Tornado Tourism: Thrill-Seeking Trend On Rise

By Amanda Walker, US Correspondent

A summer of deadly twisters has not discouraged British tourists from signing up for storm-chasing holidays in America's Tornado Alley.

Roger and Caryn Hill, who run Silver Lining Tours out of Denver, Colorado, say around 30% of their thrill-seeking clients are from the UK.

Roger, one of the most renowned and respected chasers in the business, says: "I've seen 660 tornadoes in my life and every one I've seen is like the first one I ever saw."

The husband and wife team run six-day weather stalking tours, often covering thousands of miles across several states in a convoy of vans, each marked with impressive hailstone dents.

Roger Hill uses a weather tracking system to chase the storms

This could be a rough ride. Roger sits up front, plugged into his advanced weather tracking system as we and 17 eager storm tourists head out onto the Montana plains.

As we motor through Big Sky Country, Roger says the charts look hopeful, not for the blue sky and sunshine you would normally wish for on holiday - but for powerful dramatic tempests.

There's a feeling of anticipation and confidence among the tourists: if a storm is brewing, Roger will find it.

In 25 years of weather hunting, Roger has seen and captured hundreds of tornadoes on camera. A twister has yet to surface on this latest mission, but Roger's appetite for any form of dramatic weather is insatiable and infectious.

A powerful twister tore through Oklahoma City last month

Brit Gayle Dawes says: "When Roger comes on the radio and says we're at code red which means there are storms and they are looking really, really good.

"I think it's the moment when you get out of the van, just before a storm you can feel that tension in the air."

UK tourists spend around £2,000 to join Silver Lining Tours for some high impact, adrenaline pumping storm chasing.

It sounds and looks fun, but these situations can quickly turn deadly - even for the most experienced chasers.

Roger's close friend and established meteorologist Tim Samaras was among the dozens killed by the series of lethal tornadoes that crashed through the Midwest this summer.

Roger's friend Tim Samaras died while chasing the Oklahoma storm

Roger says: "It hit real close to home. He always said 'If I get killed by one of these damned things, it had better be an EF5'. And, lo and behold, he was killed by an EF5 and it was the most violent kind of tornado there is."

The group gather under heavy, rumbling clouds to capture images of a looming "wall cloud" before Roger calls everyone back into the vehicles for a moment the thrill-seeking group have been craving: "core punching" - the industry term for racing through the heart of the storm.

The rain lashing the windscreen is punctuated by huge thumps from what Roger says is golfball-sized hail. The atmosphere fizzes as Roger warns his group to hold on - experiencing a storm from the relative safety of the van is a tour highlight.

Londoner Selvin Reid says his family and friends had reservations about his unusual holiday choice.

Tornado tourists say it's an experience of a lifetime

"The obvious reaction is 'be careful what you're doing, it's going to be dangerous'. Because quite obviously, they've been influenced by the headlines where people have been killed," he said.

Steve Famiglietti, who is partially sighted, has been on eight storm-chasing tours. For him it's about feeling and sensing the magnitude of the weather around him.

"It's so exciting. Roger gets so excited. He's so good at showing us what we're looking at ... to be able to come out here and see that is just something that you don't get everywhere on Earth," he explained.

These people's backgrounds are as varied as the weather they hunt. What binds them is a fascination with the elements - as long as there's a storm, their desire to chase will be irrepressible.

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Moscow Bus Crash: 18 Killed And 25 Injured

Eighteen people have been killed and another 25 injured in a road crash outside Moscow, Russian officials said.

A truck, a bus and several other vehicles were involved and the dead includes a young girl, said the interior ministry.

The accident took place when a truck carrying gravel turned onto a main road and ploughed into the bus, which was broken in two by the force of the collision.

Helicopter teams and 30 ambulance crews were sent to the scene. The number of dead was revised upwards after several of the injured died in hospital.

The crash occurred near Oznobishino, about 25 miles south of Moscow city centre.

