MP3

Hi there. Welcome on this 4th of July. I'm Virginia Cha at the cnn center in Atlanta. Here's a look at what's happening NOW IN THE NEWS.

BBC journalist Alan Johnston is savoring his freedom after being held captive for a nearly four-month in Gaza. Johnston was abducted by a militant group calling itself "the Army of Islam". Hamas took over of Gaza last month and repeatedly said that freeing Johnston was a top priority. Another militant faction brokered a deal between Hamas and Johnston's captors.

Britain has lowered its security alert from the highest level "critical" down to "severe". It had been raised after Saturday's attack on Glasgow Airport. British investigators now believe that attack was a suicide mission. Sources tell cnn police found a suicide note, they say indicated the two suspects planned to blow up explosives while still inside their SUV.

More than a thousand followers of a besieged hardline mosque in Pakistan have surrendered to government forces. Officials say the head cleric tried to escape disguised in a burqa but was arrested. Hundreds of people are still believed hold up inside. The government cracked down on the mosque after a month-long standoff with followers escalated into clashes that left 16 people dead.

Homeland security teams have deployed around the country to make sure Americans are celebrating the 4th and not having to worry about terrorism. So-called VIPR teams are keeping an eye on transit systems. There will be extra security at the biggest events around the country, including the one at the National Mall. It draws more than half a million people there. Bags, backpacks and coolers will be searched.

There is some hopeful news today for a Kentucky teenager whose feet were severed off during a ride at Six Flags. The 13-year-old girl's family says doctors were able to reattach her right foot but the left one was too damaged. The incident happened at the the Superman Tower of Power ride at Six Flags Amusement Park in Kentucky last month. Investigators are still looking into what exactly happened.

Those are the headlines at this hour. Stay with cnn for more on these stories and all your other news of the day. Thanks for watching.