Security stepped up as Australia orders siege probe

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott orders an urgent enquiry into why a deranged Islamic gunman was not under surveillance and how he obtained citizenship, as security is stepped up after a fatal cafe siege. Dec 17, 2014
celebrity-news-12-12-2014

Celebrity News - 12/12/2014

BEVERLY HILLS Rihanna was the picture of high glamour as she hosted the First Annual Diamond Ball for the Clara Lionel Foundation. The singer wore a Zac Posen off-the-shoulder gown in a lush rose hue. Stars from all facets of the entertainment world came together to support the foundations goal of promoting health, education, arts and culture on a global scale. LONDON Stars and the director of the new musical, ‘Into The Woods’ met with the press to discuss the soon to be released holiday film. Anna Kendrick, who plays Cinderella, spoke about how her version of the iconic character differs from other versions. Anna Kendrick soundbite LOS ANGELES Celebs and their families came out for ‘Disney on Ice’ and got a chance to skate with some of their favorite characters. Tori Spelling and hubby Dean McDermott spoke about how this has become an annual family tradition. Tori Spelling: We love Disney…yeah. Also in L.A., stars came out for opening night of the Tony Award winning musical ‘Wicked’ at the Pantages Theater. NEW YORK And in the Big Apple, funnymen Chris Rock and Ricky Gervais made the talk show rounds to promote their latest projects. That’s all for now. We’ll be back next week with more celebrity news. Dec 15, 2014
martin-place-siege-australia-pm-says-unknown-if-hostage-situation-politically-motivated

Martin Place siege: Australia PM says unknown if hostage situation politically motivated

Sydney, Dec 15 (ANI): Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Monday issued a short statement on the hostage incident in Martin place in Sydney. He said that the New South Wales police is responding to the incident well. He added that, however, it is yet not known whether the attack is politically motivated. He further stated that he had spoken to NSW Premier Mike Baird and offered him all possible Commonwealth support and assistance. Hostages have been held inside a central Sydney cafe in Australia on Monday where a black flag with white Arabic writing was seen in the window, raising fears of an attack linked to Islamic militants. Dec 15, 2014
martin-place-siege-hostages-held-in-sydney-cafe-islamic-flag-seen-in-window

Martin Place siege: Hostages held in Sydney cafe, Islamic flag seen in window

Sydney, Dec 15 (ANI): Hostages have been held inside a central Sydney cafe in Australia on Monday where a black flag with white Arabic writing was seen in the window, raising fears of an attack linked to Islamic militants. Patrons were seen inside a cafe standing with their hands pressed against the windows. A black and white flag similar to those used by Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria was also visible. Part of Martin Place, home to the Reserve Bank of Australia, commercial banks and close to the New South Wales (NSW) state parliament, has been cordoned off by the armed Australian police. Trains and buses have come to a halt and roads have been blocked in the area. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott called an emergency meeting of the cabinet's national security committee. Dec 15, 2014