Officials said some injuries were serious as bus passengers were also hit with gravel being carried on the truck.

Moscow deputy mayor Pyotr Birukov said that the truck's driver, a 46-year-old Armenian who survived the crash, had been fined for traffic offences six times over the last year.

 Moscow authorities said the city would observe a day of mourning on Monday in memory of the victims.

Russia has one of the world's worst road safety records with some 25,000 people losing their lives in traffic accidents every year, although the government is trying to improve the situation with measures including a zero-tolerance ban on drink driving.

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Trayvon Martin: George Zimmerman Acquitted

George Zimmerman has been acquitted of all charges over the fatal shooting of black teenager Trayvon Martin in Florida.

Mr Zimmerman was freed after the jury deliberated for more than 15 hours over two days in the second-degree murder trial.

The jurors notified the judge on Saturday night, shortly before 10pm local time, that they had reached a decision.

Minutes later the verdict was announced. Mr Zimmerman stood impassively as the verdict was read out.

The parents of the teenager were not in court for the verdict.

The verdict met with angry reaction from protesters outside the court

But outside the court supporters of Trayvon reacted with disappointment and anger.

Some chanted and held up a large banner saying "End racial oppression", while others yelled "No" in disbelief at the acquittal.

The six-member, all-woman jury began deliberating at 2.30pm on Friday after spending part of the day listening to the defence team's closing arguments and a rebuttal from the prosecution.

The jurors considered nearly three weeks of often wildly conflicting testimony over who was the aggressor on the rainy night the 17-year-old was shot while walking through the gated townhouse community where he was staying.

George Zimmerman is congratualted by his defence team

Mr Zimmerman's lawyers said the case was classic self-defence, claiming Trayvon knocked Mr Zimmerman down and was slamming the older man's head against the concrete footpath when Mr Zimmerman fired his pistol.

"We're ecstatic with the results," defence lawyer Mark O'Mara said after the verdict.

"George Zimmerman was never guilty of anything except protecting himself in self-defence."

Another member of his defence team, Don West, said: "I'm glad this jury kept this tragedy from becoming a travesty."

Prosecutors called Mr Zimmerman a liar and portrayed him as a wannabe police officer and vigilante who had grown frustrated by break-ins in his neighbourhood committed primarily by young black men.

The teen's death drew protests in cities across America

They said Mr Zimmerman assumed the teen was up to no good and took the law into his own hands.

The case divided public opinion in the United States, with even President Barack Obama commenting on the shooting. Congressman Bobby Rush wore a "hoodie" in the House of Representatives in support of Trayvon.

Further criticism came from the 44-day delay before Mr Zimmerman was arrested.

After hearing the verdict, judge Debra Nelson told the defendant he was free to go and the GPS tracking tag unit would be removed.

"You have no further business with this court," she said.

Trayvon's father was not in court for the verdict

Mr Zimmerman later hugged his family, and his wife Shellie smiled and cried.

Fearing further social unrest over the controversial shooting, the police chief in Sanford, where Trayvon Martin was shot and where the trial was held, urged peace.

State Attorney Angela Corey said she believed second-degree murder was the appropriate charge because Mr Zimmerman's mindset "fitted the bill of second-degree murder."

"We charged what we believed we could prove," Ms Corey said.

Second-degree murder is classed as a death that does not include specific intent to kill, and the trial centred on the state's controversial self-defence rule of "Stand Your Ground".

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Halle Berry 'Marries' Olivier Martinez

American actress Halle Berry has married French film star Olivier Martinez, according to reports.

Berry, 46, and Martinez, 47, are believed to have tied the knot on Saturday at a chateau in Vallery, Burgundy.

America's People magazine and French website Pure People said the pair were married at the small Chateau des Conde.

They were reportedly wed in a civil service at 4pm followed by a religious ceremony in the village chapel 90 minutes later.

