Gunman shot as Discovery hostages planned escape (AP) AP - As the three hostages at Discovery Channel's headquarters appeared ready to make a run for it, police said Thursday that a SWAT team officer quickly shot and killed the increasingly agitated gunman who had explosives strapped to himself, ending the four-hour standoff.
Israel, Palestinians agree to 2nd round of talks (AP) AP - Israeli and Palestinian leaders agreed Thursday to keep talking and produce a framework for a permanent peace deal, modest achievements reached amid deep skepticism about success at their first such session in two years.
Google, Skype targeted in India security crackdown (AP) AP - India has widened its security crackdown, asking all companies that provide encrypted communications — not just BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion — to install servers in the country to make it easier for the government to obtain users' data. That would likely affect digital giants like Google and Skype.
Hurricane Earl menaces US East Coast (AFP) AFP - Hurricane Earl bore down on a vast stretch of the US East Coast on Thursday, as tens of thousands of people fled North Carolina's barrier islands to avoid dangerous winds and surf.
Burger King agrees to $3.3 billion sale to 3G Capital (Reuters) Reuters - Burger King Holdings Inc agreed to sell itself to investment firm 3G Capital for $3.26 billion, giving the No. 2 U.S. fast-food chain breathing room to fix its business and close the gap with leader McDonald's Corp.
Oil platform explodes off La. coast; oil spreading (AP) AP - An oil platform exploded and caught fire Thursday off the Louisiana coast, spreading a mile-long oil sheen into the Gulf of Mexico. All 13 crew members were rescued.
Ireland in first ever clash with Armenia (AFP) AFP - Ireland are taking a long trip into unknown territory when they start their Euro 2012 campaign against Armenia in their opening Group B fixture here on Friday.
Last chance for last dance in NFL (AP) AP - Step in to the NFL's Last Chance Saloon and look around. There's an impressive array of talent on display this season.
Hushovd wins sixth stage of Tour of Spain (AFP) AFP - Norwegian sprint specialist Thor Hushovd won the sixth stage of the Tour of Spain here on Thursday, while Belgium's Philippe Gilbert retained the overall leader's red jersey.
