Biggest news you missed this weekend
Capital cities on edge after ISIL threats
The major cities of Europe and the U.S. remained on alert and on edge Sunday amid chilling threats from the Islamic State and an international manhunt for suspected terrorists linked to the slaughter in Paris nine days ago. Authorities will keep Brussels on the highest state of alert into Monday's start of the work week because of the "serious and imminent" threat of a Paris-style attack, the prime minister said. Meanwhile, French police released a photo of a man they believe was one of three terrorists who died outside the national stadium during the Nov. 13 attacks. Police are seeking the public's help in identifying the bomber.
Mali hotel attack aimed at peace talks, separatists say
The assault on a luxury hotel in Mali's capital that killed 19 people was a clear attempt to derail a fragile peace process meant to stabilize the country's volatile north, a representative of northern separatist groups said Sunday. Peace negotiations have been dragging on between the central government and northern separatist groups for more than two years in an effort to end the disputes that turned large sections of the country into havens for radical Islamic militants. The talks have shown some promise in recent months, and the Radisson Blu hotel attacked by two gunmen Friday had been set to host a meeting on implementing the latest accords.
Democrat defies convention, is elected governor of Louisiana
State Rep. John Bel Edwards was elected governor of Louisiana on Saturday night, defeating two-term U.S. Sen. David Vitter. Edwards defied conventional wisdom that a Democrat would be doomed in a ruby-red Republican Southern state. Moments after conceding Saturday night, Vitter announced he will not seek re-election in the Senate.
Iran: 'Washington Post' reporter sentenced to prison
Iran has sentenced detained Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian to an unspecified prison term following his conviction last month on charges that include espionage, Iranian state TV reported Sunday. Rezaian's lawyer, Leila Ahsan, told The Associated Press she had not been informed of the verdict — let alone details of the sentence. Rezaian was detained with his wife, Yeganeh Salehi, and two photojournalists on July 22, 2014. All were later released except Rezaian, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen.
Man charged with murder of 7-year-old girl
Kentucky State Police have arrested a Kentucky man on charges of murdering a 7-year-old girl whose body was found 25 minutes after she was reported missing by her parents. Timmy Madden, 38, of Allen County, has been arrested and charged with kidnapping, rape, sodomy and murder in the slaying of Gabriella "Gabbi" Doolin. His bond is set at $1 million. The child's body was found in a nearby creek after she was reported missing from a high school football game she attended with her parents, according to police. Autopsy results revealed her cause of death was manual strangulation and drowning.
Mark Zuckerberg to take two months off after his child is born
Mark Zuckerberg plans to take two months of paternity leave after his child is born. The Facebook chief executive made the announcement Friday on his Facebook page. Facebook offers generous parental leave, up to four months, which can be taken at any time during the first year after a child is born. Zuckerberg's decision sets a powerful precedent and is likely to encourage more men and women, even at the highest levels of tech companies, to consider taking time away from work with their newborn children.
Ohio State falls
Ohio State's hopes of repeating as national champions took a major hit Saturday after the Buckeyes lost at home to Michigan State 17-14. As a result, the Buckeyes fell from No. 2 to 8 in this week's Amway Coaches Poll and are all but assured to drop out of the College Football Playoff top four after being ranked No. 3 last week. If that wasn't bad enough, frustrated star running back Ezekiel Elliot lashed out at coach Urban Meyer and Co. for their playcalling, adding that "there's no chance" he returns to Ohio State next season.
Last 'Hunger Games' blitzes box office with $101M
Katniss Everdeen was the box-office victor one last time, though her latest win is a tad bittersweet. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2, the fourth and final installment in the dystopian adventure franchise, opened with $101 million and wholeheartedly beat down the competition, according to studio estimates from Rentrak. That's the good news for the Jennifer Lawrence action vehicle. The bad news is, even with a 70% positive rating from critics at aggregate site RottenTomatoes.com and an A- grade from CinemaScore audiences, the series closer had the weakest debut of the bunch.
Contributing: Associated Press