Monster's Ball star Berry, who is pregnant, was seen arriving in a vintage Citroen DS car that had been decorated with lace.

Onlookers were kept away from the venue by police officers, and security staff held up white sheets in an attempt to thwart photographers.

Halle Berry, who is expecting a child, with Olivier Martinez

Some 60 guests were invited to the ceremony, including the actress' five-year-old daughter Nahla.

Dinner was reportedly served under a canopy and the festivities included a firework display.

The Oscar-winning actress first met Martinez in 2010 during filming of the movie Dark Tide.

Martinez was previously in a relationship with Kylie Minogue.

In January 2012 the Australian singer wished the film stars well and tweeted: "Congrats to Olivier Martinez and Halle Berry!! #wedding."

Berry has been married twice before - to baseball player David Justice and R&B singer-songwriter Eric Benét.

The father of her daughter Nahla is former boyfriend Gabriel Aubry. The couple separated in 2010.

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Syria: 200 Civilians 'Trapped In Mosque'

Some 200 civilians are trapped in a mosque in a suburb of the Syrian capital, according to the country's Western-backed opposition.

Meanwhile, Syrian activists said mortar shells landed in three separate Damascus districts, killing one person and wounding several others.

The attacks coincided with Syrian army strikes on the Yarmouk camp for Palestinian refugees on the edge of the city, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The violence came as US officials said Israel targeted advanced anti-ship cruise missiles near Syria's principal port city in an airstrike earlier this month, according to a report by The New York Times.

It cited the officials as saying the attack on July 5 near Latakia targeted a type of Russian-made missile called the Yakhont that Russia had sold to the Syrian government.

There was no immediate comment from President Bashar al Assad's government, whose key political ally and arms supplier is Russia.

The Syrian Coalition called on the United Nations in a statement to send "a strong warning" to Assad that he "must immediately release" the civilians trapped in the mosque in the Damascus suburb of Qaboun.

It did not say if the 200 had sought refuge in the mosque or were already there praying when fighting began.

It warned that thousands of civilians in Qaboun could be "massacred" by Assad's army, as armoured vehicles and elite forces move into the neighbourhood.

The Observatory said fighting in Qaboun that began after midnight had caused casualties.

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Protests Across US Follow Zimmerman Verdict

Americans angry at the acquittal of George Zimmerman over the death of Trayvon Martin took to the streets in US cities throughout Saturday night, with more protests expected today.

Spontaneous marches of varying sizes erupted in cities including San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, Atlanta and Philadelphia and were largely peaceful, although there were sporadic acts of vandalism.

A protester shouts as a crowd gathers in Union Square, New York

The protesters appeared to be heeding the advice of officials and others who urged them not to resort to violence.

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson tweeted within minutes of the acquittal: "Avoid violence, it will lead to more tragedies. Find a way for self construction not deconstruction in this time of despair."

Several hundred demonstrators marched peacefully amid a heavy police presence in downtown San Francisco soon after the verdict. Many carried signs with slogans such as "The people say guilty".

Hours later angry protesters marching through Oakland - just across the bay from San Francisco - spray-painted cars and smashed windows, helicopter video footage posted by the Oakland Tribune showed. One vandalised vehicle was a police cruiser.

In Chicago, to the cry of "No justice, no peace! No racist police!" a crowd of activists held a noisy downtown rally, the Chicago Tribune reported, while protesters gathered at Times Square in New York to vent their anger.

A rally in response to the verdict in New York's Harlem district

Los Angeles police declared a "citywide tactical alert" when some 200 demonstrators gathered at a park to demonstrate, but police later told local media that it was as a precaution, and that there had been no acts of violence.

In Washington, dozens of mostly African-American youths marched chanting slogans in a city neighbourhood. They were followed closely by patrol vehicles, one journalist reported.

One Washington protester said: "This shows that our children really are not safe.

"Anybody can do anything to them while they are out there minding their business so I think it's a sad day for our justice system and there needs to be some reform. People really need to think about the decision that was made today."

The decision drew angry shouts from some of the dozens of demonstrators who had gathered on the streets but another protester said the outcome of the trial was expected.

A call to a Sunday Justice for Trayvon rally in Union Square, New York

"There is nobody out here that is surprised about what took place this evening. People are disappointed but not surprised," he said.

A crowd of several hundred gathered all day Saturday outside the courthouse in Sanford, Florida -- and many were outraged when the verdict was read.

"It's the end of our justice system," said Ashton Summer, a 20-year-old Puerto Rican. "Justice is not equal for everyone."

The ANSWER coalition, which helped organise large protest rallies during the Iraq war, said it would hold marches Sunday in seven US cities, as well as three separate ones in New York.

Celebrities also reacted. Beyonce called at a Nashville concert for a moment of silence for Martin. Elsewhere, rapper Young Jeezy released a song in Martin's memory and Russell Simmons called for a peace.

Martin family attorney Benjamin Crump acknowledged the disappointment of Trayvon Martin's supporters. However, he said, "for Trayvon to rest in peace, we must all be peaceful".

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Italy: Minister Likened To Orangutan

A leading senator has likened Italy's first black minister to an orangutan, setting off a political storm.

Cecile Kyenge, an Italian citizen born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was named minister for integration in April.

Roberto Calderoli, a senior politician with the Northern League party, said during a rally: "I love animals - bears and wolves, as everyone knows - but when I see the pictures of Kyenge I cannot but think - even if I'm not saying she is one – of the features of an orangutan."

He said she should be a minister "in her own country", according to media reports.

The racist slur drew immediate outrage.

Prime Minister Enrico Letta called the words "unacceptable".

In a statement on Twitter, Mr Letta said: "They go beyond all limits. Full solidarity and support to Cecile. Forward with your and our work."

Others called on Mr Calderoli, who is deputy speaker of the Senate, to step down.

Mr Calderoli served in the government of former Premier Silvio Berlusconi

Mr Calderoli tried to play down the row by saying he was joking.

The veteran politician is not new to controversy.

In 2006, he was forced to resign as reform minister after displaying a T-shirt mocking the Prophet Mohammed during a state news broadcast.

The same year, after Italy won the World Cup, he made racist comments about the multi-racial French team.

Ms Kyenge has been the subject of repeated racist taunts from far-right groups since her appointment.

The Northern League is known for its anti-immigrant position. In the past it has been a partner of Silvio Berlusconi's People of Freedom party.

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Top Washington Official Heads For Egypt

The US is sending a top official to Cairo for talks with interim Egyptian government leaders.

Under Secretary of State Bill Burns is the the first high-ranking administration member to visit the country since Mohamed Morsi was removed from the president's job.

The State Department said he will be there until Tuesday, adding that he would "underscore US support for the Egyptian people".

The news came as caretaker premier Hazem al-Beblawi resumed talks on forming his cabinet, 11 days after Mr Morsi was ousted in a July 3 military coup amid massive protests against his year-long rule.

Prominent liberal leader Mohamed ElBaradei, who assisted in the talks Beblawi began a day earlier with ministerial candidates, has been sworn in as interim vice president for foreign relations, the presidency said.

Mohamed ElBaradei is now interim vice president for foreign relations

In a brief statement, the State Department said Mr Burns would "meet with interim government officials as well as civil society and business leaders.

"In all these meetings, he will underscore US support for the Egyptian people, an end to all violence, and a transition leading to an inclusive, democratically elected civilian government."

On Friday, the US for the first time called for Mr Morsi's release from custody, and again condemned a wave of arbitrary arrests of members of his Muslim Brotherhood.

Since July 3, Washington has struggled to define whether Egypt's first democratically elected president was the victim of a coup.

If he was it would legally force a freeze on some $1.5 billion in vital military and economic US assistance to Cairo.

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Cory Monteith: Glee Star Found Dead In Hotel

Glee star Cory Monteith has been found dead in a hotel room in Canada, Vancouver Police have confirmed.

The 31-year-old's body was discovered at Vancouver's Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel just after noon on Saturday after he failed to check out.

Police believe he was alone when he died, and have ruled out foul play.

Doug LePard, the acting chief of Vancouver Police, said: "As was the case in countless homes, I watched Glee regularly with my daughters, and I know there will be shock and sadness in many households with the news of his tragic death.

Monteith had reportedly been dating Glee co-star Lea Michele

"Mr Monteith checked into the hotel on July 6 and was due to check out of the room (on Saturday).

"There were others with Mr Monteith in his room earlier ... but video and fob key entries show him returning to his room by himself in the early morning hours and we believe he was alone when he died."

Monteith had voluntarily entered rehab for substance abuse problems in April.

It was not Monteith's first time in rehab. He received treatment when he was 19 and had previously talked about his addiction struggles, saying he had a serious problem and took just "anything and everything".

Popular musical comedy Glee first aired in 2009

He told Parade magazine in 2011 that he was "lucky to be alive".

He was best known for playing Finn Hudson in the popular musical comedy series Glee, which follows a group of American secondary school misfits.

A post-mortem will take place on Monday, and the coroner will decide on the next steps to establish the cause of death.

A statement on behalf of Glee's executive producers and 20th Century Fox Television said: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic news.

"Cory was an exceptional talent and an even more exceptional person. He was a true joy to work with and we will all miss him tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones."

Stars have spoken of their shock at the news.

Dot-Marie Jones, who plays Coach Bieste in Glee, wrote on Twitter: "I have no words! My heart is broken, Cory was not only a hell of a friend, he was one amazing man that I will hold close to my heart forever."

Singer Taylor Swift wrote: "Speechless. And for the worst reason."

Actress Jaimie Alexander added: "Sweet man... Gone far too soon. Peace be with you friend."

Singer Lance Bass said: "Devastated about the news of Cory Monteith - such an incredible guy - my thoughts are with his family and friends."

And Zooey Deschanel wrote: "What an absolutely tragic loss of a very talented young man."

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Five Jamaican Athletes Fail Drug Tests

Five Jamaican athletes, including two Olympic medallists, have tested positive for banned performance-enhancing drugs, according to the country's anti-doping authority.

Herb Elliott, chairman of the Jamaican Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO), confirmed the body had received "reports of adverse analytical findings from 'A' samples."

He said: "The process of the result management has commenced in accordance with the JADCO anti-doping rules.

"We cannot disclose any further information until the athletes have responded to notification of the 'A' sample."

Sprinter Asafa Powell was revealed to be one of the athletes after his management company confirmed he had failed a drugs test.

Tyson Gay revealed he had tested positive for an unknown substance

Powell's agent Paul Doyle confirmed the former 100m world record holder had tested positive for a banned substance.

The 30-year-old has won gold medals in the 4x100m relay at the Olympics and World Championships and is a former world record holder.

Sources told Reuters that two of the athletes were sprinters while three competed in field events. They added that one of the athletes was a junior.

Last month, Jamaica's most successful female athlete Veronica Campbell-Brown tested positive for a diuretic, which can be used to mask the use of performancing-enhancing drugs.

The twice Olympic 200 metres champion has been suspended by the Jamaican Athletics Administrative Association pending the outcome of a disciplinary panel hearing.

It comes after former double sprint world champion Tyson Gay announced on Sunday that he had tested positive for a substance he could not identify and was withdrawing from next month's world championships in Moscow.

The American, who had the year's fastest 100 metre time of 9.75 seconds, said he was notified by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) on Friday that his A sample from an out-of-competition test on May 16 had returned a positive.

He said: "I don't have a sabotage story. I don't have lies... I basically put my trust in someone and I was let down.

"I made a mistake."

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